Proceedings at Charleston.
Charleston, Jan. 12.
--Yesterday afternoon there was great excitement to learn why the Carolina Secretaries of War and State visited Fort Sumter under a flag of truce, where they remained two hours. A pretty reliable source says the department will know to-morrow.--The visit, however, is known to have been not of a hostile character.
Some say dissatisfaction exists among Maj. Anderson's men; others say that a surrender is contemplated and that he will evacuate.
Some people here are of opinion that negotiations with the Government at Washington are going on for a peaceful surrender and a cessation of the warlike attitude now assumed.
Good authority give credit to the statement.
The steamer Excell came in to-day with news that the Brooklyn was off the bar.
This is reliable.
She was seen this morning.
Col. Haynes on the part of South Carolina and Lieut. Hall from Fort Sumpter, left for Washington to-day with proposals and for instructions.
[Second Dispatch]
Charleston, Jan. 13.
--The latest news by the steamer Nashville from New York, reports that the Brooklyn was off Cape Roman.
Last night was quiet, and the excitement of the people had subsided.
There is great hope that the ultimatum of South Carolina and Fort Sumter, sent to Washington by Colonel Haynes and Lieut. Hall, will give peace.
Eight working men from Fort Sumter came away last night in a boat, four of whom are in the city, and four go to New York in the steamer Marion.
They report that the soldiers are on short allowance.
The steamer Clinch, under a white flag, and in command of Commissary General Hatch, went to Fort Sumter this evening.
Do not know what for, and nobody knows except the authorities. 