The New York Herald Newspaper, January 12, 1861, Page 2

2 @epee | assert that, notwithstanding errors of judgment, of duty or indifference to any or all of them, of history cannot point to a single instance wherein Ihave failed to accomplish them in a full, (air ‘and satisfactory manner. PEN AB a native of this city, on the call of my fellow citi wens, had my views been essential to what I might deem ret, Inonorable and patriotic, I should have advised a Fendition, not only to the South, but to all ihe states, of ‘@ full, fair and constitutional redress of all grievauces @f which they had a just right to complain, on the!: retin. 1b OF all oppressive or mutinous prooo>ding- ‘on the action of any State whatever, and ‘a restoration to the charter articles of the constitution apything of which they may have been deprived ‘Wrough a vicious, unfair or latitudinous constriction of ‘Shat instrument, or a revision of the constitution itself, which so closely binds together myriads of the human ly—seeking under it all their rights, in parsuit of , Welfare and iness. AS an im ot — we should bear in mind t! through the imperfeetion ©! ‘Woman nature, no combination, even of the most pro. Sound and virtuous minds, can arrive at perfection; aud ‘Wat al) difficulties and dangers cannot, ina first essiy ia Sorming a code for the perpetuity and stability of @ boud f fraternal brotherhood and union, be foreseen and prov ‘vided for in so extensive a community of powers; an eur own unfortunate experience may teach us in furaep gl no compromises will ever prove to be a correctiv® wro me Or meditated. My te is, millions for the redress of just ——— Wut Dot one cent for imaginary ones. 1 have the honor ~ .d fellow towneman, { Sabe your obedient servant and fellow owt sep THE NATIONAL CAPITAL. i ENAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT. TO THE PUBLIC. Whereas the militia of the District is not organized, and threats have been made that the President elect shall wot be naugurated in Washington, and there is reason, therefore, to apprehend that on the 4th of March next eur city may made the scene of riot, violence ant Blood; and reas the undersigned believes that the honor of the nation and our city demands that the Presi- @ent elect should be inaugurated ip the national metropo- 6, and that the young men of Washington city are de- Sermmed not to desert their homes in the hour of danger, Weut (0 maiwiain their ground and defend their families ‘and their friends in the Union and on the side of the con- stitution and the laws, Therefore the undersigned earnest!y invites all who soncur with him in opinion, and who are not now con- nected with Some military company, to join with him in forming & vemporary military organization, with the view ef preserving peace and order in our midet on the 4th of Mareh next, or whenever the emergency requires it, and for that purpose vo unite with the volunteer companies of eur city, which have, ia aspirit of gallantry and patriot- jam worthy of our imitatfn, pledged themselves to the sause of ihe Union, the constitution and the laws. It ts r to state that I take this step after consultation friends in whom I have the greatest confidence. It $8 DOL my object to interfere with my brother officers of ‘the militia. The proposed orgamization is to be purely ‘vewumtcer for the purpose abovertated, in which I am ‘Willing to serve in any capacity. 1 make the proposition, mot as one of the generals of ha militia, but as a citizen ef Washington, who is prepared td defend his home and bis honor at the peril of his life. EDWARD C. CARRINGTON. ‘SHE UNION REGIMENT OF WASHINGTON. (From the Washington Star, Jan. 8.) Pureuant toa call, there was a big meeting of the mg men of the Third ward Jast night, at Temperance Zan for the purpose of forming a volunteer military or- warization for the preservation of law and order in this «ity, in view of the threats of mob invasion. The room ‘was packed , jammed, and the enthusiasm and excitement ‘wp to fever beat. Had the Richmond Fen eg man been t the fact would probably have leaked through his Lan early stage of the proceedings that his ‘Mi- mote Men’ are not wanted in Washington, and will be ‘kely to meet with a warm reception should they poke their noses across the Long Bridge. Wr. Georgo Cochrane, a venerable, gray headed citizen, ‘was called to the chair; Mr. H. B. Curtis was made Vice President, and W. B. Williams, Bsq., Secretary. Mr. Cocukaxe, on taking the chair, said they were met te act for the good of the city, without regard to political errectional feeling. He had’ fought the battles of his country in 1813, and, said he, turning to the large Ame- riean fing that draped the rear of the platform, +I feel ly inclined to those s.ars and stripes.”? (Great Cheering.) He bad been under them in every part of the werld, and trusied that he should not live to see them ‘Pall. man came forw: |. Major Carrrseox said that the erisis was now upon us, fend it was the duty of every brave and good citizen to ‘woet it with firmness, (Cheers.) They were aware that ‘Pbreats have been made that our beautiful city shall be imyaded oo the 4th of March next by a mob. For one, he was prepared to say that he would resist such an at- tempt at the peril of wis life. (Cacers upon @beers, yells, “tigers,” and cries of “Good,” 443000."") Threats bad been made that the Presi- @ext elect should never be inaugurated in this city. eld man in sbrill treble, ‘ Yes be shall.”") It has ftated that Chief Justice Taney—old and feeble gabe is, with one foot in the grave—bas been heard Wo eay that be intended to discharge his duty and ad minister the oath of office to the President élect if he had to go to Springtield to do it. (Cheers.) Let us imi tate hie patriotic example and do our duty. (A voice— We'll dv that!””) Let us seo that Lincoln is inaugurated, Dike bis pre leceesors, on the east front of the Capitol Any attempt to resist his inauguration would be met by 6. onjuns who were ready to shed (Vociferous cheers.) shall it Be eaid that the people of the United States are afraid to fmauguraie their President Shall one little State, or fit. doen States even, deny the United States this high and ‘mppor‘ant privilege’ The period had arrived when every Brave And good man of tue republic should appear in un- Aieguised colors. As (or himself, he was for the Union, the coustitution and the faithful execution of the laws knew ‘no North, no South, no East, no West," aud jzed uo distinction between the people North and ih. ‘They were equally brave and pairiotic. (Cheers. ) Be was born on the soil of the Old Dominion, and lovet ber as 4 son loves the mother who bore him. "Therefore Ihe bal addressed the people of that State at va arog lately, urging them to remain true to the Union. believed they would. But, whatever others might do, jhe could fight wider no fag but the star spangle! banner. iy,” “Good.”) “Madness rules the hour.” Men ve been heard to curse our Union, have been seen to tear down the star spangled banner avd tréfuple it in the dust, Men Lave been heard to threaten to invade this Deautiful city, founded by the Father of His Country, and archives of government. He bad hereto- ched peace: but now he felt his Auglo-Saxon blood boil in his veins, and he was ready to strike in de- Bence of our government and flag. (Cheers.) Pro- weeding in the same animated vein, he said it was 1B0t bie purpose to interfere with any arrangement of the Dietrict militia, but to strengthen it. He proposed to raise a volunteer company in each ward—seven ia all—to form 4 regiment, to be called the “Union Regiment of we which shall constitute apart of our mili force in the District of Columbia, as do the other ‘Soeanese military companies of the city. We woul! havea trained band of five thousand men im the jet, more reliable than three times that number of raw tollitia. (‘Bully,” “That's so.”) Give bim five thousand young Washingtonians, let hima drill them for a month, and he would pledge himself to whip fifteen thou- wand raw militia, come from what quarter they would, even were they com of the londest fire-eaters that ver strut’ Or bellowed. (Tempestuous applavite) The — of Weehington took no part in polities, and held ‘even tenor of their way, but were prepared to fight te defence of their families, home, country and honor, Be then read the fol!owigg resolutions:— Whereas, threats bave made that the President lect shall not be inauguratet in Washington city, aud ‘we bave reason, therefore, to apprehend that, on the @th of March next, our beloved home may be made the Beene of riot, violence and blood: and, whereas, we, the men of the Third ward of Washington, believe that ee thoor of the nation and our city demand that the ident elect should be inaugurated in the national me- ig, and are determined not to desert the post of and duty, but to maintain our ground and defend , our country, our rights and our honor, at the Peril of our lives: therefore, 1. Reeolyed, That we, whose names are hereto sub- weribed, do constitute a volunteer military company, for the pur; of preserving law and order in our midet, and ing cur families and our friends against in: Jery and insult by revolutionary and lawless mobs, and ‘we unite with similar companies that may be or- in the other wards of our city, the whole form- ‘a regiment to be known and designated as the “Union it of Washington.’” Resolved, That we proceed immediately to the elec ‘tion of our company officers, the field officers to be elected by the regiment after it has been formed as aforesaid. 3. , That we adopt as our uniform a jacket of Jean, and a glazed cap, of the plainest and ooinecclved, ‘That it is the duty of the officers who may ‘de elected to command us to commence immediately a proper 8} of drilling, and to impart to us all the ‘military information they can between this and the 4th of Morch next. 6. Resolved, That we Kaos | pledge to com cites ur racred honor promptly and im, ly to obey ° Yewfu! commands of on claves, ho ma ‘be elected by Ourtelves, as aforesaid, and to resist to the death, when ever it may be necessary, amy disturbance of the public Within the Dietriét t tolumbie, and every inlaw. Invasion of our beloved city, from of the ih may come eg (Ocrome objected to the uniform as ‘Woo thin for the season. He didn’t want to Sight in his CaRRiNeTON Paid that the uni aE aieiees uniform could be de resolutions were then adopted with an ove " tag “aye,” aud then commenced a lively stawyere tn: wards Secretary's desk to sign the roll. ‘The crowd grew so dense, however. in this neighborhood that plan was hit upon, and supplementary papora ‘were circulated throngt the room, and were signed on ‘Mhe wps of hats or other folks’ back®. It was presenti s@anounced that some two hundred signatures had ai. Deen received, and it was to adjourn to night to obtain additional signatures, This was ee and the election of officers was entered upon. James E. Carrington was unanimously electot and made his acknowledgments in a la of eloquence, in which be said that it would seem to ‘De pomewhat aga inet the rules of —t etiquette for « PS Tes the office of captain, but that in this he had enlisted as o private, and he desired no high- ‘ef or prouder title than to be their commander, (Ap B. She!lcrons wae then elected First Lieutesant; TN a do sand v. B. Ward, Third do, op was elected Orderly Sergeant, and J, Ray Chas. Matlock and Isaiah Einart elected Secon 1, and Fourth Sergeants: Thomas Johnson elected En. sign, and W. R. Williams, Treasurer A committee, consisting of Captain F. ©. Carrington, First Lieutovant James P. Shelicroes, Second do. iH. B. ver section Curtis, Third do. H. B. Ward and Treasurer W. B. Wi Hame,'was appointed to solicit subscriptions from the © tizens for the more efficient organization of the corps. i, alter a The meeting ibyn adjours. snLNg a NEEL. of Py vy oe company for next Mosday night, MEETING oF THE NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS solve as follows: — that under no circumstances will we assume a position of hostility to ber inte ganizavon prom i} N#W YORE HERALD, SATURDAY, JANUARY i WASHINGTON bt Bi {From the Constitution, Jan. 11. A large anel enthusiastic meeting Uf the National Volume teers was beld last night at Harmony Hel ‘Several hun- dred persons were present, Capt, R. President, and J. H. Gants, Hsq. retary of the meet ing. Able and fervent addresses delivered by Dr. Boyle, F. A. Aiken, Esq, and |. Q. Washington, Baq., who introduced a preamble ond resolations, which were adopted unanimously, with tremeadous ange. Tho organization is m » most flour tien, having already on its old muster roll alone five hundred names. The Volunteers adjourned to meet on Monday nigiit, at Bureh’s Hall, corner of Dand Fourteeuth streets. ‘We subjoin the preamble and resolutions adopted:— ‘Yhe National Volunteers ef the city of Washington, ug met for the purpose of fecting and extendit existing mi organi: ; formed in the mont plenider, 1860, deem f both a right end daty at this ne to declare to their fellow citizens the principles which will-gontrol their future action. We therefore re 1. That-we will stand by and defewd the South, aud 8 or affiliate with a military or. @y-a partisan spirit to subserve the aims of the black republican party. 2. That the reign of terror attempted to be imiuga- pated in our midst is a system of tyranny which ca\'s for the most emphatic rebu 3. That we will eid each other and all good citizens egaist abolition vielence, inguits and attacks upon pri- Vale property 4. We will act, iv ¢he event of the withdrawal of Mary- and and Virginia frem the Union, in such mancer as ball best e ourselyes and those States from the vils of a foreign and hostile government within and pear their borders. VIRGINIA. OUR RICHMOND CORRESPONDENCE. Ricumonp, Va., Jan. 4, 1861. Important Letter from Senator Mason—He Counsels Seces- sion as the Only Remedy for Evistiny Wrongs, and Says “ivginiads Powerless to Save the Union—He Looks to Reconsiruction as Ue Only Remedy for the South, de. ‘The following is the coneluding portion of a letter ad- dressed by the Hon. Jameé M. Mason, United States Senator from Virginia, to a friend: in Winchester in this State se Theelection of an abolition President by a sectional abolition’ party bas necessarily compelled the Southern States to rely for their safety on themselves alone; and thus we have geen, in the exigency of the occasion, State after State acting each for herself, and without concert, assembling in comyemtion and preparing for defence. Congress has now been in session more than three weeks; full time and opportunity have been given for the abolitionists to disclose their purposes, and all here are satisfied that they mean (if not anticipated and pre- vented) to carry their abolition measures jato execution. Nothing can stay their hand but a firm and undivided front in the South. One State has already separated from the Union, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Georgia will certainly follow within the next thirty days, aud probably in the order named. In his condition of things Virginia can be neither nev- tral nor passive. The first act of the Legislature about to meet | trust will be to calla convention, and the first act of the convention to resume all the sovereign powers of theState by secession. In fact the Union is alreaay dissolved, and the only remaining question is: shall we go North or South? On such a question none can doubt where Virginia will be found. Powerless to save the Union, Virginia may, by thus ar- raying herself promptly in line with those of her sis- ter States who are determined to vindicate their own ho nor and eafety, aid in reconstructing a Union with com- plete and adequate safeguards against future abolition aggressions. 1 believe, further, that such prompt and decided action on her part, as the largest and most popa lous of the slaveholding’ States, would prevent any at tempt at coercion and war, which would certainly be tried on a divitied South. | write this letter amidst constant interruption; but it Will sulfice at least to give my opinions as to what is be fore us and how we are to mect it. Very truly, yours, J. M. MASON. ‘This day was kept a strict holiday in Richwwond. Busi hess was generally suspended, and divine services had itr all our churches. The sermons of the different clergy- men were essentially warlike—some of them actually counselling secession and resistance to federai aggression. The Rey. Mr. Hoge, of the Second Presbyterian eburch, boldiy vindicated the policy of resistance, while the Rey. Mr. Duncan, of the Broad strect Methodist chureh, not only counselled resistance, but expressed his readi ‘ness to lead an army himself if necessary. These senti ments are fair specitnens of those proclaimed in the other churches, The papers in the interior of Virginia, that have heretofore favored conservatism and delay in ac tion, have this week come out for imivediate secession— seeing that all hope of conciliation had yani=hed, Ricuwoyp, Va., Jan. 8, 1861 Introduction of the Alatama Commissioners to the Virginia Lrgislature by Governor Letcher—A Stale Convention cession of Virginia Certain, de., de. ner Letcher introduced today to the General of Virginia the Hon, Arthur F, Hopkins and F. AM. Gilmer, Esq., Commissioners from Alabama, by traps mitting to that body the credentials of these gentlemen, with the following communication:— Execonve Derarraeyr, Jap. 7, 1861, GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE AND Hovsi oF Dey rcares:— I have the honor to communicate herewith the creden- tials of the Hon. Arthur I’. Hopkins and F. M. Gilmer, Fsqs4, distinguished citizens of Alabama, duly sepsiniet by bis Excellency the vernor of that State Commis: sioners to the sovere! ate of Virginia. to consult and advise with you and the Executive as to what is best t2 be done to protect our mutual interest and honor. - Circumstances which have occurred, and events which are cccurring daily, surround this movemeat with nn. usual interestand more than ordanary significance and importance. Iu times of calamity aud peril, when the Pease of the nation is disturbed; when panic aud distress prevail in the financial, commercial, mercantile, agrieul tural, planting and manufacturing. interests; when the laborer aud artissn, dismissed from employment, are threatened with want, and when the Union is dieripted and almost in the throes of dissolution, such consulta: Lions as are proposed may result in devising some practi cal and efficient means of relief from the evils now upon us, and those that are impending over us. Jn 1860 the question was propounded to Mr, Calhoun— Can the Union be saved? His answer was, “The North bas ovly to will it to accomplish it; to do justice by con- ceding to the South an equal right in the acquired. terri- tory, and to do her duty by causing the stipulations rela- tive to her fugitive slaves to be faithfully Tululed: tocease the agitation of the slavery question, &o.’’ This will cost the North no eacrifice of her honor, her dignity or her rights. The South asks nothing more than her safety requires, and she will be satisfied with nothing less. The continued existence of the Union, therefore, depends upon the decision the North may make. These gentlemen desire to address the two houses of the General Assembly, and 1 am sure it will be your Pleasure to extend to them that courtesy. They hatives of our beloved Commonwealth, and now retura to her us the honored representatives of a Southern sis- ter State. @ them a cordial welcome, hear them oaimly, and weigh dispassiouately the views may present JOHN LETCHER. This communication, with the credentials accompariy. ing it, were ordered to be printed. ‘The Speaker of the House of Delegates to-day appoint & committee of fifteen to bring in a bill providing for the call of a convention as instructed to do by a reso. lgtion adopted yesterday. The committee applied for and obtained leave to sit during session of the houses. ‘They accordingly retired, and in less than an hour and # balf ret with a bill duly prepared. They will not, however, report it until to-morrow, It fixes the 17th of February as the period for the assembling of the State Convention, and the firs, Thui in the same mouth for the election of delegat& to that body. There is @ genera! conviction among all parties here that Vir. = will be out of the Union on the 18th or 19th of February. The Senate to-day a ed, with bat one yoice—Alfred Caldwell, t Ge adopted on yesterday. tone of these resolutions may be regarded as a Proper reflex of the prevailing sentiment of the Legisiature. And when it is considered that this is the same bod ‘that refused a year rgo to go into conference with south Carolina and Mississippi, ite present ultra and determined attitude well be significant and portentous, wrong ich could 80 metamorphose the fentiments and policy of this Legislature must indeed be acute and bitter, Members, who last winter shrank in horror from any policy remotely sanctioning or pointing to disunion, as a Southern conference was supposed to do, now zealously support the most ultra measure. They as equalities y macenditions seommsianiate.. J doubt now “if any proposition can avail to change their purpose, ‘The State has evidently determined to secede, come what may. The most ample military preparations will be made to meet any that'may follow the act of secession. It is intimated that a sum of ten millions of dollars will be appropriated for [ay sy} of State de- fence, the money to be raised on principle of the French Credit Mobilier, by the issue of bonds for $50 and jess bearing interest and payable in fifteen or twonty years. The whole amount would be readily raised within the State by this means, and even if each one’s share was loet forever, it would not be seriously felt. It is est) mated by military men of high rank in our State, that by the 4th of March, Virginia will have an efiective tui. Mtary force of 300,000 men, fully armed and equipped. Citizens who baye are not included irchased arms on their own account this estimate. Those well informed = ao for at not — wi strength of the , about 100,000. When the Old wed she generally manages affairs for the rection as it is possible to do it, Her w. but her determination when she tible. she acts in full view of gonse- ences, and © are commensurate with the necessity and demands of the crisis, Hence she is LOW inaugurating, pari passu with her secession scheme, ‘a system of enlarged military defence which will prove pen mht 4 erosion. She is evidently de termined to show ‘orth bow futile would temps to coeree the South or prevent scenarion ota | learn that Governor Floyd is preparing a statement of facts concerning the poliey of M South, which he intends publish ponition to the South, and will, I unders revelations which will give a uew elon movement in Virginia and the bord Amy jplormgd Chis even ng thay Revayor wy? towards the is Prepon rig gen Sg probably. to nec 5 Met well alone.” “His addreas was ir, vs wnfuenee Vis to secede, and that ‘a y etermined, to that the ditingulahod Ser.ator’s offorts ave been effectually fores Yor i of the Legislature. 53 i eadlgna Ricawowo, Va., Jan. 9; 1861. The BI Providing for a Cell of @ State Convention—Great Enthusiasm in Virginia Upon the Prospect of a Speedy Seceasion—The Whigs in Oppoeition—The Petersburg Col- lector of Oustoms has to Renew His Seourities, ec. , be. “Herewith you will find a copy of @ bill “to provide for electing members of a Convention and to convene the same,” reported this merning to the House of Delegates, vy the Committee of Fifteen, which was appointed on yesterday, in conformity with a resolution adopted on Monday last. The bill was ordered toa second reading, and amended by substituting the 4th of February for the 7th, as the day of election. The bill was not completed when the House adjourned, but it is almost certain that 11th will be substituted for the 18th ef February, 2s the time for the meeting of the Convention. The bill reads as follows: A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR EU MEMBERS OF A CONVENTION, AND TO THE SAME. 1. Be it enacted by the Ger Assembly, that it ‘shall ‘be the duty of the Officers who were to con- duct elections for county officers in , at the places established for holding elections for members of the General Assembly, to Coe electing delegates to a Convention, to consider Propose euch measures a8 may be expedient for this Commonweaith to adopt in the present crisis of Stat6and national affairs. The said election ehall be held om the 4th day of February, in the year of our Lord 1861. 2. The Conyention shall consist of one hundred and a ‘ibed fifty-two members, to-bé.chosen for and by counties and cities of the Commonwealth, as by the second section of the fourth article of the consti- tution of thig State, for the eleetion of members of the House of Delegates. The county or counties which alter- nately vote for delegates to the General Assembly under the said article of the constitution, and which at the next elec- tion for delegates would be entitled to elect a delegate or delegates, elect the same number of members of the Convention, and in the same manner that they would be entitled to if the election were for members of the next session of the General Assembly, 3. Any person may be elected @ member of the Con- vention who, at the time of election, has attained the age of twenty:ve years, ‘and is actually @ citizen of this Commonwealth. 4. The said election shall iu all respects be conducted im the mode prescribed, and the officers conducting the same shall be vested with the.powers, perform the du ties and be liable to the penaltieg, prescribed by the code of Virginia for general -elpet! except as berein pro- vided. ‘ 5. The polis shall in open for one day only, ‘and the Eetageners pperiitending the said elec: tion shall meet in their respective counties, corpora- tions and election districts on the second day from the commencement of the election; shall then com- pare the polls and decide who is elected, and shall make returns of the election, one of which’ they shall forthwith transmit by mail to the Governor; another with the poll books, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the County or Corporation Court, to be filed in his office, and another to the member or members clected to the said Convention. 6. Upon veceiving the said returns the Governor shall issue a proclamation canvening the members 80 chosen on Monday, the 11th of February next, who shall moet at the Capitol, in the city of Richmond, accordingly, and proceed to adopt such measures as they may deem expe- dient for the wel of the Commonwealth, 7. In the case of a contested election, the same shall be governed in all respects by the existing laws in regard to contested elections in the House of Delogates. 8. In case of vacancies occurring preyious to the meet- ing of the Couvention, the Governor shall issue writs to supply Be, same; aud after the said meeting, the writs shall be issued by order of the Convention; and the elec- tions under such writs shall be conducted in all respects as the elections herein before provided for. %. The said Convention shall be the judge of its own rivileges and elections, and the members thereof shall Ve, Pogsexs and enjoy, in the most full and ample man- ner. all the privileges which members elected to and at- tending on the General Assembly are entitled to, and moreover sball be allowed the sume pay for travelling to, attending on and returning from the said Convention asia now allowed to members of the General Assembly for like services. 10. The said Convention is hereby ampowscad to ap int such officers, and to make them such reasonabie al- jowances for their services as it shall deem proper; which several allowances shall be audited by the auditor of pub- lic accounts, and paid by the treasurer of the Common- wealth, out of auy money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated. 11. The expenses incurred in providing poll books, and in procuring writers to keep the same, shal! be defrayed as heretofore in the elections of members of the General Assembly. 12. This act shall be in force from its paseage. ‘The enthusiasm with which the speedy action of the Legislature is hailed here and elsewhere indicates how strong the secession sentiment is, and how hopeless any effort must now be to avert disintegration. The Legisla- ture seems to have come here with its mind made up upon that subject, and it only remained for that hedy, in oreer to give the sentiment official force, to go through the necessary forms. It was with difficulty, and only af. ter repeated threats to clear the galleries, that the Speaker couldrestrain the loud applatise wth which every secession sentiment was hailed in the House of Delegates to-day. The galleries and lobbies were literally thronged during the day, and the interest manifested in the pro. ccedinge exceeded anything of the kind ever remembered in Virginia, Men actually absent themselves from their business in their zeal to watch the progress of events in both houses, The desire to have matters speedily aud tially rettled 1s almost universal in Virginia, Doubt ant uncertainty overshadow every interest, ani the socner the pull is removed the better, according to the estimates of our wisest aud best men. War as a certainty would seem little less preferable than peace prolovged under the existing painful doubts ond Uncertainties which enshroud everything. Hence there is joy at the t that Virginia’s determination to secede will give a definite character to the conflict. ‘The whigsin the Legislature manifest some show of opposition to the secession movement, but they are over- whelmed in the xeneral secession cry which rings through the State and is so faithfully reflected in the Legislature. ‘This opposition, however, does not seem to contemplate a defeat of the secession scheme It consists merely in efferts to stave off immediate wo and gain time Tor deliberation; but inasmuch as slow progress would imply doubt as to the policy of the movement, and, Perhape, timidity, the secession members are unwilling to mar the moral prestige of their action by any such poli- ca ‘The show of opposition, even in this form, is of a character 80 insignificant as scarcely to invest it with a claim to the title of opposition. If my recollection of the action of the other Southern Legislutures in the matter of @ call for @ convention be correct, it was marked by no greater degree of unanimity than seems to characterize the proceedings of the Virginia Legislature in the same connection. Judging by the prevailing sentiment in the State, the same unanimity and promptness of action will animate the Convention in consummating the final act of fecersion. The securities of Mr. Timothy Rives, Collector of Cas. toms at the port of Petersburg, in this State, have ad- dressed a letter to the Secretary of the Treasury inform- ing him that, in view of the fact that the Union is now dissolved, they would no longer continue ible in this capacity.” Whether the Secretary will absolve them from this responsibility remains to be seen. secession being the order of the day, however, these gentlemen will probably not hesitate to secede from this obligation, trusting to the imminent probability that, even if a suit should e necessary, no law of the United States will avail in Virginia after the 4th of March next. This city was considerably excited to-day by a rumor that Governor Letcher addressed a despatch to Mr. Bu- chanan demanding to know whether he had sent or in- tended to vend through Virginia territory to Harpe Ferry a military force to garrison the United States Arse- nal st that place. The report had it that the Governor gave two hours for a reply, and it was even rumored that the First regiment of Virginia volunteers were ordered to ve in reasliness to march upon Harper's Ferry to-morrow and squelch the garrison now stationed there. (On in- quiry, however, the rumor was ascertained to be without foundation, This, of course, led to considerable disap- Ppolutment among our chivalrous military Youths, who are now panting for a brush with Uncle Sam's cohorts. An effort was made in the House of Delegates W-day to have the question, ‘Whether a convention should be called?” submitted to a vote of the people. The effort failed, however, and nothing remains now but to pass the bill, whieh will be done to-morrow, and hold the election for which it provides. NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS. STATE MILITARY AFFAIRS, ‘The Richmond /%spatch, in an article on military af- fairs, after condemning the conduct of Major Anderson, makes the following suggestion to the authorities of Vir- ginia:— We have no doubt that South Carolina is in earnest, and being #0, the best thing she can do is to select the most ekiliul and experienced among the officers of the United States Army, who have resigned or are about to res! and make him generalissimo, and let him contro! all military movements. If any naval force is employed, however email, it ought to be placed under strict nav, discipline. So, atleast, it seems to um outsiders. Mille lary and naval science is pot learned in @ day, nor are great generale manufactured out of militia’ men. It Would be little better than murder in the first wo send troops to gt afield battle under militia generals, Tn guerilia warfare, and earth works of cotton ‘ which will probably be the principal mode of fighting in 4 war between the two sections, militia generals will do very well, with the advice of some educated aid, who has graduated at West Point. But in any great tions, requiring ether qual people have a right to educated and ecrentific officers left to military men. ‘The Dispatch concludes its article as follows — It Is one of the favorite calowlations of the enemy that Southern men will not be willing Ww enlist in the rank and file, that every man with ®elean shirt will want to be an coffee i that few will be inelined to submit to the rigor of Military digcipiine. We see nothing of this disposi tion, however, among the brave gentlemen who now ewell the ranks of t pe sokliery, We take it for granted that men of the highest social pretensions in the sae ee cere to voluntecr in the ranks, as the sb no m of Bo; did on the apprehension of a fonek teereies ‘The a of the citizen soldiers, raised to defend England, are full to overflowing of the proudest arietocracy of the land. sometimes whole companies being mainly composed of Dokee, Faris and Barons. Moreover, in the organization Of # Southern army. we shail, if we are wise, adopt the system of Franee, the most military nation in the world, in which every soldier is considered a gentleman, and when off duty a® much entitled to courteous recognition from his officer ae if both werk civilians; and in every case keep the deer of promotion to the highest rank open he homblest private. Beginning right. enforcing the wecipline, yet a pay Taam aaa caer es ° 3 vv - defenders and Goaat regular, militia, in their special and yn , we able, in the event of tuvasion, to Southern soil a3 will do justice to of the American Revolution, and bequeath a heritage of security and renowa to our posterity, ivLD sm ANNON ZO% THE erave, aie ‘The Richmou er jan. 8: % tion to the other arms Cm ged for the defence of the State, twenty-three rifled six-pounder guns have been purchased. ‘The howitaer in this city have one rifled piece in addition to five guns, It hay- ing been found that the battery, when brought here Washingéon, was mounted in a manner unserviceable for other than shipboard and boat operation, they were sent to the Armory here, where they have been newly mount- ed, £0 that each gun can be drawn by hand or by horse. ‘Ve workmanship of the alteration i8 excellent, and does much credit to the artisans in the Armory. The car- riages are painted red, and handsomely relieved with black moulding. The battery will be on the Citadel squere on the eighth instan', and the company will give an exhibition of their drill before the members of the Legislature.” THE GARRISONING OF FORT WASHINGTON. The Alexandria of the 7th inst, says much ex- citernent was im that city on Saturday night from the government ordering @ garrison to Fort Washington, afew miles below Alexandria, which for several years has been unoccupied. Colonel Stuart, of the’ 175th regiment, immediately in- formed Governor Letcher that a body of federal trooy bad parsed through the jurisdiction of Virginia for purpose indicated. Fort Washington is a bastioned work, inaccessible to eecalade in » Protected from assault in front by a diteh fs commanded in all its parts by flank tires of grape and cannister. The greater part, if not all of its armament, is understood to be at the work, and ost of itis in position for, ready service, and the maga- zine is also understood to be amply supplied with all the munitions necessary for its greatest efficiency, PASSAGE OF UNITED STATES TROOPS TO BARPER’S ¥BRRY. ; The Baltimore Sun of the 8th inst. says:— iy aficrnoon a detachment of sixty-two United States troops {ertilery men) arrived in this, city’ over, the ro ntral Railroad, from Carlisle Barracks, Pa. were in eharge of Lieut. R. Jones, and carriod sabres only. ‘The troops were ignorant of their destination ‘they reached this city, When their commander recei a ders to proceed to Harper’s Ferry, Va., whither they go, it is understood, to guard the arsenal and other govern- ment works at that place. The troops left in the four o'clock Western train for that point. Another squad of marines came from Philadelphia on Sunday, and went on to Washington the same day. GUARD AT HARPER’S FERRY. The Virginia Free Press of Thursday states that the Ar- mory Guard, the Hard Beant and Floyd Riles were or- dered on duty on previous at Harper’s Ferry, in obedience oa de received there from Washington, requiring t todo so. They were marc! into the pelt yard, awaiting any orders which might be sent them. ‘om the Ri uirer, Jan. 2. The Senators and tatives trom States have all (with the sarroton, ae said, of Senator Pearce, of ‘Maryland): signed a call for theConvention to be held at Baltimore in February. Many think that. this is the initiative step towards the formation of a central confederacy, as the easiest bie for reconstructing ‘this goverpment. The constitution, amended te sult the South, can be adopted, and the entire machinery of go- Vernment can goon. Se States can be admitted as they come forward, and the New Englanders can come in or remain out. INSUBORDINATION AMONG BLAVES. {From the Richmond Dispatch, Jan. 3. Sungiry rumors were rife iu this city'yesterday, to the effect that the “irrepressible conflict’? had un in ear- nest on the south side of James river, in ancient town of Manchester, An the rumored on dits, one was to the effect that some of the negroes of that place had been discovered in a plot to burn down Marorn triage last night, and by so doing, prevent all succor from - mond, while the insurrectionists would at leisure destroy the houses and murder the inbabitants, Madame Rumor also asserted that the sm plot had been nipped in the bud by a timely disclosure on the part of one of the gang and the arrest of the implicated parties. On repair. ing toManchester about 3 o'clock on yesterday, we saw no signs of trepidation ameng the inhabitants, nor could a verification of the agsertions of Madame Rumor, in res- pect tothe destruction of Mayo’s bridge, &c.,’be had from any of them. At the town hall the examination of a lot of negroes was progressing before Justice Spencer Hancock, they having been arrested that morning by constable B. A Moody on a warrant issued by Justice J. Hobbs, on the oath” of Mr. James 8B, Vaughan, who stated therein thit he had good reason to believe that George Howlett, Wilson Howlett, Peter Howlett, Becky Howlett, Sarah Howlett, Margaret Howlett, (free) Martin, Jim Wortham, Philip Randall, Warner Clarke, Laura Rhodes, and Robertson Shuter (slaves), did on the night of Thurs- day, December 27, meet at the kitchen of said James B. Vaughn, and did, then and there, talk of and make ar. Tangemeuts for an insurrection agajnst the white inhabi- tants of the county of Chesterfield. Philip Randall, an old negro owned by Mr. Wm. Gray, appeared to be most deeply implicated in the use of in’ cendiary expressions. anny Tucker, slave of Mr. Vaughn, who ‘‘blowed’ on , testified that there was a party at Mr. V's on last Thuraday night; while there her cousin Martha, (owned by Vaughn), asked Phil had be hear{ the news just brought from Richmond by Sarah (another of Vanghn’s negroes), to the effect that great crowd of people was standing around the tele- eraph office in this citv, intelligence having arrived that the colored peopie of the State would be free in two months; that war would scon be here and that a vessel ladened with silver was now on its way from the North for the use of the colored people. To this startling piece of news, according to Fanny, Phil replied that he ‘was willing to eat dry bread and herrings to seo it true; that God had ordained it to be so, citing the Bible as his authority for his assertion. According to Fanny, Warner Clark, a slaye (and crip- ple), also cupredeed himself anxious to possess & crowbar to pick out the eyes of some of the white folks; while Jim Wilson, one of Mr. Samuel Hargrove’s slaves, pro- mised to bring a paper and read the news to nif it proved to be true. All of the accused were allowed to testify, though not as witnesses, the object of the Justice being to get, if possible, at the proof of the matter. Fach one told a different tale, and nearly every one flatly con- tradicted Fanny. Old Phil entifely ‘seceded’? from the remarks imputed to him, and bad no knowledge of the “party” or the alleged conversation thereat. Of the negroes under arrest, Wm. Samuel Hargrove one, Chas, Rhodes Clarke one. The Howletts are freed negroes, having been set free by wil 1 is claimed that some of the plotting ‘was done al ir house, thoug! ) testimony did not make the fact specially apparent, * At six o'clock last evening the examination was ad- Journed over till ten o'clock this morning. That some negroes have had their hopes unduly excited by Lincoln's election we have no doubt; but what they could hope to gain, besides a little hemp, by plotting and ing into effect an insurrection in this State, we are af a loss to conceive. Jf there is anythirg in the above case Justice Hancock will no doubt sift it out. If he does, the public shall be informed of the result of his labors. ‘Two or three of the negro women under arrest as participants ‘were allowed to go home last evening, some having in- Gray owns one, 0, and the widow fants, and the services of others being required—their Toasters saying that they would vouch their being on hand at the opening of Court to-day. é The VirglitiN@ SLAVES IN VIRGINIA. . Virginia papers continue to note the prices for which slaves are now hirit in that Rtate. At Warrenton, on Tuesday, the pr: obtained were & slight reduction upon fast year’s figures, men Tranter, peaking of the ring there aa Tuesday, and ranscript, speaking iring there on the limited demand, says :—« prices as an average were in great reduction of last year’s rates, Able- bodied negro men ranged from $50 to $60, and women from $20, $20 and $35. In many instances the reduction is fully one-third, while in one case we heard an offer of @ servant woman for the amount of her taxes. In yet and other places in Virginia there is a like reduction. SHINPLASTERS. The Town Council of Winchester, Va., has determined to make an issue of ration due bills to the amount of $5,000, in notes of the denomination of $1, fifty cents and twenty-five cents. NORTH CAROLINA. , . OUR RALEIGH CORRESPONDENCE. F&uman, Jan. 3, 1861. Alarm and Excitement— Effect of the News from Washing- tom, Savannoh, dc.—Reply of Governor Elis to the Com- missioners—Lincoln's Ominous Silence—The Proposed Central Confeleracy—Can the Colton States Furm a Re- putlic?—New England Must be “Sloughed Of?’ —The Herald's Courte Endorsed, de., de. Great excitement was caused here yesterday by a telegraphic despatch received from Wilmington, in this Btate, to the effect that news had reached that place that both the Cabinet and Congrees had broken up ina row; that Mr. Buchanan bad gone over.to the North; that the Minute Men of Norfolk and Portsmouth had resolved to capture the United States steamer Brooklyn; that troops for ecercion had been sent South; that the citizens of Savannah had determined to take the United States forts in the vicinity of that place, and that the people of Wil- mington were prepared and anxious to proceed to similar work against the fort on the Cape Fear, and that adeputa- tion, headed by the Hon. W. &. Ashe, had been sent to bis city to obtain the consent of Governor Filis t> em- body the militia and march to the capture of the govern. ment forts below Wilmington. Although most of this despatch turned out to be a miserable falsehood, no doubt tramped up to alarm our people and serve the cause of Sonth Carolina and the secessionists, and was 80 pronounced by am extra from the Standard offloe, which made its appearance promptly upon the heels of the secession organ’s budget of news, yet it was in part true, and the Wilmington train brought Mr. Ashe and his companions, whe proceeded forth. with to crave an interview with his Excolleney Governor Ellis, who bad just taken the oaths of office before the Chief Justice of the State, one of which ig “to support the constitution of the United States. They laid their programme for taking .the government fort below Wilmington before his Excetleney, and no doubt deecanted at length on the glory and splendor which would linger for ages to come around the record of such « nficeut achievement, and the vast and inexhaustible 12, 186.—TRIPLE SHEET, 0 a ‘North State.” His Excellency listened, it is said, with the most profound and respectful attention, but ou re- calling to mind the oath he had just taken, and examin- ing @ little into the constitution and laws of the United States, he most urbanely discarded ‘the soft impeach- ment,” and informed the commissioners that his legal ‘acumen had brought him very nearly, if not quite, to the conclusion that such an act would be treason against the United States, ‘bid that citizens of this law-loy- ing and law-abiding State should be the first to commit such a lawless and mad act. It would be met—nd that by the indignany and unqualified con- her whole people. Stl such things show into what a fever of excite- ment and alarm many of the Southern people have been driven by the condition of things at Washington city. ‘They see the natio#ial government crumbling to pieces, and its legislators s by, gazing on the humiliating spectacle in stupid amazement—either too impotent, too selfish and ambitious, or too reckless, in their desire to urate a reign of terror, to lend’a helping hand to the career, of that demon of fanaticiam which threatens to desolate the ‘and most prosperous country on earth with all the of civil war! How much will the great conservative, patriotic masses of the people sleep at the mouth of this raging volcano without arousing themselves to action, and adopting some means to save selves and all they hold dear from he ruin which is threatened? ‘There are not in this Union a more conservative people than those of North Carolina. are attached, strongly attached, to the constitution. They would make great sacritices to maintain and perpetuate a constitu- tional Union. But let not the —— of oe suppose that they are prepared to submit longer us tee and areas Se soon as they are convinced that it is the determination of the black re- publican ty to use the government which Was establiched for protection to assail and destroy their rights, they rise up, a8 one man, against it. Already have their patience and forbearance been sorely tried. “Many of thé most conservative amongst them are beginning to despair of all that a returning fense of justice will control the action and direct the icy of the Northerm States. And will the meu of the jorth close their =. pose to these things? Will they continue to with portentous which are Hig ed 1 seen Sere Ye oy Jd imitate longer the example of Nero, fiddle on , the ation which threatens the destruction of this great nation is raging around them? It is evident, as the Heraxp bas repeatedly declared, that Lincoln could restore comparative peace to the country by foreshadow- ing afonce a eet ge? and cnnclfiatory system of policy, by which his istration will be fulded. No man ever had a better opportunity to establish for himeelf a fame which will name illustrious for good in all times to 1. And ig it hfs settled determination to couple it with a es and in- famous , by refusing out | in the inf ” of » santiee ‘anid ciliation, | until the Union is scattered to the winds, the national | ernment is stricken down go drivellg impotency, ind all the bie ‘honors fe is antici ‘as the President of @ great nation are turned to ashes in er If such be his purpose, if this is to be the effect counsels he is determined to follow, he will deserve. will no doubt receive, the execrations of the friends of free go- vernittent throughout the world. ‘There are many amongst us who, in view of the disso- lution of the Union, are looking anxiously to the forma- tion of @ Central Confederacy, tobe ‘composed of the States of New. York, Jersey, Pennsylvania, Dela. Wares, Maryland, Virginia, Nor Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri, and ‘Ohio, Tndiana, Jlli- nois and Iowa. It is believed by many of our most stza- cious men that it would be deadly ruinous to the north< ern slave States to unite with the cotton States; that the South Carolina free trade doctrines and the African slave trade popensities of the Gulf States would bring desola- tion upon us, and would in a few years end in the disruption of the Southern Confederacy, and, as Johu Randolph would gay, ‘blow it sky hich—sky high.”? ‘One thing is very ‘in, that such a central confedera- cy, with proper constitutional guarantees for the protec- tion of the rights of the Sereneniig portion of it, would become a great and powerful nation. By it would be perpetuated the nationality of the United States of Ne America. The present national spiel, with its costly and smpgnitonns public edifices, would be preserved, and it would have commercial advantages which could not be by any country in world. Let any man at the map, and the truth of what I say will at once break upon his mind. Besides, my candid, settled con- viction is, that a pure slaveholding confederacy cannot stand. The form of government it must necessarily es- tablich—a pe yp en be its death warrant. It will meet with the antagonism of the whole world. White laboring men wilt be driven from it by the heavy taxes which wili be necestary for its administration and protection. Let not the northern slave States shut their eyes to these things, and to the fact that in the event of the entire slavebolding States uniting into one confederacy, those of the border will become the s—the “bloody of the continent. Let the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Illinois act with magnanimity and justice, and the peace an et of our country may yet be maintained and perpetuated. New England is the cradle in which fanaticism has been rocked. She hag furnished the two ed sword which has severed the bonds of our Union; let her in return be sloughed off. The cancer must be severed, or the body cannot remain sound. Bunker Hill, and Concord, and Lexington, and the graves of her great and noble patriots, whose devo- tion to the constitution she has to imitate, and whore wise counsels she had repudiated, we shall always Every patriot in the land should be grateful to the Hexaiy for the bold and able manner in which it has stood up for the right and maintained the cause of both the constitution and the Union. Go on with this work. The night is dark and stormy, but the daylight of peace ond prosperity may yet break upon our country. “ Don’t give up the ehip.”” THE NORTH CAROLINA FORTS. {From the Wanhington star, Jan. 6.) Fort Johnson, near the mouth of the Cape river, is, next to Fortress Monroe, the best appointed United States fortification on the Southern Atlantic: coast, while Fort Macon, near Newbern, commands the best harbor on the Southern Atlantic Coast south of Norfolk, Va. It oy to prio that y Wm. 2 aoe [nin in Congress. mana on the e revolution- inte, the work of wresting Fort Jobneon from dhe: United States. | Gov. Ellis, according to the on dit in disunion circles bere, declines pretending to authorize the act as an official one of the State, but is willing to wink at the execution of the purpose arranged here, which Mr. Ashe is expected to carry out. Mr. Ache is one of the most rampant disunionists in the South, and was here not long since, and when here was doubtless in close communion su sion” by armed rebel flagrant war on the United ‘States in States that do not pretend to have seceded, SOUTH CAROLINA. GOVERNOR PICKENS OFFICIAL QUARTERS, The Charleston t of the Baltimore Ameri- can gives the follow! > etadaae of Gov. Pick in — ‘The room was filled with aids writing out orders and de- SS Sees his Excellency the Mi- tary Chief of the republic were all employed in attending to demands upon them. The Governor himself was seated upon a rostrum facing the entrance, surrounded by half ascore or more of gentlemen in military undress or in. citizen’s babit. All seemed impressed with anxiety and con- cern; and from what | saw going on, and from what | heard, linferred that the State considered herself inan actual state of warfare. The messengers that ran hither and thi- ther bore military looking despatches with great seals upon them. TheGovernor appeared careworn but determined. He expreeeed himself to those about him as engaged in preparation for the worst. He listened to the suggos- tions of his advisers, and read the reports of military subordinates as soon as they reached his hand, and on the instant issued such directions as seemed to be neces- ‘ary. The measures he has already taken for defence are principaliy confined to the harbor, beyond Fort Sum- ter. This poet is not generally known to be almost in the middle of Charleston harbor, half way between Fort Moultrie and Morris’ Island or Fort Johnson. Fort John- son is no steonghold in any sense, but merely the site of an Ol! Revolutionary work, on which entrenchments aro now .being thrown up, and batteries are being crected. Me id is algo the site for another work under. Sumter, and besides command all vessels that cuter the harbor on the one side, while mand the rest of the entrance to tl any craft or versel of war is able to reach Fort Sumter the will have to encounter the breastworks, batteries, &c., erected on the outside, To the left of the Guberna. torial quarters is a chamber oceupied by a number of 8. These gentlemen were in the midst of busi- ness. A long green baize table extended nearly from end to end of the room. It was literally covered with papers, ile the floor of the reom was in an equally unfortunate condition. There was no lounging on the part of any one. The men all looked to ly immersed in business; many of them were bury writing out orders which were pri delivered to jn waiting; none were , and = greatest moment appeared to occupy every one. Governor ie quite up tothe mark of ptneas which the ardor of the demands. All under him are bound to be active, and all that liveliness can accom- plish will be done, you may rest assured. Ishould give you some description of the Governor's apartment. It is in the second story of the City Hall seat of municipal and magisterial justice, corner of streets. Court room ing is the first you enter on the story above the basement, bn | Roe LY you ascend to the seoond story by ‘8 broad and wi ig Staircase of mahogany, until you are brought up in front of the Mayor's office, which of it- self is a most luxuriou ished , boing filted up with heavy red k curtain, mirrors, gild frames, marble mantels, richly papered walls, feovy velvet chairs, luxurious sofas and rich Brussels carpets. Adjoining this retreat of official dignity is the Executive chamber. A on the door post gives tion of the fact. You pass the vij of @ sentinel and brush through a crowd of military men in attendance, and are ushered into the Executive presence. The first thing that strikes the eye is a daié or rostrum, In ap- pearance something like the reading desk of a church, only it is covered with dark red velvet and bestrewn with ear, Jukstands £24 the Governor occu isan he ? the apartment ting. Above inst the wall below it are a dozen owing to the grent amount of business transacted. Ali wround the walls rich pictures, portraits, busts, &e , were suspended, giving an air of refinement to the apart ment in perfect keeping with its other appointments. In front of the dais, and indeed scattered all over the roan wore writing tables, with clerks and aids at work, giving the whole place exactly the appearance of a drawing room traneferred into an editor's or reporter's quarters, About the old @ knot of tary officers were gat in conversation; among the Governor freely circulated, and seemed anxiously ‘ticipate in what ras going on. I did not remain afte: ing that it was the intention of the Governor to con- tinue his orders for fortifying the harbor. I have heard from outside jes many of bis intentions, and am in- formed of many points he intends to strengthen, but do not think proper to mention them here, for obvious rea- sons. Be assured, however, from the celerity with which things are going on, that South Carolina will take 4 determined stand, and that the same will be dope iD double quick time, AN INCIDENT AT FORT SUMTER. One of the Baltimoreans who recently returned from Fort Sumter detsils an impressive incident that wok lace there on Major Anderson 3 possession. It ig anadh ‘that the American flag brought away from Fort if Moultrie was raised at Sumter precisely at noon on the 2ith ult., but the incidents of that “ag ? beaver not been related. It was a scene that ‘a iemora- bie reminiscence in the lives of those who witnessed it. A short time before noon Anderson assembled the whole of his little force, the workmen empleyed op the fort, around the foot of the flag staf, The national ensign was attached to the cord, and Major Anderson, holding the end of the line in his hands, knelt reverent! down, ‘The officers, soldiers and men clustered fa many of them on their knees, all d with: the solemnity of the scene. The c an earnest prayer—such an appeal for s » eneouragement and mercy as one would make who felt that ‘‘man’sex- tremity is God’s tunity.” As the earnest, solemp the er ceased, and the men r that 5 Anderson drew spangled up to the be the staff, the ban broke out With the national ‘air of ‘Hail Columbia,” and jou exultant cheers, repeated again and again, were ven by the officers, soldiers. ‘and. workmen, “if 3) said the narrator, ‘South Carolina had at that moment. attacked the fort, there would have been no hesitation bag the part of any man within it about defending that ra MATTERS IN CHARLESTON. [From the correspondence of the Baltimore american.) Repcsuic oF Sourn Canouna, ‘CHARLESTON, Jan. 9, 1861. The city of Charleston continues greatly excited upon the question of war or peaco, In anticipation of The ‘jong are made on an extensive e streets of the city swarm with soldiers, and the process of enlistment into service is conducted with Upon many of the street corners, in the bar- rooms and other places of public resort, rs are stuck up inviting the services of “able men” to enliss into the ‘Army of the republic of South Carolina,’ and offering as an thereto the liberal sum of ‘$10 month, with rations und a bonus of $2.” Now there Seon ee eee eee ere made food for powder. « In addition to the ten thousand men to be raised by the to ordinance of the State Legislature, the Convention, as you are aware, has, by resolution, direeted the Governor io raise for instantaneous service two additional regiments of six hundred men each. officered ace t military D a8 by no ee coat Many of te Ree ments have already created i ‘tion, and publie confidence is comewhas shaken. r this may be, we are, nevertheless, be go quite rapidly and’as safely in all things looking towards fence as could be expected, or as is sent uncertain state of ; y with it stirring news of all over che State. bain 4 train that arrives is with armed bands of soldiers ready to profler their ger- vices to the Commonwealth. In various ea oot the military are qi defence. At present two or three large companies are Lenore god on the race course, and several others are i in other places. There is scarcely an hour in the day, when abroad on the streets, that you do mos meet with at least one, perhaps more, well disciplined compa- nies of soldiers lying og! exercise. The Citadel Green is a favorite resort of the military, and the space afforded: wring is useful; a regiment of recruits can be drilled on it without inconvenience, and it is therefore constantly ocoupied for thie purpose. ‘On several occasions I have witnessed the movements of dragoon companies and of artillery. a= CHADEL AMD THE ARSE, . ¢ Citadel itself is a large, work. It has been so often skeiched tthe illustrated papers: that no description of it is necessary. However, it may ‘be a8 well to say that it is the senior department of the extensive military echool which has been under the fos- yy of the State for many years. Its t iblic. " The course of ‘tate. most r! nt there are about 350 students attached to the institution here, while 150 more, belon, ‘the force in Charleston, some hundred or so are on active duty at Merris I: |, and about one hundred are sta- : 5 ft men in high position—many of them believe the cadets are ranked next to Point class, are undergoing instruction at tioued on Sullivan’s Island. All of them are men inuted to hardship—the very flower of the mettled, impulsive and oe 1 am told the services rendered by in erection of fortifi- cations have been very valuable, ‘The Arenal, about the occupation of which so mucb. has been said, is very valuable plunder to South Carolina. Its stores of ammunition, arms, &c., though greatly ex- aggerated in tude, are, nevertheless, very 5 It did contain at the time of the surrender forms 25,800 or 20,000 stand of arms, with large quantities of car- ridges, Minie balls, &c. From these stores several com. panies of South Carolina volunteers have already been supplied with arms. Many of the boxes of Minie rifles ond muskets have been opened and distributed, so that those Companies are well armed for service. 1 have heard that no harsh i kind attended the surrender of the Arsenal. was done ina seetetly friend way. commander suthorities notified the Arsenal that they wanted the property, and it was given up without & word. The deputy of republic the of the Arsenal took a friendly drink, and the next day the Stars and stripes were down trom the Arsenal Dap” staff with a salute of thirty-two . A fired when the Palmetto fing Was immediately afterwards nn run ‘At this time the Arsenal is in the ama under 3 porseraion: force of South Carolina troops, highly drill strict discipline. a A MORE MODERATE POLICY. Yet, with all our preparation for war and its contingen- cies, it is not believed the President will coercive line of . of provok- since have been ‘igoned troope of the iblic, and instead of pape Fey at the staff head we should now see the Palmetto hag floating in trint The feeling of hatred to the Yavkee abolitionists at the North is and elicits expres- sions of supreme cont from the depths of every SouthéFn heart; yet it is that possess courage, and when aroused will to the end. The policy, or at least part of the policy of Sooth Caro- lina is, after staving off war by non-action, to hold back cotton—omnipotent cotton—reduce the im manu. facturing countries—stop the thousands es Ln mig d y the until, by absolute force of circumstances, people driven to acknowledge the independence of racy. After this is done, they declare Unele Buck or Unele Abe, «s the cage may forced to release hold upon all fortifications, aod the will pass immediately into possession of the South. they will raise the sinews of war without cotton is not thought of, The G rot th oes in aninge he Governor ie ina fo forms the Legislature that, under the reootinions a r~ Cenvention, he has proceeded to raiso two regiments of enlisted men—one for service twelve months, the other jor six menths; that he has nine! the officers from first lieutenant down to third lieutenant, and in one nstance bas commissiOned « captain to raiee immediate. heme me a He thinks it may not be neces- men #econd rogiment. has also, by authority of the Convention, made a all for volunt Seaeealry, Sopot Lr ied into regiments, Y necerenry, t the fleld only offer yet appointed in this wolustowe force ie oe Maxey Gregg, whom the Governor calls ‘‘a brave and abio officer, to command it.’ A portion of this regiment i« ee = Fete on Suilivan’s Island, and other es for it are rapidiy arr from This regiment ie to verve for six mowinnn = '* SoUBEEY. .. The Governor thus rehearses t] itary defence at which the State will ae ae jo raige and equip a regiment for $200,009 ‘The regiment of Col. Gregg, tiresdy ae for wor ‘i it é z months... . Boee ‘The regiment now raising, for 0 ‘The const police, with three vessoin te dered by the Legislature... The act Alrendy pevsed hy the Lagi raise an armed military force, under enlistments are going Ape Provision for purchase of arms, passed, amount to........ Making grond total war expenses thns far only $1,460,000 Fourteen hundred and fifty thousand dollars expenso of war for @ State with not a dollar in the treasury and nothing but the bank of the State to draw upon. THE REVENUR AT CHARLESTON, have been reported ns baying the f