WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, April 6, 1861.
Capt. THEO. TALBOT, Assistant Adjutant-General:
SIR: You will proceed directly to Charleston, S.C., and if on your arrival there the flag of the United States shall be flying over Fort Sumter, and the fort shall not have been attacked, you will procure an interview with Governor Pickens, and read to him as follows:
I am directed by the President of the United States to notify [you] to expect an attempt will be made to supply Fort Sumter with provisions only, and that if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in provisions, arms, or ammunition will be made without further notice or in case of an attack upon the fort.
After you shall have read this to Governor Pickens, deliver to him the copy of it herein inclosed, and retain this letter yourself.
But if on your arrival at Charleston you shall ascertain that Fort Sumter shall have been already evacuated or surrendered by the United States force, you will seek no interview with Governor Pickens, but return here forthwith.
Respectfully,
SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.