At the outbreak of the war, G.T. Beauregard was a Brigadier General commanding the Provisional Confederate States Army
These dispatches were compiled with primary source materials from The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies (Chapter 1)
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CONTENTS
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(US Maj) Robert Anderson
- At the outbreak of the war, Robert Anderson was a Major in the United States Army commanding two half-full companies of United States Artillery troops
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 11, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
1.]
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
SIR: The Government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the Government of the United States, with a view to the amicable adjustment of all questions between the two Governments, and to avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it.
There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the Government of the United States, and under that impression my Government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort. But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to its defense and security.
I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My aides, Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you. All proper facilities will be afforded for the removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and property and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may select. The flag which you have upheld so long as with so much fortitude, under the most trying circumstances, may be saluted by you on taking it down.
Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee will, for a reasonable time, await your answer.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.
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April 11, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
2.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say, in reply thereto, that it is a demand with which I regret that my sense of honor, and of my obligations to my Government, prevent my compliance. Thanking you for the fair, manly, and courteous terms proposed, and for the high compliment paid me,
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
to Brigadier General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army.
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April 11, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
3.]
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
MAJOR: In consequence of the verbal observation made by you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in relation to the condition of your supplies, and that you would in a few days be starved out if our guns did not batter you to pieces, or words to that effect, and desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated both the verbal observations and your written answer to my communications to my Government.
If you will state the time at which you will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will not use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort Sumter, we will abstain from opening fire upon you. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to enter into such an agreement with you. You are, therefore, requested to communicate to them an open answer.
I remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.
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April 11, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
4.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
April 12, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt by Colonel Chesnut of your second communication of the 11th instant, and to state in reply that, cordially uniting with you in the desire to avoid the useless effusion of blood, I will, if provided with the proper and necessary means of transportation, evacuate Fort Sumter by noon on the 15th instant, and that I will not in the mean time open my fires upon your forces unless compelled to do so by some hostile act against this fort or the flag of my Government by the forces under your command, or by some portion of them, or by the perpetration of some act showing a hostile intention on your part against this fort or the flag it bears, should I not receive prior to that time controlling instructions from my Government or additional supplies.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
to Brigadier General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding.
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April 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
6.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
April 13, 1861-20 min. past 2 o'clock.
GENERAL: I thank you for your kindness in having sent your aide to me with an offer of assistance upon your having observed that our flag was down it being down a few moments, and merely long enough to enable us to replace it on another staff. Your aides will inform you of the circumstance of the visit to my fort by General Wigfall, who said that he came with a message from yourself.
In the peculiar circumstances in which I am now placed in consequence of that message, and of my reply thereto, I will now state that I am willing to evacuate this fort upon the terms and conditions offered by yourself on the 11th instant, at any hour you may name to-morrow, or as soon as we can arrange means of transportation. I will not replace my flag until the return of your messenger.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, First Artillery, Commanding.
to Brigadier General G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Charleston, S.C.
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April 13, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
7.]
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
April 13, 1861-5 min. to 6 o'clock p.m.
SIR: On being informed that you were in distress, caused by a conflagration in Fort Sumter, I immediately dispatched my aides, Colonels Miles and Pryor, and Captain Lee, to offer you any assistance in my power to give.
Learning a few moments afterwards that a white flag was waving on your ramparts, I sent two others of my aides, Colonel Allston and Major Jones, to offer you the following terms of evacuation: All proper facilities for the removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and private property, to any point within the United States you may select.
Apprised that you desire the privilege of saluting your flag on retiring, I cheerfully concede it, in consideration of the gallantry with which you have defended the place under your charge.
The Catawba steamer will be at the landing of Sumter to-morrow morning at any hour you may designate for the purpose of transporting you whither you may desire.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
[to Major R. ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, S.C.]
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April 13, 1861 - Major Robert Anderson to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
8.]
HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
April 13, 1861-7.50 p.m.
GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this evening, and to express my gratification at its contents. Should it be convenient, I would like to have the Catawba here at about nine o'clock to-morrow morning.
With sentiments of the highest regard and esteem, I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.
to Brigadier General G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.
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(CS SoW) LeRoy Walker
- At the outbreak of the war, LeRoy Pope Walker was the Confederate States Secretary of War
To Beauregard:
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March 6, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Secretary of War LeRoy Walker
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS C.S. ARMY,
Charleston, S.C.,
March 6, 1861.
SIR: In obedience to War Department orders of the 1st instant I arrived at this place on the 3rd instant, and immediately reported to Governor Pickens for military duty. That day we inspected the floating battery now being constructed here. On the 4th instant we inspected the works on the southern portion of the harbor (Morris Island and Fort Johnson), and yesterday those on the north (Fort Moultrie, &c., including Castle Pinckney).
I have now the honor to state that I coincide fully in the opinion and views contained in Major W.H.C. Whiting's letter preceding his full report, and that, as I have not time to write more fully on the subject, I desire that portion of his letter referring to the above works should be annexed to this report, and a copy thereof sent to me for my files.
On Morris Island the flanking defects are being remedied, and will probably soon be completed, as well as the position, &c., of said works will permit. I have ordered that only six mortars, instead of twelve, intended for that point, should be put in position there. I have ordered the construction of a series of small batteries of heavy guns, two in each, and twenty in all, well protected by traverses along the channel shore of that island, said batteries to be about fifty or one hundred yards apart (according to the nature of the ground), to prevent the broadsides of a vessel, from silencing them in a few minutes. When those batteries shall be ready, I will remove into them all the heavy guns I can dispose of. I have ordered to that island the whole of Colonel Gregg's regiment, with two short 12-pounders and one light battery, for the protection of said works, selecting a strong natural position to protect their right flank from a land attack.
I have ordered an additional battery (for two mortars) to be constructed near Fort Johnson, to receive half of those intended for a defectively-placed mortar battery, to the south of said work, the latter not being in itself of much importance, containing only and open battery of four 24-pounders bearing on the inner harbor. At Fort Moultrie, towards the north of Fort Sumter, I have ordered additional traverses to be thrown up, of a better construction than those already there, for the protection of the channel guns against enfilade from Fort Sumter. Between Moultrie and the western extremity of Sullivan's Island I have ordered the construction of a four-gun concealed battery, to enfilade the channel face of Sumter, having nine or ten guns (en barbette) bearing on the Morris Island works. I have ordered two more 32-pounders to be added to the extreme five-gun battery, commanding the Maffitt or northern shore channel into the harbor, and I have selected the site of two more mortar batteries, of two each, to take in reverse the casemate and barbette guns of Fort Sumter bearing on Morris Island.
I have fortunately found that we would soon have mortars enough for all our present wants; but, generally, the carriages and chassis of nearly all the guns, especially those on the Morris Island works, are either defective or not of the proper kind. I am going to remedy this defect as soon as practicable.
I find that the gorge of Fort Sumter is too much inclined to the guns on Morris Island to be breached by them at this distance (thirteen hundred years); and, moreover, they have double the number of guns bearing on them, reversing thereby the advantages of the attack over the defense. If we succeed in constructing my enfilading battery on Sullivan's Island we will then have a preponderating fire against said gorge wall (four feet six inches thick); but, as already stated, at about thirteen hundred yards, and at an angle of about fifty degrees.
I find that the battery of heavy guns (10-inch columbiads), which I proposed putting up in the vicinity of Fort Johnson, would be impracticable (if we had said guns), the grounds being too low and marshy.
I have now given you a general view of the condition of the offensive works of this harbor, and I am of the opinion that, if Sumter was properly garrisoned and armed, it would be a perfect Gibraltar to anything bus constant shelling, night and day, from the four points of the compass. As it is, the weakness of the garrison constitutes our greatest advantage, and we must, for the present, turn our attention to preventing it from being re-enforced. This idea I am gradually and cautiously infusing into the minds of all here; but, should we have to open our batteries upon it, I hope to be able to do so with all the advantages the condition of things here will permit. All that I ask is time for completing my batteries and preparing and organizing properly my command, which is still in a more or less confused state, not having yet my general staff officers around me. So soon as I shall have here a competent engineer officer (Major Whiting arrived here on the 4th, and will probably heave again for Savannah to day, where his presence is required), I will send to the department a plan of this harbor, with the position, &c., of all the works marked thereon. Those Drummond lights, ordered from New York, will be here in about ten days.
I remain, sir, very respectfully,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to General L.P. WALKER,
Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.
[Inclosure.]
March 6, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major William Whiting
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
March 6, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I proceeded to Morris Island this morning, and commenced establishing battery positions.
I. Directed the Dahlgren battery to be modified. Retired the interior crest of the right gun, so as to obtain a raking fire on the whole approach, and on the beach, and placed a traverse between the two, and directed the rear of the battery to be excavated, to give a relief of at least eight to interior crest. It is absolutely necessary that these guns be placed en barbette; otherwise, unless the epaulement is cut down to two, they cannot be depressed sufficiently for the short ranges on the ship's carriages.
II. Battery A, for two 8-inch columbiads (new position). The relative positions of the different batteries will be indicated on the chart by the engineer and submitted to you to-morrow.
III. Arranged and modified the Star of the West battery, giving greater relief, reducing the platform, locating necessary traverses, and adding one 24-pounder. Directed the two field pieces for line and land defense.
IV. Battery B, for two guns, one 8-inch columbiad, and one 8-inch sea-coast.
V. Battery C, for one 8-inch sea-coast and one 42-pounder.
VI. Battery D, for two 24-pounders.
VII. Battery E, two 24-pounders, at nearly right angles to the brush. To protect the two last from Hunter, the left traverse must cross the epaulement.
VIII. Battery F, partially finished, for two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers and two 24-pounders. The howitzers are on casemate carriages, and must be changed.
The arrangement of these batteries will, in general, be identical, except when the siege carriage is used in the Star of the West battery, and in E, and G, the latter of three 24-pounders, partly done. Therefore the guns can be placed in different order, if thought best. I placed the guns of longest range farthest from Hunter,, as having greater effect upon the distant approach. Examination of the maps, when complete, will show the field of fire. Of these guns there are now on the island three 8-inch columbiads, now mounted on casemate carriages in battery; Numbers 2 as a siege battery on Sumter; two 42-pounders, mounted on casemate carriages, siege battery on Sumter. The two Dahlgrens and the two 8-inch sea-coast, on the casement trenches. All the above require barbette carriages. Of these, the barbette carriages for the columbiads are nearly ready; also, for the sea coast. There are also eight 24-pounders on siege carriages already mounted on the channel; in all, fifteen. There are required for the proposed addition two sea-coast howitzers, now at Pinckney, and five 24-pounders also at Pinckney; making, in all, twenty-two guns to be provided. The arrangement is that indicated in the plan this morning. I am doubtful which battery to commence first. Perhaps in order from the Dahlgren, although it would be best to have them done simultaneously. There is want of labor, and great want of proper quartermaster and commissary arrangements for the labor. All the work on the siege batteries should be suspended, and turned to proper account on the channel.
Please to direct the enlarged chart, made by Lieutenant Gregorie, South Carolina Engineers, for the governor, to be sent down to have the positions of the batteries located upon it, for your information.
W.H.C. WHITING,
Major, Engineers.
to General BEAUREGARD,
Charleston Hotel.
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April 17, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Secretary of War LeRoy Walker
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 17, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit by Colonel R. A. Pryor, one of my aides (who like the others was quite indefatigable and fearless in conveying my orders, in an open boat, from these headquarters to the batteries during the bombardment), a general report of the attack of the 12th instant on Fort Sumter. This report would have been sent sooner if my other pressing duties had permitted me to devote my time to it, while the presence of the enemy's fleet still led us to expect an attack along the coast at any moment. A more detailed account will be sent forward as soon as the returns of the commanders of batteries shall have reached this office. The great difficulty I will labor under will be to do full justice to all when so much zeal, energy, and gallantry were displayed by officers and soldiers in the execution of my orders. I wish, however, to record two incidents, which will illustrate the feelings that animated all here.
Whilst the barracks in Fort Sumter were in a blaze, and the interior of the work appeared untenable from the heat and from the fire of our batteries (at about which period I sent three of my aides to offer assistance in the name of the Confederate States), whenever the guns of Fort Sumter would fire upon Fort Moultrie the men occupying Cummings Point batteries (Palmetto Guard, Captain Cuthbert) at each shot would cheer Anderson for his gallantry, although themselves still firing upon him, and when on the 15th instant he left the harbor on the steamer Isabel the soldiers of the batteries on Cummings Point lined the beach, silent, and with heads uncovered, while Anderson and his command passed before them, and expressions of scorn at the apparent cowardice of the fleet in not even attempting to rescue so gallant an officer and his command were upon the lips of all. With such material for an army, if properly disciplined, I would consider myself almost invincible against any forces not too greatly superior.
The fire of those barracks was only put out on the 15th instant, p.m., after great exertions by the gallant fire companies of this city, who were an their pumps night and day, although aware that close by them was a magazine filled with thirty thousand pounds of powder, with a shot-hole through the wall of its anteroom.
I am now removing the tottering walls of the buildings within, and clearing away all the rubbish, &c., from the interior of the work, so as to render it still more formidable than it was before it was attacked.
In one or two days I will send forward to you photographs taken at different points of sight, from which you can clearly understand the condition of the fort within when first occupied by us.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Honorable L.P. WALKER,
Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.
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April 16, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Secretary of War LeRoy Walker
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 16, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following summary statement of the circumstances of the surrender of Fort Sumter:
On the refusal of Major Anderson to engage, in compliance with my demand, to designate the time when he would evacuate Fort Sumter, and to agree meanwhile not to use his guns against us, at 3,20 o'clock in the morning of the 12th instant I gave him formal notice that within one hour my batteries would open on him. In consequence of some circumstance of delay the bombardment was not begun precisely at the appointed moment, but at 4.30 o'clock the signal gun was fired, and within twenty minutes all our batteries were in full play. There was no response from Fort Sumter until about 7 o'clock, when the first shot from the enemy was discharged against our batteries on Cummings Point.
By 8 o'clock the action became general, and throughout the day was maintained with spirit on both sides. Our guns were served with skill and energy. The effect was visible in the impressions made on the walls of Fort Sumter. From our mortar batteries shells were thrown with such precision and rapidity that it soon became impossible for the enemy to employ his guns en barbette, of which several were dismounted. The engagement was continued without any circumstances of special note until nightfall, before which time the fire from Sumter had evidently slackened. Operations on our side were sustained throughout the night, provoking, however, only a feebly response.
On the morning of the 13th the action was prosecuted with renewed vigor, and about 7 1/2 o'clock it was discovered our shells had set fire to the barracks in the fort. Speedily volumes of smoke indicated an extensive conflagration, and apprehending some terrible calamity to the garrison I immediately dispatched an offer of assistance to Major Anderson, which, however, with grateful acknowledgments, he declined. Meanwhile, being informed about 2 o'clock that a white flag was displayed from Sumter, I dispatched two of my aides to Major Anderson with terms of evacuation. In recognition of the gallantry exhibited by the garrison I cheerfully agreed that on surrendering the fort the commanding officer might salute his flag.
By 8 o'clock the terms of evacuation were definitely accepted. Major Anderson having expressed a desire to communicate with the United States vessels lying off the harbor, with a view to arrange for the transportation of his command to some port in the United States, one of his officers, accompanied by Captain Harstene and three of my aides, was permitted to visit the officer in command of the squadron to make provision for that object. Because of an unavoidable delay the formal transfer of the fort to our possession did not take place until 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 14th instant. At that hour, the place having been evacuated by the United States garrison, our troops occupied it, and the Confederate flag was hoisted on the ramparts of Sumter with a salute from the various batteries.
The steamer Isabel having been placed at the service of Major Anderson, he and his command were transferred to the United States vessels off the harbor.
The urgency of immediate engagements prevents me from giving at present a more circumstantial narrative of the incidents connected with the capture of Fort Sumter. When the reports from the various commanders of batteries are received I will hasten to forward you a more detailed account.
In conclusion, I am happy to state that the troops, both officers and soldiers, of the Regulars, Volunteers, Militia, and Navy, by their energy, zeal, perseverance, labor, and endurance before the attack, and by their courage and gallantry during its continuance, exhibited all the characteristics of the best troops; and to my staff, Regular and Volunteer, I am much indebted for the prompt and complete execution of my orders, which had to be communicated in open boats during the bombardment to the different batteries then engaged.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Honorable L. P. WALKER,
Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.
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April 27, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Secretary of War LeRoy Walker
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 27, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to transmit to the Department with this my detailed report of the operations conducted during the bombardment of Fort Sumter, accompanied by copies of the reports sent in to this office by the commandants of batteries, together with a series of photographs (twenty-two in number), showing the condition of Forts Sumter and Moultrie and of the floating battery after the surrender of the former fort.*
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Honorable L.P. WALKER,
Secretary of War, Montgomery, Ala.
* Photographs not found.
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May 1, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Secretary of War LeRoy Walker
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.,
Charleston, S.C.,
May 1, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to send you by the bearer, Captain S.W. Ferguson, South Carolina Regulars, my regular aide, and Lieutenant Colonel A.R. Chisolm (aide to Governor Pickens), one of my volunteer aides, the flag which waved on Fort Moultrie during the bombardment of Fort Sumter and was thrice cut by the enemy's balls. Being the first Confederate flag thus baptized, I have thought it worth sending to the War Department for preservation. I should have brought it on myself, but my present indisposition will prevent me from leaving here for a day or two.
I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Honorable L.P. WALKER,
Secretary of War.
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(CS A/EG) William Whiting
- At the outbreak of the war, William Whiting was an Adjutant and Engineer General of the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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March 6, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major William Whiting
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
March 6, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that I proceeded to Morris Island this morning, and commenced establishing battery positions.
I. Directed the Dahlgren battery to be modified. Retired the interior crest of the right gun, so as to obtain a raking fire on the whole approach, and on the beach, and placed a traverse between the two, and directed the rear of the battery to be excavated, to give a relief of at least eight to interior crest. It is absolutely necessary that these guns be placed en barbette; otherwise, unless the epaulement is cut down to two, they cannot be depressed sufficiently for the short ranges on the ship's carriages.
II. Battery A, for two 8-inch columbiads (new position). The relative positions of the different batteries will be indicated on the chart by the engineer and submitted to you to-morrow.
III. Arranged and modified the Star of the West battery, giving greater relief, reducing the platform, locating necessary traverses, and adding one 24-pounder. Directed the two field pieces for line and land defense.
IV. Battery B, for two guns, one 8-inch columbiad, and one 8-inch sea-coast.
V. Battery C, for one 8-inch sea-coast and one 42-pounder.
VI. Battery D, for two 24-pounders.
VII. Battery E, two 24-pounders, at nearly right angles to the brush. To protect the two last from Hunter, the left traverse must cross the epaulement.
VIII. Battery F, partially finished, for two 8-inch sea-coast howitzers and two 24-pounders. The howitzers are on casemate carriages, and must be changed.
The arrangement of these batteries will, in general, be identical, except when the siege carriage is used in the Star of the West battery, and in E, and G, the latter of three 24-pounders, partly done. Therefore the guns can be placed in different order, if thought best. I placed the guns of longest range farthest from Hunter,, as having greater effect upon the distant approach. Examination of the maps, when complete, will show the field of fire. Of these guns there are now on the island three 8-inch columbiads, now mounted on casemate carriages in battery; Numbers 2 as a siege battery on Sumter; two 42-pounders, mounted on casemate carriages, siege battery on Sumter. The two Dahlgrens and the two 8-inch sea-coast, on the casement trenches. All the above require barbette carriages. Of these, the barbette carriages for the columbiads are nearly ready; also, for the sea coast. There are also eight 24-pounders on siege carriages already mounted on the channel; in all, fifteen. There are required for the proposed addition two sea-coast howitzers, now at Pinckney, and five 24-pounders also at Pinckney; making, in all, twenty-two guns to be provided. The arrangement is that indicated in the plan this morning. I am doubtful which battery to commence first. Perhaps in order from the Dahlgren, although it would be best to have them done simultaneously. There is want of labor, and great want of proper quartermaster and commissary arrangements for the labor. All the work on the siege batteries should be suspended, and turned to proper account on the channel.
Please to direct the enlarged chart, made by Lieutenant Gregorie, South Carolina Engineers, for the governor, to be sent down to have the positions of the batteries located upon it, for your information.
W.H.C. WHITING,
Major, Engineers.
to General BEAUREGARD,
Charleston Hotel.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AG) Samuel Cooper
- At the outbreak of the war, Samuel Cooper was a Colonel and the Adjutant General of the United States Army
- On March 7, 1861, Cooper resigned from the U.S. Army and traveled to Montgomery, Alabama to join the C.S. Army
- Cooper was commissioned as a Brigadier General on March 16, 1861
To Beauregard:
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April 27, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Brigadier General Samuel Cooper
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Reports of Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard, C.S. Army, of operations against Fort Sumter.
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 27, 1861.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter and the incidents connected therewith:
Having completed my channel defenses and batteries in the harbor necessary for the reduction of Fort Sumter, I dispatched two of my aides at 2.20 p.m., on Thursday, the 11th of April, with a communication to Major Anderson, in command of the fortification, demanding its evacuation. I offered to transport himself and command to any port in the United States he might elect, to allow him to move out of the fort with company arms and property and all private property, and to salute his flag in lowering it. He refused to accede to the demand. As my aides were about leaving Major Anderson remarked that if we did not batter him to pieces he would be starved out in a few days, or words to that effect. This being reported to me by my aides on their return with his refusal, at 5.10 p.m., I deemed it proper to telegraph the purport of his remark to the Secretary of War. In reply I received by telegraph the following instructions at 9.10 p.m.: "Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major Anderson will state the time at which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree that in the mean time he will not use his guns against us unless should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid effusion of blood. If this, or its equivalent, be refused, reduce the fort as your judgment decides to be most practicable."
At 11 p.m. I sent my aides with a communication to Major Anderson based on the foregoing instructions.* It was placed in his hands at 12.45 a.m. 12th instant. He expressed his willingness to evacuate the fort on Monday at noon if provided with the necessary means of transportation, and if he should not receive contradictory instructions from his Government or additional supplies, but he declined to agree not to open his guns upon us in the event of any hostile demonstrations on our part against his flag. This reply, which was opened and shown to my aides, plainly indicated that if instructions should be received contrary to his purpose to evacuate, or if he should receive his supplies, or if the Confederate troops should fire on hostile troops of the United States, or upon transports bearing the United States flag, containing men, munitions, and supplies designed for hostile operations against us, he would still feel himself bound to fire upon us, and to hold possession of the fort.
As, in consequence of a communication from the President of the United States to the governor of South Carolina, we were in momentary expectation of an attempt to re-enforce Fort Sumter, or of a descent upon our coast to that end from the United States fleet then lying at the entrance of the harbor, it was manifestly an imperative necessity to reduce the fort as speedily as possible, and not to wait until the ships and the fort should unite in a combined attack upon us. Accordingly my aides, carrying out my instructions, promptly refused to accede to the terms proposed by Major Anderson, and notified him in writing that our batteries would open upon Fort Sumter in one hour. This notification was given at 3.20 a.m. of Friday, the 12th instant. The signal shell was fired from Fort Johnson at 4.30 a.m. At about 5 o'clock the fire from our batteries became general. Fort Sumter did not open fire until 7 o'clock, when it commenced with a vigorous fire upon the Cummings Point iron battery. The enemy next directed his fire upon the enfilade battery on Sullivan's Island, constructed to sweep the parapet of Fort Sumter, to prevent the working of the barbette guns and to dismount them. This was also the aim of the floating battery, the Dahlgren battery, and the gun batteries at Cummings Point.
The enemy next opened on Fort Moultrie, between which and Fort Sumter a steady and almost constant fire was kept up throughout the day. These three points-Fort Moultrie, Cummings Point, and the end of Sullivan's Island, where the floating battery, Dahlgren battery, and the enfilade battery were placed-were the points to which the enemy seemed almost to confine his attention, although he fired a number of shots at Captain Butler's mortar battery, situated to the east of Fort Moultrie, and a few at Captain James' mortar batteries at Fort Johnson.
During the day (12th instant) the fire of my batteries was kept up most spiritedly, the guns and mortars being worked in the coolest manner, preserving the prescribed intervals of firing. Towards evening it became evident that our fire was very effective, as the enemy was driven from his barbette gun which he attempted to work in the morning, and his fire was confined to his casemated guns, but in a less active manner than in the morning, and it was observed that several of his guns en barbette were disabled. During the whole of Friday night our mortar batteries continued to throw shells, but, in obedience to orders, at longer intervals. The night was rainy and dark, and as it was almost confidently expected that the United States fleet would attempt to land troops upon the island troops upon the islands or to throw men into Fort Sumter by means of boats, the greatest vigilance was observed at all our channel batteries, and by our troops on both Morris and Sullivan's Islands.
Early on Saturday morning all of our batteries reopened upon Fort Sumter, which responded vigorously for a time, directing fire specially against Fort Moultrie. About 8 o'clock a.m. smoke was seen issuing from the quarters of Fort Sumter. Upon this the fire of our batteries was increased, as a matter of course, for the purpose of bringing the enemy to terms as speedily as possibly, inasmuch as his flag was still floating defiantly above him. Fort Sumter continued to fire from time to time, but at long and irregular intervals, amid the dense smoke, flying shot, and bursting shells. Our brave troops, carried away by their natural generous impulses, mounted the different batteries, and at every discharge from the fort cheered the garrison for its pluck and gallantry, and hooted the fleet lying inactive just outside the bar.
About 1.30 p.m., it being reported to me that the flag was down (it afterwards appeared that the flag-staff had been shot away), and the conflagration from the large volume of smoke being apparently on the increase, I sent three of my aides with a message to Major Anderson to the effect that seeing his flag no longer flying, his quarters in flames, and supposing him to be in distress, I desired to offer him any assistance he might stand in need of. Before my aides reached the fort the United States flag was displayed on the parapet, but remained there only a short time, when it was hauled down and a white flag substituted in its place. When the United States flag first disappeared the firing from our batteries almost entirely ceased, but reopened with increased vigor when it reappeared on the parapet, and was continued until the white flag was raised, when it ceased entirely. Upon the arrival of my aides at Fort Sumter they delivered their message to Major Anderson, who replied that he thanked me for my offer, but desired no assistance.
Just previous to their arrival Colonel Wigfall, one of my aides, who had been detached for special duty on Morris Island, had, by order of Brigadier-General Simons, crossed over to Fort Sumter from Cummings Point in an open boat, with private Gourdin Young, amidst a heavy fire of shot and shell, for the purpose of ascertaining from Major Aderson whether his intention was to surrender, his flag being down and his quarters in flames. On reaching the fort the colonel had an interview with Major Anderson, the result of which was that Major Anderson understood him as offering the same conditions on the part of General Beauregard as had been tendered him on the 11th instant, while Colonel Wigfall's impression was that Major Anderson unconditionally surrendered, trusting to the generosity of General Beauregard to offer such terms as would be honorable and acceptable to both parties. Meanwhile, before these circumstances were reported to me, and in fact soon after the aides whom I had dispatched with the offer of assistance had set out on their mission, hearing that a white flag was flying over the fort, I sent Major Jones, the chief of my staff, and some other aides, with substantially the same propositions I had submitted to Major Anderson on the 11th instant, with the exception of the privilege of saluting his flag. The Major (Anderson) replied, "it would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted to salute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual." He further said he "would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to me." The point was, therefore, left open until the matter was submitted to me.
Previous to the return of Major Jones I sent a fire engine, under Mr. M. H. Nathan, chief of the fire department, and Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, with several of my aides, to offer further assistance to the garrison at Fort Sumter, which was declined. I very cheerfully agreed to alow the salute, as an honorable testimony to the gallantry and fortitude with which Major Anderson and his command had defended their post, and I informed Major Anderson of my decision about 7 1/2 o'clock, through Major Jones, my chief of staff.
The arrangements being completed Major Anderson embarked with his command on the transport prepared to convey him to the United States fleet lying outside the bar, and our troops immediately garrisoned the fort, and before sunset the flag of the Confederate States floated over the ramparts of Fort Sumter.
I commend in the highest terms the gallantry of every one under my command, and it is with diffidence that I will mention any corps or names for fear of doing injustice to those not mentioned, for where all have done their duty well it is difficult to discriminate. Although the troops out of the batteries bearing on Fort Sumter were not so fortunate as their comrades working the guns and mortars, still their services were equally as valuable and as commendable, for they were on their arms at the channel batteries, and at their posts and bivouac and exposed to severe weather and constant watchfulness, expecting every moment and ready to repel re-enforcements from the powerful fleet off the bar, and to all the troops, under my command I award much praise for their gallantry, and the cheerfulness with which they met the duties required of them. I feel much indebted to Generals R. G. M. Dunovant and James Simons and their staffs, especially Majors Evans and De Saussure, South Carolina Army, commanding on Sullivan's and Morris' Islands, for their valuable and gallant services, and the discretion they displayed in executing the duties devolving on their responsible positions. Of Lieutenant Colonel R. S. Ripley, First Artillery Battalion, commandant of batteries on Sullivan's Island, I cannot speak too highly, and join with General Dunovant, his immediate commander since January last, in commending in the highest terms his sagacity, experience, and unflagging zeal. I would also mention in the highest terms of praise Captains Calhoun and Hallonquist, assistant commandants of batteries to Colonel Ripley; and the following commanders of batteries on Sullivan's Island; Captain J. R. Hamilton, commanding the floating battery and Dahlgren gun; Captains Butler, South Carolina Army, and Bruns aide-de-camp to General Dunovant, and Lieutenants Wagner, Rhett, Yates, Valentine and Parker.
To Lieutenant Colonel W. G. De Saussure Second Artillery Battalion, commandant of batteries on Morris Island, too much praise cannot be given. He displayed the most untiring energy, and his judicious arrangements and the good management of his batteries contributed much to the reduction of Fort Sumter. To Major Stevens, of the Citadel Academy, in charge of the Cummings Point batteries, I feel much indebted for his valuable and scientific assistance, and the efficient working of the batteries under his immediate charge. The Cummings Point batteries (iron-42 pounder and mortar) were manned by the Palmetto Guards, Captain Cuthbert, and I take pleasure in expressing my admiration of the service of the gallant captain and his distinguished company during the action.
I would also mention in terms of praise the following commanders of batteries at the point, viz: Lieutenants Armstrong, of the Citadel Academy and Brownfield, of the Palmetto Guards; also Captain Thomas, of the Citadel Academy, who had charge of the rifled cannon, and had the honor of using this valuable weapon-a gift of one of South Carolina's distant sons to his native State-with peculiar effect. Captain J. G. King, with his company, the Marion Artillery, commanded the mortar battery in rear of the Cummings Point batteries, and the accuracy of his shell practice was the theme of general admiration. Captain George S. James, commanding at Fort Johnson, had the honor of firing the first shell at Fort Sumter, and his conduct and that of those under him was commendable during the action. Captain Martin, South Carolina Army, commanded the Mount Pleasant mortar battery, and with his assistants did good service. For a more detailed account of the gallantry of officers and men, and of the various incidents of the attack on Fort Sumter, I would respectfully invite your attention to the copies of the reports of the different officers under my command, herewith inclosed.
I cannot close my report without reference to the following gentlemen: To his excellency Governor Pickens and staff, especially Colonels Lamar and Dearing, who were so active and efficient in the construction of the channel batteries; Colonels Lucas and Moore for assistance on various occasions, and Colonel Duryea and Mr. Nathan (chief of the fire department) for their gallant assistance in putting out the fire at Fort Sumter when the magazine of the latter was in imminent danger of explosion; General Jamison, Secretary of War, and General S. R. Gist, adjutant-general, for their valuable assistance in obtaining and dispatching the troops for the attack on Fort Sumter and defense of the batteries; Quartermaster's and Commissary Department, Colonel Hatch and Colonel Walker, and the ordnance board, especially Colonel Manigault, Chief of Ordnance, whose zeal and activity were untiring: The Medical Department, whose preparations had been judiciously and amply made, but which a kind Providence rendered unnecessary; the Engineers, Majors Whiting and Gwynn, Captains Trapier and Lee, and Lieutenants McCrady, Earle, and Gregoric, on whom too much praise cannot be bestowed for their untiring zeal, energy, and gallantry, and to whose labors is greatly due the unprecedented example of taking such an important work after thirty-three hours' firing without having to report the loss of a single life, and but four slightly wounded. From Major W. H . C. Whiting I derived also much assistance, not only as an engineer, in selecting the sites and laying out the channel batteries on Morris Island, but as acting assistant adjutant and inspector-general in arranging and stationing the troops on said island. To the naval department, especially Captain Hartstene, one of my volunteer aides, who was perfectly indefatigable in guarding the entrance into the harbor, and in transmitting my orders; Lieutenant T. B. Huger, who was also of much service, first as inspecting ordnance officer of batteries, then in charge of the batteries on the south end of Morris Island; Lieutenant Warley, who commanded the Dahlgren channel battery; also the schoolship, which was kindly offered by the board of directors, and was of much service; Lieutenant Rutledge, who was acting inspector-general of ordnance of all the batteries, in which capacity, assisted by Lieutenant Williams, C. S. A., on Morris Island, he was of much service in organizing and distributing the ammunition; Captains Childs and Jones, assistant commandant of batteries; to Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure, Captains Winder and Allston, acting assistant adjutant and inspector-general to General Simons' brigade; Captain Manigaualt, of my staff, attached on General Simons' staff, who did efficient and gallant services on Morris Island during the fight; Prof. Lewis R. Gibbes, of Charleston College, and his aides, for their valuable services in operating the Drummond lights established at the extensions of Sullivan's and Morris Islands. The venerable and gallant Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia, was at the Iron battery, and fired many guns, undergoing every fatigue and sharing the hardships at the battery with the youngest of the Palmettoes. To my regular staff, Major Jones, C. S. A.; Captains Lee and Ferguson, South Carolina Army, and Lieutenant Legare, South Carolina Army, and volunteer staff, Messrs. Chisolm, Wigfall, Chesnut, Manning, Miles, Gonzales, and Pryor, I am much indebted for their indefatigable and valuable assistance night and day during the attack on Fort Sumter, transmitting in open boats my orders when called upon with alacrity and cheerfulness to the different batteries amidst falling balls and bursting shells, Captain Wigfall being the first in Sumter to receive the surrender.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Brigadier General COOPER,
Adjutant-General, C.S.A.
* Correspondence referred to (inclosures from the reports of Robert Anderson):
April 11, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
1.]
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
SIR: The Government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the Government of the United States, with a view to the amicable adjustment of all questions between the two Governments, and to avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it.
There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the Government of the United States, and under that impression my Government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort. But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to its defense and security.
I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My aides, Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you. All proper facilities will be afforded for the removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and property and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may select. The flag which you have upheld so long as with so much fortitude, under the most trying circumstances, may be saluted by you on taking it down.
Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee will, for a reasonable time, await your answer.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.
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April 11, 1861 - Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
3.]
HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A.,
Charleston, S.C.,
April 11, 1861.
MAJOR: In consequence of the verbal observation made by you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in relation to the condition of your supplies, and that you would in a few days be starved out if our guns did not batter you to pieces, or words to that effect, and desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated both the verbal observations and your written answer to my communications to my Government.
If you will state the time at which you will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will not use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort Sumter, we will abstain from opening fire upon you. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to enter into such an agreement with you. You are, therefore, requested to communicate to them an open answer.
I remain, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
to Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.
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April 12, 1861 - Colonel James Chesnut / Captain Stephen Lee to Major Robert Anderson
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Reports of Major Robert Anderson, 1st U.S. Artillery, of the bombardment and evacuation of Fort Sumter.
5.]
FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
April 12, 1861-3.20 a.m.
SIR: By authority of Brigadier-General Beauregard, commanding the Provisional Forces of the Confederate States, we have the honor to notify you that he will open the fire of his batteries on Fort Sumter in one hour from this time.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAMES CHESNUT, JR.,
Aide-de-Camp.
STEPHEN D. LEE,
Captain, C.S. Army, Aide-de-Camp.
to Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
U.S. Army, Commanding Fort Sumter.
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(CS BG) James Simons
- At the outbreak of the war, James Simons was a Brigadier General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
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April 23, 1861 - Brigadier General James Simons to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Report of Brigadier General James Simons of operations against Fort Sumter
HEADQUARTERS,
MORRIS ISLAND,
April 23, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor respectfully to inform you that the report of Lieutenant-Colonel De Saussure, commanding the battalion of artillery, with the reports of commanders of batteries at this post of the late action of the 12th and 13th instant with Fort Sumter, have this moment been handed to me, and as you are already apprised of my communication of yesterday to Assist. Adjt. General D. R. Jones, this will furnish the reason for my delaying the present address. I have little to add to the minute and circumstantial detail which has been so carefully and minutely furnished by these officers. I add my confirmation to the commendation of the coolness, perseverance and steady zeal of all those who were actively engaged in the action to whom particular as well as general reference has been made in those reports.
The firing commenced on the signal designated in your General Orders Numbers 14, section 4, of date the 11th instant, and conformed substantially to the requisitions of General Orders Numbers 9, of date the 6th instant, both as regards the objects, and the times and the intervals of firing, and the only departure from the rigid compliance with those orders was done by my orders at 11.10 a.m. on the 13th instant, by which, through Colonel Wigfall, whom you had sent to me as a special aid the night before the engagement, I authorized battery commanders to increase the frequency of their fire, but with express directions that the fire should not be so frequent as to waste ammunition. This was continued until 1.30 p.m., when the flag of Fort Sumter fell, but whether by fire or by a ball from our batteries did not then appear. It was certain the colors were not hauled down. I became certain afterwards, on a visit to Fort Sumter, that the flagstaff was shot away, for it bore the marks of many balls. Only two shots were fired from our batteries on this island after the flag fell. I suspended the firing, however, and on a consultation with Ex-Governor Manning, Colonel Chesnut, and Colonel Wigfall, members of your staff, I sent Colonel Wigfall, accompanied by Private Gourdin Young, of Palmetto Guard, with a white flag to Fort Sumter to inform Major Anderson that I observed his flag was down, and to inquire whether he would surrender to you. Colonel Wigfall, with great gallantry and his accustomed indifference to danger, accompanied as I have mentioned, proceeded in a boat in the midst of the continued fire from our batteries other than at this island. Before he reached Fort Sumter I distinctly saw the flag of Fort Sumter flying on the northeast corner of the fortress, but very much masked by the gable of the quarters and the smoke and flame. It was too late to recall Colonel Wigfall, and he accomplished his missing. Soon after he reached the fortress a white flag was substituted for that lately put up, and the firing ceased on both sides. The firing of Fort Sumter had continued after the flag had fallen.
At 2.15 p.m. Colonel Wigfall returned and announced that Major Anderson surrendered unconditionally to Brigadier-General Beauregard, of the C. S. Army. The announcement was received with the greatest enthusiasm, and Colonel Wigfall and Private Young were borne from the boat in triumph by the troops. Colonel Wigfall, accompanied by Ex-Governor Manning, Colonel Chesnut, and Captain Chisolm of your staff, then proceeded to report to you.
In the afternoon, before sundown, a boat from the fleet was brought to by a shot from Lieutenant-Colonel Lamar's battery, and landed Lieutenant Marcy, U. S. Navy. He asked me if I would give him permission to go to Fort Moultrie to inquire whether Major Anderson had surrendered, and whether he and his command could be taken out of the harbor by a vessel of the fleet, or a merchant vessel with them, or by their boats. I replied that so far as it was necessary to go to Fort Moultrie to learn whether Major Anderson had surrendered, I could, and did, give him the information, and so far as the removal of Major Anderson's command out of the harbor was concerned, we could furnish the requisite transportation, but that the commanding general of our army was at hand, and that he would be communicated with, and that Lieutenant Marcy could have the answer at 9 a.m. the next day, at the same place. I sent Captain Ben. Allston to you before dark with a dispatch to this effect, under the signature of Major Whiting. Subsequent events were managed by yourself or under your direction and control.
Besides the batteries actively engaged in the action, I cannot too highly commend the other batteries on the channel. The untiring zeal, watchfulness, and eagerness of the officers and men of the commands to participate in the defense of their country must fill the hearts of their fellow-citizens with the liveliest emotions of gratitude and pride.
I felt constrained to refuse permission to Captain A.J. Green, of Columbia Artillery, and his gallant corps to open fire on Fort Sumter, although he solicited permission to participate in the contest. Whilst the credit of the battle will necessarily be more permanently associated with those who managed the instruments of warfare, I cannot conclude this report without inviting your attention to the infantry. In the midst of the greatest exposure to the most inclement weather, many hundreds bivouacking in the open air without any covering, many more sheltered by wide burrows in the sand hills, not a murmur of complaint escaped during the thirty-three hours of the conflict; but with steady gaze on the fleet, which was ranged outside the harbor, plainly visible to the naked eye, they were ready to resist any hostile demonstration and repulse the invader, whilst their brave comrades of the batteries were engaged in driving the enemy from his strong fortress in our harbor. Commendation from one like myself, entitled from my education and training to no military consideration, is only valuable because it is honest and sincere.
In this sense you will permit me, general, to thank you for the assistants which your wisdom and kindness assigned to aid me in my difficult and trying position. I am almost unwilling to distinguish between them, but the genius and the highest order of intellectual culture of Major Whiting, joined to his indefatigable and untiring energy, sleeplessly exercised both night and day, have entitled him at my hands to the most grateful eulogium.
Claiming no credit for myself, but only the desire to serve my country, I will urgently pray you, general, to pardon in myself all deficiencies which the newness of my situation and the suddenness of my assuming this post may have caused me to develop.
I have the honor to be, general, your obedient servant,
JAMES SIMONS,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Forces, C.S., Charleston.
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February 23, 1861 - Secretary Joseph Holt to Major Robert Anderson
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Union Correspondence, etc.
WAR DEPARTMENT, February 23, 1861.
Major ROBERT ANDERSON,
First Artillery, Commanding Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S.C.:
SIR: It is proper I should state distinctly that you hold Fort Sumter as you held For Moultrie, under the verbal orders communicated by Major Buell,[1] subsequently modified by instructions addressed to you from this Department, under date of the 21st of December, 1860.
In your letter to Adjutant-General Cooper, of the 16th instant, you say:
I should like to be instructed on a question which may present itself in reference to the floating battery, viz: What course would it be proper for me to take if, without a declaration of war or a notification of hostilities, I should see them approaching my fort with that battery? They may attempt placing it within good distance before a declaration of hostile intention.
It is not easy to answer satisfactorily this important question at this distance from the scene of action. In my letter to you of the 10th of January I said:
You will continue, as heretofore, to act strictly on the defensive, and to avoid, by all means compatible with the safety of your command, a collision with the hostile forces by which you are surrounded.
The policy thus indicated must still govern your conduct.
The President is not disposed at the present moment to change the instructions under which you have been heretofore acting, or to occupy any other than a defensive position. If, however, you are convinced by sufficient evidence that the raft of which you speak is advancing for the purpose of making an assault upon the fort, then you would be justified on the principle of self-defense in not awaiting its actual arrival there, but in repelling fore by force on its approach. If, on the other hand, you have reason to believe that it is approaching merely to take up a position at a good distance should the pending question be not amicably settled, then, unless your safety is so clearly endangered as to render resistance an act of necessary self-defense and protection, you will act with that forbearance which has distinguished you heretofore in permitting the South Carolinians to strengthen Fort Moultrie and erect new batteries for the defense of the harbor. This will be but a redemption of the implied pledge contained in my letter on behalf of the President to colonel Hayne, in which, when speaking of Fort Sumter, it is said:
The attitude of that garrison, as has been often declared, is neither menacing, nor defiant, nor unfriendly. It is acting under orders to stand strictly on the defensive, and the government and people of South Carolina must know that they can never receive aught but shelter from its guns, unless, in the absence of all provocation, they should assault it and seek its destruction.
A dispatch received in this city a few days since from Governor Pickens, connected with the declaration on the part of those convened at Montgomery, claiming to act on behalf of South Carolina as well as the other seceded States, that the question of the possession of the forts and other public property therein had been taken from the decision of the individual States and would probably be preceded in its settlement by negotiation with the Government of the United States, has impressed the President with a belief that there will be no immediate attack on Fort Sumter, and the hope is indulged that wise and patriotic counsels may prevail and prevent it altogether.
The labors of the Peace Congress have not yet closed, and the presence of that body here adds another to the powerful motives already existing for the adoption of every measure, except in necessary self-defense, for avoiding a collision with the forces that surround you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. HOLT.
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February 23, 1861 - Captain John Foster to General Joseph Totten
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Union Correspondence, etc.
FORT SUMTER, S.C., February 23, 1861.
General JOS. G. TOTTEN,
Chief Engineer U.S. Army, Washington, D.C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the work upon the batteries on Cummings Point was continued last night until 12 o'clock. This increased activity seemed to have been consequent upon the visit of some official of rank, probably Governor Pickens, to these batteries in the afternoon. Guns were fired from the batteries and from Fort Moultrie in considerable numbers about the same time that the steamers [arrived] bearing the person or persons who were visiting the batteries, and were either salutes of six and seven guns each or were merely practice firing. The principal work consists of that upon the battery that I reported yesterday as being in process of construction, and upon the erection of sheds of this form-
which you perceive can be turned into bomb-proofs, covering them with earth. One of these, situated at the extreme western point of Cummings Point, is already up, and a sufficient number of rafts were towed there last night to construct two or three more.
At Fort Moultrie a force of about fifty laborers is still at work embanking the glaces in front of the face towards us. Yesterday I completed placing the cheek irons for the embrasures in the recesses of the windows on the gorge, and to-day I shall charge the fougasses on the esplanade at the gorge, and then commence clearing the parade of rubbish. I have also to take down another temporary building to obtain fuel. I have a second one yet standing, that will furnish fuel as long as the provisions will last. The weather is very pleasant and warm.
I received from the Department another roll of writing paper to-day, with two bundles of envelopes, one of large and the other of medium letter size.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J.G. FOSTER,
Captain, Engineers.
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(CS Capt) Robert Martin
- At the outbreak of the war, Robert Martin was a Captain in the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 17, 1861 - Captain Robert Martin to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Report of Captain R. Martin, commanding Mount Pleasant mortar battery
MOUNT PLEASANT MORTAR BATTERY,
April 17, 1861.
GENERAL: I have the honor to submit the inclosed report of practice at battery under my command.* Probably you will see I fired faster than ordered. Captain Ferguson can inform you that Colonel Ripley allowed me to fire faster. The officers and men are in good condition, though much mortified and not being noticed by Major Anderson. After the forty-eighth shot the fort was seen to be on fire, and the excitement was so great no account was kept of the shots. I think we fired about ten shells more.
I am, sir, your most obedient servant,
R. MARTIN,
Captain, Commanding.
Brigadier General P.G.T. BEAUREGARD, C.S.A.,
Commanding Forces about Charleston, S.C.
P.S. - Lieutenant F.H. Robertson, of the Confederate Army, was of great use to me. He was prompt and energetic in the discharge of his duties, and was fully competent to the part assigned him by your order. I cannot close without mentioning the services of Lieutenant George N. Reynolds, of the Confederate States Army, who acted as ordnance officer. He showed an intimate acquaintance with his duties, and discharged them well. In fact, all the officers behaved coolly, although under no trial but that of excitement.
I am, general, your obedient servant,
R. MARTIN.
* Omitted as unimportant.
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(CS AdC) Charles Allston
- At the outbreak of the war, Charles Allston was a Colonel and Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 15, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We, the undersigned, beg leave to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter, and of our interview with Major Anderson, on Saturday, the 13th instant, in obedience to your orders.
We arrived at the fort about a quarter to 3 o'clock p. m.; were met at the what by Captain Seymour, and were at once conducted to the presence of Major Anderson. We informed his that we came from you to say that, on learning the fort was in flames, and his flag down, you had sent Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, members of your staff, to offer any assistance in your power, and that as soon as hid flag of truce was hoisted you sent us to received any propositions he might wish to make. Major Anderson said and exceedingly disagreeable and embarrassing mistake had occurred; that his flagstaff had bee shot down, but that as soon as it could be done his flag was again heisted.
Just at this time it was reported to him that General Wigfall was outside the fort demanding to see the commanding officer. major Anderson said that he went out and met General Wighfall, who told him that he came from General Beauregard to demand the surrender of the fort, and urged Major Anderson to haul down his flag and run up a flag of truce; that General Beauregard would give him the same terms offered before the conflict began. Major Anderson then stated that he wa much surprised to learn from Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, who had arrived at the fort soon after he had lowered his flag, that although General Wigfall wa on the staff of General Beauregard, he had been two days away from him, and was acting on the staff of some general on Morris Island; that as soon as he (Major Anderson) learned this, he told Captain Lee that he would immediately run up his flag and recommence his firing.
Major Anderson then read to us a note which he had sent to you by the hand of Captain lee, in which he said that he would surrender the fort on the same terms offered by you in your letter to him on the 11th instant. On learning this we told him that we were authorized to offer him those terms, excepting only the clause relating to the salute to the flag, to which Major Anderson replied it would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted os lute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual. We told him we were not authorized to grant that privilege, and asked him what his answer would be if not permitted to salute his flag. he said he would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to you, and requested us to see you again and get your reply.
Major Anderson requested us to say to Governor Pickens and yourself that, as an evidence of his desire to save the public property as much as possible, he had three times on Friday and twice on Saturday sent his men up to extinguish the fire under the heavy fire of our batteries, and when the magazines were in imminent danger of being blown up.
We then returned to the city and reported to you substantially as above.
We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CHAS. ALLSTON, JR.,
Colonel and A.D.C.
Brigadier General G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AdC) William Miles
- At the outbreak of the war, William Miles was an Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 14, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
April 14, 1861.
GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report:
On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 o'clock p. m., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your communication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of who, we believe, were present. The major expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the communication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as possible, and suggested 9 o'clock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or put them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Captain Hartstene undertook to do.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WM PORCHER MILES,
R.A. PRYOR,
H.J. HARTSTENE, C.S.N.,
Aides-de-Camp.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AdC) Roger Pryor
- At the outbreak of the war, Roger Pryor was an Aide-de-Camp in the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 14, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
April 14, 1861.
GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report:
On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 o'clock p. m., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your communication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of who, we believe, were present. The major expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the communication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as possible, and suggested 9 o'clock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or put them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Captain Hartstene undertook to do.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WM PORCHER MILES,
R.A. PRYOR,
H.J. HARTSTENE, C.S.N.,
Aides-de-Camp.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS NCom) Henry Hartsene
- At the outbreak of the war, Henry Hartsene was a Commander in the Provisional Confederate States Navy
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 14, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
April 14, 1861.
GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report:
On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 o'clock p. m., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your communication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of who, we believe, were present. The major expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the communication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as possible, and suggested 9 o'clock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or put them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Captain Hartstene undertook to do.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WM PORCHER MILES,
R.A. PRYOR,
H.J. HARTSTENE, C.S.N.,
Aides-de-Camp.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS AAG) David Jones
- At the outbreak of the war, David Jones was a Major and Assistant Adjutant General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
To Beauregard:
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From Beauregard:
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April 15, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON,
April 15, 1861.
SIR: We, the undersigned, beg leave to submit the following report of our visit to Fort Sumter, and of our interview with Major Anderson, on Saturday, the 13th instant, in obedience to your orders.
We arrived at the fort about a quarter to 3 o'clock p. m.; were met at the what by Captain Seymour, and were at once conducted to the presence of Major Anderson. We informed his that we came from you to say that, on learning the fort was in flames, and his flag down, you had sent Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, members of your staff, to offer any assistance in your power, and that as soon as hid flag of truce was hoisted you sent us to received any propositions he might wish to make. Major Anderson said and exceedingly disagreeable and embarrassing mistake had occurred; that his flagstaff had bee shot down, but that as soon as it could be done his flag was again heisted.
Just at this time it was reported to him that General Wigfall was outside the fort demanding to see the commanding officer. major Anderson said that he went out and met General Wighfall, who told him that he came from General Beauregard to demand the surrender of the fort, and urged Major Anderson to haul down his flag and run up a flag of truce; that General Beauregard would give him the same terms offered before the conflict began. Major Anderson then stated that he wa much surprised to learn from Colonels Miles and Pryor and Captain Lee, who had arrived at the fort soon after he had lowered his flag, that although General Wigfall wa on the staff of General Beauregard, he had been two days away from him, and was acting on the staff of some general on Morris Island; that as soon as he (Major Anderson) learned this, he told Captain Lee that he would immediately run up his flag and recommence his firing.
Major Anderson then read to us a note which he had sent to you by the hand of Captain lee, in which he said that he would surrender the fort on the same terms offered by you in your letter to him on the 11th instant. On learning this we told him that we were authorized to offer him those terms, excepting only the clause relating to the salute to the flag, to which Major Anderson replied it would be exceedingly gratifying to him, as well as to his command, to be permitted os lute their flag, having so gallantly defended the fort under such trying circumstances, and hoped that General Beauregard would not refuse it, as such a privilege was not unusual. We told him we were not authorized to grant that privilege, and asked him what his answer would be if not permitted to salute his flag. he said he would not urge the point, but would prefer to refer the matter again to you, and requested us to see you again and get your reply.
Major Anderson requested us to say to Governor Pickens and yourself that, as an evidence of his desire to save the public property as much as possible, he had three times on Friday and twice on Saturday sent his men up to extinguish the fire under the heavy fire of our batteries, and when the magazines were in imminent danger of being blown up.
We then returned to the city and reported to you substantially as above.
We have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
CHAS. ALLSTON, JR.,
Colonel and A.D.C.
Brigadier General G.T. BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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April 14, 1861 - Major D.R. Jones et al to Brigadier General G.T. Beauregard
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Click for full-sized scanned image
Click for full-sized scanned image
Joint reports of Major D.R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant-General, C. S. Army; and Colonel Charles Allston, jr., Commander H.T. Hartstene (C.S. Navy), and Messrs. William Porcher Miles and Roger A. Pryor, aides-de-camp
CHARLESTON, S.C.,
April 14, 1861.
GENERAL: In accordance with your order we have the honor to make the following report:
On Saturday, April 13, at about 7 o'clock p. m., we proceeded to Fort Sumter by your order to arrange finally the conditions of the evacuation. We presented your communication to Major Anderson, who, after perusing it, read it aloud to his officers, all of who, we believe, were present. The major expressed himself much gratified with the tenor of the communication and the generous terms agreed to by you. We inquired of Major Anderson when he desired to leave. He said as soon as possible, and suggested 9 o'clock the next morning. It was arranged that the Catawba or some other steamer should convey the major and his command either directly to New York or put them on board the United States fleet then lying outside the bar, according as one or the other plan might be agreed upon after a conference with the commander of the fleet. Major Anderson requested us to take Lieutenant Snyder down to the fleet for the purpose of arranging the matter. This Captain Hartstene undertook to do.
We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants,
D.R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
WM PORCHER MILES,
R.A. PRYOR,
H.J. HARTSTENE, C.S.N.,
Aides-de-Camp.
Brigadier-General BEAUREGARD,
Commanding Provisional Army, C.S.A.
(To view this page in its Source Category, click HERE for Part 1 and HERE for Part 2)
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(CS Capt) William Boggs
- At the outbreak of the war, William Boggs was a Captain of Ordinance in the Provisional Confederate States Army
(CS LtC) Roswell Ripley
- At the outbreak of the war, Roswell Ripley was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Provisional Confederate States Army
(CS PC) Martin Crawford
- At the outbreak of the war, Martin Crawford was a representative in the Provisional Confederate States Congress and a Special Commissioner to the United States
(CS PC) A.B. Roman
- At the outbreak of the war, A.B. Roman was a representative in the Provisional Confederate States Congress and a Special Commissioner to the United States
(CS PC) John Forsyth
- At the outbreak of the war, John Forsyth was a representative in the Provisional Confederate States Congress and a Special Commissioner to the United States
(CS) Louis Wigfall
- At the outbreak of the war, Louis Wigfall was a recruiting agent with the Confederate States Army
(SC Gov) Francis Pickens
- At the outbreak of the war, Francis Pickens was the Governor of South Carolina
(CS) David Jamison
- At the outbreak of the war, David Jamison was the President of the South Carolina Convention
(CS Col) James Pettigrew
- At the outbreak of the war, James Pettigrew was a Colonel in the Provisional South Carolina Army
(CS BG) Richard Dunovant
- At the outbreak of the war, Richard Dunovant was a Brigadier General in the Provisional Confederate States Army
(CS BG) Milledge Bonham
- At the outbreak of the war, Milledge Bonham was a Major General in the Provisional South Carolina Army
(CS Capt) J.J. Pope (Jr.)
- At the outbreak of the war, J.J. Pope (Jr.) was a Captain of Light Artillery in the Provisional South Carolina Army
(CS LtC) Wilmot de Saussure
- At the outbreak of the war, Wilmot de Saussure was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Provisional Confederate States Army
(CS POTCS) Jefferson Davis
- At the outbreak of the war, Jefferson Davis was elected the first and only President of the Confederate States
(CS NLt) Thomas Huger
- At the outbreak of the war, Thomas B. Huger was a Lieutenant in the Confederate States Navy
(CS NLt) J.R. Hamilton
- At the outbreak of the war, J.R. Hamilton was a Lieutenant in the Confederate States Navy
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