January 18, 1861, The New York Herald
WASHINGTON, Jan. 17, 1861.
Colonel Hayne sent his communication to the President today. It is understood that since the arrival of Colonel Hayne, after a free conference with his Southern friends here, he has somewhat changed his original intention and purpose, and instead of making an unconditional demand for the surrender and evacuation of Fort Sumter, he now presents it in the shape of a suggestion. He therefore suggests to the President the propriety of the surrender, in order to avoid bloodshed.
It does not change in the slightest degree the aspect of the question, or the state of affairs. They want Fort Sumter, and are willing to enter into negotiation with the President for it. The President will inform South Carolina, through Colonel Hayne, that he has no authority to open such negotiations. They must appeal to Congress, it being the only power that can act or entertain such a proposition; and as regards the surrender of that fort to South Carolina, that is impossible.
The correspondence, as soon as it is closed, will be immediately communicated to Congress by the President.
Colonel Hayne has already become satisfied that the government will not yield one iota, and has undoubtedly informed Governor Pickens to that effect.
The firmness of the administration in dealing with the secession messenger now here caused the prominent secessionists in the city to join in advising the authorities of Charleston to suspend the execution of their threat to take fort Sumter until after the 4th of March, and Major Anderson is to be provided with provisions from Charleston, proving the South Carolina authorities accept the proposition and Major Anderson accepts the humiliating terms. The South Carolinians may yield, but it is believed that Major Anderson will not consent to go to Charleston for his supplies if his government will not supply him.