January 28, 1861, The New York Herald
From Washington we learn that the city was very quiet yesterday. Despatches from Charleston received there state that much excitement existed in regard to the departure of the Brooklyn from Norfolk with troops.
As soon as it became known that the Brooklyn and other vessels had been ordered South, despatches were sent to Charleston and Pensacola informing the authorities at those places that these vessels had reinforcements for the Southern forts and to be on the look out. The destination of the Brooklyn is said to be Pensacola, where she may be expected to arrive the latter part of this week. It was stated in Washington that late Saturday evening a despatch was sent to Major Chase, in command of the State troops at Pensacola, advising him to seize Fort Pickens without delay. Should this officer see proper to follow this advice a collision between the State and federal authorities is almost inevitable.
The Louisiana Convention on Saturday passed the ordinance declaring that State a free and sovereign republic by a vote of 113 yeas to 17 nays. A resolution declaring the right of free navigation of the Mississippi river and tributaries to all friendly States was passed, and the Convention adjourned to meet in New Orleans on the 29th inst. The resolution to submit the ordinance to a vote of the people was defeated.
From Springfield we learn that Mr. Lincoln will start for Washington on the 14th of February, and will proceed by the way of Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, Albany, Harrisburg and Baltimore to the federal capital.