By the arrival in New York city of the steamship Marion, on the 18th direct from Charleston, we get a few interesting items. The New York Tribune says: —The Marion brought forty-three cabin passengers, thirty-six in the steerage. Among the latter were four Irish laborers recently discharged from Fort Sumpter. They were sent away because there was no further need for their services. Each one speaks in the highest terms of Major Anderson, and represents the men under his command as in excellent spirits, with plenty of provisions, and only a scarcity of fresh meat and vegetables. One states that when Major Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie, he took with him four month’s provisions for one hundred men. At the present lime the garrison comprises seventy five men, rank and file, and twenty five laborers.
On Saturday last eight laborers were discharged, four of whom still remain in Charleston. One of the laborers reports that when the Star of the West was seen advancing up the harbor, Major Anderson knew nothing of the character of the vessel. Hearing the firing of the guns on Morris Island, and seeing the American flag floating on the foremast of the approaching vessel, he ordered all the guns to be manned. One of the Lieutenants was anxious to try the effect of a few balls on the Morris Island masked battery, but Major Anderson restrained the impetuous officer. He had the guns brought to bear upon Fort Moultrie, intending if she opened fire on the approaching vessel, to let the guns of Fort Sumpter pour a terrific volley of shot upon her. While gunners stood with lighted torches by the cannon, the Star of the West turned about and soon disappeared from sight. There was intense excitement in the fort, it was afterwards universally understood that Major Anderson would have come to the rescue of the visiting steamer had she not retreated.
The Manitowoc Pilot, Manitowoc, WI
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