Robert Anderson to G. T. Beauregard, Charleston, S. C, April 6, 1861

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

DrAR GENERAL: I deem it my duty to call your attention to the fact that some of the shells fired this morning from the mortar battery at Mount Pleasant have exploded so near this work as to render the further firing dangerous to the occupants of this fort, unless the direetion of the mortar is changed. I hope, therefore, that, to guard against the possibility of such an event (one, I know, that you would never cease to regret), you will issue such orders as are proper in the ease. I think it as well, too, to mention another thing which oceurred yesterday and has annoyed us. You know that since January 14, I have, in aecordance with a suggestion from and an arrangement made by his excellency Governor Pickens, been sending my mails to and receiving them from Fort Jackson about 12 o’clock daily. Although I did not deem it necessary to (do so, I have always had a white flag in the boat. As she is dispatched, however, in accordance with the instructions of the executive, and is (the whole distance) in view of and under protection of –

Cuar. 1] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.—UNION.

the guns of this fort and of Fort Johnson, the case does not really require the use of that flag. Nothing has ever been said about it until yesterday, when on its return from Fort Johnson with my mail she was stopped

by a row-boat from the vessel which remains anchored off the left flank

of this fort (the one about which Lieutenant Snyder spoke to his excelleney and yourself, and of which you said you knew nothing), and an ofiicer in charge told my men that his orders were not to let any boat . go from Fort Sumter to the shore without a white flag and that he must raise it. I do not believe that you have given these orders, and I ain unwilling that my officers shall leave here, as we hope to do in a few days, under the impression that you have either had that vessel placed so much nearer to us than any vessel has ever been anchored betore or given her sueh orders. I have never regarded myself as being in a hostile attitude towards the inhabitants of South Carolina, and have been very particular in treating every one who has approached me or with whom [ have had any intercourse with the greatest civility and courtesy. I hope that you will at once give your attention to both these matters, and I most earnestly hope that nothing will ever occur to alter, in the – least, the high regard and esteem I have for so many years entertained

_ for you. 1 am, dear general, yours, very truly, ROBERT ANDERSON, Major, U. 8. Army, Commanding.

CHARLESTON, 8. C., April 7, 1861. Maj. RoBERT ANDERSON, Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.:

morning, and I regret to learn that the firing from the mortar battery

yesterday was so directed as to render the explosion of the shells dan-

» gerous to the occupants of Fort Sumter. The attention of the ofiicer

in command of the battery was called to the manner of his firing yesterday, and orders will be sent to him to-day not to practice again in the same direction.

In regard to the vessel lying near Fort Sumter, orders were given by me, as early as the 4th instant, for its removal to’ some other point, and if it has not been done steps will be taken to have it removed forthwith.

The orders to hail boats passing to and from Fort Sumter without a white fag was not intended by me to apply to your mail-boat at 12 m., and orders will be given to the proper ofiicers to allow it to pass as heretofore. Let me assure you, major, that nothing shall be wanting on my

part to preserve the friendly relations and impressions which have existed between us for so many years. I ain, major, very truly, chime

. T. BEAUREGARD ee igadier-General, Commanding.

No. 96.] Fort Sumrer, 8. C., April 7, 1861. f (Received A. G. O., April 13.) Col. L. THomas, Adjutant-General U. 8. Army:

©oLoneL: I have the honor to report that we do not see any work > eotene on around us. There was more activity displayed by the guard248 OPERATIONS IN CHARLESTON HARBOR, 8. C. — (Cuar.1.

boats last night than has been done for”some time. Three of them remained at anchor all night and until after reveille this morning, near the junction of the three channels. You will see by the inclosed letter, just received from Brigadier-General Beauregard that we shall not get any more supplies from the city of Charleston. I hope that they will continue to let us have our mails as long as we remain. I am glad to be enabled to report that there have been no new cases of dysentery, and that the sick-list only embraces six cases to-day. I am, colonel,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,