New York Herald
April 18, 1861
WASHINGTON, April 17, 1861.
The administration is considerably alarmed today lest an attempt be made by the secessionists in Virginia to seize the government vessels now at Norfolk. Intimations of such a purpose on their part were received here this morning.
There are now six vessels of war at Norfolk, namely, the Merrimac, Germantown, Bainbridge, United States, Pennsylvanian and Potomac. The three former are in excellent condition, and can soon be got ready for sea. The three latter are in a disabled condition.
Owing to the present precarious and unsettled state of affairs in Virginia, the government today decided to strengthen all the military posts in the State. Several companies will immediately be despatched to Harper’s Ferry.
The administration will at once take the necessary steps to remove them to some other point in the event of the Virginia convention passing the secession ordinance.
The administration has not yet decided to blockade the Southern ports. They will probably wait until something definite is known respecting Fort Pickens. If the revolutionists capture that fort, then the government will be compelled to blockade every port from Charleston to the mouth of the Mississippi.
Advices received today from Montgomery indicate pretty clearly that it anticipates a blockade of all the ports. They are confident that England and France will not permit a blockade. Assurances are in their possession, it is said, that France will raise it in less than sixty days. This is directly contrary to information in possession of the Lincoln government. It is the present policy of both France and England, and the government is so assured, not to interfere in any manner with either section. Both these great Powers have indicated, through the proper channels, their feeling of regret at the present deplorable condition of affairs.
The greatest anxiety prevails in administration circles to hear from Pensacola. Up to this evening nothing has been received. It is very probable that the revolutionary authorities will prevent anything being sent to the administration, especially if it should be unfavorable to them.