L. Pope Walker, Montgomery:
Major Anderson has just replied as follows to my summons to evacuate Fort Sumter.
Gen. G. T. Beauregard:Sir -- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, demanding the evacuation of this fort, and to say, in reply thereto, that it is a 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,
[signed] Robert Anderson
Major Anderson adds verbally, “I will await the first shot, and if you do not batter us to pieces, we will be starved out in a few days."
Please answer.
[signed] G. T. Beauregard
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Montgomery, April 11, 1863
Gen. Beauregard, Charleston:
Do not desire needlessly to bombard Fort Sumter. If Major Anderson will state the time which, as indicated by him, he will evacuate, and agree in the meantime that he will not use his guns against us, unless ours should be employed against Fort Sumter, you are authorized thus to avoid the effusion of blood.
If this or its equivalent be refused, reduce the fort in the manner you, in your judgment, decide to be most practicable.
[signed] L. Pope Walker
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Charleston, April 11
L. Pope Walker, Montgomery:
Major Anderson will not consent to enter into the engagement you propose. I write you to-day.
[signed] G. T. Beauregard