March 30, 1861; The New York Herald
From our Washington despatches, it appears that Col. Lamon, the President’s envoy to Charleston, declined to exercise the discretionary power with which he was clothed, and issue the order to Major Anderson for the evacuation of Fort Sumter. He returned to Washington and reported the facts respecting the straitened condition of the garrison to the President, who yesterday at an early hour summoned the Cabinet to hold a consultation on the subject. Their deliberations led to a confirmation of the determination of the government to abandon the fort. The order will be communicated to Major Anderson, and the garrison will evacuate Fort Sumter as soon as the vessel to convey them away arrives in Charleston harbor. At last accounts the garrison had supplies sufficient for a few days only.
Contradictory reports as to the designs of the government with reference to Fort Pickens have been circulated for some days past. The republican journals assert that the fort is to be reinforced–indeed it is announced that both troops and supplies have already be landed. Our correspondents from Washington, however, state that the Southern commissioners, and also conservative men of the border States, have been assured that no attempt would be made to relieve the fort–that the military status of that post would not be disturbed. It is further more stated that the reports in the republican journals are put in circulation solely for the purpose of influencing the coming election in New England.
Orders have been received at the Brooklyn Navy Yard from the Department at Washington to get the storeship Release ready for sea immediately. Accordingly yesterday provisions and stores of all descriptions were being put on board with all despatch, and her rigging was undergoing the necessary overhauling. It is not yet known who are to be her commander and officers. The same secresy is observed in regard to her destination; but it is believed she is being sent to convey supplies to the Gulf squadron.
The steamships Star of the West and Coatzacoalcos, from New York, were seen on the 23d inst., within a day’s sail of Indianola, Texas, for which port they were bound.