Seven Stars over Fort Sumter - April 1861)
From The New-York Times April 15, 1861 (The New York Times Archive):
FORT SUMPTER EVACUATED.; FORT SUMPTER HAS SURRENDERED.
CHARLESTON, via AUGUSTA, Saturday, April 13.
The Confederate flag floats over its walls.
None of the garrison or Confederate troops are hurt.
Another correspondent says:
The bombarding has closed.
Major Anderson has drawn down the stripes and stars, and displays a white flag, which has been answered from the city, and a boat is on the way to Sumpter.
CHARLESTON, Saturday, April 13 — P.M.
The Federal flag was again hoisted over Fort Sumpter, when PORCHER MILES, with a flag of truce, went to the Fort.
William Porcher Miles, fire-eater (Library of Congress - LC-DIG-cwpbh-02127)
In a few minutes the Federal flag was again hauled down by Major ANDERSON, and a white one unfurled.
CHARLESTON, Saturday, April 13.
Gen. BEAUREGARD, with two Aids, have left for Fort Sumpter.
Three fire companies from Charleston are now on their way to Sumpter to quell the fire before it reaches the magazine.
Fort Sumpter has unconditionally surrendered.
Ex-Senator CHESNUT, Ex-Governor MANNING and W.P. MILES have just landed and marched to Gov. PICKENS’ residence, followed by a dense crowd wild with joy.
It is reported that the Federal flag was shot away by the Palmetto Guards at Morris Island.
Fort Sumter storm flag down
In all two thousand shots have been fired. No Carolinians killed.
Major ANDERSON and his men, under guard, were conveyed to Morris Island.
The bells are ringing out a merry peal, and our people are engaged in every demonstration of joy.
It is estimated that there are nine thousand men under arms on the islands and in the neighborhood.
William Porcher Miles is reported to have said on July 24, 1860:
I am chary of seeing the South pass “resolutions”. They accomplish nothing. In truth, have come to be regarded very much like the cry of “wolf”. Let us resolve less and do more. I am sick at heart of the endless talk and bluster of the South. If we are in earnest let us act. Above all, I am weary of these eternal attempts to hold out the olive branch, when we ought to be preparing to grasp the sword.”
The South sure is grasping the sword now. How will the North (and Border States) respond?
