February 21, 1861; The New York Herald
Mr. Lincoln yesterday received his fellow citizens at City Hall. Mayor Wood delivered an address of welcome on the occasion to which Mr. Lincoln responded. In the evening Mr. Lincoln attended the Opera, and at midnight he was serenaded. Mr. Hamlin, the Vice President elect, arrived in town yesterday, and stopped at the Astor House. The movements of these distinguished personages are described in another part of today’s paper.
Reports to the effect that the South Carolinians were about to or had already attacked Fort Sumter were in circulation in Washington yesterday. They were doubtless mere idle rumors, devoid of foundation in truth.
In the House yesterday Mr. Bocock, of Virginia, occupied the morning hour in an elaborate speech in opposition to the bill empowering the President to call out the military forces of the country and accept the services of volunteers. He characterized the bill as a declaration of war against the seceded States. The Naval bill was taken up, the question being on agreeing to the Senate’s amendment providing for the construction of seven steam sloops of war. The proposition was warmly opposed by the democrats, but the amendment was agreed to by a vote of 111 to 38. In the evening session, Mr. Ruffin, of North Carolina, made a speech in favor of secession. In the course of his remarks he spoke of Mr. Buchanan as a driveller, and Gen. Scott as guilty of usurpation.
Late accounts from Fort Smith, Arkansas, state that the overland mail had been seized by Texans, and the employes of the company imprisoned. It is also reported that Forts Chadbourne and Belknap have been seized by the secessionists.