The Firing On The Star Of The West

Augusta, Jan. 10. The Charleston Courier of to day says: At about half-past 6 o'clock yesterday morning, (he steamer Gsn. Clinoh discovered tho steamer Star of the West, and signaled the fact of her approaoh to the ooeupants of the battery on Morris' Island Ab soon as the signáis were seen by those on guard there, Morris' Island was astir with men at their posts, before the order eould be given them to prepare for action. They remained in anxious suspense, but ready for what they believed was sure to come- a volley from Psrt Sumpter. The Star of tho West rounded the point, took the ship channel iuside the bar, and proceeded straight forward until opposite Morris' Island, about three fourths of a mile from the battery. A ball was theu fired atiiwart the bowa of thestcamer. ïhe Star of the West dis played the stars and stripes. As soon as the flag was unfurled tho fortificaron fired a succession of heavy shots The vessel oontmued on her course with increased speed, but, two shots taking effect upon her, she concluded to retire. Fort Moultrie firod a few shots at her, but she was out of her range. Tho damage to the Star of the West was trifhng, only two out of tho seventeen shots taking effect upon her. Fort Sumpter made no demonstratipn at a port-hole where guns were run out bearitig on Morris' Island. Charleston, Jan. 9. About 11 o'clock this morning a boat from Fort Sumpter, bearing Lieut. Hall with a white flag, approached the - Lieut. Hall had an interview with Grov. Pickens, and was afterwards escorted to his boat and re-jmbarked for Fort Sumpter. The communioation froin Maj Anderson is as follovfs: "To hia Exoelleney tho Governor of South Carolina: "Siu - Two of your batteries fired this morning on au unarmed vessel bearing the flag of my goveruraent As l have not been notified that war has been declared by South Carolina against the United States I oannot but think this a hostile act, committed without your sanction or authority. Under that hope I refrain from opening a fire on your batteries I have the honor, therefore, respectfully to ask whether the abovo meiitioucd act- one which I believe with out parallel in the history of our country or of any other civilized governmont - was committed in obodience to your iustruetions; and notify you that, if it is not disclaimed, I regard it as an act -of war, and I shallnot, aftera reasotiable time for the return of my messenger, perniit any vessel to pass within the range of the guns of my fort In oi der to save, as far ag it is my power, the sbedding of blood, I beg you will take due notification of my decisión for the good of all concerned. - Hoping, however, that your answer may justify a further contmuance of forbearanee on my part, "I remain, respectfully, "ROBT. ANDERSON." Gov. Piekens, after stating the position of South Carolina to the United States, says that any attempt to seud United States troops into Charleston barbor to reiuforce the forts would bo regarded as an act of hostility, and, in conclusión, adds: "Any atterapt to reinforco the troops at Fort Suinpter, or to retake and resume possession of the forts within the waters of South Carolina which Maj Anderson abandoned after spiking the cannon and doiug other damage, oannot be rogarded by the authorities of the State as indicative of any other purpose than the coerción of tho Stato by the armed forco of the goverument. tipeoial agents, therefore, have been off the bar to vvarn vessels, armed or unarmed, having troops to reinforco Fort Sumpter aboard, not to er. ter the harbor. Special orders have been given to commauders at the forts not to fire on such vessels till a shot across thoir bows ahould warn them of the prohibition of the State. Under these circumstancee the Star of the West this morning atteinpted to enter the harbor with troops, af ter having been notified that ehe could not enter, and consequently she was fired into. The act is perfectly justified by me. In regard to your threat about vessols in the harbor, it is only necessary for me to say that you alone must be the judge of your responsibility. Your position in the harbor has been tolerated by the authorities of the State, and vrhile the act of which you complain is in perfect consistency with the rights and duty of the Stato, it is not peroeived how far the oonduct you propose to adopt can find a parallel in the history of any country, or be reconciled with any other purposo thau that of your governmeut imposing on the State the condition of a conquered proviuce. i (Signed) "F. W. PICKENS," Second oommunieation from Mj. Anderson : "To hit Exoellenoy Gov. Piokens: Sir - I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt bf your communieation, and say that, under the circumstances, I have deemed it proper to refer the whole matter to my government, and iutend defer ring the course I iadicated u mr note this morning until the arrival from Washington of such instructions as I may receive, I have the honor also to express the hope that no obstructions will be slaced in the way, and that you will do me the favor of giving every frcility for ;he departure and return of the bearer, Licut. T. Talbot, who is directed to make the journey. (Signed) ROBT. ANDERSON. Gov Pickens iinmediately grauted the permission desired, and direeted Lieut. ' Talbot to hatre overy iacilityand courtesy extended to him as bearer of dispatcheg to the United States governuient, both in going iind returuing.