12 April, 1861 - Early this morning a single star shell fired from James Island signaled the beginning of something ominous.  It appears at this moment based on telegrams received from the Fort that the United States of America has come under attack from within.  We have reports of shells being fired at the fort from Cumming's Point, the site of the first shot, fired by Edmond Ruffin, from the Floating Battery on Sullivan's Island, from Fort Moultrie, from the Dahlgren Battery on Sullivan's Island, as well as the batteries on the Charleston peninsula downtown and ringing the fort.  The garrison apparently ate their breakfast at 0630 and did not return fire until 0700, returning fire first at Fort Moultrie.

Time will tell if the Union shall be maintained or dissolved as  a result of this early action.

More to follow...