The Rifle Battalion, under command of Col. J.J. PETTIGREW,
assembled promptly upon the Citadel Green. They were
substantially equipped in winter uniform, with blankets,
knapsacks and revolvers. The battalion numbered some 150 men,
and consisted of detachments from the Meagher Guards, the
Carolina Light Infantry and the Washington Light Infantry.
Shortly after four o'clock the word was given, and the
companies advanced in double quick time, without music,
towards the Cooper River. None of them, we believe, excepting
the officers, were aware of their destination. They embarked
on the steamer Nina, which immediately headed for Castle
Pinckney, and the surmise soon became confirmed that the
destination of the command was to take possession of that
fortress. On nearing the fort, a number of men were observed
on the wharf, one of whom, in advance of the others, was
observed holding what appeared to be a paper in his hand.
This was said to have been the Riot Act. As soon as the Nina
touched the wharf, the storming party who had been detailed for
that duty, sprung ashore and rushed round to the rear of the
fortress, where the gate is situated. This was found closed,
and a cry for storming ladders was soon answered by a
detachment bearing a dozen or more of them. These were
instantly planted, and under cover of the rifles of the
battalion, the walls were escaladed and the gates thrown open.
On entering the fort it was found to be tenanted only by an
officer of Engineers and a small party of laborers - none of
whom made any resistance. The Engineer officer was informed
that he was at liberty to leave, and remove his personal
effects, and in a few minutes he set out in a boat belonging to
the fort, accompanied by four other men. From the direction
in which he steered, it was supposed that he went to Fort
Moultrie.
The flag of the Nina, consisting of a white star on a red
ground, was then hoisted amid loud cheers; and when our
reported left, a strong guard had been mounted, and
preparations for garrisoning the fortress were well advanced.
About seven o'clock the tramp of detachments from the
artillery regiments was heard, and the Washington Artillery,
the German Artillery, the Lafayette Artillery, and the Marion
Artillery, making a total of two hundred and twenty- five men,
rank and file, under command of Col. WILMOT G. DESAUSSURE,
were soon embarked on board the Nina and General Clinch, and
steamed away down the harbor towards Sullivan's Island. Among
those on board were Col. CHARLES ALSTON, Aid to the Governor,
and Capt. HUMPHREYS, of the Arsenal. On reaching the island
these two last named gentlemen approached the gate, and the
sentinel, in accordance, it is said, with orders, surrendered
on demand. The troops then quietly took possession, and the
Palmetto flag was soon waving over the time-honored
fortifications. Three rockets (the signal agreed upon) were
then sent up, to notify the people in the city that the fort
was in the hands of the State, and then the newly installed
garrison betook themselves, as best they might, to devising
the ways and means of comfort and protection. Thus far had the
affair progressed up to a late hour last night.
This transfer of the troops from Fort Moultrie to Fort
Sumter is regarded as an outrageous breach of faith. For
there was a distinct understanding with the General
Government, upon the highest authority, that no such transfer
would be made, no reinforcement of either of the forts
attempted, and no transfer of arms or ammunition. Relying
upon these declarations, the authorities of South Carolina had
not taken the forts when completely within their power. They
have acted with good faith, and expected it in return.
Major ANDERSON alleges that the movement was made without
orders and upon his own responsibility, and that he was not
aware of such an understanding. He is a gentleman, and we
will not impugn his word or his motives. But it is due to
South Carolina and to good faith, that the act of this officer
be repudiated by the Government, and that the troops be removed
forthwith from Fort Sumter.
REF: The Charleston Mercury - 28 DEC 1860
