Headquarters Provisonal Army, C. S. A.,
Charleston, S. C.|, April 14.
General Orders, No. 20
The Brigadier-general Commanding is happy to congratulate the troops under his command, on the brilliant success which has crowned their gallantry, privations, and hardships, by the reduction of the stronghold in the harbor of Charleston. This feat of arms has been accomplished after a severe cannonading of about thirty-three hours, in which all the troops have indicated, by their daring and bravery, that our cause must and shall triumph.
Fort Sumter, which surrendered yesterday about 1:45 p.m., will be evacuated at 9 o'clock A. M. today, and to show our magnanimity to the gallant defenders, who were only executing the orders of their government, they will be allowed to evacuate upon the same terms which were offered to them before the bombardment commenced. Our success shoud not lull us into a false security, but should encourage us in the necessary preparations to meet a powerful enemy, who may at any time attempt to avenge this, their first check in the present contest
The commandants of batteries will promptly send in their reports through the proper channels, giving a journal of the firing of their batteries against Fort Sumter, and of the fire of Fort Sumter against their batteries; furnishing the name of those who particularly distinguished themselves, and other incidents relative thereto, in order that the general commanding may be able to make known to the Confederate States' Government, in a proper manner, their bravery and gallantry.
The General is highly gratified to state that the troops, by their labor, privations, and endurance at the batteries, and at their posts, have exhibited the highest characteristics of tried soldiers and he takes the occasion to thank all, his staff, the regulars, the volunteers, the militia, tho naval forces, and the numerous individuals who have contributed to the surrender of Fort Sumter.
By order of Brigadier-General Beauregard,
D. R. Jones, Assistant Adjutant General.
