Ft. Sumter

ANDERSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/5/2008 at 09:52:25

Muscatine Weekly Journal
April 19, 1861

WAR COMMENCED!
The Traitors Fire the First Shot!
Fort Sumter Returns the Fire!!

The ball has opened – war is inaugurated.

The batteries of Sullivan’s Island, Morris Island and other points were opened on Fort Sumter at 4 o’clock this morning. Fort Sumter has returned the fire and a brisk cannonading has been kept up.

No information has been received from the seaboard yet.

The military are under arms, and the whole of our population are in the streets, and every available space facing the harbor is filled with anxious spectators.

CHARLESTON, APRIL 12.

The firing has ceased for the night, to be renewed early in the morning. Ample arrangements are made to prevent reinforcement tonight.

Special to the Herald: - Two men were wounded on Sullivan’s Island – the number struck by spent missiles.

Three vessels are visible in the offing. It is believed an attempt will be made, to-night, to reinforce Sumter.

From the regularity of the firing throughout, Anderson has a larger force than was supposed.

It has rained all day.

CHARLESTON, APRIL 11.

Bombardment is continuing with mortars and will be kept up all night. It is supposed that Anderson is resting his men for night.

Vessels cannot get in, as a storm is raging and the sea is rough, making it impossible to effect reinforcements to-night.

The floating battery works well.
[Evening Dispatch.]

The bombardment continues from the floating barter, Steven’s and other batteries. For Sumter continues returning fire.

It is reported that three war vessels are now off the bar.

MONTGOMERY, APRIL 12.