February 8, 1861; The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 1861.
Letters are received this morning from Charleston, bearing date February 4. Governor Pickens has yielded the point to allow Major Anderson to make his own contract for provisions, consisting chiefly of fresh meat. It was very difficult to find parties who would venture to make a contract, fearing they would be lynched, but a man was at last found, and the supply is being made twice each week, but only for immediate use, so that the State authorities can stop the supplies at any time.
The stories about mutiny and insubordination among Major Anderson’s men can find no better refutation than in the fact that many of the men have served their time out and are entitled to leave, but refuse to re-enlist, and declared they will never desert their post while Major Anderson remains or the flag waves over them, unless ordered away by their government. Some of these very men could have left with their wives on the 3d. inst., but preferred to part with their better halves than their gallant commander.
The same advices assert that the greatest activity is going on in Sullivan and Morris Islands, and especially at Point Cummings, in the erection of batteries and in other preparations for attack upon Fort Sumter, which will undoubtedly take place the moment Colonel Hayne returns, as he is now in possession of the government’s refusal to comply with the demand of South Carolina to surrender Fort Sumter. A large number of men have been at work night and day at Point Cummings every since Col. Hayne left, erecting earthen breastworks, said to be the best possible material for such purpose. They had a very large force engaged on Sunday, hearing it was supposed that Col. Hayne would return on Monday, and that hostilities would immediately commence.
Cummings Point Battery consists in part of three columbiads and mortars. It is three quarters of a mile south of Fort Sumter, being the nearest point of land; but the important fact attending Cummings Point Battery is, that it is directed against what is supposed to be the weakest place in Fort Sumter, which is three and a half feet thick and two hundred feet long. Of course when the Unites States government constructed Fort Sumter they did not calculate upon an attack from land by any portion of their own people, but built the fortress with particular reference to the channel, and the approach of a foreign enemy in ships. But time will show the South Carolinians that what they supposed to be the weakest may prove not only the strongest but the most dangerous point for them to illustrate now; but Major Anderson will do so if a test is made. More than this, should it be possible to make a breach in the supposed weak point, the South Carolinians could not enter by it, nor would any possible harm come to the men under Major Anderson.
The floating batteries being erected up in the cove near Mount Pleasant for besieging Fort Sumter are of little account, and an army officer writes that they will only convey those who take passage upon them to watery graves.
One of the batteries which it is the purpose of South Carolina to float against Fort Sumter, is being constructed at Marsh dockyard at the foot of Pritchards street, near Lafitte landing. It is said that it will be three weeks before all the floating and land batteries are completed, and it is believed there that Col. Hayne knows the fact, hence he has consented to the delay which has been made, knowing that if he should reach Charleston with an unfavorable reply from the President that an attack upon Fort Sumter would be precipitated before the secessionists were full prepared.
It seems to be settled, not only by letters official and private from Charleston, but by parties inside and outside the army, that an attack will be made upon Fort Sumter, and that nothing can prevent it. It is said that Gov. Pickens has no power to control the masses, and they are only waiting either because they think the federal government will exhibit the cowardice to surrender Fort Sumter through Colonel Hayne, or because they are not quite ready to make the assault. Other seceding States are protesting against such action, but it does not seem to avail anything.
The officers and men at Fort Sumter are all well, and are confident that upon the return of Lieutenant Hall hostilities will commence; hence the wives and children of the soldiers were sent to New York.
The physician at Fort Sumter has been quite ill, but on the 4th instant had nearly recovered.
The following is an extract from a private letter written by a member of the garrison of Fort Sumter: –
FORT SUMTER, S.C. Jan. 27, 1861.
Our present status may be described as the lull before the storm. The papers will tell you many things about us that are utterly and entirely false. We are yet receiving no fresh provisions of any kind from Charleston. A quantity of beef was sent some days ago, but as no arrangement had yet been made with the authorities, we sent it back, saying to Governor Pickens that if we were to be furnished as a right, we would make the customary arrangements in town; but if it was sent as a civility or courtesy, we declined to receive anything. The papers here publish falsehoods every day. That we are receiving fresh provisions is false; that our boat was fired into by a battery on Sullivan’s Island is also false; and that Major Anderson is a secessionist is equally so. And thus it goes on. We have no way of making known our position except through Washington. We are to all intents and purposes, in as perfect a state of siege as if actual war prevailed. No boat leaves our fort for town, or approaches it, without a white flag. All communication, except out mails is cut off, as it has always been since we occupied this fort. Our provisions are running short, and we have now no sugar or coffee for the officers, and the men are on half rations. We have not enough of anything but flour and pork to last for any length of time. Our women and children leave for New York on Wednesday. It is better they should be away. Our guns are all up, and we are waiting the progress of events. If the Crittenden resolutions or their equivalent do not pass, the entire South is gone. This fort is cold and damp. We have insufficient fuel and food, and nothing but salt air to breathe, which I despise. But soldier’s life is always gay, ‘you know.