Thomas Wright's Diary

Sumter

First Correspondence, from General G.T. Beauregard commander Charleston Forces.

                    Headquarters Provisional Army
                                      C. S. A.
                              Charleston, SC

Sir: The Governor of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in hope that the Government of the United States,  with a view to amicable adjustment of all questions between the two Governments, and avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it.

There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the Government of the United States, under that impression my Government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort. But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of their harbors, and necessary to it's defence and security.

I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My aids, Colonel Chestnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you. All proper facilities will be afforded for your removal of yourself and command, together with company arms and property, and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may select. The Flag which you have up held so long and with much fortitude, under most trying circumstances, may be saluted on taking it down. Colonel Chestnut and Captain Lee will for reasonable time, await your answer.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
                                               G. T. Beauregard
                                 Brigadier General Commanding

Maj. Robert Anderson,
Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor S.C.

                         Major Anderson's reply

                       Fort Sumter S. C. April 11, 1861

General: I have the honer to acknowledge the receipt of your communication demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say, in reply thereto, that demand with which I regret that my sense of honor, and of my obligations to my Government, prevent my compliance. Thanking you for the fair, manly, and courteous terms proposed, and for the high compliment paid me.

I am General, very respectfully, your obedient servant.

Robert Anderson
Major First Artillery, Commanding

Brig. Gen. Beauregard,
Commanding Provisional Army.
 

When Major Anderson and his second in Command Abner Doubleday, took over Fort Sumter. They had more cannon than ammunition and men. Sumter was assumed a much better defensive position. Smaller Island more off shore.
Less men were needed, to protect the Island it was all fort. Unlike like Sullivan Island more land for ground attack. From mid November till April they've gotten no support. Rations and ammunition is low. Anderson presumes he has only a few days at best. Before his food is gone.

                             Second Communication

                  Headquarters Provisional Army, C.S.A.
                               Charleston, S.C. April 11, 1861

Major in consequence of your verbal observation made by you to my aids, Messrs. Chestnut and Lee, in relation to the condition of your supplies, and that you would in a few days be starved out if or guns did not batter you to pieces, or words to that effect, and desiring no useless effusion of blood, I communicated both verbal observations and your written answer to my communications to my Government. If you will state the time at which you will evacuate Fort Sumter, and agree that in mean time you will not use your guns against us unless ours shall be employed against Fort Sumter, we will abstain from opening fire upon you. Colonel Chestnut and Captain Lee are authorized by me to enter into such agreement with you. You are therefore, requested to communicate an open answer.