New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-04-13

ton. II is quite probable that the recent storm
dspersed the feet in such manner that the
yesseIs could not assemble at the appointed rem
devious, designated by the sealed orders wnlch
were only opened after they got to sea. Ii 'ni'
suuposition be correct, the crisis may De post
poned for few days. The movement VIII ne
eessarily depend upon their ability to concentrate
at given point, which has been properly coE-
fined TO the officers who are 10 execute 'lls LII
portant and responsible duty.
The military movements are under charge OF
Col. Brown, and the naval of Capt. Porter; but
Com. Strinqham is charged with supervisory
service, which may become Of imposing conse-
auence. As soon as the Minnesota is ready, he
will embark and direct the operations which ore
regarded as likely to happen. He was detoled
on this special duty for reasons entirely satisiac-
tory to the Secretary Of the Navy and the Ad'
mnistration, and was one of the few officers
who insisted OF the outset that Fort Sumter
copld be provisioned or REINFORCED without
any serious loss
1t is proper to state in this connection that the
military aud other officers who expressed the oehei
that force of 10000 men would be required 10
relieve Mai. Anderson, have, since then, recon-
sidered that opinion, and acquiesced In the plan
which is now to be tried, in certain contn-
gency. Maj. Anderson himself wrote that he con-
sidered 10000 necessary, but he and the Others
both seem to have omitted from their programme
the flank demonstration upon Morris Island and
Cummings Point, which is to be the feature OF
the present movement, if it should be made.
The combination of that plan with an advance
through the main channel of several ships OF
heavy metal, under the fire of the batteries on
Morris Island, furnishes rough idea OF the
proposed operation.
Capt. Fox commands the vessel with provisions,
which is to lead the expedition. He is entirely
familiar with the channels, inets, shoals, creeks,
and lagoons, which are peculiar to the approaches
70 Charleston Harbor and its iDdentatiOns, hav-
ing been formerly attached 10 the Coast Survey
and engaged ia nautical service. Since then he
has made tbs subject bis study and was greatly
instrumental in impressing the Cabinet with the
feasibility of the experiment which is about to
be made. Com. StriDgham sustained HIN from
the outset and was present at various confer
ences when tho details were fully discussed, and
with searching scrutiny.
Although CON- Stewart was not consulted, it
is vel known be always expressed the opinion
without reserve that the reinforcement OF Fort
Sumter was not attended by the danger which
had been supposed.
Ills believed here now that the force sent
down 10 Charleston is amply sufne'"nt iOr '"'
object in view, and the mugiViDgs WINCH nave
haan axnressed in some quarters are doubtless
nrea;cated upon the original impressions which
obtained credeDce from the character OF the al-
thority whence they were derived
If the supply shall be attacked, and landing
saected 80 as to carry the batteries bearing upon
the rear of Fort Sumter, the struggle will be
abort, though il may be severe. Fort Moultrie ia
net regarded with any serious apprehension, and
could be soon demolished
Rumors have been rife throughout the city to-
day that Jefferson Davis had ordered the pro-
visions to be landed without moestatiOn. No
such intelligence was received here. This report
lie inconsistent with one from Charleston yester.
day, which is apparently well authenticated, that
Gen. Beauregard had summoned Maj. Anderson
to eyacuate. 1t is, however, within the range of
probabilities, as have before indicated, because
Mr.. DAVIS recommended OOV. flchens W dIoW
Maj. Anderson to be supplied, and the military
status OF Fort Sumter has in no way been
changed since then. He has, therefore, good
reason for this course if he chooses to adopt it.
The effect of such q decision would, however, in.
simultaneously demOralize the whole Secession
scheme, and withdraw from it the hearty sup.
port of South Carolina and portions of other
States The fear Of such consequences may de-
Ter him, especially when his action might be sub
jected to mislnterpretation.
If left to their own choice there is little doubt
the Carolina volunteers would gladly open the
ball. The troops have been in camp four months,
and are mainly composed Of the flower Of the
State men of undoubted courage and daring,
who regard this as o question affecting their per-
soDal honor. Jefferson Davis knows their metal,
and be also knows that if conflict begins, it
viii be the boodiest in our annals, with the
same number Of men engaged Hence he viii
pause before giving the final order.
THE VIRGINIA COMMISSIONERS.
The three Commissioners from the Virginia
Convention arrived this morning, and had an
audience with the President, who cOurteOusly
informed them that in tho discharge Of his con.
stitutonal duty be would endesyOr to do equal
justice 10 all sections, and that his desire was TO
preaeye the peace by every means consistent
with his oath Of office. He probably did not
consider it quite proper to communicate the dis
position made of tho army and navy, merely 10