The New Student's Reference Work/Anderson, Robert, General
Anderson, Robert, General (born 1805, died 1871), was a West Point graduate, serving in the Black Hawk and Mexican Wars, and was wounded at the battle of Molino del Rey. As major of artillery he had charge of the defenses in Charleston harbor in 1860. On the night of December 26, expecting an attack from the South Carolinians, he moved his small garrison from Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, as being more easily defended. On April 14, he evacuated the fort after a bombardment of thirty-six hours, marching out with the honors of war. This was the first engagement of the Civil War. He was appointed brigadier-general, but his health prevented his engaging in much active service.