The Words of War Read online

  The follow up to the story is that Dr. Salter, after being relieved of his personal effects, was imprisoned in a rather foul place reeking with odor where he was taunted by the guards with threats of being hung or being shot from the mouth of a cannon as an example to Northern newspapermen.

  After an uncomfortable night and the passage of twenty four hours, Dr. Salter was released, put on a train, and sent on his way.

  It was later reported that Dr. Salter’s composure was not restored until he got to Wilmington, North Carolina, which was still in the Union, where he was befriended by a fellow newspaperman.

  Jan. 10, 1861: From the Charleston Mercury Special to the Charleston Mercury, the Ninth of January, 1861. Great Events crowd rapidly one upon another. Three short weeks ago, and the greatest event of the century upon the Western Hemisphere was transacted in Charleston. The Union of the States of North America was dissolved by the action of the State of South Carolina.

  It appears to be a decree of history that upon all great revolutions or changes of the Government of a people, the red seal of blood must be set. Yesterday, the 9th of January, will be memorable to history. Powder has been burnt over the decree of our State, timber has been crushed, perhaps blood spilled. South Carolina will maintain her liberties and her independence whilst there is a single shot in her lockers. Blind infatuation is driving our enemies forward, and stroke by stroke the liberties of the South are being welded and cemented together.

  The expulsion of the steamer Star of the West from the Charleston harbor yesterday morning was the opening of the hall of the Revolution. We are proud that our harbor has been so honored. We are more proud that the State of South Carolina, so long, so bitterly, so contemptuously reviled and scoffed at, above all others, should this proudly have thrown back the scoff of her enemies. Entrenched upon her soil, she has spoken from the mouth of her cannon, and not from the mouths of scurrilous demagogues, fanatics and scribblers. Condemned, the sanctity of her waters violated with the hostile purpose of reinforcing enemies in our harbor, she has not hesitated to strike the first blow, full in the face of her insulter. Let the United States Government bear, or return at their good will, the blow still tingling about her ears – the fruit of her own bandit temerity. We would not exchange or recall that blow for millions! It has wiped out a half century of scorn and outrage. Again South Carolina may be proud of her historic fame and ancestry, without a blush upon her cheek for her own present honor. The haughty echo of her cannon has ere this reverberated from Maine to Texas, through every hamlet of the North, and down along the great waters of the Southwest.

  CHARLESTON HARBOR, SHOWING THE SCENE OF THE NAVAL BATTLE BETWEEN THE IRON CLAD MONITORS AND THE REBEL BATTERIES (TOMLINSON, G.W.). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The decree has gone forth. Upon every acre of the peaceful soil of the South armed men will spring up, as the sound breaks upon their ears; and it will be found that every word of our insolent foes has indeed been a dragontooth sown for their destruction. And though grisly and traitorous ruffians may cry on the dogs of war, and treacherous politicians may lend their aid in deceptions, South Carolina will stand under her own Palmetto tree, unterrified by the snarling growls or assaults of the one, undeceived or deterred by the wily machinations of the other. And if that red seal of blood be still lacking to the parchment of our liberties, and blood they want – blood they shall have – and blood enough to stamp it all in red. For, by the God of our Fathers, the soil of South Carolina SHALL BE FREE!

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 12, 1861

  War News, The Times – Charleston, April 12, 1861 – Yesterday was an exciting day in Charleston. Men met in crowds at the various corners of our thoroughfares, and the only topic was the all-engrossing one of WAR. Every moment the names of BEAUREGARD, ANDERSON, Sumter, Moultrie and Morris Island, would reach the ear, and the low, earnest conversations of the people gave evidence of their interest in the subject, and determination to proceed. At an early hour a large crowd congregated in front of THE MERCURY office to learn the latest news which appeared on the bulletin board, and the party only dispersed at eleven o, p.m., when it was understood that the bombardment would not commence immediately.

  On the Battery several hundreds of persons, principally ladies, were promenading until near midnight, anxiously gazing at the dim lights, barely visible through the haze, which indicated the position of the batteries, where fathers and sons, brothers and lovers were willing to sacrifice their lives for the honor of South Carolina. And yet there was but one regret expressed, and that was at the delay and procrastination of hostilities. A detachment of the Citadel Cadets are stationed here for night service, with some heavy pieces of artillery.

  Among the exciting rumors of the day was one that Major ANDERSON had fired into the steamer Gordon, which was, of course, without any foundation.

  A Pilot boat reported the steam cutter Harriet Lane, Capt FAUNCE, off the Bar, which also created a sensation, but it was one of rejoicing, as it was hoped that hostilities were then certain to commence.

  The reliable events of the day, however, were that about three o a demand for the evacuation of Fort Sumter was made by Gen. BEAUREGARD, through his Aids, Col. CHESNUT, Col. CHISHOLM, and Capt. LEE, and that Major Anderson replied he could not, consistently with his honor as an officer of the United States Army, retire from his post without instructions from his Government. At half past eleven, p.m., Gen. BEAUREGARD’S final reply was borne to him by the same officers, but up to the hour of our going to press, we have not had any further information.

  Among the noticeable incidents visible from the Battery last evening, were a number of rockets let off, a private signal no doubt, by the steamers on duty in the harbor; also the fiery appearance of the three schooners in the neighborhood of Sumter, with pine wood and tar burning for the purpose of lighting the harbor in that vicinity.

  THE FLOATING BATTERY AT CHARLESTON, S.C., INTENDED TO ASSIST IN THE CAPTURE OF FORT SUMPTER, WITH DR. DE VEGA’S HOSPITAL ATTACHED. FROM A SKETCH BY OUR SPECIAL ARTIST NOW IN CHARLESTON. (FRANK LESLIE). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 13, 1861

  Charleston, April 12, 1861 – We stated yesterday that on Thursday, at three o, p.m. General BEAUREGARD had made a demand upon Major ANDERSON for the evacuation of Fort Sumter through his Aids, Colonel CHESNUT, Captain LEE, and Colonel CHISHOLM, and that Major ANDERSON had regretfully declined, under the circumstances of his position. It was, however, understood that unless reinforced he would necessarily yield the post in a few days – say by the fifteenth. An effort was, therefore, made to avoid an engagement, without incurring greater risk of reinforcement.

  At one and a half, a.m., Colonel CHESNUT and Captain LEE reached Fort Sumter from General BEAUREGARD, and, we gather, were prepared to enter into any arrangement for non action as to Fort Sumter, if no assistance were given to the efforts of reinforcement; but postponement merely to mature hostile plans was impossible. No satisfactory agreement being proposed, and time being important, at three and a half o a.m., Major ANDERSON was notified that, at the expiration of an hour, the batteries would open their fire upon him. The Aids then passed thence in a boat to Fort Johnson, and Col. CHESNUT ordered the fire to begin. Precisely at four and a half o a shell was fired from the signal battery on James’ Island, which, making a beautiful curve, burst immediately above Fort Sumter. Within fifteen minutes all the Carolina batteries were in full play. The inhabitants of Charleston forthwith thronged to the East Bay Battery and other points of observation, and excitement prevailed through the day amid various and stirring rumors put afloat from time to time. Major ANDERSON, no oil to light up his casemates, and the morning being slightly murky and drizzly, did not respond until broad day. At a quarter before six he opened his fire by a shot at the Iron Battery on Cumming point; then at Fort Moultrie, the Floating Battery, located at the west end of Sullivan Island; the Dahlgreen Battery, the Enfilade Battery, Major TRAPIER Battery,
and Fort Johnson, interspersing his attentions by paying respects to the numerous mortar batteries, by which he, encased in brick, is surrounded. Hour after hour has the fire on both sides been kept up, deliberate and unflagging. The steady frequent shock of the cannon boom, accompanied by the hiss of balls, and the horrid, hurtling sound of the flying shell, are now perfectly familiar to the people of Charleston.

  While the early sun was veiled in mist, we saw shell bursting within and illuminating Fort Sumter, or exploding in the air above, leaving a small thick cloud of white smoke to mark the place. We saw solid shot striking the dark walls, and in each instance followed by a fume of dust from the battered surface. One man was visibly stricken prostrate on the wharf, and carried in the fort; and several guns were dismounted. The walls, too, in several spots, were damaged. And while Sumter has certainly and manifestly been injured, no loss is yet sustained on our part. Fort Moultrie is intact, so far as fighting capacity is concerned. The Iron Battery is ready for continued work, after a full and fair trial of its powers of resistance; also the Floating Battery. The practice of our soldiers, as marksmen, has been excellent and highly satisfactory to officers of science and experience; and, great gratification, at the last accounts, six o, p.m., not one man of our army has suffered injury.

  The Pawnee and Harriet Lane are lying off North Channel bar, with another ship, supposed to be the Baltic; at ship bar a war ship, judged to be the Illinois. Whether they will attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter in barges tonight, or land troops on Morris Island for an engagement, or will try to run the gauntlet of our channel batteries and Fort Moultrie, remains to be seen, and we will see.

  BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER BY THE BATTERIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES (HARPER’S). LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 13, 1861

  Incidents – Two companies of volunteers passed THE MERCURY office at three o yesterday, with their banners flying, and tendered us a salute, for which we return our compliments.

  Two members of the Palmetto Guard paid fifty dollars cash for a boat to carry them to Morris Island, to join their company.

  The Battery, the wharves and shipping in the harbor, and every steeple and cupalo in the city, were crowded with anxious spectators of the great drama. Never before had such crowds of ladies without attendants visited our thoroughfares.

  Business was entirely suspended. The stores on King street, Meeting street and East Bay were all closed.

  Dr. SALTERS, the ‘Jasper’ correspondent of The New York Times, was arrested, and locked up in the Guard House, where he yet remains.

  One of our special reporters to Fort Moultrie brought a trophy of war, in the shape of a 32 pound ball, which ANDERSON had fired at Moultrie, and which lodged in the sandbags. It may be seen at our office.

  Another of our reporters has circulated the number of pounds of balls fired by both sides up to seven o, the hour at which Fort Sumter ceased firing. He gives as a total 75,000 pounds or over thirty-six tons of iron.

  It was currently rumored that the Harriet Lane was crippled by the Star of the West Battery, while trying to run in yesterday morning, but that the Harriet Lane pursued the course of her predecessor, and put back to sea minus one wheel.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 15, 1861

  Serenade to Gov. Pickens – On Saturday evening last, after our citizens were entirely satisfied of the capitulation of Fort Sumter, a large crowd assembled in front of the Charleston Hotel, and honored the Governor with a serenade. He acknowledged the compliment in a brief and appropriate speech, in the course of which he congratulated our citizens upon the happy termination of the bombardment.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 16, 1861

  Incidents of the Bombardment and Surrender – Fort Sumter was delivered up on Saturday to Capt. FERGUSON, one of Gen. BEAUREGARD’S Aids, despatched to receive it, and raise upon its walls the Confederate Flag. Previous to leaving, Major ANDERSON carefully pointed out the location of the mines which he had laid to defend his post; also the powder magazines, with the danger to which he might be exposed by the progress of the fire, etc. After performing these offices, he delivered up the keys.

  It is understood that Major ANDERSON had intended to fire a salute of one hundred guns before striking the United States flag, both the national salute of thirty four or thirty six guns, and the President salute of twenty one guns. This not being particularly agreeable to the captors of the fort, he determined to fire a full salute, but one without special point. The accident which happened to his gunners put a stop to his intention. Immediately upon seeing the fatal effect, Major WHITING wrote an order for the Confederate troops to bury the body in the parade ground of Fort Sumter with all the honors of war, and sent a copy to Major ANDERSON, who was visibly affected by this token of respect towards his brave garrison by their victorious enemies.

  The Confederate flag and the ensign of South Carolina were hoisted simultaneously on the ramparts looking towards Charleston. Capt. FERGUSON, in charge of the former, was assisted by Maj. JONES. The Palmetto Flag was raised by Cols. F. J. MOSES, JR., and J. L. DEARING, assisted by Col. CARROLL. The two flagstaffs, upon which the colors had been raised, had been lashed to two guns near one another by Commodore HARTSTENE, and rose some fifteen feet above the parapet.

  It is stated that ANDERSON flagstaff at Fort Sumter was touched by balls seven times before the final shot which cut it down. The halyard was cut below the flag on the morning of the 12th. At Fort Moultrie, where floated both the Confederate and State colors, the folds of the former were pierced by four balls, the latter by three.

  USS HARRIET LANE (REPRODUCTION OF CLARY RAY) NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER.

  Our readers may not have remarked the auspicious circumstance that on the nights of the 12th and 13th, the moon showed the silver crescent, which stands on the flag of the State. A gentleman also informs us, on the morning of the13th, as an omen of victory, that he saw a gamecock mount the tomb of CALHOUN, on Church street, flap his wings and crow. The superstitious will make a not on.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 16, 1861

  Morris Island , Saturday, April 13 – Up to this time, after thirty hours of bombardment, at 11 o, no one at Morris Island has been injured. It is believed here that Sullivan Island has been almost as fortunate. The fact is as wonderful as it is providential. With this promise for the relief of your many anxious readers, I hasten on to make a brief statement of the engagement as it appeared from this point.

  At five o, on the afternoon of the 11th, the officers were informed that the bombardment would be opened on Fort Sumter at 9 o, p.m. Orders were issued, in accordance, to the several regiments, as to their particular duties. Men slept, arms in hand, all night. At half past four in the morning of the 12th a shell was thrown up from Fort Johnson, and the ball opened, with shell and shot from some eight or ten batteries. The sight of the whizzing shell in the grey morning light, bursting in every direction, above and around the solitary grey mass in the harbor, was beautiful indeed. I have but ten minutes to write only a word – interruptions innumerable. Not until after six o did ANDERSON reply at all to their delicate hints suggested to him. At that time, however, he began to let himself out loosely, like forty bees in a barrel, right and left. But he couldn’t hold his hand long, and was driven from the parapets to the next tier of guns. The shell and shot pouring in from the iron battery, the rifle cannon, and the Trapier Battery, and from Fort Moultrie, the Floating Battery, the Butler Battery, and others on Sullivan Island and James Island and Mount Pleasant, drove him below. The Major then drew in his horns, and paid his especial compliments first to the Iron Battery and the Shell Battery here, and then to the Sullivan Island batteries. During the morning he paid his respects to all, and had tested the Floating Battery and the Iron Battery, and made nothing for the trouble. The last two or three hours before dark he devoted himself exclusively to Fort Moultrie, and the two fortresses had a beautifu
l little duello. Game to the last, though much more exposed, Fort Moultrie held her own, and, it is believed, a little more than her own. This battery has here received universal applause and admiration, as we suppose it has on all hands. The Iron Battery and Shell Battery, in charge of Capt. CUTHBERT, were under Major STEVENS’ command. The rifle cannon has also been most admirably managed. The practice of BUTLER’S Battery and HALLONQUIST’s Shell Battery have been excellent. Indeed, where there is so much to praise every where, it is difficult to discriminate even where there is advantage. Wish I could write more, but the time is up. All have slept four nights on the open ground – storm and sunshine – were under arms in rain all night. Will be again tonight.

  The Charleston Mercury

  April 16, 1861

  The Battle of Fort Sumter. HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL ARMY, C.S.A. CHARLESTON, S.C., April 14th, 1861. General Orders No. 20 – The Brigadier General commanding is happy to congratulate the troops under his command on the brilliant success which has crowned their gallantry, privations and hardships, by the reduction of the stronghold in the harbor of Charleston. This feat of arms has been accomplished after a severe cannonading of about thirty three hours, in which all the troops have indicated, by their daring and bravery, that our cause must and shall triumph.

  Fort Sumter, which surrendered yesterday, about 1:45 p.m., will be evacuated at 9 o a.m. today; and to show our magnanimity to the gallant defenders, who were only executing the orders of their Government, they will be allowed to evacuate upon the same terms which were offered to them before the bombardment commenced. Our success should not lull us into a false security, but should encourage us in the necessary preparations to meet a powerful enemy, who may, at any time, attempt to avenge this, their first check, in the present contest.