March 26, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
The city was all agog yesterday, at the announcement that still another Ambassador from Washington has come to town, and was in close conference with the Governor. It appears that this last Envoy, Mr. W.H. LAMON, of Illinois, arrived in the city on Sunday morning, and registered his name upon the books of the Charleston Hotel as from Virginia. He remained quietly at the hotel until yesterday morning, when he sent his card to the Governor, requesting an interview. The nature of his communication has not been made public. About one o’clock, accompanied by Col. DURYEA, Aid to the Governor, Mr. LAMON left the city in the steamer Planter, Capt. FERGUSON, and proceeded to Fort Sumter. The tide being low, the steamer was unable to reach the Fort wharf, but was met at a short distance by a boat commanded by an officer, who, we understand, was Lieut. HALL. After presenting a written communication to the Lieutenant, Mr. LAMON was invited into the boat, accompanied by Col. DURYEA, and they were then taken to Fort Sumter, where they remained for about one hour. On the approach of the steamer to the Fort, about half the garrison had collected on the wharf, and some half dozen officers were on the ramparts, using their spy glasses. After staying in the Fort for some time, Mr. LAMON, accompanied by Major ANDERSON, took a walk around the ramparts of the fortification, the Major apparently explaining to his visitor the position of the Fort and its surroundings. While on the steamer, the Envoy from Washington alluded several times to the importance of preserving the peace, saying that he expected to leave immediately for Washington City, and hoped to return here in a few days. The last remark would indicate that he bore no order for the evacuation of the fortress, and would give color to the opinion held by many, that the question of leaving is still in debate between Major ANDERSON and the Washington authorities, each being anxious to shift the responsibility of leaving off their own shoulders. This matter as it stands is becoming rather annoying to the public here, and the people are expecting with anxiety a final settlement, either peaceably or by the sword.
Mr. LAMON left by the night train last night for Washington. The latest and apparently most reliable rumor was that his brief visit related to postal affairs, and that his trip to Fort Sumter was merely incidental, as bearer of despatches.