Great Letter from the “REPUBLIC OF SOUTH CAROLINA” – Charleston January 24th, 1861 – James A. Carter, Co. F 23rd S.C. Infantry – “I had the pleasure of seeing the “Star of the West” driven from our Harbour” !
This 2 ½ page letter was written by James A Carter, a member of The Vigilant Rifles, which was originally stationed at Fort Morris in Charleston Harbor. THIS IS THE ONLY LETTER THAT WE HAVE HAD OR SEEN MENTIONING THE FIRING ON THE “STAR OF THE WEST”.
In the letter Carter mentions that he wrote a full account of the firing on the Star of the West for the Charleston Mercury… it would be interesting if that article could be found in some archive!
Apparently, Carter worked at a law office in Charleston… or court. Here is the full content of the letter:
Republic of South Carolina
Charleston Jany. 24th /61
Geo. Watham Esqr
Oxford N.C.
Dear Sir,
With this I send you opinion of Judge Magrath in the Case of the United States vs. Corrie which I hope may meet with your approval. The other’s work has been misplaced or I would send you that also, but when I find it, I will do so.
My Company (The Vigilant Rifles) has been relieved for the present from Fort Morris after a Campaign of three weeks. I had the pleasure of seeing the “Star of the West” driven from our Harbour, and during that time, my Company was under arms with the expectation that the vessel might attempt to land her troops on our Island, but in this we were disappointed. I sent some time ago to your address the Charleston Mercury containing a full account of the whole affair and which I presume you have received.
Please to accept my thanks for your kind attention to me while in Smithville, and I trust may be able at some future day to reciprocate. If you should desire to see my city papers occasionally, I shall be happy to send them to you. Hoping you may favor me with a reply. I am Sir, in haste,
Yours Very Respectfully,
James A. Carter
P. S. In my next, I shall be better prepared to post you up in the affairs of the young Republic. My address please to find below.
Yours Respectfully,
J. A. C.
James A. Carter
Charleston
S. C.
Condition: Excellent. A great historic letter.
#L1-24-61SC – Price $695
