Our telegraphic dispatches report that the Steamer Star of the West, whose departure from New York was announced a few days ago under circumstances that excited comment, sailed for Charleston with provisions and re-enforcements for Fort Sumpter [sic], and will arrive in the harbor this evening. As the South Carolinians have Fort Moultrie, which commends the channel to Fort Sumpter, and are reported as having erected other batteries commanding the entrance to the harbor, this is the time to show whether they are in earnest.
If they permit the steamer to reach Fort Sumpter, the re-enforcements and supplies will make any prospect of taking it by attack or starvation, hopeless. If they are in earnest, it is hardly possible that the Star of the West can escape the fire of their batteries. If the dispatch is true, this evening will bring a total backing down of the South Carolina threats, or that drop of blood will be shed, which is going to call the whole South to arms against the Union.
Cincinnati Daily Press, Cincinnati, OH