Governors of Indiana, Ohio, Maine, and Pennsylvania confer with President about military status of militia. Baltimore Sun, 9 April 1861.

President interviews Virginia Unionists who want assurances that Forts Sumter, S.C., and Pickens, Fla., will be evacuated. Sends for former Cong. John Minor Botts (Va.), prominent Virginia Unionist, to discuss pacific policy of Government. Baltimore Sun, 8 April 1861.

Capt. Theodore Talbot, assistant adjutant general, talks to President before leaving for Charleston. Abraham Lincoln to Robert Anderson, 4 April 1861, CW, 4:321-22; Baltimore Sun, 8 April 1861.

Robert S. Chew, clerk in state dept., accompanied by Talbot, carries 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." Abraham Lincoln to Robert S. Chew, 6 April 1861, CW, 4:323-24; Official Records—Armies 1, I, 251.

President learns that orders to reinforce Fort Pickens are not carried out. Federal naval commander at Pensacola Harbor refuses to let troops land. Benjamin P. Thomas, Abraham Lincoln: A Biography (New York: Knopf, 1952), 254.

Sec. Welles confers with President and sends special messenger to Pensacola, Fla., to land troops at Fort Pickens. Welles, Diary.

Lincoln attends for short time only Mrs. Lincoln's second afternoon reception. Baltimore Sun, 8 April 1861.

Visits Navy Yard. Randall, Lincoln, 3:15.

Secs. Seward and Welles and Commodore Silas H. Stringham (USN) go to White House at 11 P.M. for President's decision on conflicting orders given USS Powhatan. Lincoln directs Seward to telegraph order to restore Powhatan to Sumter expedition. Welles, Diary.