HEADQUARTERS, FORT SUMTER, S.C.,
February 13, 1861.
His Excellency F. W. PICKENS.
Governor of South Carolina:
SIR: Knowing that your desire to prevent, and your determination, as far as in your power, to guard against the recurrence of anything calculated to add to the excitement which already unfortunately exists, I deem it my duty to report that the guard-boats, and occasionally small row-boats from Morris Island, have recently violated your orders by coming too near our walls. Yesterday morning one of the steamers–the General Clinch, I think–passed very near and last night the guard-boats came nearer than was proper, twice–once about midnight, and again at 3.30 a.m.–when a steamer, although warned off by the sentinel, continued to approach, head on, until he fired his musket over her, when she altered her course. The gun-battery guard, I am happy to say, did not deem it necessary to fire.
Assuring you that every exertion will be made by me to guard against any wrong act on the part of my command, and hoping that these boats will henceforth be more particular in obeying your instructions,
I am, sir, with sentiments of the highest regard, &c.
ROBERT ANDERSON,
Major, U.S. Army, Commanding.