January 9, 1861, The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Jan. 8, 1861.
Secretary Thompson this morning called upon the President and showed him a despatch which he had just received from Judge Longstreet, of Charleston, desiring to know whether reinforcements had been sent to Major Anderson. The President at once informed him that the steamer Star of the West had been chartered and was on her way to Charleston with two hundred and fifty United States troops.
This was the first intimation Secretary Thompson had that troops had been sent. He states that an order had been given some ten days ago by Secretary Holt and Gen. Scott, but that the President revoked it. The day following the Cabinet met, and the whole subject was discussed, and it was finally determined that a messenger should be sent to Major Anderson, with a view of ascertaining his exact condition, and whether he really desired reinforcement. They had his letters before them at the time, in which he distinctly stated that he did not require any reinforcements unless attacked. The messenger was despatched, and it was agreed that nothing should be done until they heard from Major Anderson.
Last Saturday Secretary Thompson and Secretary Toucey had heard of the movement of troops in New York, and called upon the President to know the facts. He stated that if any such orders had been given he would have them revoked. He authorized the Secretary of War, on Saturday, to telegraph to the commander of the Star of the West to land the troops at Norfolk, of Fort Monroe, and not to go to Charleston. The President was informed on the following day that the vessel had departed before the telegraph reached there. This is the whole story.
Secretary Thompson immediately telegraphed Judge Longstreet, at Charleston, that troops had been ordered to reinforce Major Anderson. Secretary Thompson then addressed a letter to the President, resigning his seat in the Cabinet. In this letter he details the facts as I have above stated. He maintains that he has been deceived, and that the deception is apparent. He does not hold the President entirely responsible for all this. He is of opinion that Secretary Holt and General Scott are more to blame than anybody else. The letter, while couched in respectful language, is pretty severe.
The most intense excitement prevails among the Senators and representatives from the Gulf and cotton States. They regard the reinforcement of Maj. Anderson as a declaration of war, and have telegraphed the Charlestonians to sink the vessel, if possible, before she lands her cargo. If there has not been already a collision, there will be in less than twenty four hours. The South talk war, and they say that nothing can avert it.
Major Anderson’s brother, who was despatched by the government to visit Major Anderson some days ago, returned here this evening. Immediately after his arrival here he called upon the President and Gen. Scott, and reported to him the condition of affairs at Fort Sumter. He says his brother has all the munitions and supplies that are required for the present, and can defend himself against the entire South. His brother, he says, does not apprehend any serious trouble in case of attack. He does not believe that they will make any demonstration for some time. In regard to reinforcements, the government, he says, can do as they think proper. There is no doubt he desired them, although he has made no such demand. He sent a confidential communication to General Scott. Of course its contents are not known. His brother states that he was not aware when he left that reinforcements had been sent.
The people in this District are very much alarmed. Several companies of Unites States troops are expected here tonight.