March 20, 1861; The New York Herald
The news from Washington is important. An armistice has been agreed upon between the Commissioners of the Confederate States and the administration, and for a short time at least no disturbances need be feared. Affairs at Fort Pickens have assumed a peaceful aspect, and the commanders of the vessels off Pensacola have been instructed to await further orders. The idea of a peaceful separation seems now to prevail even in republican counsels, as infinitely preferable to the assertion and maintenance of federal laws among a people who are determined to resist them.
The evacuation of Fort Sumter will take place on Saturday, and Major Anderson and troops leave on the steamer Columbia for this city. Yesterday fifty of the soldiers received their pay from the government. It is stated that the Confederate States will be generally recognized by the European Powers. The leading men at Charleston are anxious for speedy settlement of affairs, but the prevailing opinion is that it can only be accomplished outside of the Union, and that even the extinction of the republican party would not restore them to the Union as it was before secession.
The arms seized by the New York police have at last all been restored, and sent on to Savannah. The fact having been telegraphed to responsible parties in Georgia, an answer has been received over the wires announcing the release of the vessels detained by the authorities of that State in reprisal for that seizure. Full particulars will be found elsewhere.
The resolution of Mr. Douglas, in reference to the forts, arsenals, navy yards, and other public property in the seceded States, was taken up in the Senate yesterday. A debate, in which several Senators participated, ensued, but without taking any definitive action on the resolution the Senate went into executive session.