January 22, 1861, The New York Herald
The excitement occasioned by the anticipated attack of the Florida troops upon Fort Pickens, at Pensacola, has subsided. It is now stated that Major Chase, the commander of the State forces, has telegraphed to Southern members of congress that he will not attack the fort, or obstruct the passage of vessels going and out of the port, unless the fort opens fire upon him. All that the secessionists desire now is that the status quo shall be observed strictly during the brief interval that the present administration remains in office.
Last evening, in consequence of information received at the Brooklyn Navy Yard of the intention of a mob from New York to make an attack on the North Carolina and the yard, one hundred marines were placed under arms to give them a warm reception should they make the attack. The police force was augmented, and posted where they could act in case of emergency, and the Fifth brigade of militia, under the command of Brigadier General Crooker, assembled at the Henry street armory and the arsenal to support the marines, if necessary. No attack was made, however.
The Post Office at Pensacola was abolished yesterday, the mail service discontinued, and the post masters throughout the country directed by the Post Office Department to send all letters addressed to Pensacola to the Dead Letter Office. This course is a consequence of the interception of the mails by the Florida authorities.