Pawnee log, April 13. – Midnight to 4 a. m.: During the watch a desultory fire kept up by the batteries on Fort Sumter. Four to 8 a. m.: Hoisted out launch and placed the howitzer and the ammunition boxes in her preparatory to sending off an expedition. At 6 a. m. a fore – and – aft schooner beating in attempted to pass ahead of us. Fired shell ahead of her; she not heaving to, fired another shell when she went about; passed astern of us and appeared still to endeavor to enter the harbor. Fired two more at her when she came to anchor on our starboard beam. Sent a boat to board her; found her to be an American schooner from Boston, loaded with ice. At 8 a. m. a dense black smoke issued from Fort Sumter; batteries still keeping up an incessant fire on it. At 1:45 p. m. smoke and flames issuing from Fort Sumter. At 2 p. m. firing ceased from fort and batteries. Sent a boat in charge of Lieutenant Marcy with a flag of truce to communicate with the authorities. From 4 to 6 p. m.: Hoisted in the launch. The battery at Cumming’s Point fired two shots in the direction of the boat with the flag of truce. A large side – wheel steamer in the offing. At close of this watch a steamer is lying alongside Fort Sumter with the secession flag flying. Many boats sailing about Charleston Harbor and a flag of truce flying on the beach off Fort Moultrie. At 7 p. m. the third cutter returned and brought information of the surrender of Fort Sumter by Major Anderson. This information was given by officers at Cumming’s Point.
From the log of the USS Pawnee