The War commenced.
Firing on Fort Sumter Begun!
the official correspondence.
twenty-four hours Firing.
a breach made in Sumter.
only two Confederate troops wounded.
the fleet off the coast.
The Firing Stopped for the Night — The Harriet Lane Driven off — Good Firing of the Batteries — The Preparations the Day Before — Description of Fort Sumpter--Major Anderson, &c.
The war has commenced.
Yesterday morning, at 4½ o'clock, the batteries of the Confederate troops in Charleston harbor opened fire on Fort Sumter. Ex-President Tyler yesterday afternoon received by telegraph from John Tyler, Jr., at Montgomery, Ala., the following copy of the official correspondence which took place before the bombardment commenced:
[no. 1.]
Gen. Beauregard's Dispatch to the Secretary of War.
--An authorized messenger from Lincoln has just informed Gov. Pickens and myself that provisions will be sent to Fort Sumter, ‘"peaceably if they can, forcibly if they must."’
[no. 2.]
reply of the Secretary of War to Gen. Beauregard.
If you have no doubt of the authorized character of the agent who communicated to you the intention of the Washington Government to supply Fort Sumter by force, you will at once demand its evacuation; and if this is refused, proceed in such a manner as you may determine to reduce it. Answer.
[no. 3.]
Gen. Beauregard to the Secretary of War.
--The demand will be made to-morrow at 12 o'clock.
[no. 4.]
the Secretary of War to Gen. Beauregard.
Unless there are special reasons connected with your own condition, it is considered proper that you should make the demand at an earlier hour.
[no. 5.]
Gen. Beauregard to the Secretary of War.
The reasons are special for twelve o'clock.
[no. 6.]
Gen. Beauregard to the Secretary of War.
--Demand sent at two o'clock. Allowed till 6 o'clock to answer.
[no. 7.]
the Secretary of War to Gen. Beauregard.
Montgomery April 11, 1861.
Gen. Beauregard, Charleston:--Telegraph reply of Anderson.