P.G.T. Beauregard to Robert Anderson, April 11, 1861

Masor: In consequence of the verbal observation made by you to my aides, Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, in relation to the condition of your 14 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 8. C. [Cuar. I.

supplies, and that you would in a few days be starved out if our guns did not batter you to pieces, or words to that effect, and desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated both the verbal observations and your written answer to my communieatiens to my Government.

If you will state the time at-whieh you will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in the mean time you will not use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort Scniae: we Will abstain from opening fire upon you. Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to enter into such an agreement with you. You are, therefore, requested to communicate to them an open answer.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,