New York Times, “The Battle of Morris’ Island,” January 19, 1861

THE BATTLE OF MORRIS’ ISLAND. – One is really disposed to forget the serious aspect of the affair, in reading the Charlestonian version of the firing into the Star of the West. The Courier gives a solemn account of what it calls “the engagement,” and describes the heroic courage of the men who manned the battery upon Morris’ Island, and fired seventeen shots at an unarmed steamer. It is attempted to create the impression that a battle has been fought, and that the South Carolinians have won a signal victory. We may expect to hear soon that medals have been struck for the survivors, and that a monument will be raised to commemorate this great event in the South Carolinian war of independence.