Union flag still flying defiantly
LETTER FROM FORT SUMPTER.
From a reliable correspondent at Fort Sumpter, the Philadelphia North American gathers the following particulars:
“No order for the evacuation of the fort had reached there up to the 31st inst. On the previous Saturday, the Convention, on the invitation of Gen. BEAUREGARD, had visited the defences in Charleston harbor. Rapid firing of shot and shell, took place from the batteries on Cummings’ Point. Thirty of the laborers employed at Fort Sumpter were to leave on Monday, the 1st inst. The provisions in the fort were nearly exhausted, and but four days’ bread remained.
An amusing incident occurred a few days ago, upon the arrival of the steamboat with the private effects of one of the officers, which had been left at Sullivan’s Island. Supposing that Fort Sumpter was at last to be evacuated, the troops at the different batteries around mounted upon the breastworks and sand-hills to watch the departure. Just before the arrival of the boat Major ANDERSON had given orders for the repair of the large flag, which had become torn. While the steamer was lying at the wharf the flag was lowered, when the troops around set up a loud shout, which, however, was suddenly checked by seeing a storm-flag running up to the mast-head, that soon floated out as defiantly as ever.
Fort Sumter storm flag intact
The fuel in the Fort was scarce, but the troops were using drift-wood which has been caught. None of the gun carriages had been burned, as has been reported.
From The New-York Times April 6, 1861 (The New York Times Archive). The Times this morning (April 6, 1861, that is) is full of news about the impending collision, although some are still saying that if Mr. Lincoln abandoned Forts Sumter and Pickens it would kind of deflate the rebellion by keeping the Border States in the Union. “Old Abe” as coercionless.
According to Wikipedia the image of the flag is a digital reproduction of the storm flag.
