March 12, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
WASHINGTON, March 11. – Noon. – Despatches received this morning from Fort Sumter have alarmed the Administration. It is understood that Major ANDERSON intimates that his position begins to be rather precarious – that he cannot be reinforced, and that his short stock of provisions precludes the hope of his being able to hold out long against a siege.
A CABINET MEETING.
The Cabinet is now in session. I understand that they consider the question now narrowed down to a reinforcement or an evacuation. Either the one course or the other must be adopted – and that immediately. The impression here is that LINCOLN will back down from the of the laws, and that the garrison of Fort Sumter will be withdrawn.
THE RESULT.
WASHINGTON, March 11 – 5 p. m. – The Cabinet meeting has just adjourned, after a very stormy session. It is reported that the determination is to yield Fort Sumter. The reason assigned is, that “BUCHANAN left it in such a condition that it cannot now be reinforced without a great sacrifice of life.” But the Administration has no idea, as yet, of recognizing the independence of the Confederate States. It will come to that gradually.
ORDERS GIVEN FOR THE WITHDRAWAL.
WASHINGTON, March 11. – 7 p. m. – The President has given orders for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. Rumor says that the ultra Republicans created such a rumpus on account of the order, that it was suspended. This, however, is doubtful, as the Republicans are very busy excusing the order on the ground of necessity.
THE SOUTHERN COMMISSIONERS.
Mr. FORSYTH is quite sick. Hon. A. B. ROMAN has not yet arrived. Rumor fixes tomorrow as the time when the application for recognition will be made.
RESIGNATION OF JUDGE CAMPBELL.
Judge CAMPBELL, will resign immediately after the expiration of the present term of the Supreme Court on the 14th. He will, it is said, return to his home in Alabama, and take no part in public affairs for the future.