February 25, 1861; The New York Herald
Much excitement was caused in this city and throughout the country on Saturday by the announcement that the President elect had quietly left Harrisburg on Friday night by a special train and made his appearance in Washington early the next morning. All sorts of rumors and opinions were current in regard to this change of programme, some asserting that it was from fear of assassination on the route or in Baltimore, and other declaring that, shortly after leaving Springfield, Mr. Lincoln had made up his mind to act in the manner he did. Our despatches this morning from Washington state that persons who are in the secret positively assert that for some time past a plot has been in existence against the President elect. A detective officer, who discovered the plot, carefully watched the conspirators and informed Mr. Lincoln and his friends of the facts while on their way to Philadelphia. On the other hand, the people of Baltimore deny that there was ground for apprehending any difficulty in regard to the President elect, and state that arrangements had been perfected for giving him a reception suitable to his position. On Saturday Mr. Lincoln called on President Buchanan, and was introduced to the members of the Cabinet. In the evening the members of the Cabinet, the members of the Peace Conference and a large number of ladies and gentlemen were received by Mr. Lincoln at Willard’s Hotel. Early Saturday evening Mrs. Lincoln and the party comprising the Presidential suite arrived in Washington. Yesterday Mr. Lincoln, in company with Senator Seward, attended divine service at an Episcopal church, and was the observed of all observers.
From the South we learn that some decisive movement was expected to be made this week in regard to Forts Pickens and Sumter. The speech of the President elect at Indianapolis was looked upon as a declaration of war, and the only question at Montgomery was how to commence it advantageously. President Davis, it was reported, would take command of the army in person, and General Twiggs take command at Charleston. Despatches from Major Anderson report everything quiet. He was allowed to receive marketing and other necessaries from Charleston, and had all the intercourse with the city he desired. Captain Hazzard, who had arrived at Washington from Pensacola, reports matters quiet, but says he cannot tell how long they will remain so. Three thousand troops are believed at present to be enroute for Pensacola.
A strange steamer, supposed to be the Daniel Webster, which cleared from this port, with United States troops on board for Brazos, Texas, was, on Thursday last, fallen in with outside of Charleston bar. Governor Pickens was immediately notified of the fact, and proceeded to take measures to prevent her entering the harbor.