Quincy A. Gillmore to P.G.T. Beauregard, August 21, 1863
General G. T. BEAUREGARD, Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C.:
GENERAL: I have the honor to demand of you the immediate evacuation of Morris Island and Fort Sumter by the Confederate forces. The present condition of Fort Sumter and the rapid and progressive destruction which it is undergoing from my batteries, seem to render its complete demolition within a few hours a matter of certainty. All my heaviest guns have not yet opened.
Should you refuse compliance with this demand, or should I receive no reply thereto within four hours after it is delivered into the hands of your subordinate at Fort Wagner for transmission, I shall open fire on the city of Charleston from batteries already established within easy and effective range of the heart of the city.
very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Brigadier-General, Commanding.
58 S. C. AND G. A. COASTS, AND IN MID. AND E. FLA. (Cuap. X. L.
[Indorsements. ]
following indorsement :
CHARLESTON, S. C., August 21, 1863.
This paper is returned for the signature of the writer.