April 8, 1861; The New York Herald
An official of the administration, as will be seen by our despatches, left Washington yesterday for Montgomery, Alabama. The object of the mission was not known.
From Charleston we learn that the people were fully advised as to the warlike preparations of the federal government, and in consequence the greatest excitement prevailed. On Saturday, when the supply of provisions was sent down to Fort Sumter, Major Anderson was notified by General Beauregard that no more supplies for the garrison could be obtained in Charleston, which was regarded as a declaration of hostilities on the part of the commander of the Confederate forces. Governor Pickens, with his Council and the senior officers of the army, were engaged during Saturday in inspecting the batteries in Charleston harbor, and everything was found in a state of efficiency. Troops had been ordered to rendezvous within supporting distance of Charleston to watch the movements of the enemy. The people of Charleston all appeared to be in fighting humor, and declared themselves prepared for any emergency.
Despatches from Montgomery, Alabama, state that no attack will be made by the troops of the Confederate States on either Fort Sumter or Fort Pickens. To do so, President Davis argues, would be to place the new government in a false position before the world, and he is determined that if civil war must ensue, the first blow shall be struck by the administration at Washington.
Washington City was yesterday filled with all sorts of reports, rumors and speculations in regard to the present naval and military preparations of the administration. The President, it is said, in conversation does not hesitate to express his determination to possess the government property where it is practicable, and, as far as possible, to carry out the views expressed in his inaugural address. A plan for the peaceable evacuation of Fort Sumter is said to have been agreed upon, and that the order to Major Anderson will be issued today.
The Roanoke was taken out of the dry dock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Saturday evening, and her place will be occupied by the Savannah today.
The outfitting of the steam transports recently chartered by the government is being rapidly pushed forward. The Illinois was hauled round yesterday to the dock recently occupied by the Atlantic, where a cargo of arms and provisions was taken on board. She sails today, and will receive her troops in the bay from a steamtug. The Baltic is also being rapidly got in readiness for sea, and will follow in a day or two.