The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-09
Reported Seizure Of the Federal
Property in Florida
CALL FOR A STATE CONVENTION IN VIRGINIA.

WARRINGTON, Jan. 8, 1851.
Secretary Thompson this morning called upon the Pre-.
sident and showed him despatch which he had just
ceived from Judge Longsreet Of Charleston desiring TO
know whether renforcements had been sent to Major An
derson The President at once informed him that the
Star Of the West had been chartered and on
her way Charleston with two hundred and fifty United
States troops.
This was the FIRST inmation Secretary Thompson had
that troops had been sent He states that order had
been given days ago by Secretary Holt Gen.
eoott but that the President revoked It, The day follow
ing the Cabinet met and the whole subject discussed,
and IL was finally determined that q messenger
should be sent to Major Anderson, with q view
Of sscertaining his exact condition, and whether
he really desired reinforcement. They had his
letters before them at that tme which he distinctly
stated that he did not require any rsnforcements unless
attacked. The messenger despatched, and it was
agreed that nothing should be done until they heardom
Major Anderson.
Last Saturday Secretary Thompson and Secretary
TOucey had heard OF the movement of troops in New
York. and called upon the President know the facts
He stated that Il any such orders had been given he
would have them revoked He authorized the Secretary
efwar on Saturday TO telegraph TO the commander Of
she star Of the West to land the troops Norfolk or Fort
Monroe and not go Charleston The President
informed the following day that the vessel had de-
parteu before the telegraph reached there This the
whole story.
Secretary Thompson Immediately telegraphed Judge
Lougstreet at Charleston that troops had been ordered
70 reinforce Major Anderson Secretary Thompson then
addressed letter the President resgnng in the
Cabinet In this letter he details the facts as have
above stated He maintains that he has been deceived
and that the deception apparent He does not hold the
President entirely responsible for all this He is OF
opinion that Secretary Holt and General Scott
70 blame than anybody else. Tho letter, while couched
In respectful language, is pretty severe
The excitement prevails among the Senator's
and representatives from the Gulf and States They
regard reinforcement Of Maj Anderson declaration
Of war; and eegraphed the Charlestonians sink
the vessel il possible, before she lands her cargo.
there has not been already collision, there win be in
les than twenty four hours The South talk war, and
they say that nothing avert II.
Major Anderson's brother, who despatched by the
government to visit Major Anderson some days ago. re
turned here this evening Immediately after his arrival
here he called upon the President and Gen. Scott and re-
ported them the condition Of aairs a. Fort Sumter
He says his brother has all the munitions and
supplies that required for the present,
and defend himself against tho entire
South His brother, he says, does not apprehend
any serious trouble Of attack. He does not be-
Ievc that they win make any demonstration for some
time In regard reinforcemcnts, the government be
says, do as they think proper. There no doubt
nc desires them although he has made such demand
He cent confidential communication to General scoti.
or course hs contents are not known. His brother
states that when he left that reinforce
upents had been sent.
The people in this District very much alarmed
Several companies Of United States troops arc expected
here TO night