P. G. T. Beauregard to Major Robert Anderson April 11, 1861

HEADQUARTERS, PROVISIONAL ARMY, C. S. A.

Charleston, S. C., April 11,1861

SIR: The Government of the Confederate States has hitherto forborne from any hostile demonstration against Fort Sumter, in the hope that the Government of the United States, with a view to the amicable adjustment of all questions between the two Governments, and to avert the calamities of war, would voluntarily evacuate it.

There was reason at one time to believe that such would be the course pursued by the Government of the United States; and under that impression my Government has refrained from making any demand for the surrender of the fort.

But the Confederate States can no longer delay assuming actual possession of a fortification commanding the entrance of one of their harbors, and necessary to its defense and security.

I am ordered by the Government of the Confederate States to demand the evacuation of Fort Sumter. My Aids, Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee, are authorized to make such demand of you. All proper facilities will be afforded for the removal of yourself and command, together with company, arms, and property, and all private property, to any post in the United States which you may elect. The flag which you have upheld so long and with so much fortitude, under the most trying circumstances, may be saluted by you on taking it down.

Colonel Chesnut and Captain Lee will, for a reasonable time, await your answer.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Brigadier-General Commanding.

Maj. ROBERT ANDERSON,

Commanding at Fort Sumter, Charleston Harbor, S. C.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume I, Serial 1, p. 13