Leroy P. Walker to P. G. T. Beauregard, Charleston, S. C, March 21, 1861

General P. G. T. BEAUREGARD, Charleston, S. C.:

Sir: The probability is, if there be any reliance on rumors semiofficial in their character, that Fort Sumter will be shortly abandoned. Of course, it would be proper to afford Major Anderson and his men a safe conduct out of the harbor; but before this is done you must feel perfectly assured that there are no mines laid with trains within the fort. This might be individually accomplished by informing Major Anderson that you intended immediately on its abandonment by him to occupy it, and to take possession of everything left behind; that you did not desire to do this, except upon an inventory to be made out by yourself and one of his officers, and the proper officer to be detailed by him to perform this duty would be Foster, the Engineer.

Should he reply to this proposition that he cannot consider what course you may pursue after his abandonment of the fort, and therefore decline to assist in the inventory, it will be your duty to communicate to him the existence of the rumor, and to demand from him such assurance of its falsity as shall fully satisfy you. If he declines to give this assurance it will be your duty to prevent their departure. It is hardly

_ probable that he will decline either of these propositions, but should he __ decline both you must pursue the course herein indicated, and keep him where he is. }

Very respectfully,