The Bombardment.

shells, and the shower of this firing. You are on fire;
fragments of the fort, with your flag is down; let us The Flag of Truce.

the blackness of the smoke, quit !" No, sir, our flag made the scene indescribably terrific and is not down!" was the answer of Davis. “Look grand. This continued for several hours. out upon the ramparts—it is waving there." Meanwhile, the main gates were burned down, Without noticing the answer, he excitedly the chassis of the barbette guns were burned asked: “Will no one wave a white flag ?": away on the gorge, and the upper por- That is for you to do," was Davis' reply. tions of the towers had been demolished by “ If you want the firing to stop, you must shells.

stop it.” Whereupon Wigfall stepped into “There was not a portion of the fort where the embrasure, and held forth the handkera breath of air could be got for hours, except chief fixed on his sword. Davis ordered & through a wet cloth. The fire spread to the corporal to relieve the General, as the shot men's quarters, on the right hand and on the flew furiously around the exposed spot. No left, and endangered the powder which had attention being paid by the enemy to the been taken out of the magazines. The men signal, the corporal indignantly returned it, went through the fire and covered the bar- saying, with a soldier's oath, “They don't rerels with wet cloths, but the danger of the spect your flag. I won't hold it !" Wigfall fort's blowing up became so imminent, that then asked that it might be shown from the they were obliged to heave the barrels out ramparts. Davis said: “If you request the of the embrazures. While the powder was flag to be shown while you hold a conference being thrown overboard, all the guns of with Major Anderson, and for that purpose Moultrie, of the iron floating battery, of the alone, it may be done.” Major Anderson enfilade battery, and the Dahlgren battery, came up at that moment, when the “irreworked with increased vigor.

pressible" Texan introduced himself in these “ All but four barrels were thus disposed terms: “I am General Wigfall, and come of, and those remaining were wrapped in from General Beauregard, who wishes to stop many thicknesses of wet woolen blankets. this.” “Very well, sir !" was Anderson's reBut three cartridges were left, and these ply, as he slightly lifted his person and came were in the guns. About this time the flag- down solidly on his heels. “Major Anderstaff of Fort Sumter was shot down, some son,” continued Wigfall," you have defendfifty feet from the truck, this being the ninth ed your flag nobly; you have done all that time that it had been struck by a shot. The it is possible for man to do, and General men cried out: “The flag is down; it has Beauregard wishes to stop the fight. On been shot away! In an instant, Lieutenant what terms will you evacuate the fort ?" Hall rushed forward and brought the flag Looking him sharply in the face, Anderson away. But the halliards were so inextricably replied, with much decision : "General Beautangled, that it could not be righted; it was, regard is already acquainted with my terms" therefore, nailed to the staff, and planted -referring to his (Anderson's) note of the upon the ramparts, while batteries in every 11th. “I have no other terms to offer.” Wigdirection were playing upon them."

fall owed, as his face lit up with a combin Shortly after the flig had disappeared, ed sense of his own importance, and that of Louis T. Wigfall, late United States Senator his mission. “ Then I understand you will from Texas, appeared at one of the embra- evacuate ?" “ Yes, sir, on my already known sures, bearing a white flag, and begging ad- terms." “Then, all I have to do is, to leave mittance. Crawling in, he demanded to see you military men to arrange everything Anderson, saying he came from General Beau- your own way. Good day, sir !" Wigfall regard. He was met by Captain Foster, disappeared through the embrasure, into his Lieutenant Mead, and Lieutenant Davis, to small boat, leaving his little white flag still whom he exclaimed: “I am General Wigs on the ramparts. fall, and come from General Beauregard ; I What was Anderson's mortification soon to wish to see Major Anderson. Let us stop | learn that Wigfall was diplomatizing and ANDER BON'S TERMS OF EVACUATION ACCEPTED.

79

conquering on his own re- | unquestionably, they would

Anderson's Terms of The Flag of Truce. sponsibility! A few mo- have filled many a South

Evacuation accepted. ments after his exit through ern home with mourning. the embrasure, another boat pulled up at the The conflict was ended. The batteries landing, when several of General Beauregard's had ceased their fire with the departure of staff, bearing a white flag, were admitted the first deputation, under a flag of truce, to They said they came to offer the assistance the fortress; and, by four o'clock, Charleston of the commanding General to put out the harbor was as silent as if its serene atmosfire. Anderson, thanking them for their phere had not been disturbed by the shock offer, replied, that he had just agreed to an of battle. Anderson's men rested from their evacuation. The staff opened their eyes in labors in peace. Assistance was volunteered wonder. “ With whom had he agreed ? | to quench the fire, by the Charleston fire deWigfall, who professed to represent Gen-partment; and when darkness reigned over eral Beauregard !” The staff expressed sur- all, the wearied sank to rest, conscious of prise, confessing to Anderson that the Texan duty done, and that the country's benedichad acted without authority. The Major tion awaited them. saw, at once, how egregiously he had been During the bombardment, a vast concourse imposed upon by the wandering mounte- of people gathered in Charleston, and lined bank. It was too late, however, to remedy the wharves and promenade, to witness the the imposture, for Wigfall undoubtedly had sublime contest. The surrounding country immediately sought Beauregard's quarters. poured in its eager, excited masses, to add The Major expressed his mortification and to the throng. Men, women, and children his purposes in an order to Lieutenant Davis stood there, hour after hour, with blanched to run up his flag, in full view. The pride faces and praying hearts; for, few of that and sense of duty of the brave defender were crowd but had some loved one in the works aroused, and the deputation foresaw that he under fire. Messengers came hourly from the would perish in his fortress rather than sub- several positions, to assure the people of the mit to new terms or to further negotiations. safety of the men. The second day's con

After a brief conference fict found the city densely-filled with peoAnderson's Terms of Evacuation accepted. among the Southern men, ple, crowding in by railway and private

they requested him to al conveyances, from the more distant counlow matters to remain in statu quo until they ties, until Charleston literally swarmed with should confer with their commander. This humanity, which, in dispersing, after the was done; and, ere long, a second commis- evacuation, played the important part of sion from Beauregard's staff pulled over to agents to “fire the Southern heart” for the the fort, bearing an acceptance of the terms storm which their madness had evoked. proposed to Wigfall. This acceptance was The evacuation took regarded by the revolutionists as an act of place Sunday morning, great magnanimity, since Anderson's reduc- commencing at half-past tion to an unconditional surrender was but nine. The steamer Isabel was detailed to rethe question of a few hours at most. The ceive the garrison, and to bear it to any port gallant bearing of the Major and his men in the North which Anderson might indihad won the admiration of the assailants; cate. The baggage was first transferred to and none, apparently, were more rejoiced at the transport; then the troops marched out, the safety of every man of the garrison, than bearing their arms; while a squad, specially the leading officers of the assailants. An- detailed, fired fifty guns as a salute to their derson, when told that the Confederates had flag. At the last discharge, a premature exnot lost a man, expressed his gratification at plosion killed one man, David Hough, and the bloodless result—a result owing much to wounded three — the only loss and injury the illy-prepared condition of Sumter's arma- which the men suffered in the eventful ment. lad Anderson's fine artillerymen drama. The troops then lowered their flag been provided with properly-equipped guns, and marched out with their colors flying,

The Evacuation.

while the band played “Yankee Doodle" and the main gates destroyed by fire, the gorge wall se. " Hail to the Chief." From the Isabel the riously injured, the magazine surrounded by flames, garrison was conveyed to the transport Bal- and its door closed from the effects of the heat, four tic, still anchored outside the bar. The Bal barrels and three cartridges of powder only being tie sailed for New York Tuesday evening, available, and no provisions but pork remaining, I April 16th,

accepted terms of evacuation, offered by General

Beauregard, being the same offered by him on the Major Anderson's disMajor Anderson's

11th instant, prior to the commencement of hostil. patch to his Government ities, and marched out of the fort Sunday afternoon, Otlicial Dispatch. was almost laconic in its

the 14th instant, with colors flying and drums beatbrevity. It, however, told the whole story : ing, bringing away company and private property,

and saluting my flag with fifty guns. 18th,

ROBERT ANDERSON, The Honorable S. Cameron, Secretary of War, Wash

Major, First Artillery. ington, D. C.:

This ended the drama of Sumter-a drama Sir: Having defended Fort Sumter for thirty- / which served to prelude the grander tragedy four hours, until the quarters were entirely burned, I of the War for the Union,

STEAMSHIP BAprilici seks 1861. Hook,}

CHAPTER X.

PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S PROCLAMATION CALLING FOR SEVENTY.

FIVE THOUSAND TROOPS. RESPONSES OF THE STATES. THE CARNIVAL

OF

PATRIOTISM.

The collision at Sumter | purpose !—the centuries neThe Awakening was the requiem of peace.

ver recorded such a spec

The Awakening The first announcement, to tacle, and truly the centuthe North, by telegraph, thrilled and excited ries may not record a struggle like that the people with the hopes and fears of battle; which came of the bombardment of Fort soon came the consciousness of the awful Sumter. crime committed in the assault upon a The President found himself suddenly United States garrison even before any act of overwhelmed with congratulations at the offense had been offered, and the public heart policy inaugurated, and with offers of aid. bounded as with one mighty impulse to The general apprehension that he had no avenge the act. In a few brief hours parti- power, [See Constitution, Art. I, Sec. 8,) withsan passions and political prejudices were out the consent of Congress, to call out troops swept away; as, when some appalling calam- and to initiate war, led the majority to infer ity visits a community all men become that nothing could be done in the premises brothers, so all those loving the Union and until Congress was convened. At the South the Constitution became associates in a com- the impression was general that, as the

The world never before wit- President had no power to call out the troops, nessed such a solemn uprising. It was not none would be forthcoming to repress the more solemn than it was fearful. Nineteen revolution. Even up to the very hour of the millions of population swayed by one over- responses to the Proclamation, (April 15th,) powering impulse-moved by one overmaster- the Southern people believed it impossible ing sympathy - stirred by one relentless I that a majority of Congressmen would favor

a

TIE PROCLAMATION OF

A STATE OF INSURRECTION.

81

The Proclamation.

“ A PROCLAMATION.

The Act of 1795.

the policy of “coercion;" how they miscon- it necessary thus to resort to military force, ceived the truth but a few days were neces- he shall command the insurgents by proclaBary to demonstrate.

mation to disperse within a limited time. The President's Proclamation was not long The manifesto of the Exwithheld, and the public then learned that ecutive was as follows: the Executive was vested with full powers to “ By the President of the United States :

meet the emergencies.* The
unrepealed and unmodified “ Whereas, The laws of the United States have

Act of 1795, [see Vol. I, p. / been for some time past and now are opposed, and 6,7 gave him all requisite authority to call the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of an army and all its necessary consequents South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Missis. into the field, over which, as Commander-in- sippi, Louisiana, and Texas, by combinations too Chief, (see Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 2,] he powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course

of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in could exercise supreme control. The Act

the Marshals by law : gave the President power to call upon the

“Now, therefore, I, ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President militia in case of invasion, or imminent dan

of the United States, in virtue of the power in me ger of invasion; in case of insurrection in vested by the Constitution and the laws, have any State against the laws thereof, if called thought fit to call forth, and hereby do call forth, upon by the Legislature or Executive of the the Militia of the several States of the Union, to the State ; and, finally, “whenever the laws of aggregate number of 75,000, in order to suppress the United States shall be opposed, or the said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly execution thereof obstructed, in any State, executed. The details for this object will be immeby combinations too powerful to be suppress- diately communicated to the State authorities ed by the ordinary course of judicial pro

through the War Department. ceedings, or by the powers vested in the and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integ

“ I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate, Marshals, in this act, it shall be lawful for rity, and the existence of our National Union and the President of the United States to call the perpetuity of popular government, and to reforth the militia of such, or of any other dress wrongs already long enough endured. State or States, as may be necessary to sup- “ I deem it proper to say, that the first service press such combinations, and to cause the assigned to the force hereby called forth, will laws to be duly executed; and the use of the probably be to repossess the forts, places and militia so to be called forth, may be con property which have been seized from the Union, tinued, if necessary, until the expiration of and in every event, the utmost care will be obthirty days after the commencement of the served, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to then next session of Congress.” The Act avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or interalso requires that, when the President deems ference with property, or any disturbance of peace

ful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby * The belief prevailed in Europe that our Execu- command the persons composing the combinations tive was powerless to repress a rebellion. Thus, aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their the London News--ever friendly to the cause of the respective abodes, within twenty days from this North-in its issue of April 9th, said : “ In Europe date. we cannot understand how it is that a Chief Magis. • Deeming that the present condition of public trate is without what may be called an Executive ; | affairs presents an extraordinary occasion, I do he is in authority, but bas no authority to act hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the promptly and energetically. With us would have Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. been a word and a blow. Rebellion would have encount- The Senators and Representatives are therefore cred opposition from the first moment of its raising its summoned to assemble at their respective chamhead, and the struggle would not terminate until the insur. bers at twelve o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the rection had been pu down or had achieved a revolution. fourth day of July next, then and there to consider In America it is different. There are so many Sove- and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, reiga States, that there appears to be no compact the public safety and interest may seem to demand. with the measure of the law. The Republic is “ In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my divided, outraged, insulted, but no action has been hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be taken."

66

The Carnival of

Patriotism.

band and caused the seal of the United States to be | sition-characterizing the call as illegal and alixed.

unconstitutional. North Carolina, Tennes “Done at the city of Washington, this fifteenth

see and Virginia, coupled threats of open reday of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand sistance to any attempt at coercion. eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independ

It would not be possible, ence of the United States the eighty-fifth. “ ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

in the compass of an ordi“By the President,

nary octavo, to tell the “ WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Sec. of State." story of military and popular demonstrations

This was immediately which soon became the one absorbing fact The Requisitiong upon followed by the requisi- throughout the entire North. Each section

tions of the War Depart- seemed to vie in patriotism and devotion, ment upon the Governors of the still loyal | in Public assemblages everywhere testified States for the troops, apportioning the quotas in their corporate capacities, to assure Gorof each. This document read:

ernment of their support. Subscriptions to “ Was DEPARTMENT,

}

the Treasury were volunteered to an amount WASHINGTON, April, 1861.

which soon reached many millions of dollars. “Sir: Under the act of Congress ‘for calling Local arrangements were made for the care forth the militia to execute the laws of the Union, of the families of those who should enter the suppress insurrection, repel invasion,' &c., ap. proved February 28th, 1795, I have the honor to ranks. In almost numberless instances, emrequest your Excellency to cause to be inimediately ployers gave notice that the pay of those in detached from the militia of your state the quota their service, who enlisted, should not be indesignated in the table below, to serve as infantry termitted during the three months' military or riflemen for the period of three months, unless duty. American flags floated from housesooner discharged.

tops, windows and doors—were used as deco“ Your Excellency will please communicate to me rations in parlors, offices, shops and stores-the time at or about which your quota will be ex ornamented the heads of horses in the street pected at its rendezvous, as it will be met, as soon —flew by upon every locomotive-fluttered as practicable, by an officer or officers to muster it from every mast-peak. It seemed as if exinto the service and pay of the United States. At the same time the oath of fidelity to the United pressions of patriotism never would have States will be administered to every officer and

an end; for where flags could not be used,

as on the persons of men, women and chil“ The mustering officer will be instructed to re-dren, “Union badges," red, white and blue ceive no man under the rank of commissioned officer rosettes, and the National shield, came into who is in years apparently over forty-five, or under requisition. “Young America" flew to drums, eighteen, or who is not in physical strength and fifes, swords, and military caps—schools, for vigor."

the while, being almost deserted for the paThe responses to this rade ground, or to witness the daily passage Response of the

call were almost immediate, of troops on their hurried way to the South,

in the heaviest States. The tocsin sounded from the pulpit, from the Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Massa- press, from the forum: the most apathetic chusetts, all had anticipated the worst, and conservative" must have loved treason well had partially prepared for it by legislative to have withstood their flood of commingled action, in placing their militia in a state of argument, invective, and calls to duty. readiness. The responses from the Border

It was, indeed, a carnival of patriotisni, Slave States, viz. : North Carolina, Virginia, which the spirits of the Fathers of the ReKentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Arkansas, public must have contemplated with sublime came in by April 20th. In every instance emotions. It was the marriage of the heart their Governors refused to answer the requi- of 76 with the soul of '61.

man.

States.