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| Saturday April 6, 1861 |
The Governors of Indiana, Ohio, Maine, and Pennsylvania confer
with President about military status of militia. The President also
interviews Virginia Unionists who want assurances that Forts
Sumter, S.C., and Pickens, Fla., will be evacuated. He also sends
for former Cong. John Minor Botts (Va.), prominent Virginia
Unionist, to discuss pacific policy of Government.
Capt. Theodore Talbot, assistant adjutant general, talks to
President before leaving for Charleston. Robert S. Chew, clerk in
state dept., accompanis Talbot and carries a note from President
to Gov. Francis W. Pickens (S.C.) informing him that "an attempt
will be made to supply Fort-Sumpter with provisions only; and that,
if such attempt be not resisted, no effort to throw in men, arms, or
ammunition, will be made, without further notice, or in case of an
attack upon the Fort." The President learns today that the orders
to reinforce Fort Pickens are not carried out. The Federal naval
commander at Pensacola Harbor refuses to let troops land.
Secretarty of the Navy Gideon Welles confers with President and
sends special messenger to Pensacola, Fla., to land troops at
Fort Pickens. Secretry of State William Seward, Secretary Welles,
and Commodore Silas H. Stringham (USN) go to White House at
11 P.M. for President's decision on conflicting orders given U.S.S.
"Powhatan." Lincoln directs Seward to telegraph order to restore
"Powhatan" to Sumter expedition. "Powahatan" had been sent to
Fort Pickens
Lincoln pays a short visit to Mrs. Lincoln's second afternoon
receprtion and visits Navy Yard.