April 9, 1861; The New York Herald
Startling news from Washington may be found in our despatches in another part of today’s paper. The curtain has been rung up, and the tragedy is about to begin. A portion of the squadron of war ships and transports fitted out at New York are ordered to Fort Sumter. Supplies are to be thrown into that stronghold at all hazards. Major Anderson has been directed, in the event of the federal vessels being opposed by the secessionists, to open his batteries. Such, in brief, is the government programme for Charleston harbor. Our reports from that point confirm the statement that the supplies of the garrison from the city have been cut off. Intense excitement prevailed there yesterday. Five thousand men have been ordered out, the batteries have been strengthened, and every preparation made to repel the federal forces. Beyond doubt the dreaded fratircidal conflict will commence within forty eight hours. As soon as it is known in Washington that the war has begun, the President will, it is said, issue a proclamation calling Congress together.
The flying artillery, cavalry and sappers and miners which have left this port within the past five days are to proceed to Texas, there to cooperate with Gen. Houston for the restoration of the government authority in that State, while a portion of the fleet will reinforce Fort Pickens, and other posts on the Gulf coast.
The President will soon, it is believed, call for fifty thousand volunteers. Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, who has just returned to Harrisburg from Washington, yesterday sent to the Legislature a message recommending an appropriation of half a million dollars to put the militia of the State on a war footing. Governor Dennison, of Ohio, who has also been in Washington for some days past, will make a similar recommendation to the Legislature of his State.
The State Department yesterday sent word to the Confederate State Commissioners that the administration would hold no official intercourse with them. They will respond to the communication of the Secretary of State, and then probably proceed to the South. The Montgomery Cabinet were in session last night, expecting important news from the Commissioners.
The war steamer Harriet Lane and the steam transports Illinois and Baltic sailed from this port yesterday for the Gulf, loaded with stores, munitions of war and troops.