The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-12
IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON.

The correspondence between Major Anderson and Gov
Pckens is commented upon in Congressional and dipo
matte circles to-day and with severity upon the
course pursued by Major Anderson. But those whose
comments most know the least about the mat
ter Those who are likely to know most about the facts
contend that Major Anderson has acted wisely His first
letter TO Gov Pickens does exhibit the slightest
knowledge his part that the vessel fred into the
Star Of the West, conveying him reinforcements and
stores and it is probable that he did know the
until it appeared Gov. Pickens' This deveope
ment probably caused Major Anderson TO delay his
purposes until he could communicate with the War De-
partment at Washington In order this he SO
conduct himself towards the authorities Of South Caro-
lima to obtain the right OF way that State Al
the expense Of little courtesy he accomplished that OBJ
ect and in few hours Major Anderson's messenger will
arrive here by extraordinary express, when shall
have clearer insight into the matter It is natural to
suppose that Major Anderson surprised TO hear that
the vessel fred into bearing reinforcements because
only few days since he assured his brother who visited
him at Fort sumter that he did not want reinforce.
Ms brother hns reported he returned
this city
All these facts confirm the theory advanced
in this correspondence that the scar Of tho West
was not intended for Charleston. The order given
TO the commander that vessel 20 to Charleston was
only Intended to exist until within an hour Of her epar
ture from New York when the real place Of destination
was to be named by telegraph despatch was sent to
that effect, ordering the star of the West Fort Mon
roe II too late; and then the Brooklyn was telo.
graphed Norfolk Immediately and intercept the
star Of the West and order the captain his troops
Fort Monroe, in Virginia
There is to believe that the despatch TO Norfolk
was intercepted as the Brooklyn did not sail until
message sent to her commander in writing, when,
as the country knows too late reach the Star Of
the West and prevent her going TO Charleston. This
being apparent the government at once assumed the
responsibility and take the position that they must
sustain The honor OF nag grossly nsulted BY the
revolutionists at Charleston.
Report says that the Fulton has boon ordered 90
the rescue Of the star OF the West aud conduct ss
Fort Sumter at all hazards but this ia not likely view
Of the approach Of a messenger from MAJOR Anderson
The reported preparation Of the authorities Of Charles
ton to receive the Brooklyn Is Of little consequence i
true ss il is well that she draws too much water
10 cross the bar in Charleston harbor.
gentleman just from Charleston says he does nj
believe that the star OF the wcst intended 20
there believing General 20 be well ported
the preparation going there receive her TO send,
under such circumstances unarned wooden shell Ike
the star Of the West upon such GRAND This gentle
man says that when he left sunday all the guns were
double shotted for the especial benefit the star o. the
West.
Lieut.. Talbot arrived here Il two O'Clock aud pro.
cecded at the President with dispatches from
Major Anderson. The Cabinet were IN session at the
time ana continued session until late hour What
action the government will take in this matter Is not
known II is question Of the highest importance and
will BIO deibcrstcd upon calmly aud dispassionatcly II
viii probably not be decided before tomorrow.
There one important fact connection with this mat
policy to be pursued and is Anderson auho.
rzed HE brother TO telegraph the President after
his interview at Fort sumter, that he did wish any
rcipforoemcuts lie did so, but the people who had
charge Of the telegraph refused send hs despatch
the presden, had received intelligence the reinforce.
ments would not have been sent which would have
saved all the trouble The Major reitcrses The same
hing He says he has all the force and supplies tina, he
requires, and can defend himself al all hazard.
Dispatches received today by the louisiana and
sh.t In
their respective States had been taken by authority
Of the governments OF these statcs 1t appears
that the Senator's Of these States tecgrapbed some days
ago 70 their Governors to seize them without delay and
their orders have been complied with
Governor Fitzpatrick to-day received despatch from
Alabama informing him that his State day passed the
ordinance Of secession and had linked her destiny with
South Carolina and Mississippi
The Mississippi delegation to-day received dispatches