8 A.M.
Her brother-in-law stooped , clasped her knees , and lifted her high up above the sea of heads . Kerosene torches flickered beyond , flanking a poster on which was printed in big black letters : `` WASHINGTON , April 13 , 1861 , 6 A.M. `` At half-past four o'clock this morning fire was opened on Fort Sumter by the rebel batteries in the harbour . Major Anderson is replying with his barbette guns . '' `` 8 A.M. `` A private despatch to the N. Y. Herald says that the batteries on Mount Pleasant have opened on Sumter . Major Anderson has brought into action two tiers of guns trained on Fort Moultrie and the Iron Battery . '' `` 3 P.M. `` The fire at this hour is very heavy . Nineteen batteries are bombarding Sumter .