AMERICA. FALL OF PORT SUMTER.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 4, Issue 197, 29 June 1861, Page 9

AMERICA. FALL OF PORT SUMTER.

An American steamer arrived at Southampton, brings new from. New York to the 14th April : —

Fort Sumter ( which has been held by the troops of the Federal Fort against the South Carolinians since the secession) had fallen. Major Anderson and his forces, after a gallant struggle of some 40 hours' duration, in which he sustained heavy and .continuous fire from the batteries of the secessionists, which not only greatly damaged the fort, but also set on fire the wooden structures within it, struck his flag and surrendered to the revolutionists. No accounts are given of the casualties of the Federal forces ; it is stated positively, however, that none of the officers of the garrison were wounded, neither were any of the Carolinians killed. The fleet off the harbour took no part in the conflict. Major Anderson and his men were conveyed to Morris Island, and subsequently Major Anderson proceeded to Charleston, where he is the guest of General Beauregard. Despatches describe Washington as being in a frantic state of excitement. Business is half suspended ; the republicans are wild with indignation, and curse the rebels. An intense bustle prevails at the War Department ; volunteers and regulars were under arms. The President is described as being calm and composed. The announcement that hostilities bad broken out started the public, but there was no panic. Stocks fell, with the exception of Government securities, ■which were firmly held ; nothing was done in money or exchange. '"War was the sole topic in every circle. An extra session of the Southern Congress has been summoned. The Southern Government has called on each Secession State for 3000 troops, except Florida, which has to furnish 1500. An attack on Washington was anticipated. Advices from Havannah to the 7th April state that the Southern Commissioner sailed thence to Europe on the 6th.

A Spanish squadron, with 3000 men

and war materiaj of all descriptions, had left for St. Domingo. It is stated that an army of occupation of 7000 men would be sent from Havannah. The President of St. Domingo had issued a proclamation*, officially announcing the transfer of the Government to Spain.