March 24, 1861; The New York Herald
The Order Issued for the Evacuation of Fort Sumter.
WASHINGTON, March 23, 1861.
I am permitted to announce to the HERALD tonight, that on yesterday the President issued the order to Major Anderson to put his command in readiness to evacuate Fort Sumter, upon the arrival at that place of a United States war steamer.
Colonel Lamon, of Illinois, the confidential friend of the President, was sent bearer of despatches to Major Anderson.
The evacuation will take place upon the arrival of the steamer which has been despatched by the Secretary of the Navy.
There is no intimation whatever, on the part of the South Carolina authorities, that any attempt will be made to prevent the evacuation in such a manner as the United States government have seen fit to employ. Major Anderson will salute his flag and embark with his command.
Major Anderson is ordered to report North.
I an any attempt is made by the South Carolina authorities to prevent the evacuation in the order directed by the United States government, Major Anderson is instructed to remain in the fort and open his batteries upon the city. This, however, will not be done, as there will be no opposition to the evacuation on the part of the secessionists.