Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams.
Sir: It is proper that, by the steamer which takes this, you should be informed that, according to Richmond newspapers, Fort Sumter was reduced to a mass of ruins on Saturday, the 22d instant, by the combined land and naval attack of the Union forces. They also state that General Gillmore having ascertained that by means of his rifled projectiles he could easily bombard Charleston, though at a distance of nearly five miles, had given the customary notice for the withdrawal of the women and children, and it is presumed that the bombardment has taken place accordingly.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
Charles Francis Adams, Esq., &c., &c., &c.