January 21, 1861, The New York Herald
There was a rumor in Washington last night to the effect that fighting had commenced in Florida between the federal and State troops; but whether the rumor is well founded or not we are unable to learn. If any fighting has taken place it must have been at Fort Pickens. Advices from there by way of New Orleans represent that on Friday State troops were concentrating in the neighborhood of Pensacola from all parts of the State. The steamer Wyandot was lying at the entrance of the harbor, communicating with Fort Pickens, but was not allowed to enter the harbor. The families of the officers were on board the Wyandot.
The general tone of the advices from Washington which we publish this morning indicates a somewhat less belligerent aspect of affairs. It is stated that Governor Pickens, of South Carolina, has, yielding to the solicitations of his friends in Washington, addressed Col. Hayne, the South Carolina Commissioner, instructing him to change his policy. Col. Hayne will remain in Washington for some time. The letter which he transmitted to the President on Saturday is said to have been very temperate in tone. The attack on Fort Sumter is considered to be abandoned for the present. In the meantime, it is hoped some plan of conciliation may be adopted. The Virginia legislature propositions of adjustment, a synopsis of which will be found in our despatches, were much discussed in Washington political circles yesterday.