Fort Sumter: "The Star of the West Continuing Thus Defiantly"
The following account was reprinted in the Keowee Courier in South Carolina on January 19, 1861, describing shots fired in Charleston Harbor at the supply ship—Star of the West—that tried to reach the Federal garrison at Fort Sumter. Though the firing on Fort Sumter which is traditionally viewed as the beginning of the American Civil War was still months away (April 12-14, 1861), the Star of the West incident was an event on the road to conflict.
The War Begun!
The Steamer “Star of the West,” contrary to our expectation, attempted to reinforce Maj. Anderson, at Fort Sumter, on the 9th instant. This Steam was ordered around by the President and his Cabinet. The Mercury gives this account of the affair:
“Yesterday morning, shortly after “reveille,” the sentries on Morris Island reported a steam ship standing in for the ship channel. The long roll was immediately beat, and all the troops were promptly under arms. Lieutenant-Colonel J.L. Branch, of the Regiment of Rifles commanding. These comprised the Vigilant Rifles, Capt. Tupper (90 men); the German Riflemen, Capt. Small (90 men); the Zouave Cadets, Lieut. Chichester (45 men); and a detachment of 40 from the Citadel Cadet Corps. The last named body were at once marched to the battery, commanding the ship channel, which, at this point, passes within from one-half to three-quarters of a mile of the beach. At 7 o’clock, when the “Star of the West” had reached a point within the range of the runs, Major Stevens fired a shot across her bows, as a signal or her to heave to. After waiting three or four minutes no diminution in speed or change in the course of the steam could be noticed. A moment after, the United States flag was run up at her foremast. The “Star of the West” continuing thus defiantly to pursue her course towards Fort Sumter, the order was given to the men at Morris Island guns to open fire. Five rounds were accordingly discharged in quick succession. Two of these are reported to have taken effect: one forward and the other abaft the wheel. At the sixth discharge the “Star of the West” rounded to and steered outward towards the bar. At the same time, the ensign which she displayed immediately after the warning gun, was lowered. Three more shots were fired from Fort Morris and three from Fort Moultrie; one of these latter, it is thought took effect.
“A gentleman on the Island reports that after the “Star of the West” had cleared the bar and proceeded a considerable distance beyond, a steam propeller, of about 350 tons burthen joined her, apparently as a tender, and they steamed off together in E.N.E. direction.”
Two shots took effect, when the vessel steamed off for New York, it is supposed.
Immediately after, a correspondence ensued Anderson and Gov. Pickens….
Source:
Keowee Courier, "The War Begun!", Saturday, January 19, 1861, Page 2. (Accessed through Newspapers.com)
