The New York Herald Newspaper, April 7, 1861, Page 1

HOLE NO. 8976 "SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 1, 1861, THE WAR EXCITEMENT. stive Operations at the Navy Yard, Governor's Island and Transport Piers. Departure of the Steam Frigate Pewhatan and Steam Trans- port Atlantic. mense Fleet to Concentrate im the Gulf, Illinois and Baltic Pre- paring to Start. lar Statement Relative to Fort Sumter. rival ef Lieut. Talbot from Major Andersen at Washington. ws with the President and General Scott.’ TIVITY AT THE BOSTON NAVY YARD. meet at the South of these Movements. nportant Reports from Charleston. njor Andersen’s Supplies Cut Off by Order of Gen. Beauregard. ‘ve Thousand Carolinians in the Field. HE LATEST NEWS, &e., &., &e. ORTANT DESPATCHES FROM WASHING- TON. Wasmxeron, April 6, 1861. ARRIVAL OF AN OFYICER FROM FORT SUMTER. jeutenant Talbo: arrived here this morning, from Fort iter, with despatches tothe Secretary of War. He been ehosetod with the Presitent, pruners eral Scott for several hours. THR REASON FORT SUMTER HAS NOT REEN EVACUATED. appears that thore is serious trouble at Fort Sumter, that much of the military and nayal movement now japid progress on the part of the government here is simed for that quarter. An officer of the army stated lae thie afte-noon that the first collision would, in ali bHity, occur in Chariesten harbor. The govern at, he says, having decided @ome days ago to evacuate Sumter, were about to send an order detailing how Mould ve done, but General Beauregard, who is in d, in conjunction with Governor Pickens, refused coept their plan of evacuation. what the order or plan proposed’ by thegovernment was is not fully known, but it is understood that ly wanted to leave a small force to protect the proper- if the United States. This the Carolinians peremptori- fused to agree to. They demanded an unconditional render. b facts were laid before the Prosident, who at once ded that unless they accepted the plan or order pro. led by the Government, that the fort should not be /cuated, thus compelling them to take it by force. CAUSE OF THE WARLIKE MOVEMENTS OF THE ADMINISTRA- now. , It is alleged, is the secrct of the several expedi- )s lately undertaken by gontlemen im this city to , With the view of arriving at some satisfactory lastment of this difficulty; and, in all probability, this Ihe object of Lieut. Talbot's mission to Washington. ibe government, however, believing that there could no amicable adjustment, proceeded without delay to ftoelf on a war footing, in order to be in readiness to itself in case an attack was made. If they suc- in forcing the Carolinians to make an attack, the ad- istration méan to be fully prepared for any emergen- thet may arise. hie ia undoubtedly the meaning of this most extraor- lary display of military and naval movements in tho thern waters. THREATENED BLOCKADE OF THE SOUTHERN PORTH, the ball ironce opened they will blockade every tpal port im the Oonfeduyate States, commencing ie Charienten end ending wilt the saveth of the Mis- ont. iat. ‘mould an attack be made on Fort Sumter an attempt 1 be made to throw reinforcements tnto it. They do expect, however, to succeed in this, but, neverthe. they will make the effort. ORT PICKENS NOT TO KE GIVEN UP. ‘. Pickens they mean to hold at ali hazards, if they hese facts I have obtained from an oflicer of the agmy, , he has no doubt of the authenticity of them. TW GOVERNMENT MEANS RACE, In the meantime, the government, while these exten- le movements are going forward, docs not hesitate to lare the people that they are not intended to make rmthat they will act only on the defensive, Wasmyoror, April 6, 1961. ‘hero have been three Cabinet mectings to-day This jernoon the Secretary of War and General Scott have closeted with the President. The movements and tions of the administration are conducted with the | poerible secresy, There is nothing new from Fort Pickens to-day. |Jeut. Talbot arrived here from Fort Sumter this morn- , and reported immediately to the War Departmont, h despatches from Major Anderson. The purport of m of course i8 & profound secret with tho administra- ls, Liout. Talbot wae with the Oxbinot for several are, being introduce@ by the Secretary of War. Im ne action waa taken on the subject of Major Anderson's patch. is afternoon the Secretary of War placed im the nda of | ieut. Talbot sealed instructions to Major Ander- , and Le left on his return trip to Port Sumpter. sorte of @urmises are afloat relative to the tho adoainistration will pursue, Some declare ir bdoeliof that fort Sumpter will not be eunted. Others say tt will. Lieut. Talbot is hrewd nian, and says nothing. He ventures to assert, interview with your Correspondent, that a good jer could remain in the fort some time longer, if no. —that the fare, of course, Was not tho moat deli- le. He inivrmed me that whon he left Port Sumtor ¢ had been no ofticil information communicated to jor Audoraon of an intontion on the part of the authori. of Chariestom to cutoff suppiios. Fe tays the con » Of those matters has passed from Goveraor Pwkons the sd iniaurasion of the Confederate Suter, which conferred the power pf dealing with Majo’ Au terson } and directing the forces arrayed against him, upon Gen. Beauregard. What oouree he will take about coatinulng or cutting off supplies ie not yet known, or was not known when Lieutenant Talbot left. The latter oxpreesed no opinion to me about the poss!- bility of reinforcing Fort Sumter. He 1o'o:med me that the forces of the secessionists are numerous, and tha’ they have erected powerful batteries about the fortress. ‘In answer to a question whether Fort Sumter could be reduced by the secessionists or not, he remarked, emiling, “That question can be better determined upon trial.”” Governors Yates, of Miinoie; Dennison, of Ohio, and Blair, of Michigan, arrived this morning, and have each had interviews with the President to-day, with reference to the arming of their several States. ‘Wasmncroy, April 6, 1861. ‘The excitement kindled by the sudden warlike attitude ef the administration continues unabated. The most in tense anxiety to ascertain facta bearing upon its Southern policy is depicted on the faces of all who take an interest im the fate of the country, Little only, however, that was apt to satisfy the universal morbid curiosity was developed during the last twenty-four boars. The only fact that transpired to-day was the arrival of Lieutenant Talbot, and the call of a special meeting of the Cabinet fer the consideration of the information brought by him. Nothing reliable hes as yet become known as 0 the tenor of his despatches. The real intentions of the administration in regard to Fort Sum. ter are still wrapt in mystery; but, althengh the ideacf retiorsement of Major Anderson, in the face of the vast preporations of the revolutioniete to pre- vent it, must appear preposterous to every intelligent mind. Many republican leaders here, that have the oon- fidence of the President, still insist that it will be at- tempted. The apprehension »f an immediate attack upon Fort Pickens is general, °: trough ne positive information to that effect is posseseed by any one. The utter absence of news from the South adds greatly to the painful suspense in which everybody bere is now kept. The sloop-of-war Pawnee, which sailed this morning with sealed orders, is in complete fighting trim. She car. ries ten heavy guns and two hundred men. A large quantity of shells and grape shot were shipped to New York to-day from here. The peace mission of the Virginia Union lesder:, who had an interview with th» President and members of the Cabinet last evening, for the purpose of urgisg the con. tipuation of the prese:’ vnilitary s‘atus a’ Fort Pickens and the foregoing of the collection of the revenue, bas | proved a failure. Mr. Segur, one of the parties, de- clared openly this morning that nothing could be done with the administration. Many republicans, under the influence of a sober second thought, are openly denounsing the President for delay- ing action in the case of Fort Pickens up to this time. They pronounce his failure to perfec! a condition for energetic and successful defence, before the prepara- tion,of the revolutionists had rendered its @epure imprac- ticable, inexcusable and incomprehensible. Some do not hesitate to express the suspicion that at the bottom of the present naval movements there is not 2 real intention to reinforce and hold it, but merely to sustatn the credit of the administration in the eyes of the North by making ‘a vigorous display. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE MILITARY PRE- PARATIONS. Wasmineron, April 6, 1861. Notwithstanding the many rumors of war with which ‘Washington has abounded for many days, and still abounds, Iam able to assure you, in the most positive manner, that neither Fort Pickens nor Sumter js to be reinforced, and that no attack is feared upon those places by Generals Beauregard and Bragg. Every effort is being ‘made to concentrate United States troops, a part of which are cavalry, and munitions of war are being cdRected on board of government veasela, but their destination is Texas, where the most alarming state of affairs exists, It is understood that despatches have been reveived from Gen. Houston, of the most urgent chsracter, rep- resenting the danger of attack by Mexicens and Indians as 80 fmminent that nothing can prevent the most seri- ous disasters upa@m the frontier if assistance is not re- ceived immediately. The Cabinct are, therefore, agreed that, whatever course may have been taken in favor of secession by the Texan people, it would be equivalent to a recognition of their independence, under the most cow- ardly auspices, to abandon them to their own resources at the present time. The invasion of Texas is an act of aggression against the whole Union, which it is the more the duty of the federal government to repel, as the au- thorities et Mexico are utterly powerless, as yet, against the bands of hyigands with which that country abounds. There isa and thorough understanding, al- though it is taoit, and toa certain extent unofficial, be. tween the Southern Commissioners and the Lincoln ad- ministration, that the status quo shall not be disturbed, either by the United Stater authorities or by the South. ern confederacy. ne of the Commissioners from Mont- gomery has stated in the most emphatic manner, within the last twenty-four hours, that no reinforcement could be sent to Fort Pickens or to Fort Sumter, and that no at- tompt to blockade the mouth of the Mississippi, or any Southern port or harbor, for the purpose of collecting ro- venue, could be made, without such a violation of good faith and such wanton treachery om“the part of the President and his advisers, as would be yithout « paral- | Jel in the history of any civilized nation. When asked | how he tnterproted the bolligerent rumors of the last few | days, he stmply added that be and his colleagues ware | satisfied they boded no evil to the Southern confederacy, | and that they,did not apprehend that there was any im. modiate danger of civil war. President Davis and his administration have 80 notori ously, and from such obvious reasons of interest and ne- covsity, adopted festina lente as their motto, that the re ports of projected attacks upon Fort Pickeus or Sumter ought not to require contradiction. There is doubtless great excitement at Pensacola and Charleston, and, like Washington, both of those places are agitated by ail man- ner of false rumors. The telegraphic despatches that cause a financial panic in your city react, in a different manner, upon the population there ; but be assured that neither Beauregard nor Bragg will proceed to acts of war. fare without orders, and that there is no likelihood of such orders boing given. Imbecile and weak as Mr. Lin- coln’s administration is, It is scarcely fair to accuse it of the diabolical perfldy which would be involved ina breach ; of faith ‘with the Southern Commissioners, and, unless such pertidy is practised, there will not be bloodshed, at Jeast for « while. THE ATITUDE OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND. ; Wassuvaron, April 6, 1961. ‘The statement that England and France will eustain the policy of the administration, in the event of an attempt to put down the secession of the Confederate States, is without a shadow of foundation. Advices received by the last mail from Furope, by both the English and | French Legations, indicate pretty clearly what those two powerful governments intend to do. Taey will keep hands off, and wait the developement of events. The in_ structions to all their agents on this side of the water ‘are clear and explicit. In no event will they take sides im the difficulties which now impend over this country. | They sincersty hope to seen peaceful solution of the question. I make this statement on the highest authority The war wing of the repablioan party are in great glee at the prospect of ptungiag the country into civil war and blood, They do not hesitate to denounce Gov. Seward in coarse and ungentlemanly language, morely because he oppased their inaane an@ reckless schemes. Had it not been for his wise counsels, the whole country today would witness soones that would appal the strongest heart. He nevor will pormit thie administra. tion to follow the wild and fanatical schemes of the abo- Litioniets A PLOT TO SEIZE THE FEDERAL CAPITAL. Wasenwotom, april 6, 1861, Major Ben. MoCulloch has organized a foree of five thousand men to solze the federal capita) the instant the first blood is spilled, ‘This intelligence is from a Virginia gentieman now in thie city, who had it directly from McQulloch’s own lips. SOUTHERN REINFORCEMENTS FOR PEN- SACOLA, Macon, Ga., April 6, 1861. Troops are moving rapidly forward for Pensacola. Right companies have left here. The balanve, under the command of Colope) James M. Rameey, leaves on Tuesday Oxskumeron, April 6, 1663. Reliable information bas been reserved from the North thet reipforcements are ordered to Fort Sumter, snd wilh be accompanied by a squecron under command of ©om- modore Stringham. Five thousand Southere men, im addition to these at preeent in the fortifications, are ready to take the field within twenty-four hours. The cltimatum, siege or surrender, has got yet been sent to Major Anderson, but with the supplics ent t- day he was notified by General Beauregard Oia they ang tie lost, which is equivalent adeteieyt Monti This is positive. Troops have been erdered to rendezvous at points re- m_te {rom Charleston, but within cupporting distance, to watch the movements of the enemy, They move at once, Governor Pickens has all day been inspecting the bat- teries, aceompanied by a portion of bie Council and senior officers of the army. Everything throughout’ was in » state of efficiency. Bloodshed is inevitable, and if one drop is spilt no one knowe when it will end. A formal demand for the surrender of the fort hae not Deen made, and may not be made at all. Yor oby}ous reasons the intentions of the Confederacy are involved in mystery. The excitement ie intense, and everybody is in iighting bumor. THE EFFECT AT THE SOUTH OF THE WAR- LIKE MOVEMENTS. MONTGOMERY, ALA. Moxtcommny, Ala, April 6, 1861. ‘The peopte of this city relish the war news excoeding- ly. They are greatly pleased with tho prospe:t of a “brush,” but are afraid tha’ the Lincola adminisiration will evade a conflict, The news of the firing tnto a schooner at Charleston brightens all faces. Teh NEW ORLEANS. New Ontmans, April 5, 1861. The report tha’ war vessels have been ordered to the mouth of the Mississippi river creates considerable ex citement here. AUGUSTA, GRORGIA. Aveusta, Ga., April 6, 1861. Little reliano: is placed im the despatches from the North respecting war preparations, but it is universally conceded that ali prefer such 2 policy to suspense. GOLDSBOROUGH, N. C. Gousnonoven, N. C., April 6, 1861. ‘The news of the fitting out of a fleet and army is ex- citing the community to the highest degree of anger, ‘They say they wish to hear of an attack on Fort Sumters as the military are ready to assist the Southern coafede- racy. . WILMINGTON, N. Cy Wrunncron, N. C., Apri! 6, 1861. ‘The warlike news has been received here, but causes no excitement a? yet. RICHMOXD, VA. Ricnmonn, Va., April 6, 1861. Outside of the State Convention, the war news of inst night and to-day has produced no great sensation. The people are prepared to expect anything, but believe that if a blow is struck at any Southern State or port, thou- sandse@f Union men will go for ‘immediate secession.”” PEYERSBURG, VA. Prresswuna, April 6, 2861. The excitement im this city to-day is very great. ‘The war tidings are discussed on every corner, and the people say ‘‘Let it come.” Great indignation is expressed at the dilatory course of the Convention. All the people are ata Ligh pitch, and al] say “‘ Virginia must secede.” IMPORTANT PROCEEDINGS OF THE VIR- GINIA STATE CONVENTION. Racnmonp, Va., April 6, 1961. The Virginia State Convention reassembled this fore- noon. Secession resolutions from the people of Cuariotte and Norfolk counties were presented. Mr. Hatiapay said that the signers to the latter consti- tuted a small minority of the people of the county. Mr. Johnson presented a petition for secession, signed by 1,600 people of Richmond, He said that the signers constituted only about a third of the voters of the city, though it had been weeks in preparation. ‘The ninth resolution was taken up in Committee of the Whoie, and the amendments offered yesterdaf defeated. Mr. Bovtprs moved to strike out the whole resolution and insert a substitute embodying a declaration that the separate independence of the seceded States ought to be acknowledged without further delay, and such arrange- mente made and such laws passed as the separation may make necessary and proper. The committee refused 1) strike out by nays 71. Other amendments were rejected, and the ninth reso lution adopted by 92 to 37. ‘The committee then referred back to the elghth reso- lution, recognizing the right of just causes. Mr. Canute moved to strike out the resolutioc and in sert a substitute embodying Madison's language, justi- fying secession only in the event of the failure every constitutional resort. The committee refused to strike out by ayes 22, pays 114. ‘This vote indicates the strength of the ultra Unioniste. (nber amendmente were then proposed and rejected. Pending the recess several firm conservatives changed their vote, and voted for Mr. Boulden’s substitute for the ninth resolution. The eighth resotution en reassembling was takeu up in committee. On motion of Mr. Smewens, the words “they con code,” in the third line, were stricken out. yers 65 ‘The resolution was then adopted, when the committee | rope. In Convention, Mr. Preston, a conservative, offered a any euch cooreive policy, and authorising the appoint ment of delegates to wait on the President, present him these resolutions, amd respectfully ask him to to communicate to the Convention te policy the govern. ment intends pursue. ‘The resolution wae modified on the muggestion of Mr. Baldwin aad acceptet by Mr. Preston as follows:— ‘Whereas, in the eS a So tainty which in the public mind as to the t intende to pursue towards the pm he rious to the commercial and in- dustrial interests of an excitement the peoding dificulties and threatens the disturbauco of the public peace; therefore, Resolved, ‘That s committee of three delegates be ap- pointed to wait on the President, dt Mr. Caniiz offered an amendment, to Saclude a desir» to know the policy of the seceded States toward the gen, eral government. Rejected. Mr. Proston’s resolution was then adopted as nodifie! Mr. Jackson moved a reconsideration. He did not vote. The Convention agreed to take « vote again. Mr. Jackson made « vehement speech against the pro- position, declaring hie constituents would never consent to join South Oarotina, Lieutenant Governor Montague made a spirited speech tn reply. Considarable feeling was manifested on ail sides. Some of the Unionists consider that the adoption of Mr. Preston’s resolution will annihilate al, hopes of adjust. Without taki Convention agreed to eajoure, oping for a ore calm eesion 6 , hoping ‘eesion on Monday. NAVAL PREPARATIONS AT THE CHARLES- TOWN NAVY YARD. Hoerow, April 6, 1861. ‘There is groat activity manifested at the Charlestown Navy Yard, over eight hundred persons being employed. ‘Bhe brig Bainbridge is ready for sea and waiting for her crew. The steam frigates Minnesota, Missiasippi and Colorado are aleo nearly ready. Com. Stringham ie ex- ported 10 arrive early next week. i THE APPROACHING CIVIL WAR. ‘The excitement which has sprung up within the last few days conpequent upon the unwonted movement of United States troops, the commissioning of United States vessels, the chartering of steamers for military service, the extensive preparations made to fit out the same with all the deadly matericbof war, and, above all, the mys- tery which shrouds the object of this extraordinary Deiligerent demonstration, seemed to reach ite oulmt- nating potnt yesterday. On whatever side the attentive or curious observer turned the al} abedrbing topic of con- vereation wee the military preparations and the warlike attitede so suddenly assumed by the government as Washipgton, But while the, fact laid before ‘the public yesterday morning by the Hunarp furnished an subject for ¢iacussion, it wag evident that petperares be all this anasual bobby greatly ex . ercised the lieges of Uncle Sam. ‘The Battery, if ite uses conveyed the signidcaucy of its name, might be appropriately considered a fitting spot for assemblages t0 meet and discuss the tidings of coming war, But though this is not 0, yet was the Battery the chosen ground yesterday whereon to treat of those events, whose coming have cast their shadows beforo, and which have so startled the mind of the community. A great diversity of opinion prevailed as to the object of tho ar™ wamente in process of embarkation on the Powhatan, the Atlantic and other steamers, and the destination of the troops daily concentrated at the different stations in the harbor. But as little information could be acquired from the surmises of the assemblages, and as it is the duty of the reporters to collect facta and to lay the same before the public, it was necessary to visit the different forte, and, if possible, to learn from authentic sources what ‘was going on. ‘The great bustle and activity observable in the Navy Yard for some days denotes that much is to be done be- fore the orders of the War Department can be fully com- plied with. Within each of the forts the same quiet, or. derly bustle and active preparation is going on that has marked the conduct of the military for the last few days, Arms are burnished, kits got ready, inspections are made, parades are incesrant, orderlics are in perpetual motion, and all this under the strictest rules of discipline. The bearing of every man in garrison is characterized with that soldierly gravity which seems ‘mpervious to appeals from curious civilians, and which impresses all such individuals with the idea that every orderly he meets ia as much in the secret as the Secre- tary of War himself. But to al! inquiries even at ‘‘head- quarters” the invariable answer was, ‘We are all in the dark here; we get all our own information from the Hrnatp. What’s coming seams to be bet er known at your office that it is to our highest officers,” &c., &c. In every instance all courtesy was, extended to the report- ers, and im the forts all due facility was offered for noting the preparationg going on and of ascertaining the feeling of the men. On this latter point the men are very cbary of expressing themselves. They evince no hesitation im carrying out to the letter the orders of their superiors; indecd, a very commendable Promptitude ig observable in the manner they go through every routine of garrison duty. The officers seem to haye every reliance on the leyalty and fidelity ofthe men, while the latter reciprocate this feeling most | heartily. In this respect the esprit de corps is beyond all insinuation aad all cayil. , each otber and towards the profession they haye volun- | tarily chosen, it is equally true that officers and mea lament the dissengions which have disrupted the Union, | the more bitterly from the very fact that their services are likely to be called into requisition before a compro- mize ig effected, and they freely express the hope that no collision will take place between the two confederacics. One fruitful theme of conjecture and comment in all circles, byt more particularly in military, was the re- signations of Major Holmes and Major Johnson. The for- | mer, an old and tried officer, is a native of North Caro- lina. He bas beon in the service some thirty-one years, and bas distinguished himself on several oscasions in a way to earn for himself the confidence of the War Depart ment. The resignation is not officially known, and the report may be premature; but yet the report getting | abroad at such a time, when, as chief in command of the ! {sland garrison and genera! euperintendent of the recruit | ing dopartment, his services ere most nosessary to the execution of the orders of tha Executive has excited quite a commotion. Major Johnson is a na- tive of Kentucky and fellow-citizen of Major Anderson, and hae also been a highly esteemed officer. The resignation of these officers will come with the more astounding effect upon the public from the fact that they must naturally exercise depressing effect upon the feelings and sentiments of the great body of the military of every grade, Indeed. intimations were ratherérvely indulged in that other resignations would follow,and as these got wing, an evident gloom imperceptibly stole over the men, Still the troops continued packing up, and stil an incessant activity prevailed in proparing all the materials and supplies required by troops under orders for active service. At Governor's Island wharf vessels have been loading all day with ordnance and stores for the fitting out of the steamers. The troops whoare on the island under arms— the first to be ordered off—will be conveyed to the Atlan. tic by the steain tug Pope Catlin. A detachment of the Second artillery (Company A.), intended to form part of the expedition by the Atlantic, went on board in the | forenoon; several other companies followed in the course of the day, making in all betwoen seven and eight hun- dred men. The Atlantic will leave with sealed ordors. Her destination ‘s, of course, only a matter of conjecture. At the recruiting rendezvous enlistments are not par- ticularly pressed. No ordore traceable to the war excite. | | ment have been received, none but picked mon are taken. There is no want of applications at the offices, but the gentlemen who desire to become food for powder all preter to join as volunteers, and not as mon bound to serve for a period of five years. When told that Uncle Sam—or Abe J inooln—requires no yohinteers, these same would-be heroes, with the most perfect nonchalance, inquire of the officer whether he will take yolunteors for the Southern army. They don’t seem to understand why | fis, if rejected by Uncle Sam, he {8 so averse to trans- ferring them over to Jef. Davis, who might place more value on their services. At the United Stater naval rendezvous orders have beon received for an accession of seamen, aad large numbers of ordinary and able bodied men are joining. The term of service is three years if not sooner dis- charged—the rate $186 a month, Not bad service that in these times. The general impression is that the “piping times of peace’? are past, and that the President is doter- mined to change his tune “Nobod@y’s hurt,” to whatever tune cannon ball and musketry may whistle in be- | leuguered fort oF tented feld. SAILING OF THE POWHATAN. ‘The steam sloop of war Powhatan did not bau! out into the stream on Friday night, as was rumored, but remain. edalongside the dock at the Navy Yard throughout the night. Yesterday there was anothor large influx of visit- ers to the yard, but as everything had been taken on board, there was not the same bustle that prevailod on the previous day. Much anxiety was manifested by the visiters to ascertain whither the Powhatan wae bound, and whether she was going to take troops on board. One man was observed to buttonhole a watchman, and ask him “whether it was trac that sogers were to be embarked?” to which the watchman replicd that he 4i¢ not know, which in turn was followed by @ rejoinder from the querist that “it was no use denying it, n0 how the watchman could fix it, for it roops were not to be taken on board what the —— was the use of al! that fuss?” To which cogent, but rather pro. ‘ane reasoning, the watchman youchsafed no reply. This Incident server to Wustrate the ourionity unt prevailed among the spectators as they watched tho progress of the for departure, Tt would seem thet the Powhatan was merely awalting orders, for during the day two sealed packets wore re- ceived by the commanding officer, and immediately upon the receipt steam was got up. At two o'clock the moor. ings were unfastoned, and, aided by the stoamtug Cores the Powhatan moved slowly out, and reaching a point of the stream from free obstruction, sailed down the river, There wae no cheering or other outward demon- stration by the spectators, as would undoubtedly havo been the case had she been bound on a cruise to sustain the honor of the American fiag against any foreign foo. The stoamtug parted from her in the East river, and tho Powhatan, rounding the Battery, where ber movements While thus animated towards | were aeiavandh by a peabeel spectators, who, how- ever, exbibited no furtber interest apparently than that conveyed by 2 gloomy look, passed out inte the bay, but no salute greeted her fom the forts im tho harbor, nor way there any demonstration by the surrounding ahip- ping. She steamed scawards, and after anchoring a: quarantine for a short time, resumed her voyage. ‘The following is a revised Sn ermetgeer cater. batan:— vi us meat t a M. C. na: er! pany, New Yor fw. Semen Wee Game. a Sree watien -Jaceb Stephens, Bn: First Assistants, William J. Tamdin and James F. Lamdim; Second patiaioniy J aa and John ‘Third Assistants, William H. Giaddidg, E. Lawes and Bi. C. Mot!vatn, THE DEPARTORE OF THE ATLANTIC. FIVE HUNDRED GOVERNMENT. TROOPS ON BOARD— HER DESTINATION SUPPOSED TO BE FORT PICK- ENS—RER FREIGHT, BTC. Civil war appears to be approaching us with a rapidity that is alarming, and the people are beginning to realize this terrible fact. Yesterday there was presented a sight at one of our docks that our peaceable citizens are rarely called upon to witness, the preparations for tho departure of a vessel filled with ammunition and soldiers, which it is supposed are to be used against our Southern brethern, thoagh at what point it is impossible to tell. The steamer Atlantic, as we have recorded, has been chartered by the United Btates government ostensibly to go to Texas, having cleared for Brazes on Friday, rumor said to convey troops from some point in Texas to Now York, but rumor had to stand aside yesterday and give way to stern facts. The Atlantic is not chartered to bring troops to this port, but to convey them from this city to where not even the officers appear to know, overything being involved in an impenetrable cloud of mystery. We yesterday described the great bustle and prepara- tion at the dock where the steamer Atlantic was lying, the immense amount of stores that she was receiving, and the preparations that were going on for a speeiy do- parture, but to-day we have to sketch a much more ex- citing scene—no less a one than the embarkation of sevo- ral companies of artillery and infantry, and the conso- quent excitement among the people. THR STKAMER ATLANTIC Presented a scene yesterday of bustle and activity, and untiring industry on the part of the people connected with her that was very unusual; men were here, there and everywhere some going up planks others down, while gangs of men kept constantly appearing and disap- pearing in the most mysterious manner, through all sorts of apertures. The dock was loaded,so mach #0 as to render it almost impassable, with barrels, bede, mattresses, guncarriages, boxse of ammunition, bagg.ge, &c., all mixed up together and forming a compact mass, while on the other side of the Atlantic was a government schooner deeply laden with boxes and gun carriages, The work of loading was continued all Friday night, and a very large amount of ammuni- tion was received on board and stowed away. ON HOARD the ship everything betokened the mission on which sho is bound. On every side something was met that spoke . of war; the decks were covered with loose plank, around the sides of the vessel were ranged a number | of water casks, while piled up for future disposition were boxes of shell and other warlike implements, among which were several boxes of tho newly rifled carbines used by the artillery. The upper deck, at the bow, was devoted to the erection of stalls for the use of the horses that were to be received on board. ‘These were constructed with regard both to strength and comfort, the sides and back being very carefully padded, 80 as to secure the animals from injury during the pass age. Kighty of these stalls were erected, completely filling up the front part of the vessel. Every measure has been adopted that was at all practicable to secure the comfort of the animais. The sleeping accommodation for the soldiers are little better than the horse stalls—ruogh boards carelessly natled together forms the boadstead on which the men are to stretch themselves, and more than stretch them- selves they can’t, there being very close quarters for one, where two are intended to be put. It is intended that each of these stands will hold six men, and as they are very narrow, very high, and packed together as close as it is possible to do €0, they will be abletocarry a great number in a very smal) space. Tho cabin, state- rooms and other portions of the vessel remain un- changed. In the fore part of the hold an immense quantity of provisions are stored—fiour, meats, bags, barrels, and parcels are carefully stored away, and there is littlo fear of their provisions falling short, at least for some time; tho rest of the hold is filled with the guns, carriages, forges and stores that may be nesded at whatever place they may be bound for. THR SOLAMERS, A portion of the soldiors that were to accompany the expedition arrived at the foot of Canal stres’ at eleven o’clock, and were at once surrounded by « large crowd and plied with all sorte of questions, Where did you come from? Where are you going? How many men are going? Will there be « fight? but the quories were useless, the mon turning a deaf car to al! questions, of no matter what character, for fear that they might be made to say something that was not right, although in reality they knew nothing, and therefore had nothing to communicate. ‘The company that arrived was Company A, Second regi- ment, United Staves Flying Artillery, Captain Barry, numbering sixty men. Owing to the crowded state ' the dock, and the fact that the stalls were not realy + the reception of the horses, the men were obliged t> re- main in the street for two or three hours, after which time they were permitted to go upon the dock. They | had with them four guns, two of them being brass six pounders, and the other two brase howitvers, of twelve | pounds calibre. The men were all fine looking fellows, and looked as if s slight brush with an enemy would not affect their spirits in the least. They were totally indidwrent as to where they were going, and laughed and joked at the prospect before them as if it was an excursion of plea- gure. It was said that the horses belonging to the ar- tillery were very valuable animals and highly trained, and that that was the reason of their being taken such extra care of. Company M, of the Second artillery, commanded by Major Hust, sccompanied the others. ‘They had no horses, being obliged to leave them after them when they left Texas. They will be freshly enp- plied at whatever point they may land. The balance of the soldiers were taken on board from a eteamtug later in the day. There wore some companies from the Second and Third regiments, im all about seven. Companies H, Captain Brooks, and ©, Captain Allen, of the Second regiment light infantry, are also on board. A company of sappers and miners, from West Point, and a few persons belonging to the Ordnance De- partment, under the charge of Lieut. Balch, complete the whoie, The total number of men is about five hundred, although many think that it ie much larger, She may, howevor, receive afresh supply before she leaves the city from either Fort Hamilton or Govornor’s Island, a6 sho has accommodations for fully two thousand men. ‘THE KMRAKATION Of the troops and armament was conducted in the usual military style. Some curiosity was manifested as to how 80 many horses (seventy-cight) were to be got on board, as the steamor was lying several feot from the dock. bu! the presence of tun atrongly built stalls soon explained that, The horse was quietly placed in ono of the stalls, and almost before he had time to know where be was, the steam hoisting apparatus had placed him with his companions on board the ship. The time employed in putting all tho animals in their quarters was incredibly short, only a fow mo- monts being given to each. The guns and their heavy carriages were stowed aWay careCully, and the baggage next received the proper attention. The steamtug R. 1. Maby at five o'clock came atong- side; her deck waa donsely crowded with soldiers from Fort Hamilton, and there was some little delay in gotting them on board the largor yersol. They presented a strange sight, with their knapsacks, water bottles, cans, and other accoutrements, They are noarly al) young mon—fine, healthy young fellows, and full o¢ animal sprit; they of Uhre Gxgremed & wich for ackies of some kind, and would evidently not turn their back on danger. ACENES, INCLDENTS, ETO, The scene outside the gue of the pier wae intensely exciting; the people gathered there, as the embarkation of the artillery took place, Decame highly excited, and the gatekeeper and the Policemen had to be vigilant to keep those out whebe business did not bring them within. At the moment of the arrivalacf the artillery there was @ rush made to meet them, and there was barely time given them: to balt, before they were surrounded and plied with al! manner of questions. The crowd Saving satiefed oem Sree ree eollig the cannon, and wonderieg winnt mmter or Pickens wanted with flying artillery, | returned. to thelr posts ‘on the docks ant Vesbain and watched with the utmost patience the going on on board the vosse!, expecting each moment to see the ponderous wh»els begin ta revolve; bat they waited antil five or six o’clock, and their patience was not rewarded, and one by ove they left, unti? the large space was completely empty, and a person would po: Pperoeive, witheut going to the gate, that anything en usval wae going on. HER DEPARTURE. Jt was seven o'clock before the Atlantic left her dock, owing tothe immense amount of freight to be pat op board. Duririg the afternoon she was visited by a great many of the friends of the officers and others who are about going witb her on her mysterious mission. They were permitted to remain on board up to the last mo- ment, but when the word was once given to go on shere the last parting had to take place, and soveral ladies left the vessel with the terrible uncertainty over them aa to the safety of their friends, brothers and husbands. One ot them said that if she only knew where they were going she would be satisfied. At geven o’clock the last man wason board, the last bundle stowed away, and at the word of the captain the single cable was cast lose, and the noble vessel be- gan to move into the stream. Having gone into the middie of the river, immediately opposite Canal street, she there dropped her anchor for the night. it ie singu- lar that, akhough many watched her departure, not a voice was raised to bid her God speed. She left in ei- lence, and without one to wave her an adieu. WHERE 1S SHE GOING? Although tho steamer Atlantic cleared for Brazos, Texas, still considerable doubt exists as to her roa) desti- nation. Inthe first place a government vessel needs no clearance, but is at liberty to go into any port, onder proper orders, therefore the Atlanti:, (after leaving Brazos, may gojto any point that may be desirable. In the second place, a nomber of packagos, boxes, &c., were yesterday placed on the end of the doek, and each one was maaked in very email letters, ‘‘Owptain 1. Vogdes, Fort Pickens, Florida.’”? This in itself looks very moch as if the Atlantic and her warlike freight had the intention of stopping at, or going very near Fort Pickens. There is another very singular fact connected with tho above packages, that they were permitted to remain by them- selyes, and were not put on board with the other freight, but remained on the dock after the Atiantic had gone into the stream. A great many trunks and parcels belonging to the soldiers had to follow the steamer, and the steamtag R. L. Mabey was in readiness to take them off Here was a good opportunity of putting the boxes marked “Fort Pickens’’ cn, board without attracting any notice This thing in itself looks as if the administration was going to make an attempt to reinforce Piek- ens, else why all the ammunition, provision and otber things that have been placed on beard. On Friday night many laborers and others were employed in taking in ehell and shot, and other mani- tions of war,andon the pier were hundreds of boxes marked ‘sixteen rwunds, twelve pound howitzer, spesiay case; ten rounds, twelve pounder howitzer sbells, fixod;)’ 10,000 cartridges;” ‘10,000 gun capsuies.”” ‘These things look suspicious, and we may soon hear of ap attempt to-throw troops and ammunition into Pickens, or to reinforce the impregnable For! Sumter. THE STEAM TRANSPORT BALTIC. The Baltic, which lies at pier No. 41, opposite the At lantic, is undoubtedly chartered by the government, but ‘will not sail, probably, for two or three days yet. The cabins have been opened and aired, since yesterday morning, and a few men are on board, as if preparing to get the steamer ready to pail soon after the Atlantic. Trooks, carts and boat loads of four, pilot bread a@d provisions were still arriving at the dock yesterday, and were piled up upon that side where the Baltic lice—the Atlantic apparently having her full compleraent. Beyond this nothing wae done towards starting her, for every one seemed busy about the Atlantic, and sailors, ‘lonshoremen and sokliers hurried about, hindering each other and sccomplishing little, in that delightful style characteristic of such occa sions. THE ILLINOIS. still remained yesterday at pier No. 3, but the pilot had orders to move her at eix o’olock last evening. She will be taken no doubt to the foot of Qunal street as goon as the departure of the Atlantic makes room for her. Commodore Vanderbilt says thet he does not and never did own the Iincis that eho is not under his control and he {knows vothing about her. None of his vessels had been chartered by the government up to last night, ani he had no intima- tion that any one would be. The illinois belongs to the Vanderbilt line, however, and was announced to sal in that line for Kurope on Mon- day, She is equipped and ready for sea a> afew hours notice, but will not start to-day probably. The gates of the dock where she lies are closed and guard- ed, no outsiders being admitted. The officer of the ship who was on duty, informed us that the Llinols would not sail for Europe, as advertised, and could not le got ready to sail anywhere before Monday. Her fires were not lighted in the early part of the afr. noon, and this of itself is a proof that no immediate de- parture was intended. THE CUTTER HARRIET LANE. Has returned to her anchorage off the Battery, No one knows where she has been, or whero sho intends to go. The officers at the Boat Howe kindly informed us that they had no information ip regard to her movements; that it was pot unusual for ber to drop down the Bay,@malke a day or two's cruise and return, just as she had upon @Ris occasion. Sho is always pro- visioned and ready tostart off. Hor fires aro always left and without any extra prepagtion, she ight, if ordered by the government, start @f unno- ticed at any time. There were no signs of activity io her vicinky. THE SQUADRON FOR SERVICE IN* THB 801 ‘We present below a correct list of the vemelsof war now ordered to the Gulf of Mexico, to engage in opera- tions growing out of the present Southern revelation; also a list of the transporte and storeships, asd correct list of the officers commanding the ships, #0 far as they nays Doe eee ova tm Chi Fing hn 8 Stringham. Flag Officer G. J. Pendergrast, ha FRIGATE MINNESOTA—PORTY GUNB. G. J. Van Brant. FRIGATE BABINE—FIPTY GUNB. Cap/ain—Heary A. TAeutenant and Executive ‘Moliany. Pr Wc, Wrst Murdagh, BoM. F. R. Jowis, 1. A. \. Acting Master 'm. P. . Dariea Orocs- y de sL0oP le FOUR GUNS, Jaeutenanis—Iat., Alexander, Murray, nd, Joba & Maury, 24 amen i. Rochelle; 4th, Chan. Hi. Greene; Koons Paymast-r—John Dedree. [CONTINUED ON EIGHTH PAG@B}