South Carolina senators withdrew from Washington, received from John B. Floyd,* Secretary of War, instructions "to hold the forts in the harbor, and, if attacked, to defend himself to the last extremity." Moultrie was difficult to strengthen, and the bearing of the authorities of Charleston became daily more threatening. They had secured a pledge from Floyd, that while negotiations were pending between the South Carolina commissioners and the Washington authorities, there should be no movement on either side, and that Major Anderson should not change his position. It does not appear that the latter was aware of this pledge; but on the 26th of December, while the commissioners were on their way to Washington, he, on his own responsibility, removed his command to Fort Sumter, where the whole force disembarked, at ten o'clock P. M., from row-boats. A few men were left at Moultrie, under Captain Foster, to cut down the flagstaff, spike the guns, burn the carriages, and dismantle the place. The flames notified the people of Charleston of what had happened, and the news, as it spread through the country, caused great excitement. At the North the name of Major Anderson was every where honored, as that of a bold, decided, and loyal leader. At the South his action was denounced as a breach of faith, which impaired all confidence in the Government; and it stimulated the war preparations.

Four days later Floyd resigned, and was succeeded in office by Postmaster-General Holt.

Major Anderson's position was not much improved by the change. He, indeed, could not be captured by surprise, but neither could he be succored, all communications being cut off; and, unless relief should be sent, he would be soon starved out.

Meanwhile preparations for repelling any attempt of the Federal Government to reinforce Fort Sumter went on in Charleston. Fort Moultrie was repaired and garrisoned, and new batteries were erected on Sullivan's and Morris Islands. The revenue-cutter William Aiken was surrendered by its commander, N. L. Costa, and the crew volunteered to remain under the State authorities. At the same time troops were tendered to the Governor by the States of Georgia, Alabama, and North Carolina. The palmetto or South Carolina flag was raised over the post-office and custom-house at Charleston, and the Collector notified that all vessels from and for ports outside of South Carolina must enter and clear at Charleston. While these movements were being made, the streets of Charleston were patrolled by the military, and a censorship was established over the telegraph. The attention of the authorities was earnestly directed to the getting possession of Fort Sumter, occupied by the gallant Anderson and his small but dauntless band, who steadily employed themselves in strengthening the defences of the place, although they saw the batteries of their assailants rapidly rising around them, closing the hope of succor; while their little stock of supplies

+John Buchanan Floyd, son of Governor John Floyd of Virginia. He was born in Virginia, in 1815, and succeeded, in 1850, to the governorship of the State, like his father and grandfather. From 1856 to 1561, he was Secretary of War under Buchanan; resigned December 29th, 1860; be

came a brigadier-general in the Confederate army; suffered reverses in Western Virginia, and escaped from Fort Donelson, Tennessee, when it was surrendered. He saw but little active service after this, and died in 1868.