April 7, 1861; The New York Herald
The reports from Charleston this morning are highly important. Our correspondent states that the secessionists are advised of the warlike movements of the federal government, and are fully prepared for any emergency. With the supplies sent down to Fort Sumter yesterday was also sent a notification from General Beauregard to Major Anderson that no more provisions could be obtained at Charleston for the garrison. This is regarded as a virtual declaration of hostilities by the commander of the confederate forces. Five thousand troops have been ordered to rendezvous at various points within easy reach of Charleston, in anticipation of a collision.
Lieutenant Talbot arrived at Washington from Fort Sumter yesterday morning, with despatches for the War Department, and subsequently had an interview with the President, General Scott and the Secretary of War. His mission, it is said, had reference to the evacuation of the fort. It is reported that the federal and South Carolina authorities cannot agree upon a plan of evacuation. It is understood that the President wanted to leave a small force in the fort to take charge of the public property, but that General Beauregard and Governor Pickens demanded an unconditional surrender. It is further understood that the President, upon learning the views of the secessionists, at once decided that unless they accepted the terms of the government the fort should not be abandoned, thus obliging them to attack it. Therefore it is not improbable that, unless a speedy arrangement is made by the belligerents, a conflict will ensue in Charleston harbor at an early day. Lieut. Talbot left Washington last evening for Fort Sumter, with despatches for Major Anderson. Their purport has not, of course, been allowed to be made public.
It is supposed in some quarters that the extensive military arrangements now in progress have been set on foot in expectation of an immediate catastrophe at Fort Sumter, and that as soon as an attack is made upon that post every port on the Southern coast will be blockaded by the ships-of-war.
The United States steam frigate Powhatan left the Navy Yard yesterday afternoon at two o’clock, and, after being intercepted by the steamtug Griffin at Quarantine, proceeded to sea, crossing the bar at six o’clock P.M.
The steamship Atlantic, now a government transport, took on board five hundred troops yesterday, and, having completed her cargo of supplies and munitions, was ready for sea, but had not sailed at nine o’clock last evening. Her destination is understood to be Fort Pickens.
The steamship Illinois, chartered by the government, will load with troops and stores with all despatch and proceed to the Gulf. The Baltic has also, it is believed, been chartered for similar service, and the War Department are negotiating for several other large steamers for transports.
The Charlestown Navy Yard is a scene of great activity at this time. The brig Bainbridge is ready for sea, and the steam frigates Minnesota, Mississippi and Colorado are nearly ready. They are destined for the Gulf.
The steamship Nashville, advertised to sail yesterday for Charleston, has been detained until Tuesday next.