There seems to be little doubt now in Washington that the evacuation of Fort Sumter will take place in a few days. In fact, reports say that the war-steamer Pawnee has already been ordered down to Charleston harbor, to take off Major Anderson and his command, and this report is considered worthy of credence, although it has not been traced by a correspondent to its source. Fort Pickens, however, and those at Tortugas and Key West, will positively not be abandoned, unless some new and unexpected complication shall arise which shall render it absolutely necessary. The Southern Commissioners, it is stated, expect soon to receive definite instructions from Montgomery as to the course they are to pursue, when they will immediately indicate their line of action to the Administration.
Litchfield Enquirer, Litchfield, CT, April 4, 1861