April 4, 1861; The New York Herald
The accounts from Washington this morning are of an important character. The Cabinet were in session yesterday, and Gen. Scott participated in their deliberations. The War and Navy Departments were unusually active, and Secretary Cameron and the President held frequent private consultations. It seems clear that the administration have resolved upon some extraordinary step, but in what direction, and for what end, are as yet involved in mystery.
The Corps of sappers and miners have been ordered from Washington to New York, and it is said their ultimate destination is Fort Pickens. It is stated, however, that Fort Pickens is not in want of men.
It will be seen by our Washington despatches that a blockade of the Mississippi is threatened. The President, however, cannot order a blockade, or attempt to collect the revenue on shipboard, without the authority of Congress. Nevertheless, the steam frigate Minnesota, the steam sloop Powhatan and the brig Perry have been ordered to the Belize, while sealed orders have been sent to the Cumberland, Pocahontas and Dolphin. The Minnesota is a steam frigate of 3,200 tons, carrying 40 guns. She was built in 1855, and has been lying in ordinary in Boston. The Perry is a brig, carrying 6 guns and 280 tons burthen; she is fitting out at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The Powhatan is a first class steam sloop, of 2,415 tons; she carries 11 guns, and is at present attached to the Home squadron. She is also preparing for sea at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The sloop-of-war Cumberland is the flagship of the Home squadron, and has been doing duty at Vera Cruz. She is 1,726 tons burthen, and carries 24 guns. The Pocahontas is a second class steam sloop. She was purchased by the government in 1855, and has been attached to the Home squadron. She carries 5 guns, and is 694 burthen. She is at Norfolk. The brig Dolphin is also at Norfolk, where she is lying in ordinary. Like the Perry, she is of light draught, being but 224 tons; she carries 4 guns.