The New York Herald Newspaper, January 21, 1861, Page 1

“WHOLE NO. 8900. MORNING EDITION—MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 1561. PRICE TWO CENTS. THE REVOLUTION. PACIFIC FEELING IN WASHINGTON. Minority Report of the Committee of Thirty-three. Rumored Collision Between the Florida and United States Troops. PROBABLE SEIZURE OF FORT PICKENS, The Convention of Southern Seceding States. Appointment of Delegates from Alabama. Conciliatory Propositions of the Virginia Legislature. Mr. Lincoln Urged by Republicans to Visit Washington Immediately. ARRIVAL OF TROOPS AT WASHINGTON, &C., &e., &c. IMPORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. Wasmmcroy, Jan. 20, 1861. Reports from Florida to-night refer to fighting be- tween the federal and State troops—probably at Fort Pickens. The oxact nature of the letter of Colonel Hayne to the President, which was transmitted yesterday, has not transpired; but, as I have stated heretofore, it is exooed- ‘mgly temperate, Colonel Hayne’s views having beon greatly modified since his arrival and intercourse with Senators and representatives, of not only the seceding States, but many of the Senators of the border States. The fact that it met the sanction of Senators Hunter and ‘Mason is a sure indieation that its tone is more paciti- Had Colone! Hayne carried out his instructions, which were the unconditional surrender of Fort Sumter, there 4s no telling what would have been the consequences. But wiser counsels prevailed. South Carolina was in- formed by leading Southern Senators that other States had interests involved in this matter; that if they persisted im this demand she could not be sustained by a single southern State; they would inaugurate a civil war which her sister States could not and would not participate in or sanction. It was her duty first to invoke all the appli- ances of peace for a peaceful negotiation; and when these had failed, and ail hopes of satisfactory adjustment were exhausted, then a resort to arms might be justifiable. This policy, Yam informed, has been adopted. It will ave one good effect at least: there will be a cessation of hostilities; and in the meantime some plan of adjustment may be adopted which will restore peace to the country. Should Governor Pickens, however, determine to pursue another line of policy, and thereby precipitate collision, one thing is certain, he will not have the sympathy or co-operation of any of the border States, and few, if any, ‘of the cotton Stas. Jam informed, on the highest authority, that Governor Pickens has yielded to the suggestions of his friends here, and bas accordingly addressed Colonel Hayne to change his policy. Therefore, for the present, wo ore to have no demonstration of a hostile character on either side, There is to be a complete cessation of hostilities. Colonel Hayne will remain hero and confer with his government, keeping them posted respecting the condi- tion of affairs, and as to the probablo chances of a peace Dio settlement of the differences between the two sec tions. There is no doubt that instructions have been sent to the commander of the Gulf or Home squadron for a speedy return of some of the vessels on that station, their presence chere not being required ¢i of the liberal party in Mexico. ‘The government is deiermined to place itself in a pro: per position, eo that, in the event of future troubles, \ growing out of the belligerent attitude assumed by Louth ‘ Carolina and other Southern States, it can protect its pro- perty and vindicate its honor. Should an attack be made upon Fort Sumter, the government will be in a position, with sufficient naval force near at hand, to render such assistance in the shape of reinforcements and supplies as the emergencies may require. The government, how ever, hopes that ne such emergency wil! arise, Avolunteer company of planters, residing in Prince Georges-county, Md., one of the largest and richest slave- holding counties in that State, a few days since tendered their services to Gov. Pickens, agreeing to pay their own expenses, and to contribute one hundred thousand dollars for the purpose of sustaining South Carolina in her posi thor. The following letter, just received in reply to this tender by the officer who made it, shows the condition of the South Carolina army :— Hnanquartens, CHARLESTON, Jan. 17, 1861. of the 1ith inst. has been received, and I to expreas to you our acknowledgments of ‘our courtesy ani patriotism. Just now, unfortunately, ihe Soush Carolina’ army, in all its departmente, is 80 fuil and completely organized that no further aid is wanted. But let me assure you that if war comes, and our ranks are deciqated, we shall remember your offer and unhesitatingly apply te you for assistance in the hour of our trial. Most truly and respecifuily , PAUL H. HAYNE, Aid-de Camp. Senator Hunter has determined to retire from the chair manehip of the Committee on Finanoe. He will announce his withdrawal ina few days. His friends have urged him not to take this step. Ho looks upon the melancholy find disastrous condition of the country in a different Night from most Southern men, and will not remain at the bead of @ committes to yote money to a party who are doing everything in their power, as he conceives, to de stcoy this, our happy and prosperous country. It is andorstood that the President will strike the name ‘of Captain Armstrong from the list of the navy as soon as that officer's official report is received. Traitors in the civil service of the government arg bing spotted every ay, and tho whole foree of the conspirators will receive no quarter. The President is determined that every man who feeds at the public crib shall at least be a faithful advocate of the Union. The local authorities of this city, aa well a8 many load- ing citizens, begin to mistrust the Gdelity of some of those high officials who claim to be Union secessionists, or, in other words, to be for or against tho Union, ac cording to the chances of ultimate success. Argus eyes are everywhere penetrating the motives of all officials. Tt seems thaton Wasbington’s birthday the flag of our country is to be displayed from every public edifice in the city, and from those private residences whose owners: ean afford the expense. In a word, Union and anti- Daion mon are beginning to take sides,and many predict that before many months theeo differences of opinion will be expressed in tho language of musketry and cannon. It is, perhaps, as well that this last resort of a divided popular opinion, as well as of hostile kings, should solve ‘the question in diepute at once. The whole country will then know what its destinies are to be. Interests of all ‘kinds noon learn to adapt themselves to a new state of things. Nothing ‘'s #0 fatal to all interests aa protracted uncertainty. ‘The talk of (he city political circles ts the Virginia pho of adjustment, propered yesterday by tho nearly faunanimons avon of Dor Lapislature, It excites profound Wwterest, su) many heretofore anbelievers and croakers now predict * ment of the existing dtffouities be- tereen the we! Virginie deciares solely, through ialature Fire cerhot a wetviomeat Of the differences must bo now made, or separation \# inevitable. faiting, her interests and feelings place her with hor slave- holding sisters, Third—That in order to render mediation possible there must be no contlict; and ex-President Tyler and Judge John Robertson, of Richmond, are appointed to enjoin respectively the President and the seceding States from all measures likely to precipitate collision. Fourth—She names ex-President Tyler, Hons. W. C. Rives, G. W. Sammers, James A. Seddon and John W. Brockenborough as a Commission, with instructions to proceed to Washington on the 4th of Febraary, to meet other Commissioners from other States for consultation. Fifth—The Legistatare presents the Crittenden propo- sitions, a3 amended by Mr. Douglas, ag the basie of settiement. The amendments are three:—First—Tne right of transit across free States with slave property. Second—Election of President by districts instead of by general ticket. ‘Third—Divqualities negroes from voting at elections. ‘This action of the Old Dominion is looked on as “land abead’—as the harbinger of peace. Will not the other States respond at once, by appointing their purest and ablest men to meet her commissioners here on the 4th of February? It is all that is now left. Chevalier Wikoif arrived here yesterday and had @ protracted interview with the President, and left imme- diately for New York. What's up? Resignations of officers in both the army and the navy are daily received. Yesterday the following navy officers resigned from the State of Florida, and were accepted:— Commander Thos. W. Brent, Surgeon Spottswood and Na- yal Storekeeper Gonzales. During the debate in executive session ou Friday night Mr. Slidell denounced Mr. Hoit personally, using very offensive language. In the event of the injunction of se- cresy being removed, Holt will quite likely hold Slidell accountable, and trouble may ensue. Chase has not been offered a place in Lincoln’s Cabinet. ‘This is asserted upon the best authority. Colonel Dyer, of Dlinois, wishes a denial of the report that he was an agent for the purchase of arms for Missie~ sippi. He is buying warlike instruments, but solely upon private account. It is intimated to-night that certain Southern members intend resisting the admission of Kansas to-morrow at half-past twelve o’clock, which time is especially assigned for its consideration. This resistance to the admission of Kanas precludes the possibility of obtaining any conces- sions from the republicans to settle the existing state of affairs in the nation. ‘The change in the Liverpool Consulship is not the re- sult of a volutary movement on the part of the present incumbent. Robert Magraw, of Maryland, takes the place of Beverly Tucker, who comes home immediately. Cameron has not surrendered the invitation of Lincoln toa place in his Cabinet, nor is he likely to at present. Lieut. D, A. McDermut, United States Navy, has beon ordered to the receiving ship at Brooklyn, NewiYork. Wasuinerow, January 20, 1961. Letters received here from Charleston give gloomy av- counts of affairs there. Slaveholders who formerly had to pay a tax of seventy-tive cents on each of their slaves are now taxed sixteen dollars on each. It was in this way that ex-Goy. Aiken was taxed fifty thousand dollars, which ho informed the authorities he could not pay, be canse he had not the money. The reply to this excnse was that he could sell his niggers; and it is reported that he sold part to pay the tax, and moved most of the others to Virginia, and left for Europe himself. Another state- ment is that two booksellers were taxed ove thousand dollars each. They refused to pay. The was: ‘Your books are worth the money.” worth a great deal moro,” responded the dealers, ‘They packed up thc ir stock and left Charleston, passing here a day or two since, en route North. One company of Sappers and Miners, numbering stxty- Ubree rank and file, arrived here this morning from West Point. They are known there as the Engineer corps. Lieutenan® J. C. Daane is in command. Lieutenant Wett gel is second in command, They have been under orders three weeks, They left West Point yesterday. One of the Dragoon corps of Weat Point are under orders, ant will ive here in afew days. They will bring with U battery, consisting of four fieid pieces and two howitz an? act a a flying artillery, under the command of Cap taia Griffin, They will bring seventy be well trained horses. the Sappers and Miners came into this elty t ing just before daybreak, and proceeded quietly to Columbian Armory, which had been previously arranged for them. They were armed with rifles and sabres. ‘To-morrow the Grand Jury of this district will com- mence the examination of Bailey and Russell, the alleged Indian bond robbers from the Interior Department. Tho Constitution newspaper of morning con. tains a leading editorial rejoicing over the secession of Georgia; hails a Southern Confederacy as a fact pregnant with warning and encouragement; appeals to the border States to follow the cotton States, and throws ridicule up- on the present government, after the editor bas been living tor years upon pap derived from it. The same paper contains two fat government advertisements, one of three columns, signed J. Thomp- son, late Secretary of Interior, and secessionist; the other, of two columns, signed James Buchanan. Great indigna- tion is manifested here at the fact it is considered a price paid to treason, ‘The new project for purchasing ali the slaves m the of Delaware, Maryland and Missouri for ninety-one n of dollars, and making them free States, as sug: ested in my despatch in the Herarp of the 14th inst., is attracting much attention here, and is being freely and favorably discussed by the leading presses of the coun- try. The republicans view it as feasible; and although they are, a8 a body, opposed to recognizing property in man, yet they seem willing to yield that point. Many of them add to the above named States those of Arkansas, Texus and Louisiania, Ihave beard large number of Southern gentlemen diecus® the subject favorably, hesitating only at the mode of disposing of the slaves after they are free. Many Northerners reply:—Let them remain, and pay them for their labor, and teach them the principle of self-reliance. Others say —Let them be emancipated gradually. Another ¢ meerats and republicans, say :—C America, upon the plan proposed by Mr. Blair, ¢ sour), and Senator Doolittle, of Wisconsin. ey the Snaday jonise them in his last proposition is fast becoming popular. But the proposition suggested in the resolu tions introduced by Mr. Fullerton, in the New to gradually oman: States, in a manner laveholders. and send at the general govern torily, 1s very well pro (tion, allused to, Will soon be presented in some form or both branches of Congress. Fhe anti-Cameron men here have smoked out the mis- sion of Weed and othora to Springflel4, IIL, with Soward’s letter to have Cameron retained in the new Cabinet if vossible, and are indignant. ‘The Chase men are urgmg him to accept the port of of the Treasury, offered to him, but at the same time dislike to have him do 80 if ho i to be overrnied by the Albany lobby through Weed, and the Harrisburg lobby through Cameron. For this reason prominent Congressmen have written to Mr. Chase not to take any place in the Cabinet. Mr. Seward {s urging the appointment of Charles Fran cls Adama, as the representative from New England, in the Cabinet, which would rule out Mr. Welles, of Con- necticut, an old Jacksonian democrat, and give the Cabi- net a strong tincturing of whiggery. But Mr. Adam stands no chance. Col. Aldrich, M. C., of Minnesota, received a letter to aay from a member of the Minnesota Logislature, stating that upon the receipt of the news of Major Anderson’s gallant exploit in changing from Moultrie to Sumter, the Legislature passed an act changing the name of Toombs county to that of Anderson. Letters received here from distinguished sources in Georgia etate that though that State considers It to be her nity to recede, she is willing to ronnie with the othor tates on a satisfactory guarantee as to her political and social safety. Sho takos the secession step at this Uume—the writers remark—in obedience to what she considers to be her vital interest. ‘Two nights ago Fort Pickens, Florida, waa in {imminent danger of assault, but since that time a despatch signed by numerous secessioniste in Congress has beon gent thither to their friends, urging them by all means t» York Assembly, on Friday last cipate the slaves of all the hord thot will be satisfactory to the them to Haytior Liberia, and tment remunerace the owners satis roeeived here: ant either that or Senator Doolittle’s ve tecretary avoid a collision with the federal troope. There seem? 10 be no danger, therefore, of an immediate contlict in that quarter. Col. Hayne, the Commissioner from South Carolina, will remain in Wasnington ten days or two weeks longer. Ais visit here has been productive ef grea: good in the inte. rest of peace. It is not apprehended that any attack will at present be made on Fort Sumter. The Alabama members of Congress await instractions from their State, while those from Georgia will remain here till they receive an official copy of the ordinance of Secession adopted by the convention of that Slate. Active measures are in progress to have the course of Virginia, in sending commissioners tof Vaabingion on the 4th of February, responded t by similar movements in all the States. Dospatches have deen sent to Harrisburg, Albany, Columbus and other State capitals whery Leg! latures are in session, urging the prompt appointment good and able men to confer with the Virginia Comal sioners. Ex-President Tyler is expected in Washington in a day or two, to urge upon the government the avoidance of all acts or measures likely to lead to hostilities with the Southern States. Meanwhile Judge Robinson, of Rich- mond, will proceed to “outh Carolina and Florida oa a similar errand, as in those States there are pointa—Forts Sumter and Pickens—where collisions were more likely immediately to occur than elsewhere in the South. Washington is now more free from excitement than it has been at any time since the commencement of the session of Congress. Apprehensions of any difficulties attending the inau- guration of President Lincoln exist but to @ limited ex- tent. However, to guard against a possible disturbance, ample measures have been taken to preserve the public With the probablo action of Loulsiana this week the secession movement will be retarded as to other States. Last wock @ large number of republican members of Congross from New England, and the Middle States and the West, united in a strong recommendation to Mr. Lin- coln to appoint Mr. Colfax, of Indiana, as Postmaster General. Bailey, connected with the abstraction of the Tudian Trust bonds, has been released from prison on bail in the amount of $5,000, Ho will appear before a spec mittee to-morrow. MINORITY REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF THIRTY-THREE. Wastmaroy, Jan. 20, 1861. The minority report from the Committee of Thirty- throe, signed by Messrs. Taylor, of Louisiana; Phelps, of Missouri; Rust, of Arkansas; Whiteley, of Delaware, aud Winslow, of North Carolina, embraces in substanco— The changes which have taken place in the situation and sentiments of the people of the different States since the formation of the constitution have been such that, through misconstructions of some of its provisions and the wilful perversion of others, and the intreduction of new principles in the formation of parties, which are in direct antagonixm to the usages and opinions of the whole American people when the constitution went into effect, that inetrument has coased to accomplish some of the most important ends aimed at by its tion, The differences between the Northern and Southern sections of the confederacy from this cause have at they have resulted in the formation of a sectional party in the North on the slavery question aloue, which will practically exelnde the Southern people from any vo in the management of the national affairs, in which they have a common interest with their Northern brethren; and that as this fact, notwithstanding the republican forme of tho constitution are preserved, in truth de. stroys tho spirit of republicanism in the government, it is, therefore, impossible that the two sections should any longer go on together as one people, unless the exist ing state of things is removed. The report proceeds to say that the present difficulties can only bo remedied by amendments to the constitn. tion, and te that the am proposed in the Crittenden resolutions, if adopt quill » country, and place the Union on such or again be shaken. These Would not, in reality chan, y would only kare effect of ri it by the added provisions of what it was, in po lact, on the day of its adoption, through the op of the circumstances which then sur ronnde which erecte!) the barriers against present scetiona! contest al provisions would now I a conetitution majority cannot be united in (he support of the “Crittenden re ne, the substance of them, then a diesolution of the Union is or inevital Ther ommends that steps be taken for the calling of # ynvention of the tates, with a view to p ration, by providing for a partition of the common property of the United States, settling the terms on which the social and commercial intercourse between the separated States slall be conducted, and making a permanent arrangement with respect t the naviga'ion of the Mississippi river. ‘The report gives what the signers of it consider a full account of the rise and progress of the slavery agitation, whieh has produced the existing difficulties, IMPORTANT FROM FLORIDA. New Onzxays, Jan. 19, 1961. Tho steamer Atlantic, from Pensacola yesterday even ing, reports 2,000 men at the Navy Yard. Troops are arriving from all directions. The steamer Wyandot was lying at the entrance of the harbor communicating with Fort Pickens, having the families of the offloors abourd, and out of coal and supplies, but was not permitted to en- ter the harbor. Opinion was divided in regard to fighting. IMPORTANT FROM ALABAMA. Mowtooweny, Ala., Jan. 19, 1861 Tho election for deputies to the Southern Coaventioa of seceding States took placo in Convention to-day, with the following result-—For the Stato at largo—Robt. Hf. Smith, Mobile; Richard W. Walker, Supreme Court Jndge, Lauderdale. For First district, Colin J. MeRac, ncoable Mobile; Second, Hon. John Gill, Shorter; Third, Hon. W. R. Chilton, Montgomery; Fourth, Hon. S. F. Hale, of Greene; Fifth, Hon. David P. Lewis; Sixth, Dr. Thi Fearn, Madison; L. M. Curry, Tal- ladega. ‘The Convention is to meet in Montgomery on tho 4th of February. For deputy for the State at large Yancey was placed in nomination, but rove im bis seat and ear- nestly protested against the ueo of his name, and ap- pealed to his friends not to vote for bim, as he did not desire, and would not hold the position; and be had his protest entered on the journal of the Convention. Not withstanding this, be received a high'y complimentary ‘vote of thirty-eight. ‘All the delegates stand by th favor a Southern confederacy: A salute of fifteen guns was fired for Georgia this evening. The Convention to-day parsed an ordinance, almost unanimously, to provide for the efficient military defence of the State. It was reported by the Hon. Jere. Me mens, and advocated in an eloquent speech. Three rail- lion dollars will be appropriated for the defence of the State. Hon. Jere, Clemens has written a patriotic letter to his constituents in favor of enpporting the action of the State and defending ‘ts independence and honor. The North Alabama members are mostly controlled by him. THE CONVENTION BILL IN THE TENNESSEE LEGISLATURE. Nasurvmr, Jan, 19, 1661. ‘The House has accepted the Senate’s amendment to elect delegates on the 9th, to assemble 'n Convention ov tho 26th of February. KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE. Loumvnin, Jan. 19, 1861, ‘The Legislature, thus far, has boen occupied with mis- cellaneous matters having no direct bearing upon national affaire, UNION MEETING AT PITTSBURG. Premenena, Jan. 20, 1861. ‘The Union meoting inst night was one of the largest ever held here. It was exceedingly disorderly and not unanimous. A large proportion of the meeting was or- posed to the Crittenden or ny other compromise, Seve: ral sete of resotutions of diverse tenor were offered, but mid the confasion it was difficult to decide the real een Seventh, Hion. J. ction of the State, and adop- | last risen to such a height that | | tegist. | satistied simply will timents of the meeting, whieh broke up in ovafusion, the lights beimg extinguished by order of the Hayor. SHIPMENT. OF POWDER AND SH¥LL TO y CHARLESTON, Prrmrawore, Va., Jon. 19, 1864 One thousand kegs of powder and twenty and pounds of abot and shell from the Tredegar Works, Rich mond, left this morning, by special train by the Woidon and Wilmington Railroad, destined to Charleston, to the ; order of Governor | ick ens, WENDELL PHILLIPS ON SUURSSION. Boston, Jau, 20, 1861, ‘Wendell Phillips, in bis disunion speech here w-uay, charged Sewerd with having attempted to gain by con- servatism what he failed to secure by abolitiou—tho next Presidency. Phillips’ chief argument was that disunion is desirable because it will abolish slavery, [fe called upon the North totell the South what they really mean, namely—' abolitios.”” Any compromise made by Con- grees would not affect the Northern heart and conscience. He argued the North would gain by disunion, and used the following lapguage:—* Sacriiice everything for the | Union? God forbid! Sacrifice everything to keep South Carolina in it? Ratber build a bridge of gold and pay ber toll over it. Let ber march off with banners and trumpets and we will speed the parting guest. Let her not stand upon the order of her going, but go at once, Givo her the forts, and arsenals, and sub-treasuries, and lend her jewois of silver and gold, and Kgypt will rejoiee that she his departed.” Phillips began his peroration with the words—‘ Ail hail, disunion !” He narrowly escaped maltreatment by the mob while going home. THE LEADER OF THE FLORIDA TROOPS AT PENSACOLA. Major William H. Chase, formerly of the United States Corps of Engineers, is the leader of the State troops at Pensacola, Florida. He was formerly a resident of Mas- sachusetts and received the appointment of cadet from | ‘that State to the Mflitary Academy at West Point, where | he graduated March 3, 1815. He was appointed brevet second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in the same month, and promoted to « full lieutenancy April 15 1818. January 1, 1825, {and July 7, 1838. In 1844 he wasia member of the Special Board of Engineers for examina, tion of Florida reefs, &c., and for the examination of harbors, channels, &¢., on the Gulf frontier of Txas and Mississippi. He was a member of the Board of Engi- neers from March 13, 1848, to September, 1848. He re. signed his position in the federal army October 31, 1856. Major ia @ man of in itable perseverance and courag.. and ranks high as a military engineer and stra- He is about sixty-four years of age and posecases a large private fortune. 5 INTERESTING FROM CHARLESTON. {Correspomtence of the Baltimore American.) THE BLAVE YANKEE-FIGHTERS—AMUSING CONVER- SATION WITH THE SLAVES—AFRICANUS WITH | THE WHITK FEATHER—-HOW THE NEGROBS WORK—EDMUND RUFFIN—CASTLE — FINCKNEY— INCIDENTS OF ITS CAPTORE-—-VORT MOULTRIE— TREASONABLE SAND--PREPARING FOR THE FIGHT—MORRIS ISLAND WORKS—THE PALMETTO ROYAL—MORRIS ISLAND BEACH—FORTIFCATIONS OF THE ISLAND—GOING TO THE WAR-AN AF- VECTING SCENE, FTC. Cuaxuxsron, Jan. 15, 1861. On Sunday last I vieited ail the fortifications in the oc- cupancy of South Carolina troops, except Folly Island, | Viog Island and Fort Johnson, in ‘the Charleston barbor. It was with tho greatest ditileulty that 1 could obtain permission to do so, however; and had I not availed my: self of arare opportunity I'should have cone no more than visit the respective Janding places of the defences without being privileged to enter. everywhere, and the strictest watch and ward ia kept up at all points; without an authoritative pass it is im possible to guin admittance into the fortilicatiuns, and after you are there it is next to impossible to away uniess you have an officer at your back to sing all right,” and touch his hat to every sentinel passed, edingly interesting one, and would bundantly. J saw so many things that were new and unexpectod, though { fear discretion will compel me, in my narrative, to keep back a great portion of my obgorvations. ‘The South Carolinians aro 2 peculiar peopl» in their ideas about publication matter, as wel) a5 in other things. They regard, for the most part, the great desire of the Northern people to read and to learn alt that 12 gotug on, in the light of morbid curiosity. They are satisfied, themselves, with « plain statement of a fact without ea tering into detaila, You, on the contrary, will be satis: fied with nothing ele Chan all that can be suid or written upon # given subject. However, in writing for you, I shail consult your taste, so far as J am wble—mindsul that 1 do not tran#gress the bounds of the resti duty bound to obs The task if a ticklish ove what ! might esti 8 fit to publish others mizh Btrue Into treas to my narration, ‘TUE HARHOR FORTS. = Sunday with us w water of the harbo very rough, and the waves tosed and rolled « The steamer Clinch was lying at her wharf ina very tneasy position. ‘The waters lashed her sides and pitched her about ina most uncom. fortable manner, but alter we had east loose our moor. ings the motion became easter, and, if apythy pleasant, though the clear sweep given the tempestuous gale ‘on the broad waters made the temperature anything nut ogrecable on deck, THR SLAVE YANKER-FIGHTERA, At starting we had on board, in addition to the party of gentlemen in the suite of officials, going the rounds of the forte, about one hundred and fifty or two hundred hearty, strong negro men, Intended for laborers on Sullivan's Inland. These fellows chattered and jabbered their pecu: Har negro lings with iniinite delight atthe prospect or becoming, as they termed it, “sogers to tight for Sonf Carliner.”” ‘tolled up in huge knots wherever the sun shone, they dozed away in peaceful slum- bers, or grinned with delight as anything pleasing to the fancy passed in review. Tho ideas and language interchanged among them, and to all who chose w ad- drees them, evinced almost barbaric simplicity. The ma. jority of them exhibited a wonder tures, Ono of them, however—ths most intelligent fel low in the lot\—gave quite sa iefactory ans moat of the inquiries propounded to him. All the rest seemed showing their tyories and acquiesce ing io whatever replies ther spokesinan shold make. He, in answer to my questions, informed me that most of the eet of bands were from ‘Santee, eali,’* from “de big plantation, sab, on de riber.”” Question—Were you ever on the sea or on rough water { before? Answer—Oh, yes, massa; de Suuteo some time run go high dat coonoo (canoes) awarnp, Q.—How would you like to cross this harbor na canoe? A. (With two short, indeserivable grunts)—Conoo sink, sab. Where are you going now? A.—To Moutry (Moul- sah. Q.—What to do there? A.—To fight, sah, and to build ap forts on de island, eal. 'Q.—Who are you going to fight? A sah, and abumlishnists, (Laughter. ) Q’—You don’t dislike Yankees? A.—Not ‘zactly, sah, but massa do; and, ‘si |, dey come here steal ue; and young Massa John’ come’ up to he peopto’s quarters day fore yesterday, and when he call wll of us together he state de case to us, and tell us dat suffia’ was gow’ wrong down to de city. Dat de Yankee nigger tet would fight, and dat if we wanted we should go down aud help kill ‘em. Q—What did you say to that? A.—We all volun. teered right away, but Masse John picked out the best lot of hands aud sent ‘em right away to join dese here other boys, and so we all come down Q.—Do you know how to shoot? A.—Yoe,eah. (The fellow’s eyea Uwinkled with pleasure at the prospect.) 1 learn young Massa John to handie he rile. When he was a boy we used whero to strike and how to load up. © Q—Will your master come down to the island and fight? A.—¥es, eal; be promised to jine us kon in the works with he company. APRICANTS WITH THE WHITH PE\ THER. One great big fellow over in & suany corner of the deck had been av attentive listener to the conversation, ‘and whenever the replies of his fellow slave gave him peculiar pleasure, or coincided with hia views, a grin would spread clear acrosa his face, and thinking that he night be inclined to talk T approsched. him and De dam Yankees, question, “Well, Sam, what ean you do in a fight?” ‘A.—“Run, sa, when Bacra man come wid de gun,” and at the same time tipping his hat and hin foct, asked “if masea please give him chaw terbucoer.’’ Several negroes in sotto wore to each other signified thoir isapprobation of the fellow’s conduct and reply by calling bim ‘Yah-hoo nigger.” Their respect, however, for the presence of white persons prevented any other exprersion of contempt. HOW THE SVGRORS WoRK, In this lot of stont fellows there was not one badly underfed. bere igreonact withthe mainland, and up iis a8 upon ihe redoubts now being thrown up on inland, a very large force of negroes in |. Tam told that they number rome seven or ired fellows, A very ee ey ty he a y but for endurance the thom all hol- low. There is no use for the , and with the shovel I have seen the slave work all round the white man, and then turn round and grin at what he had done. FOMUND RUPFIN, TQ. mon ir onbin wan Ramune the commencement hin vener every been odin His subsequent promotions to first lieutennney, | captain and major, date respectively March 31, 1819, Sentinels are posted | ctions I feet iu | for , ool and windy day. The | ully stupid set of fea- | tw shoot deer together, and I learned him | of the ordinance of seces=ion. By woy of rocrention |) Visited the tortiticavous of the harbor 6 10 WN de & companion and pien ker I have mot with ( men 111 He ia full of infor hen and 5 iS withal sionisi uty of i al al the exe teaeots of th every where as st and [what the Sout Dkewine expre ope and , im the ultimate seevesion of bus =tite CASTER FINCA SEY Pinckney, the rst one af the fort}ti+ , the steamer hy o diithoulty ia making ber way up to the whe to the stron: current that swept by and the heavy ¢ On the wharf a group of soidivre 1 sheltered by an old wateh box, oa w with biack puist, the words © Kort Pot houor of the gailant Colonel who ey tiouthe day after the transfer ol troops from Moultrie to Sumuer. In Oustlo It 1s necessary to pass along & val Solid masonry , extending trom thy the fort, about thirty or forty the causeway a ledge of masoury | castle, and is wi by the waves. tative of wi # woud bav abiding anidenve Arrived at Cast! cations ends ow fr ma the ‘This ledge, as | ‘wall call it, reaches round to the rear of the fort, aul t | is at the términus that you roach the door. Tho furtit tion 8 very «mall, round 1 Shap», and washed over with | orange or bull colored matier.’ Passiug Uhroagh the | heavy gateway, one finds hunsel€ within a sunail yar | surrounded by’ high walls, in the rear of the yard a | marshy space of ground stretches out for a consi e | distance, until lost in deep water Tt was upon this ic | that the South Carolinians eatored when they took pos sestion. The gates were ail barred and the ort was locked up. AN INCIDENT CF THE CAPTORE, | An officer gives me the following parti of the eap- | ture of Pinckney, which having uever before been pub: | lished, [take the trouble to write out for you:—The esca- Jade party having landed on the marsh, sealed the y thew commander (Colonel J. Jobuston Pettigrew 4 to the heavy low arched gate, aud with the bilt 14 rapped three times, and called for a surretr | der; no answer was made, and’ ho gave orders to plant the ladders, and mounted. He called upon the troops to follow, and, springing over the parapet, rushed down into | the cutie it search of the garrison—an oificer and three | or tour men. At the point where entry was effected the United States officer in command quietly jeaned and chewed his tobacco, at intervals squirting the juice wit! as much nouchalence as though nothing was going on. Colonel Pettigrew and his men rushed down, opened thy | gate to let the laggards im, and then sought the oom | mander, Mead, of the United States Army. Colonel Pett) | grew addressed himself to Mr. Mead, and received no apswer, but turned upon his back and was about to walk away. ‘Finally, however, he demanded to know by what authority this forcible entry was made into the property of the United States, Cor. P.—By the authority of the sovereignty of South Carolina, sir. |“ Mxap—I aim commander here. | Pernerxw—No, sir; you are not now. Tam is com. | mand, and sail remain bere in that capacity until or dered otherwise by the authority upon whieh | tok this step. Mrtp—Then I shall be forced to go over to Sumter for | counsel; afterwards I shall return. | Perndrew—But I shall not sui | Mrap—Then I will not go. | pFaGREY—But you shall go. . | OM. Mead flew into a passion, in which he was joined by the Colonel, and to end the difficulty each turned upon his heel. Thus ended the allair. I found great improvements, alterations, &e., made in | the tortification, but do not think it advisable to allude to them, Suffice it to say, most of the men see a good deal of service, and grumble excessively at not having a chance to fighta little. | PORT MOULTEEE, | At Fourt Moultrie, Sunday though it was, everything was busy, The columbiads, spiked and burned by Ander son, are all, with the exception of three, new carriages, unspiked and as good us eve | the mertons erected upon the parapet to protect the guns: | bearing on Sumter are completed. The work is done in a most masterly manner. Barrels and bags of sand are 80 disposed and evenly packed as to give a solid, masonry Hike appearance, The merlous are very thick and impo- netrabie, and afford great security to the artillerists be: hind them. The process of constructing this sort of de- feuce i# in this manner:—The bombproof surface of the parapet is turned up, and rows of barrels of sand are placed in positions Wesired, ‘The sand is all tightl Fammed into barrels and dlied up cunpactly in the mid- dle of the space formed by the shell of bacrels. Outeide | of the barrels bags of sand are laid, and the whole, tight- | ly bound together by fron bands and ropes, is perfectly | impenetrable. Many of the exposed parts of the fort, a be a the Magazine, are protected with work of this ind. | TREASONARLE SAND, The force employed is very large— The negroes wheel barrows of sand in from without, and the whites carry it up the parapet and use it. On the present occasion the string of laborers was very large. Many of them in red husting shirts were gentlemen not only by birth but in education and refinement. Wheelbarrow in hand they labor side by side with the negro. Here is 2 huge sand pile on the ramparts, and the red couts swarm about it. Laughing | and jesting, work becomes play, and men who never be- | fore lifted ‘a spade worked on without complaint. Here | comes Mr. Ruffin sone. All the party for the mo- ment ceased labor, and the venerable old gentieman smi- lingly approached with bis heaity “Weil, boys, hard at it—that’s right—give mou spade,” and suiting action to | word, handed up his cane to one of the party, aud with the sbovel he received in exchange actually set in to work by loading the wheolbarrows. “It was the only | way be bad of comittiog m” against the United | States, and for several minates, Lassure you, he made | good tse of the opportunity. ‘AN were anxious that Mr. Ruffin should fill oue barrow for them at loast, 8 that by the time he had performod tho request of all | | have no doubt was satistied to THE MORRIS 161.1 Morris Island was the ne | ‘The heavy surf that surges | very ithonlt to eflect a landing. The chanuel, however, | rung close to the shore, and at a point almost directly op: posite Sumter the water is two and a haif fathoms deep, | so that our light dranght steamer could approach within twenty or thirty fect of the shore. The ord:nary method of gaining accees to the islan:l and village adjacent vo the Highthonse is by means of barges or sinall craft of any kind which can navigate the shallow creek that winds through a heavy marsh, stretching out for miles towards Charleston. The island itself is composed for the most part of ‘marsh land and sand hills, [tia uninhebited, ex cept by a few fishermen, who reside hore during’ the Y 28, quite a yillage of summer re ther on that part of the island pg the open sea. Some of the houses are quite large and of well finished exterior. Everything sarrounding | them is barren and uninviting. On the sterile soil and among the barren wastes nothing but the sturdie tation can grow, This is the soil for the paline here it flourishes upon the saline, brackish nutrient | abounding in the soil, Here and there, however, a fer. | tile epot is found, upon which beautiful alad> trece flourish, adding picturesqueness and beauty to the sum. mer retreats of the wealthy planter. THE PALMMREO KOTAT. Bewides the palmetto, the most common is the Yucca “poor man’s soap tree,”’ as it is some. ig found upon all the islands ana sand bills on the co It puts forth no leaves, properly speaking, and rarely attains a greater height than twelve feet. Instead of foliage, long kn fe-like and very pointed spurs thrust themeelves out trem the branches and trunk of the tree at regular intervals, giving tho whole affair something of the appearance of a huge porcupine with quills erect. The “spears” individually measure about an fnch in thickness at the widest ent, and taper off to an extremely fine pout, which is cappea by a very sharp thern, At the top of the tree and at tho end of every branch is always found a cluster of these concave leaves, £0 closely lapped together that they form a perfect cone, in size and appearance similar to an ear of corn in the husk, with a point so sharp and hard that it could be readily thrust into the flesh above an inch with very little force. The tree is called the “poor rnan’s soap,” b it is used by the vegroes and “sant hillora’’ for scrub- bing. In this use it is said to obviate th soap Whatever r you to come back. You cannot remain d by our party. non the beach rendered it times called. MORRIS ISTAND MRACH, ‘The beach of the island runs along the ship channel for | several miles, until near a La shoal, where Sanford channel commences and takes ite way ont. At several | points along the shore the channel is less than a third of | amile off. For a summer drive, promenade, or bath in the surf, Nahant and Newport are not to be compared | with this magnificent beach. Sweeping along In regular. ly graceful curves \t extends some seven or eight miles. surface is bard, aud in many places strewn with pretty ahells. In all'parte it is wide h for at least three carriages to drive abreast, Iam told that in the sought by the wealth, summer rearon the piace is whabitante of the uy outs aan city, though there no regular hotel or ‘ing place on the ial land. arrangement, All who laxuriate here in ses = tan the ‘Meious breath of ocean either @ summer resi- dence or the friendship of one who does. Behind the deach extonde an endless range of sand hills, ten or twelve. feet bigh, and for the most part covered with stiff sea- board grags. In many places this grass is quite strag- gling, #0 much #o that a a heavy gale, as on the day of my visit, the eand is drifted from place to place, as on the Arabian deserts, From this I suffered greatly in rambling over the hills. filled my 4 ey: keen “y and rendered of na = ‘elf same Lad be % eerts tou Ss ined and a rufficient = wor! = pat position ry nothing more thea an tb bebinda rand bili, fearme- ment, thovgh embracing some heavy gins, consists mainly of nual ordnanes, erry wwettective at @ distange, bing ail the avaiable work of fortifying and intr: A intervals along the points, however, ger Sravely oo const new batteries are beng thrown up. The ligne houne ie greatly wtren bet tae i preg ble to apything ele than Mo booty cune of 9 oanof war. Lroeny wie One of iby batteries cometry der the gina of Sumber— wi 4 houses, though one or two companies, fear- That il Will be some time before they got © preferred to cainp out in bul the ui 8 work they y of tho have id bansebot a Mak b we ) stata i hore—ihe wind whisthug, the wa and stilling you, avored hink of @ Dies nighton the sea~ rouring and the ING TO THR WAR, <veral days ogo, When the iilux of raw troops from. the interiog of The State was greatest here, quite an ail Cling Seone Was enucled A Very thie corps from the mbertng rome ninety of the er sven, accompanied by re quartered at the Charleston Hotel. embraced s: veral very wealthy planters, genticmen of culture and uitelligenee, Not one wis without the owner-hip of a tract of land, go or small, All were slaveowuers—several posseas sanorede Of U8 species O: eetate, Cem privates that I Quow of were graquates of & nd two were “ first, boron” men. In addition to this [leurned that eight pri- wates Were Gesignated “generals”? on account of former : , ‘bis Ajacity, twelve had been colon im the iniliua, aud thors were besides an inflpitude of captains coo HeUvenants tn the ranks, ry upon When the time arrived for departure and ent eetive servies the Brooklyn was hourly anticipated, and hostilities appeared imminent. The aram of the corps deat for its Laembers Lo take their places ia ranks, armed anv equipped ler a campaign. The spectacle that ensued Was a Ubtsual as it wos affecting. The wives of tho roops who had sone down from the country with their Lusbabos crowded around the men, aad sueb a scene of kissing and cry ‘ng you never saw In your life, The wo- ibly believed that their husbands or brothers were on the eve of battle, and the avguish of seme was quite ttense, ANOTHER LETTER FROM MAJOR ANDERSON, ‘The following letter trem che gallant Major Anderson, ww reply to ene addressed to him by O.G. Chikie, Beq., communicating to him, as chairman, a resolution duanimousiy adopted at 4 mecting of prominent citizens of Philadeiphia, without distucuion of party, held at the hall of the Board of Trave on the 3d inst., will bo read with interest:— Foxr Sumter, 8, C., Jan. 13, 1861. Sin—I thank you for the cumplimentary terms in which you were pleased to communicate the resolution Unanimously adopted at a meeting of the eitizens of all political parties beld in the bail of the Board of Trade, in your city, on Thursday, Jan. 3, 1861. Such an endorse- ment, {rem such a source, is a compliment which I feel au fen om ey { kuow, not lightly bestowed, emore highly to be prized. Would that { A express 10 of my fellow countrymen, who bave thus honored me and my little , the feelmgs which now fill my heart Our beloved country 2,1 fear, rapidly drifting towards a dangerous reef. I jod that He may be pleased to bestow understand- g and wisdom on Our ruers, and that He will safely guide Us Ubrough the stormy sea in which we are now adrift. ROBERT ANDERSON, U. 8, A. ©, 6. Cnmps, Feq., Chairman, &., Philadelphia, ‘The following letter is an auswer to a resolution passed at the game mecting approving of the course of Governor Hicks, of Maryland:— Exncuniva CHAMBER, Anwavous, Jan. 16, 1861. Dear Sin—The Governor directs me to acknowledge the receipt of the resolutions adopted by tbe citizena of Philadelphia, without distinction of party, on the 3d in- stant, and to express to you bis gratification at the ap- proval of his course by the people of Philadelphia. GEO, W, JEFFERSON, Private Secretary. C. G. Cinips, Esq. LETTER FROM FORT SUMTER. The following is an extract from a letter received from an ollicer of the United States army on duty at Fort Sumter: — Jaxvany 12, 1861. Yon know our position here. This goes to you only by an unexpected oppurtumty, for all communications are cutotf. | would hike you to know the details of our Fort Moultrie, 1 wil write agaim more at the West was fired on on Thursday she turned almost at once and left the harbor. ervor Pickens sent bis Secretary of War 0 demand a surrender of the fort. The Major cajled a counct! of war. they unauimously yoted never! A messenger from the Governor goes to Washington this nmornivg. You need haye no fears for us. We, individ ally, are determined to hold out to the last and’ to stand by our flag, aud this you well know. {Hrom the Charlestou Courier, Jan. 18.) ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, Hranguanrens, Comstiosany Gasitat’s Dearne, ) Jan. 18, 1861. The thanks of this deparsment are tendered to Hugs Ruse, Eeq., for bis generous contribution of twenty owsks of rice for the use of the troops, Also, to Mevars, W & J; Robb for ‘pounding and furnishing’ barrela for_ tho 2,000 bushels of Tice presented by J. BR Hey ward, Iq. Also, to J. C. H. Claussen for several barrels of ginger broad for the regroos at work on the forties. tions. JOSEPH WALKER, Commissary Genera). Hixxnquanrmi, QUAcrERMASTENS Der anrstest, ) ‘CHaKuesros, Jan. 17, 1861 ‘The receipt at this oftice is thankfully aeknowie —From @ lady and two dail , twelve pair 8 & M1 twelve flannel ebir and other articles; (rein Messrs, Koy ken, another bale of gooos, from Mr. David Platt, of Clarendon, twenty-five collars; and from several ladies, who kindly made them up, a number of haversacks, 1. M. HATCH, Quartermaster General. Stare ov Sour Carouwa, Execonve Over, fkeasury Derartiesr, Cuaxisssroy, Jao. 17,1861." Fis Pxcrs1kNcy Tre GovERNOR'— Sin—I have the pleasure of reporting to your Exce! lency a donation of two thousand dollars frum A Comba hee Planter,” for the purchase of any necossary articles of comfort for the Denetit of the different garrisons wus tioned at the forts about the harbor. fall 6. G. MEMMINGER. Surgeon General Gibbes respectfully retarns bis thanks to “A Lady of Charleston” for the present to the Rich land Rifle Company of two dozen undershirta, and in reply to her kind inquiry would say that others woald bo acceptable and are needed. The department is at present well eupplied with bandages, but not fally so with lint, A NOBLE OFFER. When it was reported and believed at Marietta, Ga, that Fort Sumter had opened against Fort Moultrie, Fd” ward Denmead, of Marietta, a well known citizen, offered yrompuly te supply provisions, &6., for two months, to a company of seventy five ren. . INCREASE OF FREIGHTR. It will be geen by reverence to another column of tho Courier What the treights on the Charleston and Now York steamships have been raised Afty per cent. Tt is unnecessary Wo say that this measure has been necose: tated. MORE MILITARY TENDERS. HeApquanters ULeTen GOARD, Twestieta Rroimene Licut Lyeastry, Reorus, Jan, 8, 1861 1. M. Rump, Jn., Ansotant Gavan N. ¥. 8. Me Sik—As requested, the officers of the Twenvieth reg'- ment were yesterday convened at Rondout, the meeting being largely attended. i: gives me great satisfaction 10 assure you, for the information of his Excelleucy the Commander in-Chief, that while indisposed to make cemonstrations unbecoming the citizen soldier, the of\- cors and menof the [wentieth regiment will promptly and surely respoud to any call made upoo them to aup- port the constitution and iaws of our country. 1 beg that this expreevioo may be laid before his Exdellency the Commander-in-Chief, GEORGE W. PRATT, Colonel Com’g Tweutieth Regiment Light Infaatry. ADIUTANT GENERAL'S OFVICR, ALWANY, Jan, 10, 1861. } Twevnera Reommvr N. ¥. 8. erin-Chief desires m preen bis gra nat the receipt of your communica nof the tth inet, informing bia that the officers of rregiment had been couvened a Rondout, and that they were ready to respoud toany call that might be aie Upon hem to maintam the constitution laws country, He directs me to aay in reply that be will not hesitate to avail himself their services if Crevmatances shoul! make it necessary, ‘ D. C\MPBALL, Assistant Adjatant General THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE ON THE CRIT- TENDEN PROPOSITIONS. On the 16th inst. the following resolutions were intro. duced in the House of Reprosentat ves of Winois:— Whereas, we believe our federal Union is in danger of revolutionary disruption by the withdrawal of fifteen of ihe States. “And whereas, we believe the Union to be of yeclese value, and not'to be preserved by military Force, but by the restoration of fraternal among ‘rrcnalved, Py the House of Representatives (the Senate ee the prompting of patriotism and the 'dic- Amendment to the constitution Staten revate by the fon. J. J. Orit rallying the couservative men of all the States nance of the pe we call upon ' i repre tate sutabing States to amet the coustitation bri ‘© w the country, f--4 . That we recognise the duty government to provect the Driperty of the Ualed And we recognise and declare and power of feceral govertinent, through the: we enforce all laws pasrod tu ‘Dut we distinetl) (ny that the Any covet tutional pow s 19 call out 10. exe- cute these laws, With.” Che Limite ‘of aay State, ex civil Mi. dacker moved fer to of the Wholr, ineimaating (hat © ice im the standing (omulteooon did uot scom to think #0, ag a coufused cross tire of the House voted to refer them ¥). Hacker, when his name was regoluiions an affectionate ply gre hem a hearty welcome to the comm! wheel or