April 10, 1861; The New York Herald
The accounts this morning from Charleston corroborate the information relative to the designs of the administration, which was published in yesterday’s paper. Seven United States vessels are reported off Charleston, but it is said the supply vessels had not arrived yesterday, and until they reach there no demonstration will be made. The Confederate States forces are fully prepared for the conflict. Captain Talbot arrived at Charleston on Monday night with despatches for Major Anderson, but he was not permitted to proceed to Fort Sumter, and therefore left on his return to Washington the same night. Mail communication with the fort is, however, still uninterrupted, and Major Anderson is doubtless apprised of the designs of the administration, and prepared to cooperate with the fleet. We may expect news of the commencement of hostilities at any moment.
The warlike operations of the government continue to be vigorously prosecuted. The steamer transports Baltic and Illinois cleared the bar at this port early yesterday morning, bound southward. Orders were issued yesterday by the Navy Department to have the Wabash, Vincennes and Savannah, at Brooklyn, and the Jamestown, at Philadelphia, fitted for active service with despatch. It is stated that the administration hope, by the appearance of an immense naval force off the Southern coast, to overawe the authorities of the seceded States and bring them to terms.