The New York Herald Newspaper, February 8, 1861, Page 1

— TH WHOLE NO. 8918. MORNING EDITION—FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1861. PRICE TWO CENTS. THE REVOLUTION. IMPORTANT NEWS FROM CHARLESTON, Condition of the Garrison at Fort Sumter. The Preparations of the State Authorities for an Attack on the Fort. Immense Earthworks and Floating Batteries in the Harbor. The Delegates to the Peace Con- gress at the White House. DEBATES IN CONGRESS ON THE CRISIS. Strong Union Speech of Henry Winter Davis, Rey Rey he. THE SURRENDER OF THE REVENUE CUTTER McCLELLAND. Wasuincton, Feb. 7, 1861. ‘The following statement in relation to the surrender of the revenue cutter Robert McClelland is derived from an official rource:— ‘The cutter is one of the largest and best in the revenue service, just rebuilt and refitted. Her commander was Capt. Breshwood, of Virginia. On the 19th of January, four days after Secretary Dix took charge of the Treasury Department, he sent Mr. Wm. Hemphill Jones, chief clerk in the First Comptroller’s office, to New Orleans and Mobile, to save, if possible, the two cutters on service there. Capt. Morrison, a Georgian, commanding the Lewis Cass, at Mobile, must have surrendered her before Mr. Jones arrived, On the 29th of January the Secretary received the following telegraphic despatch from Mr. Jones:— New Orteans, Jan. 29, 1961. Hon. J. A. Drx, Secretary of the Treasury Capt. Breshwood bas refused positively in writing to Obey any instructions of the department. In this I am sure he is sustained by the Collector, and, I believe, acts by his advice. What must I do? W. H. JONES, Special Agent. To the despatch Secretary Dix immediately returned the following answer:— ‘Treasury’ DePartaeyt, Wasmoron, Jan, 20, 1861. ‘W. Hempuns Joves, New Orleans Tell Lieutenant Caldwell to arrest Captain Breshwood, assume command of the cutter, and obey the order through you. If Captain Breshwood, a’ter arrest, un- dertakes to interfere with the command of the cutter, tell Lieutenant Caldwell to consider him as a mutiueer, and treat him accordingly. If any one attempts to haul down the American , shoot him on the spot. JOHN A. DIX, Secretary of the Preasury. ‘This deepatch, it is said, must have been intercepted, both at Montgomery and New Orleans, and withheld from Mr. Jones, and that the conduct of Captain Bresh- wood was consummated by means of a complicity on the part of the telegraph line with the States of Alabama and Louisiana, Wasmaroy, Fob. 7, 1861. ‘The galleries of the House were densely crowded to- day. Among the spectators were the Commissioners to the Peace Convention. A sound like the reverberating of @ cannon startled almost everybody. The members rushed to their feet, and the ladies hastily left the gal- leries. The Speaker quieted the fears by saying that something had fallen on the roof. It was subsequently arcertained that the wind had blown down a small der- rick. ‘The passage of the Morrill Tariff bill will depend upon the vote of Senator Douglas, Pennsylvania having given such evidences of a want of friendship toward Judge Douglas last November, it is likely he will not be inclined ‘to favor any special legislation in her behalf. Warlike preparations still continue. A stand of arms has been supplied to the watchmen in the Capitol, and all ‘employes faithful to the government are to be supplied with Colt’s revolvers. The artillery company lately at Augusta arrived here this morning. They are quartered in the south wing of the Treasury building, owing to the difficulty of procuring accommodations elsewhere. There are rumors of a hostile meeting between Senators Johnson, of Tennessee, and Wigfall, of Texas, Mr. Wig- fall shot the brother of Preston 8. Brooks in Charleston fome years ago in a street fight. The Committee on Naval Affairs in the Senate have re- ported unanimously in favor of the proposition alluded to in my despatch yesterday, providing for the creation of an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and that he shall not be « civilian, but a naval officer of a grade not leas than that of commander. This is viewed by many asa departure from the theory of a republican form of go- vernment, inasmuch as the office is in the civil branch of that department of the government. The proposition ‘will be assailed and amended go as to provide for the ap- pointment of a civilian to the place. The resignation of Captain Ingraham has been ac- cepted. Captain Shrubrick is not now likely, as hereto- fore, designed to pursue a similar course. Capt. Ingraham bid farewell to the Secretary of the Navy and other officers of the department yesterday and has left for Charleston to cast his fortunes with thos: of his native State. Two of his sons are still in the United States service—one isa lieutenant inthe martne corps on board the United States ship St. Louis, which veasel is at Pensacola, the other isa midshipman at the Anoa polis naval school. The House conference committee on the Deficiency bill are unanimous in their opposition to the Chiriqui appro- priation. The daughter of A. W. Thompson, largely in- terested in the Chiriqui claim of three iuadred thousand dollars, was married this morning to Mr. Dodge, Indian Agent in California. The letters written by representatives Burch and Scoit to their constituents in California, recommending the for: mation of a Pacific republic, create much indignation ‘among tho republicans, and have had a disastrous effect upon the juterests of California in matters of Congres sion- al legislation. The House Trust Bond Investigating Committee have completed their labors, and will probably make their report in a few days. The invostigation does not impli- cate any one outside of those known to be connected with that affair. The report will be pretty severe upon Floyd Russel and Lee. The evidence, how. ever, against these gentiemen it is understood is not sufficient to convict them of any crime. Bailey is the only one that could be convicted, and it is not by any means certain, in these degenerate days, that even he can be convicted, The committes explored a wido field, and examined a large number of witnesses, Dut failed to get at the real facts and expose the guilty Parties connected with the robbery. Mr. Carlile, counsel for Gov. Floyd upon the indict- ment against him for malfeasance in office, has intorposed a demurrer in the case, predicated upon « law introdaced by Speaker Orr during the Matteson corruption investiga. tion, providing that any parties examined before com- mittee shall be exempt from indictment and punishment on any matter testified to before ench committees. The Senate bill, in addition to the act to promote the progress of the useful aris, passed the House today with sundry amendments, one of which provides that there shall be no extension of any patent when the Commis sioner is satisiied the net profits are $100,090. All laws fixing the rate of foes to be paid, and discriminating be- tween inhabitants of the United States ana thos» of other eountries which shall not discriminate against the laha Ditants of the United States, are repeated, and in their ateud certain rates established. The Commissionor is authorized to dispense, in the future, with models of do- signs, when the designs can be euficiontly represented by drawings. ‘The Senate having passed a bill providing for the or grnization of Pike Peak’s Territory, imdor tho namo of Celorado, the same has reached the House and been ordered be printed. The House may alter the name to Idaho, If the bill becomes a law Mr. Williams will claim to represent the Territory, Messrs. Elder and Young, New York officials, sent here to look up matters relative to the Indian bonds, have re- turned home. Governor Letcher is among the latest arrivals. The object of Mr. Corwin in delaying action on the report of the Committee of Thirty-three for a week jonger was to see what the Peace Congress will do mean- time. GRAND SECESSION JUBILEE AT NEW OR- LEANS. New Onteans, Feb. 7, 1661. The city is magnificently and extenstvely illuminated in honor of secession, All the public buildings and large stores and dwellings are exceedingly brilliant with appro- priate mottoes. Pelican flags are flying everywhere. ‘The people are out in great crowds, and there is general rejoicing. In the Convention resolutions to instruct the delegates to Montgomery on apy point were tabled by a large vote. THE MASSACHUSETIS MILITARY. Bostow, Feb. 7, 1961. Military orders promulgated to-day by the Commander- in-Chief are prefnovd aa follows:— ‘The pres’ nt condition of rational affairs renders it pos- sible that the serv °s of she volunteer military of Massa chusetts may wired at 10 distant day, and at short notice, by the President of ths United States for the de- fence of the federal capital, and it is the desire of his Ex- cellency, the Governor, and Commander-in-Ch ef, that the troops should be in readiness for any legal requisition thet may be made upon them. The orders apply more directly to the First division and require rigid scrutiny of company rolls, frequent company drills and a thorough preparation for active service. MOVEMENT OF UNITED STATES TROOPS. Barmmwors, Md., Feb. 7, 1861. Ninety-four marines from Governor's Is’ nd, au: ifty- five United States dragoons from Carlisle Barracks, fully equip ped, passed through this city this morning en roule to Washington. UNION MEETING AT ST. LOUIS. Sr. Loum, Feb. 7, 1861. A citizens’ meeting of unconditional Union men con- yened again at Verandah Hall this afternoon, pursuant to adjournment, to receive the report of the committee of twenty-five appointed at the previous meeting. ‘The following list of names were presented by the com- mittee as delegates to the State Convention, and were unanimously accepted:—H. R. Gamble, M. I. Linton, John Howe, Ariel Wright, George R. Taylor, James 0. Brod- head, Fent Long, Fred. Myer, Henry Hitchcock, Turner Maddox, Isadore Busch, Solomon Smith, Wm. 8. Cuddey, Hudson E. Bridge and J. H. Shackleford. ‘The meeting was numerously attended. Several strong Union speeches were made, which were enthusiastically applauded. Among the speakers was F. 2. Blair, Jr., who cordially approved the ticket, and urged all Union loving men to support it. ‘Two hundred and fifty troops, from Newport, Ky., and one hundred from Fort Riley, Kansas, arrived to-day, destined for the United States arsenal in this cy. The latter company, under command of Captain Lyon, who was appointed cominandant of the arsenal, Vice Major Bell. There are now between five and six hundred troops at the arsenal. UNION MEETING AT MEMPHIS. Mampi, veb. 6, 1861. ‘There was an immense torchlight procession here to- night. Tho national airs were played and a display of fireworks occurred. PRESIDENT OF THE NEW CONFEDERACY. ‘A Georgia paper suggests Albert Gallatin Brown, of Mississippi, for President, and James H. Hammond, of South Carolina, for Vice President of the Southern repub- lic, The Savannah Republican desires that the uames be reversed, in order that the horse may be placed before ‘and not bebind the cart. TO THE OFFICERS OF THE NAVY. LETTER FROM LIEUT. CRAVEN, OF TH! MOHAWK. Basely unprincipled incendiaries have scattered throughout our land doctrines of a revolutionary charac- ter—doctrines calculated to inflame the minds of the ex- citable and thoughtless multityde—calculatou to mislead the weak and wavering, and to lead on and incite to frenzy the needy adventurers—thoso wolves of the homan race who rejoice in that anarchy and dworder which loosens the restraints of law, and affords them occasion for indulgence in license and rapine. Sad indeed in the history of the world wiil be the day which witnesses the dismemberment of this confedera- tion—disastrous to the march of human freedom and civilization—the event which blots from the page of his- tory our great and glorious nation of self-ruled meu. ‘The oppressed of the earth, with hopeful hearts, have long regarded us as the exponents of “Liberty, frater- nity, equality.” God avert from us the abasing ac- knowledgment that man is not capable of solf-govern- ment, What a humiliating reflection, that man, in bis passions, can be ruled only by tho bayouet, by foroe— despotic force; his reasoning faculties gone, he sinks to the level of the brute; with no prineiple to guide him, he yielas only to foree. Officers of the navy, be as ever, loyal, brave and true; our beloved country is convulsed with distracting trou- bles; our country is in danger; the g. cat temple of Liber- ty, founded by our fathers and dedicated to the use of the buman race, now + ls and totters to its base; de- struction threatens it; the machinations of designing men have brougl « it to the verge of ruin. Officers of the navy, our country is in peril, and it be- hooves us, wy friends, to consider well and earnestly what are onr duties to the nation which has given us honored places among her sons; has enrolled us among her defend- ere, has ‘‘reposed spevial trust and confidence in our valor, patriotism and fidelity.” ‘There is no one among us, my friends, however humble his station who har not, with laudable pride, enjoyed the honor of being ® servant of his country; one of her de- fenders on the seas; one of the fostered sons of the favor. ed arm of pational defence. Ttore can be no feeling more ennobling than that of him who bears arms in his coun- try’s defeneo; let us be slow to throw aside that armor; alow to abjure all allegiance, and never betray the trust reposed in us. Wo have inamarked manner been the honored and cherished sons of cur country; our countrymen have with exalted estimate valued th. exploits of our heroic men, whose dees have shed such lustre on our fing, and car: ried jt in triumph and honor to ail parts of the world; recollect, my friends, that each one of us is a sharer in all the glories won by naval valor; our great men have passed away, but they have left the honor of the navy, the honor of the flag, in our keeping. Some among 18 have bad the fortune to do battle against our country’s foes; all of us have had each our individual réle in the great machinery by which the whole is moved; the fame of our flag belongs to us, and our duty is to rally to ite support. Ve must not forget that our initiation into the ser- vice of our coumtry was by taking a solemn oath “to support the constitution of the United States.” That yow, ty friends, is recorded on high; that vow was heard by Mim who has said, “render unto Cosar the things which are Cmsar's.” We must beware how wo lightly treat so solemn an oath; it cannot be thrown off; ‘we cannot ignore the claims of our country; we mag, it is truo, cease to serve, but we cannot, dare not, offend the Most High by turning our arms against those laws which we have sworn to sustain; nor can we be too guerded, jee! by any act of ours a single stain is brought upon our bright eseutcheon. Let ue pot be deceived by the vain and idlo sophistries of thore deluded mon who would tell us that the United States are only bound together by a weak alliance, to be shaken off at pleaaure by any one, without even so much notice of the abrogation aa commun decency has eatab- lished as customary among the civilized nations of the earth. Lut us discard from our minds the illusions of theee who would in fact persuade us that wo uever had any mwionality. If their arguments are correctly ba: we have nover indesd one nation. We aro mere pretenders, who have, without shadow of right, adopted & national style and law by whieh to impose ajon man- ind, Let us not listen to the reasoning of thove who would seduce us from our allegiance by special ploading and w@siract questions of State sovereignty, “Remember yout onth—‘Remember!” What have we to do with Btates? What, indeed, have you to do with States, those of yon who, by virtue of your national office, are dis: franchised by the laws of the States in which you reside? The Union is our cowmtry; the Union is our State; tho constitution is our law. A great trust devolves on ns. Let not the polsonous hane of revolution have any epread ainong onr ranks, Let us show ourselves ever worthy of the contidence of our countrymen. We are not partisans, We must not listen to treason in any shape or form. We cannot abjure our duties without being guilty of treason; avd by no train of reasoning can acts againat the govern: mont be styled by any other naine than trexson, The ferme of cur proudly waving fag be'rogs to us, and whatever be the fate of that honored oo*tem of our country—that honored badge of our power— whatever bo my frionus, let us beware that it seffer ny eton through the navy T. AUGS, CRAVEN, Lieutenant Commanding U, 8. steamer Mohawk. IMPORTANT FROM CHARLESTON. Wasinxoron, Feb. 7, 1961. Letters are received this morning from Charleston, bearing date February 4. Governor Pickens has yielded the point to allow Major Anderson to make his own con- tract for provisions, consisting chiefly of fresh meat. It ‘was very difficult to find parties who would venture to make a contract, fearing they would be lynched, but @ man was at last found, and the supply is being made twice exch week, but only for immediate use, eo that the State authorities can stop the supplies at any time. The stories about mutiny and imsubordination among Major Anderson’s men can find no better refutation than in the fact that many of the men have served their time out and are entitled to leave, but refuse to re-enlist, and declare they will never desert their post while Major , Avderson remains or the flag waves over them, uniess ordered away by their government. Some of these very men could have left with their wives on the 3d inst., but preferred to part with their better halves than their gal- lant commander. ‘The same advices assert that the greatest activity is going onon Sullivan and Morris Islands, and especially at Point Cummings, in the erection of batteries and in other preparations for attack upon Fort Sumter, which will undouptedly take place the moment Oolonel Hayne returns, as he is now in possession of the government’s refusal to comply with the demand of South Carolina to surrender Fort Sumter. A large num- ber of men have been at work night and day at Point Cummings ever since Col. Hayne left, erecting earthen breastworks, said to be the best possible material for such purpose. They had a very large force engaged on Sunday, hearing it was supposed that Col. Hayne would return on Monday, and that hostilities would :mmediate- ly commence, * Cummings Point Battery consists in part of three co- lumbiads and mortars. It is three-quarters of a mile south of Fort Sumter, being the nearest point of land; but the important fact attending Cummings Point Bat- tery is, that it is directed against what is supposed to bo the weakest place in Fort Sumter, which is three and a half feet thick and two hundred feet long. Of course when the United States government odn- structed Fort Sumter they did not calculate upon an attack from land by any portion of their own people, but built the fortress with particular reference to the channel, and the approach of a foreign enemy in ships. But time will show the South Carolinians that what they supposed to be the weakest may prove not only the strongest but the most dangerous point for them to illus‘ trate now; but Major Anderson will do so if a test is made. More than this, should it be possible to make a breach in the supposed weak point, the South Carolinians could not enter by it, nor would any possible harm come to the men under Major Anderson. ‘The floating batteries being erected up in the cove near Mount Pleasant for beseiging Fort Sumter are of little account, and an army officer writes that they will only convey those who take passage upon them to watery graves, One of the batteries which it is the purpose of South Carolina to float against Fort Sumter, is being constructed at Marsh dockyard, at the foot of Pritchards street, near Laflitte’s landing. It is said that it will be three weeks before all the floating and land batteries completed, and it is believed here that Col. Hayne knows the fact, hence he has consented to the delay which has been made, knowing that if he should reach Charleston with “an unfavorable reply from the President that am attack upon Fort Sumter would be precipitated before the se- | value of foreign rts and the number of arrivals and clearances of vessels. You will observe that so far ag the duties are concern- ed, the amount received in cash and secured by bond, | since the secersion of the State, exceeds that for thesame | jod of *the previous year, with the ephaetnn | spare given in relation to the cargo of the ly St. Tre. | So ecerd han aver bons kent isi the allie of our coast: wise ts, and I cannot, | refore, give you any of- | fiejal mformation on this head, That must | De sought from the newspapers. As to our foreign ex- oe will observe a considerable decrease in the last -: |. This is owing to several causes, and among thom the fact that an unusually large amount of cotton and other merchandise was shipped just previously to the ordinance of secession, and since that time much of our exports have forward to Northern ports, to be ahi from there. Tho cotton bas also been slow in coming forward. In regard to our tej of business for the coming season, I would submit the following remarks. Under any circumstances, the business of the approaching sea- gon would be comparatively light, in consequence of the short provision crop in several of the States which trade with us. What amount of business we may do in this state of things will depend yery much upon the ques- tion of peace or war. If we have peace we will have @ fair amount of businest, but not as much as in the immediately preceding this. The shortness of the pro- vision crops, to which 1 have ailuded, will be one cause; and in adaition to thi, the credit of our merchants has no doubt been affected by the chance in our political re- Jations. I am informed that the orders of merchants aye been reduced, and in some cases countermanded, ‘and as a general result we may expect a considerable de. duction in our business for the coming season. On the other hand, if wo establish a new government, and Maintain peaceable relations ith all other States and nations, we may confidently look forward to a very ex- Jed Increase in our trade and commerce. Ihave the honor to be, very respectfully, your obe- dient, W. F. COLCOCK, Collector. The following is a comparative statement of the busi- ness of the Custom House at Charleston, 8.C., from 27th Devember, 1869, to 31st January, 1860, and from 27th Decetaber, 1860, to 31st January, 1861:— 1869-'60. 1860-"61. Cash duties received this period. $60,007 97 14,582 18 Duties on bonded goods in ware- this period... + 2,662 60 27.693 02 Value of foreign exports this pe- as -8,005,618 00 905,717 00 MRS becuse ences $3,158,278 47 947,042 20 No, vessels arr. from for. ports, 68 a1 Do, clearing for < « .., 61 19 Do. arr. from coast.‘ , 98 47 Do. clearing for“ « 57 64 Cash duties and duties on bonded goods at this period . + $02,660 47 42,225 20 Add duties on Emily ‘ét. Pierre, which vessel arrived here in January, but went to Savan- nab and did not return till 80th, estimated at 25,000 00 c++ $07,225 20 162,660 47 CHARLESTON AND ITS FORTIFICATIONS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MNERALD, No. 107 Kast Euever Streer, Feb. 4, 1861. Having just arrived from Charleston, 8. C., where Ihayo been for the past eighteen months engaged by the State authorities, teaching navigation on board of the marine school ship, being obliged to resign my com- mission or take up arms against the flag of my country, I chose the former. Seeing an article in the Hrnaro of the 2d, from tho correspondence of the Baltimore American, dated Charleston, Jan, 29, 1861, stating that there were about fifty large pieces of ordnance, to- gether with several bombs and howitzers mounted on the Citadel green and on the Battery (pro- menade) of Charleston, has induced me to submit to you a few facts, and through you to the public, if you fee! disposed to give theso few lines a space in your valuable cessionists were fully prepared. It seems to be settled, not only by letters official and private from Charleston, but by parties inside and out- side the army, that an attack will be made upon Fort Sumter, and that nothing can prevent it. It is said that Goy. Pickens has no power to control the masses, and they are only waiting either because they think the federal government will exhibit the cowardice to surren- der Fort Sumter through Colonel Hayne, or because they are not quite ready to make the aseault. Other States are protesting against such action, but it does not seem to avail anything. ‘The officers and men at Fort Sumter are all well, and are confident that upon the return of Lieutenant Hall hostilities will commence; hence the wives and children of the soldiers were sent to New York. ‘The physician at Fort Sumter has been quite ill, but on the 4th instant had nearly recovered. ‘The following is an extract from a private letter writ. ten by a member of the garrison of Fort Sumter:— Fort Scmrer, 8. C., Jan. 27, 1861. Our present status may be described as the luil before the storm. The papers will tell you many things abou® us that are utterly and entirely false. ceiving no fresh provisions of any kiod from Charleston. A quantity of beef was sent some days ago, but as no ar- rangement had yet been made with the authorities, we sent it back, saying to Governor Pickens that if we were to be furnished as a right, we would make the c arrangements in town, but if it was seut as a civility or courtesy, wo declined to receive auything. The papers blish falsehoods every day. That we are receiving freah provisions is false; that boat fired poses, in as vailed. No it, without a white flag. All mails, {* cut off, a8 it has always been since this fort, Our provisions always gay,’’ you know. MAJOR ANDERSON AND THE TONIANS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD, Ta yesterday morning's city papers a report appeared purporting to give the declarations of passengers on beard the steamship Marion, from Charleston:— 1. That the passengers aforesaid were not allowed while in Charleston to purchase shoes for their children or medicine for the sick. 2. That Colonel Anderson was being starved out and not allowed to receive vegetables and fresh meats, being compelled to live upon salt pork and flour. ‘The writer had an interview yesterday with Captain Adkins, of the Marion, in presence of Mr. Spofford, of the firm of Spofford & Tileston, who pronounced the statements to be utterly falee, Ho stated that the pe. gengers were not probibited from purchasing anythiig they pleased: that there was not a single case of sick- ness among therm, and that they were all well and hearty ‘eaters and in cheerful spirits. He further stated that though Colonel Anderson had refused to receive vegetables and fresh meate from the authorities, these articles were sent to him almost daily without interrup by private citizens, one of whom, Colonel G——, waa a friend of his and supplied bim with vegetables [rom his own gardens. TRUTH. LETTER FROM MAJOR ANDERSON. Fort Sumter, 8. C., Jan. 20, 1861. H. Roosa, Connmsronpine Secretary or Tua New York StaTe MILITARY ASS0CLATION:— Sm—There are 80 many things which require my at- tention that I have only time to acknowledge, ve briefly, the receipt of your letter of the 18th instant, forwarding a copy of the resolutions of the New York State net, Association approving the steps taken by me in this harbor to assert the proper authority of the aren government and maintain the honor of our coun- 's fing. I thank the association for the complimentary and pleasing terms in which they allude to what I have, by the blessings of God, done in the hope of preserving peace, and, also, for the honor conferred upon me by my ‘"Shoeeny if you plage, my tasks for the exprcsion ot s if you my for the ¢: ion of Page own approbation of Gourre, and believe me to 0, very respeetfully, your 7 » Major United States: }, 6otamanding. THE SOUTH CAROLINA Sours Oren CHARLES- ness Saw oon ‘the pasrage of secesn) Present time, compares wi hese during the same period in ‘The oraipance of secession cember, but the Custom House, as pot taken of by the fake that mont In replying to your qe, Will aesume this last date as proper to commence the comparison, 1 enclose you a statem showing the Aaties rece“ im cash and Meured by bond am war Ly nsed goods for the two periods mentioned; algo the as of therefore, | h of e- paper. Up to the 25th of January there were but four guns mounted on Charleston Battery, and three on the Citadel green, at which latter place there were two more ready to mount, all only twenty-four-pounders; there were neither bombs nor howitzers. ‘The nearest place at which a land force can be of any service against Fort Sumter is Commings Point, being only six-tenths of a mile distant. On this point a shell battery has been erected, together with a fow ieces of cannon the same as above. Fort Moultrie is see@und place that can be of any service in reducing Fort Sumter. This fort has ten eight-inch columbiads, mounted directly in range with Sumter, and is the only fort which has any columbiads mounted. Fort Johneon is one and a half miles distant from Sum- ths and juently Castle Pinckney is two ant bring but three 42-pounders and eleven 32, against Sumter—these with little or no effect. ders: Green and Charleston batteries are 3%; miles from Sumter. and are only to be used in case vessels should into the harbor. Fort Sumter has four 42-pounders, five 10- inch columbiads, and seven 32-pounders to Moulirie, the former in bombproof ; also an ‘equal number against Fort Johnson and Commings Point. Anderson has now nearly all his guos mounted, having thirty guns mounted on the ramparts to sweep the horizon, most of them 32-pounders, and can be 80 ele- vated as to strike an object at the distance of « quarter of a mile from its fpr tal Ftd the fort been strengthened 80 as 0 it bombproof. Since my arrival in New York I have heard a great many Fort Sumter cannot be reinforced without opporiti from the troops or authorities of Charleston, and a serious ioes of life. This I believe to be alt wrong. Fort Sumter can be reinforced, and that, too, without the loss of a man. This, however, can only be tocomplished in one way. Should opportu: nity I would willingly offer Lp Beh eme| and am confident of success, 1 an also of opinion that the Chariestonians cannot take Fort Sumter. Major Ander- sop can, even with the small force at bis command, re- pulse them, whatever quarter the attack may come, ‘a8 long as his provisions and ammunition hold out, i APT. J. SALUTE AT TROY IN HONOR OF VIRGINIA. Trov, Feb. 7, 1861. One hundred guns were fired at twelve o'clock to-day, by the Bell and Everett Union party, in honor of Vir- ginia. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSARY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. ‘Through the kindness of L. F. Cozans, member of As- sembly, we are in receipt of a copy of the Annual Report of the Commissary General of the State of New York for 1860. That officer states that the Military Store Department of the State is deficient in abmost every respect, having no serviceable military stores to issue until after the next contribution of the general government, which will be received, doubtless, by the latter part of the present month. He calls the attention of the Governor to the unfriendly attitude of some of the States of the confederacy, and also to the fact that the great body of the organized mili- tia of the State are not supplied with reliable offensive and defensive weapons. Governor, in response to the recommendations of the Commissary General, in a communication to the Legislature, and in order to meet any emergency that may arise, calling for the assistance of the State troops, recommends to that body that a suitable appropriation from the treasury be authorized to be used, under the ordinary restrictions, at the discretion of the Military t, and a Will is now before the Legislature providing for the appropriation of half a mil- lion of dollars toarm the troops of the State. CONVENTIONS IN FEBRUARY. During the month of Felwmary elections and conyen- tions will be held in nearly every one of the Southern States. Like South Carolina in the cotton States, Virginia jeads off in the border movement. The following 1s a calendar of the movements in the Southern States for the month of February :-— Feb, 4.—Congress of cotton States at Montgomery, . 4.—Virginia, election for convention. Feb. §.—Tennessee, election for convention. Feb. 13.—Virginia, convention meets. Feb, 14 —Arkansas, election for convention. Feb. 18—Missour#, election for convention. Feb. 25,—Tenneseee, convention mects. Feb. 28—North Carolina, election for convention. Feb. 28—Missouri, convention meets. The Le immer | Convention (if called by the people,) will meet Marclt 4, and the North Carolina Convention on the succeeding Monday, March 11. * Noactien has yet been taken in the States of Kentucky, Maryland and Delaware. In the elections t Tonnesree, Arkansas and North Carolipa, the people will vote for delegates, and at the same time designate whether or not it is their will that a convention shall be holden, If a majority saj the conventions will assemble at the times appointed. In Virgnia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri and North Caroling, the aotion of their respective conventions will be submitted to the approval or disapproval of the people. MATTERS AT CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD. The report that the ‘steam frigates Colorado, Missis- sippi and Minnesota, now at Boston, are at once to be put in requis tion for service connected with the collection of the reverue at certain porte where the same cannot be collected by the usual means,” ia prestmed to be inoor- reot, as no orders of this character have been received at the Navy Yard. It will require some time to fit them for sea, an two thousand ao have to be shipped, and considera. blo repal o r) informed by the best authority that the We are brig Bainbridge has not been ordered to sea; the orders were mer¢ly bo have some repairing done upon ber. THE PEACE CONGRESS. Proceedings of the Northern Free and Border Slave States at Washington. FOURTH DAY Wasurvaton, Feb. 7, 1861. ‘The session of the Peace Congress to-day was very brief. They met at ten o'clock, and the following geatlemen were named by the respective delegates as members of the committee, to whom all the questions of adjustment are to be referred and who are to report some plan of set. tlement The committee is not regarded by those who know them as likely to be harmonious. There are some good men on this committee, but there are a majority against any adjustment which will be satisfactory to the South: Here is the committee :-— Guthrie, Ky., Chairman. Fowler, New Hampshire, Hall, Vermont. ‘Ames, Rhode Island, Johnson, Maryland. Seldon, Virginia. Ruffin, North Carolina, Guthrie, Kentucky. Baldwin, Connecticut, Ewing, Ohio. Vroom, New Jersey. Smith, Inc iana. White, Pennsylvania, Togan, Illinois, Bates, Delaware. Harlan, lowa. The delegates to the Peace Congress assembled this morning, and at twelve o’clock proceeded in a body to the White House and paid their respects to the Presi- dent. Some of the members, fearing tha} their ti tuents would learn through the press what they said to Old Buck, and what he said to them, insisted that the interview should be in secret, henco the reporters were excluded. They remained but ashort time, Tho delega tions were introduced to the President by John Tyler. It is believed that the {Peace Congress will ignore all details in regard to the settlement of the question between the Northern and Southern States, and will re: commend the calling of a United States Convention to amend the constitution, This will give the peopie, in their primary capacity, an opportunity to consider the subject, and send such men as will comprehendyhe great issues, and who will not lock themselves up in a dancing hall, to the great disgust of the whole nation. Mr. Franklin, one of the Pennsylvania Peace Commis- sioners, is confined to his room by a severe attack of erysipelas. ‘Mr. Wilmot has not resigned, but will not be here, The Pennsylvania Commissioners have signifed their willingness to accept the Crittenden compromise. Generals Doniphan and Calter and Judge Johnson, Com- missioners to the Peace Congress, have arrived. THIRTY-SIXTH CONGRESS, BECOND SESSION. Senate. Wasmscron, Feb. 7, 1861. NEW JERSEY ON THE CRISIS—RUMARKS OF MI. THOMSON, Mr. Tnomson, (opp.) of N. J., presented several peti- tions in favor of the Crittenden resolutions. He also pre- sented the resolutions of the Legislature of New Jersey, which his colleague bad presented during his wbsence, and said he entirely dissented from the views of his col- Jeague. He contended that the instructions in the reso lutions were the real views of the majority of the peoplo in the State, and that a State had a right to instruct hor Senators, who should obey or resign. He was yery much surprised at the course of his colleague. He thought the people of New Jersey never were more in carnest than they are now in the opinion that the South have cause for complaint, and that some guarantees should be given them, "Yet he rust say that the courso of the South in seizing the forts, arsenals, &c., has done much to weaken kindly feel! im the Northern States. Nothing was more fatal t the doctrine of secession. If ad mitted, the goverument must fall to pieces. He said a portion of his colleague's speeches looked to coer- cion; but the coercion of States was an equally fatal doc- trine. The Union could not be preserved by blows and bloodshed. He —— civil war, and made an appeal to save the Union by conceseions on both sides. Wer. Tex Evcx, (rep) of N.J., replied, and sattt ho had no desire to avail himself of his cclleague’s absence. He contended the resolutions did not express the calm feeling of the people, as shown by the votes of the recent elec- tion; but resolutions gent were rushed through the Senate of New Jersey when four members were sick. MEMORIAIS RELATIVE TO THE CRISS, Mr. Couammn, (rep.) of Vt., presented a petition from t*e citizens of Vermont, asking Congress to adopt an amendment to the constitution similar to the border States propositions. He said he was willing to do all in the power of Congress, but not anything which was not allowed by the coustitution, which says that Congress may propose amendments to be submitted to the States; aaa uel er, if States want amendments let them say 80 by convention, aad Congress must agree. [f the State call such a Convention and adopt amendmonte, Congres must send them to the States for ratification. But does the government need more delegated power? No. He comtend- €d that the provision of the constitution was perfectly plain, but none of the complaining States nave taken any means to secure amendments in aconstitutional way, yet Congress was seked to make amendments which somebody conjectures the States need. He never would attempt to make any such amendments, which none of the States, he said, wanted. Suppose two or threv States present amendments, asking Congress to submit them to the States. In his judgment, Congress could not on the merite of such amendments, but present them to the States as the request of certain States. He quoted as a precedent the former amendments made in 1789, when ‘Congress took the same course. His views would govern his votes. Mr. Castknon, (rep.) of Pa., presented a petition, eigned by five thousand citizens of Philadelphia, reproseating obably thirty or forty thousand people, in favor of the Britvenden Bigier reeolution. SPERCH OF MR, WIGFALL ON THE CRISIS. ‘The President's message was taken up. Mr. Wicrat, Copp.) Texas, weeded to reply to the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Johnson). He said that the Senator from Tennessee seemed to think that he had been the object of epecial attack, and now after six weeks silence he complains that be has been misrepro- sented, and denies that he ever was in favor of coercion. Certainly such was the effect of the speech of the Sena- tor, and it was too late now to deny it. The Senator complained that bis A oy argument ‘had not been an- swered. But when did the Senator make any great argu- ment? He (Mr. Wigfall) had not heard any such argu- ment. The rf (Mr. Johneon) seemed to think that the farewell of the Senator from Louisiana (Mr. Benja- min) and the disruption of the Union was @ farce, and yet he pretended to love the Union. Mr. Wigfall hore referred to the treaty of the cession of Louisiana, and contended that the Senator from Tennessee did not give a fair construction of it, and so it was in regard to the admission of Alabama. A monstrous perversion of the doctrines of Jackson and nationalism had been charged upon him by the black re- publicans. He read from a number of documents to show that Jackson considered this government as ‘a compact of States.” He then argued against the right of coercion, and said that any attempt to eniorce the laws upon indi viduals in a State was the same thing as the coercion of a State, and would bring on acivii war. He contended that Jefferson and Jackson had avowed the right of secession, and he read copious extracte from their writings and speeches to sustain this position. He cl imed that Madi son understood that the States could atany time renounce the constitution, and such was the understanding of most of the States when they ratified the constitution. He do- nied that the Breckinridge party ever intended to break up the Union, but they demanded that the property the Southern States should be protected. Six States thought it not safe to remain in the Union when two millions of people in the North had voted that their property ought to be confiscated. They might talk about the Hel ok, but Helper harl never uttered anything 80 tlandrous st South as the senti ments uttered by a Southern Senator on this floor. What black republican ally bad told the Senator that the South wanted to make war on Mexico? It was asiapder. They bave enough to do to take care of themselves. Mr. Wig- fall then paid a high and eloquent tribute to the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. Davis). The Senator from Tennes- sce (Mr. Johnson) had attacked him (Mr. Davis) in. his absence. If the Senator from Misnissippi had been here he would have answered the Senator from Tennessee, “Lord Angus, thou hast lied.” (Loud applause in the galleries.) Mr. CHANDLER, (rep.) of Mich., moved that the galleries be cleared. ‘The PRmanert (Mr. Foote in the ehair) ordered that the galleries at the right “men’s gallery” be cleared. It was dope. Mr. Wicrats proceeded—He raid the South had no do sire to make war, but it intended to live under such go vernment as it saw fit, Six States had gone out becaise they chose to do#o, and had revoked the treaty called the constitution, though they might be willing to make another. He claimed that the South had a mine of wealth in cotton, and ga picture of the destroyed commerce of the North if the ports are blockaded, which will be considered an act of war. A veesel with a'flag of thirty. three stars will be fired on if it comes into port; carrying the flag with the stars which the: in Ds ae thence, will be ‘considered an insult, Ho quoted from the New York Tritune’s notices of Mr. Johnaon’s speech, and con tended that the Senator from Tennessee always had been RESOLUTIONS OF seeking popular jause, On motion of . Witsoy, the subject wae postponed till Monday. Adjourned, asniveTon, Fe! 6 The House preceeded to the consideration of the bill reorganizing the Patent Office and amending the Patent saws, It came from the Senate last seasion, and was now parsed by the House with amendments. The House resumed the consideration of the report of the Committee of Thirty-three, Mr. Conwis, (rep) of Ohio, gave notioe that he will not move to close the debate until to-morrow week, io order to give ayl gentlemen who desire to "ageak— SPRECH OF HENRY WINTER DAVIS ON TRE CRIMI, Mr. Davis, of Md., rose to address the Hote, Bo said what the people have been demoralized by eur carly mad Premature excesses, The government has been shorn of every aspect of dignity and Jaw, and the President has ceased to be accompanied by forces aad the embiems of supreme authority. The successor of George Wasb- ington is expected to meet every demand with wreathed tmiles and gracious condescensions. The struggle for }arty power bas brought the two sections face wo on thas most dangerous subject of agitation—the slavery question. {hese are the only causes to be assi for the extraord:nary phenomenon presented one month of @ Presidential election wccording to the forms of law. Without avy grievance or menace we find six States have usurpea the extraordinary rogative of rebelling sgaiust the supreme law dws land and assuming to be independeat Powers, seizi forts, thips, Xc., avd insulting the national flag. 4 have secon & Cubivet Minister qietributing the public arms in the South for the benefit of those who are about to re- sist pubsic authority and wage war; we have seen Com. mistiouers, flagrantly in violation of the constitution, wandering from State to State stirring up rebellion; we have seen a Caoinet Minister, still hold.ng his comasis- sion and still bound by oath to support the constitution, gowg himself, a8 a Comuvssiouer, from one State to another for the porpese of orgenizing another part of the great great scheme of rebellion; we have seen a Pre- sidevt negieetiog the most solemn warning of the first military ciicer of tue age, in allowing the forts to be laken possession of; we seen him, subsequently, making bargains for peace with the disupionists, unt he shail be rsieved from the responsibilities of office, instead of Cetendong the public property snd vindicating: public honor, and without remonsirance permitting th > work of cisintegration to go on, His ascension to supreme power, shows his utter incapacity for th» Presidentisl honors showered upon him. We have seea 100, recenUy, a late Cabinet officer President oft the Southern Convention, dec'aring it is their pay puso buuliy to sever their counection with the United <¢ tes, and take ait Lie copsequences of establishing a gover van and dependent republic. We are driven w one of wo alternatives, and we must recognise what we are w- formed is av x complished fact, Lot to be recalled, or we must reluse to ackwowledge it, and accept of all the re- Sponsibuities auached to that'refusal. Ho did not wish to querre} about words, but the constitution and laws of the United Siates inuet be enfores id those who stand wcross ‘he path of that entorcement most either destroy the power of the United states or it will destroy them, (App!auee in the galleries.) He trusted that this condi- tion was centuries or thousands of years distant, The revenue way be collected on shipboard, and the laws of commerce enforced by not allowing vessels to pass out without papers from the United States authorities, and the postal factities can be continued or saspended accor ing to the circumetances of the Loin and the cuerts of justice may be supported as in Uth, or their Jurisdiction be extended in the States where there is no disturbence. Iheseare clearly and peaceful measures for enforcing the laws, and the United states govern- ment is vested under the constitatoa with ade- quate power to mect such emergencies, and may dis- pose of the troops and sink ships without — war. Alter further discussion ho said he could speak for Mary- land (applause in che galleries) who has eoutidence in the strength of the greac government who protects her —~ Mr. KUNKsL, (Opp.) Of Md.—If you speak for the State of Mary and, [des Cries ot “Orde Mr. Davie—I decline to yield the floor. Mr. Kesksi—(amnd cries of “Order’’)—Bo not speak for Mary land—speak for yoursel! ur. Davis—1 represent the Fourth Congressional dig- trict of Maryland, and cannot say whether L was elected by the whole of Maryland or not. | will speak for what Iknow to he the sentiment of the people of Maryland. (enthusiastic Mr. B. particularly jn tne galleries, ) pointed to the fact that per- amit were geen clapping their He said that if order was uot p bancs. erved in the galleries he should move that they be A. «8 of “Order” trom the repuoltcan side. Davis emarked that bis friends would confer @ favor by refraining from expressing their approbation. ‘The SPeaKek hoped that porsons in all parts of the hall Would preserve order. Mr. Davie—I did speak for the people of Maryland, Whoever may make tne iesue on the other side [will meet. J wil meet hun from St. Mary’s to Alleghany, I Will meet him in every plause. ) Mr. Kosket—I will ineet y Mr. Winsiow, (opp ) of . rose, amd called atten- tion to the disorder prevailing in the Lalleries. ‘The Sreaker hoped that ail present would observe or- der, and that there woulo be no further cause af com- plait. Mr. vixen, (rep.) of N. men op the other side Wo mal Lad been preached. Mir. Davis resumed, repeating that Marylend does not recognise the right of secession, She does not reeognige the right to repeal the supreme law. If any convention should be called there, of whatever character and under whete ver auapices, those who should presume to inaugu- rate a revolution would met with revolutionary resist. ance on the soil of Maryluud under the stars aud stripes. ‘They will not allow either the :oxjority or the minority to drag them from the Luiog. Within Maryland aro mem who will assume resistance to anything lookivg to armed rebellion, Mr. Kcwxm—Does my colleague inaugurate it now? Cries of “Order” from the republican side. Mr. Davis, resuming, expressed his coutempt for plat- forms, as they were sails to catch popular breezes, and in conclusion advocated the repert of the majority of the “cir Suprwicx, (rep.) of N. Y., after speaking of th r, SKDGWICK, 5 sa ing of the “ Of the fortsnid cthor public property.and the said it ill became gentle- objections when treason loyalty of the officers of the army and navy, said that £0 powerless and low had this government fallen that even Florida, insigniticant as she is in respect to popula- tion, is flapping her disuniou banner in the face of the United States, and we have recently been told that a truce bas been declared between the general government and (he hostile army in that State. The golden oppor- tunity for stopping disunion has been lott, and wo wust now regain by slow steps what inconsiderate or cowardly conduct has permitted to be wrested from us. The reme- dies for the specific complaints, proposed by the com- mitte, leave the real difficulty’ wholly ustouched. Ho was opposed to the whole of them. Nothing short of the incorporation in tbe constitution of the Breckinridge platform, with the Scott decision, would satisty the rebels 20 was opposed to compromise because tte com were as utterly ndless as the remedies were Tnion between the free and glave “tates would consent that the slave States should and separate confederacy, with th» full consent of all the parties, and provide for'a gradual emancipation of the slaves fn such of the slave States asmight remain with the North. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION. dam, (opp ) of Ohio, offered propositions to amend the constitution by diviving the Uuited States into four sections, the New England aud Middle States vo constitute one, the Northwestern states ano'her ; the Pacific States another, and the Southern States eust of the Rio Grance another; these sections to be called respectively the North, the West, ths Pacific and the South; new States within the prescribed limits of each section to be @ part of such section; the latitude of thirty degroes thirty minutes to the Rocky Mountains to be the line between the Wert and south, On the demard of one- third of the Senators of any section, a vote upon any- thing requiring the concurrence of the House, if necese tary, shall be bad by sections, and a majority oc the Senators from each section * be necessary to the passage of @ measure. Two of the electors for Presi- dent and Vice President shall be chosea for each State; the other electors in each State to be chosen by the Congressional disiricta; a majority of the electors in each section to be necessary to the choice of President und Vice Prev tent, and a majority of the States of each section and Senators of each section, shall be necerrary to the choice of Pre- sident and Vice President in the {louse or senate, when- ever the right of choice devoives uy them, the term of President and Vice President to be six years, and they aré to be ineligible for a second ‘term, except by the vote of two-thirds of the eiectors of each section. Congress is to provide by lat the caso of afailure of the Hous’ to choose a President and of the Senate to chu ui Vice President, ond alzo in guch case for aspecial election within six months trea the fourth of Mareh. No State ebull secede without conaent of the Legislatures of all the Statee of che section to which it belongs. Tho President is to have the power to aejust the terms with the seceding States, and tho t to be valid till ved by Uongress, 8 nor & Cerritorial ture is to inter- fere with migration, on equal terms, of the citizens of the several sections, nor shail either have the power to deetroy or impair the rights of person and property in the Territories. New Statos are lo be admitted with any constitution, republican ia form, which the people thereof in. . the House took up and nt resolution authorizing Lieut, Craven, of the ecelve a medal and <\ploma from the my government for services rendered the seamen of @ wrecked vessel. ‘THER PUTTER ON MPORTH. Mr. Stcxurs, (ope) of N. Y., aaked leave to introduce a resolution calling on the Secretary of the Treasury to imform the House whether tie duties on imports con- tinue to be collected in the ports of Seuth Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, lonbane and Fioride. Ir, CRAIGE, (Opp.) of N. C., objected. Mr. StckuEs an nis was the only reliable mode of ob- taining correct information, Ie gave notice to offer tho resolution Monday. Kecess till even o'clock. RVENING SESSION, Mtr. Leven, (opp.) of N. C., argued that the dogma of recorsion had no warrant in the constitution, Te advo- cated the Crittenden Bigler proposition and remitting tho question to the peeple, whom some republicans and Southern vltraists are afraid to trust. The first gun that 8 fred in coercion will unite the entire South in a com- mon cause, The borde: slave States love the Union, He concluded by making @ calm and earnest appeal in their bebalf for constitutional guarantees, Mr. JuNxin, (ret) of Pa., favored the tions of the Comittee of Thir'y-three, believing t y embiaced virtually the restoratie:y of the Missouri promis Mr. AWES, (opp.) of bio, argued against the right of secession and the Soutiorn revolutionary mo Mr. Caney, (rop.) of Ohio, spoke of secession a being thick with the blackest treason. Leave the present diffievity to the ~~ and there will be a better sr: lement oy OY Pm, legislate on the subject. If t rer talk aa his friend Davie, of Maryland, did Cig Ling 4 not be two weeks before the traitors would ble in their shoes, ‘There were not over ten members in the House to night during the de! y of the speeehes, aad about two dozen lise nere in the galleria, djourned,