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

‘NEW YORK HERALD. OLE NO. 8977. MORNING EDITION—MONDAY, APRIL 8, 1861. ® PRICE TWO CENTS. WE TO HAVE WAR? jal Government Envoy Despatched to Montgomery. Naval and Military Preparations of the Government. ations at the Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Charlestown Navy Yards. 4 pments of Munitions of War on'a Large Scale. CTIVITY AT THE TROY ARSENAL PORTANT FROM WASHINGTON. TENED TROUBLE IN THE CABINET. E POSITION OF MR. SEWARD. rt Sumter Probably to be Evacuated To-Morrow. HE VERY LATEST, Revs key ae. ARTURE OF A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL FOR MONTGOMERY. Wasmctoy, April 7, 1861. A bigh official of this government left here to-day for tgomery, Ala. The object of his visit is merely con jctured. One thing, however, is certain. He has gone @ mission from this administration to that of the Con- contemplation, either of peaceful or warlike character, il be properly and duly considered. ‘HE EXCITEMENT AND RUMORS IN WASH- INGTON. Wasnvatoy, April 7, 1861. The frantic excitement created by the hourly increas- probability of a civil war continues unabated in the eral capital. Most people here have their all involved such a calamitous emergency, and they are terribly They To the ab. of authentic information as to the plans of the ministration and of all news from the South, they in- lulge in a sort of self-torture by feeding on a variety of ‘ld rumors of a most extravagant character. The movements in New York harbor are being watched ith epecial anxiety. Much wild talk and guessing bas occasioned by the secession visits of half a dozen jovernors of Northern States to this place. Some know- ing goesipers claim that they come here to consult with President as to the expediency of recom- ug tenders by the egiclatures of the respective States they represent, e semblance of truth was given to this pre- yumption to-day by the boasts of some members of ithe Pennsylvania Legislature to the effect that an appropriation of five hundred thousand dollars would be mmodiately made by the body to which they belonged for the purpose of arming ten thousand men. But al- though the condition of public affairs and the intentions of the administration were discussed by the President and his gubernatorial visiters, I venture to say that noth- ing in the way of calling out the State militia and open- ing epecial credits for warlike preparations will be done until after the revolutionists will be actually found in aggression to the authority of the federal government, It is certain, at all events, that the principal object of the present journey of the Governors was to provide places for brothers-in-law and other relations at the public manger. It is now universally admitted by the friends of the administration that Secretary Chase made a grave mis- take by rejecting the bids for the new loan at ninety- three and above. No qne believes that he will be able to obtain money on any description of government securi- ties on more favorable terms in the face of the threaten- ing bdeilicose denouement of the Southern imbroglio. Some find the explanation of his determination in the premisee—which must appear rather singular from his doubtless prescience as to what the policy of the admin- istrftion would be—in the belief that a movement is going on aiming at an advance of all the moneys likely to be needed to carry the federal government through the present crisis by the several free States. Strange as it may appear, it cannot be concealed, that the belief in an impending attemp’ to reinforce Fort Sumter is not’ weakening, as might be naturally sup- posed in view of the progress of the offensive prepara- tions of the revolationists, but is steadily growing. But T still deem it incredible that the administration has any idea of wiping out its past sins of omission by such an epterprise at this late hour. A dozen pieces of small ordnance, for boat service, were shipped from here to New York yesterday, with an immense amount of ammunition. Among the pieces ‘were two rifled twelve pounders, the first of the kind in- troduced into the naval service. The fact of this ship- ment furnishes strong evidence of an intended demon- stration {n one of the Southern harbors, and is cited as such by thore that still believe In an attempt to reinforce Fort Sumter, ‘The horse companies and sappers and miners and one hundred house joiners shipped South it is confidently aa- fserted in high military circles are not destined for either ‘of the places named, nor at Key West or Tortugas, but are bound to Texas to restore peace to that distracted section of our country. Pickens will be supplied, never- thelers. The army and navy officers appear, in common with the public, to be unacquainted with the military designs of the administration, so cautious are executive autho- rities in this particular, but from the best available sources it is almost, if not quite certain, that the greater part of the troops leaving the Northern ports are destined for Texas, to operate on the frontier any men in service. for the protection of the inhabitants against Indian in- cursions, They will occupy the forts on the Rio Grande, and according to official representations, find a cordial ‘welcome among the settlersfwho have been driven by the savages from their homes. ‘The President, the Secretary of War and the Secretary ‘of the Navy were in consultation at the White House this morning. The President subsequently attended church at the Rev. Dr. Pynar’s. THE POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION. j Wasnixerox, April 7, 1861. ‘The President does not attempt to disguise the fact that it is his determination to hold, oF and possess the forts and other public property of the United States— the policy announced in his inaugural. From his cmversa tions with different gentiemen, within a weok, be has in variably asserted that from the day he took the oath of office he has been approached by the best aud ables men North and South, representing the great businese aud political interests of the country, with appoais to bim not to take any active steps in the direc: tion of an enforcemort of the laws in the seceded States, scoompanied always by assuraaces that if his minietration would pursue this course in a very short | time confidence in bis conrervatism would he obtain d among the people of thore States, and the restoration of fraternal feeling would be restored. It was not found to be a bard matter to allow time lo verify there eeeuranc 4, inuemued aa the new administration, when jt came ince power, found cupspicators againgy the goyerumeny ju al moet every department, and representatives abroad who not only did not eympathize with the republican policy, and were openly hostile to it, but in some instances were believed to be secretly aiding the seceesion move ment in the South, Expecielly was it trae that in the ranks of thearmy and navy were found a large number of avowed secessionisis, This state of things has com- petled the administration to take time for the purpose of reorganizing the government at home and abroad before attempting to actively inaugurate its policy. These evils are viewed by the administration as an en- tailment ef the two previous administrations. Poor Pierce inaugurated treason as a part of his government, and submitted it toMy, Euchanan, who suddenly found traiters in hie very Cabinet. Mr. Lincoln has been at the head of the government more than @ month, during which time he has guarded against making the usual military and naval demonstra tions customary in times of peace. During vhis period the Presidept and his ministerial advisers have been busy sifting traitors and their sympathizers out of the various departments fpf the government, and in pre. paring instructions for our new ministers at foreign courts. After pursuing this quiet, conciliatory po- licy for more than a month, the President, according to his own statement, instead of finding that such a course is properly received and appreciated, or that there is the slightest sign of re- storing friendly feeling, the do-nothing policy of the ad- ministration bas been taken advantage of and their good intentions bave been misinterpreted, and the country, in the eyes of the world, is fast acquiring a reputation that it does not deserve, During all this time Southern men have been flattered by the public and private declarations of Mr. Seward that there would be a peaceful settlement of our internal difficulties. It is said that the Confederate States Com- missioners now here assert that they have had assurances from Mr. Seward that it ‘was not the intention of the administration to reinforce Fort Pickens, but on the contrary to evacuate Pickens and Sumter both. I am authorized to say that if Mr. ‘Seward has had any communication with the Confederate State Commigsioners whatever, that he has done 80 on his own individual authority, and that it was never the in- tention of this administration to abandon any military post in the United States unless it became a military ne- cessity to do so. The administration are now determined to pursue a vigorous policy, to find out whether we have a g9- vernment worth preserving. While doing this, it is not the intention to pursue an aggressive policy. The President claims that it is not an aggressive act for the government to pursue such peaceful course concerning the public property as it may deem advisable. It is his sworn duty to protect it, and he intends to do it at every hazard. He will not make war upon any State or com- munity in doing so, unless such State or community make war upon the government. Then he will act promptly upon the defensive, and not until then. The President recognizes General Houston ag the executive head of the government of the State of Texas, I Governor Houston calls upon the President for federal troops to aid in repelling the invasion of the Mexican Ampudia, or the bandit Cortinas, or in quelling insurrection, he will be obliged to respond. That such a demand bas been made, and is already being responded to, is most likely. No sensible military man supposes for a moment that batteries of fly ing artillery are needed either at Sumter or Pickens. THE POSITION OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES. Wasminoron, April 7, 1861. Despatches received here to-day from Montgomery, render it perfectly certain that no attack will be made by the Confederate troops on either Fort Sumter or Fort Pickens. President Davis is determined that this ad- ministration shall not place him in a false position, by making it appear to the world that the South are the aggressors. This has been and still is the policy of Mr. Tincoln. It wil! not be euc- cessful. Unless the Lincoln administration make the first demonstration or attack, President Davis says there will be no collision or bloodshed. With the Lincolu adminis. tration, therefore, rests the responsibility of precipitat- ing a collision and the fearful evils of protracted civil war, It is a notorious fact, however, that the black republi- cans.who are most anxious to protluce a conilict are those who bave at different times been slapped in the face or otherwise insulted for their insolence or indecent language, and who had not the courage or manhood to resent it. They think that by the aid of the govern ment the republican party will be able to conquer and subjugate the South. ‘These miserable men are the very last persons that would fight when the day 0’ battle comes. It has been observed that all the line officers recently ordered to the ships now fitting out are entirely from the North. The administration seem to be distrustful of their officers. They caleulate the course they are pursu- ing will tend greatly to force from the service in both the army and navy all the officers from the border slave States who are as loyal and true to the United States as THE EVACUATION OF FORT SUMTER. Wasurxaroy, April 7, 1861, It now appears that an understanding has been agreed upon between the administration and Gov. Pickens for the evacuation of Fort Sumter, and that the order will probably go forward to-morrow, the difficulties hereto- fore existing in regard to the manner in which it should take place baving been satisfactorily arranged. This was the result of Lieut. Talbot's mission. He will probably carry the order back with bim. ‘The Charleston (ourier of Friday last, received here, says:—“That, from best informed quarters, there is rea- son to believe that in a few days leave of absence will be granted for an indefinite period to the entire command at Fort Sumter.’’ FORT PICKENS. Wasniveron, April 7, 1361 An entirely erroneous impression seems to prevail as to the condition of Fort Pickens, The highest military authorities here deny that it* is in any real dan ger. They claim that the revolutionary forces cannot possibly prevent a ready and continued supply of the post with men, ammunition and provisions by mon.of- war, The nearest batteries of the besiegers are over one and ® quarter mile from the fort, and hence can hardly do tt any barm at all It is now known that much of the exaggeration of the Fsecutive policy is duc to the constant appliances brought to bear upon the President by a few Western Congress- men. By calling on him, and arguing, remonstrating and entroating, day after day for weeks, they finally suc ceeded in producing au impression, Their efforts are supposed to have been made under the direction of Postmaster General Blair THREATENED TROUBLE IN THE CABINET. SECRETARY CHASE'S LOAN—RECOGNITION OF THR SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY FRANCE. Wasmvotoy, April 7, 1861. The fatal resolution to reinforce Fort Pickens, and thus inaugurate civil war, which has unfortunately beon taken by the Lincoln Cabinet, is producing a degres of commotion in the capital which haa uo paralel in any of the events that have preceded it. It is an indisputable fact that both the President and Mr. Seward are pledged in hovor to the Southern Commissionera not to alter the status quo of five weeks ago., No explicit, official promise has been, perhaps, made; but the understanding has been noe the less complete, and the Commission ors have, therefore, had no hesitation in saying that no aggressive movements against the Gulf States were in- tended. They have been deceived; and, even if it were true that the large forces which are being despatched to some ostensibly unknown destination are not intended for the bay of Pensacola or the mouth of the Mississippi, t was the duty of government to make their intentions | m explicit apd inmistakeable. Mr. Seward is fncemsed at the course which things have inken. He feels that be has been trifled with and used as acat's paw by the administration, and that the Jatter rg upon the public, aud undermining con- foen ihe national prosperity, He does not hesitate to expres# his entire disapproval of a coorcive pohey, and to say that be is not reeponsibie for any measure which tends to bloodshed. He hae, however, been compelled to succutnd before the superior weight of Mesere, Blair and Cave, who rule the Cabinet, Neither Seward nor Came- ron cum yelwin (heir places long, Thy later moy notre BY ENGLAND AND | sign at ence; Dut the former will tind his position un- tenable, and be forced to do 60 before the japse of many weeks. He looks pale and haggard, and is wora out by the anxiety of mind | | he has lately endured. His want of mofal courage and | slowness of decision are greatly to be deplored. Had he | the energy to step forward into an independent position and denounce the treachery by which he is surrounded, he might stil! make bimself the rallying point of such a conservative party in the North as the exigencies of the period requires, Chase finds humeelf in a very falee poeition. His re. | fusal to accept bids below 94 will probably keep the treasury in a comparatively depleted state for some time. Advices from New York represent that capital ists will not lend now at a higher rate than 91 a 92, and Treasury notes cannot be advantageously issued, Tue Morrill tariff will, clearly enough, produce no revenue, and the frantic efforts to blockade Southern Ports of entry that are being made, will not prevent goods from being distributed, via New Orleans, Charlee- tov and Savannah, throughout the North and Northweet. ‘The canard that England and France are favorably dis- posed towards the North bas deluded no one. The feeling here is that the independence of the Southern confede- racy will be recognized, and that a speedy commercial alliance with the Poropean Powers will be rendered in- evitable by the interests of the latter. A revolution both in England and France would be the consequence of their not doing 80. Proposals for the Treasury notes to the amount of near. ly $6,000,000, are to be received by the Secretary of the ‘Treasury until Thursday morning at ten o'clock. (fers have been privately made of an }; centum premium for the entire sum, but it is deemed proper to afford a fair opportunity for competition. WHAT HAS CAUSED THE GREAT COMMO.- TION? Wasmnaron, April 7, 1861. After canvassing this city and conversing with a num. ber of persons—as everybody is now talking about the present threatening aspect of aflairs—I have ascertained the following points, which are the controlling ones with the administration with reference to its sudden change of policy. The belligerent attitude so unexpectedly aseu med and the indomitable secrecy maintained with regard tothe movements of troops, have led to all gorts fof speculation in the barrooms and club rooms of the Capitol, but the knowing ones have come to the conclusion that the rex sons for these sudden movements are:— First. The result of the municipal elections in St. Louis, Cincinnati, and other parts of the West, and in New York; and the loss of two Congressmen in Connecti- cut, and two in Rhode Island. Second, The efforts of some of the Western politicians to infuse backbone into Lincoln, so as to satisfy the Northwest tha! the government is determined to secure to them forever the free navigation of the Mississippi, which they are afraid of losing. Third. The fear of their being compelied to repeal the Morrill tariff in consequence of the importation of foreign goods being made through the South under the low tariif of the Southern confederacy, and the consequent loss to the party of New England and Pennsyivania in the total -annihilation of the principle of protection. ‘Theee are the propulsive forces that are driving the Lincoln administration to Fort Pickens and the devil. TELEGRAPHIC INTERRUPTION. Wasuixcrox, April 7, 1861. The telegraph wires south of Petersburg, Virginia, are reported to be down, therefore we are unable to receiys any further advices, other than those in this morning's paper, from the South, j ACTIVITY AT THE TROY ARSENAL, OUR TROY CORRESPONDENCE. ‘Troy, April 6, 1861. Activity at the United States Arsenal at West Troy—News from the Headquarters of the Eastern Division of the United States Army—Large Shipments of Arms, Muni- tions of War, dc,.—How the Officers 1alk About the War News, de. Never since the Mexican war has there been such an extraordinary activity displayed at the United States Arsenal in West Troy as at the present moment. A few days ago despatches were received ordering Lieutenant George T. Balch to forthwith repair to Fort Pickens and report himself at that post for active duty. In accord- arce with orders, he immediately left his post here, and is now en route for his place of destination. He is an ac complished and energetic officer, and ranks as one of the first lieutenants in the service. Major Mordecai, who has command of the arsenal, is a Virginian, and is now absent in his native State. Tho command, therefore, devolves now on Lieut. Strong, who is the oldest officer now at this post. Lieutenant Porter is the only other commissioned officer now here. De- patches have been received every day, and are con- Btantly being received, for the preparation and ship ment of all kinds of munitions of war. ‘The works are kept going night and day, uo intermis sion of any kind is permitted, and the Sabbath day even is entirely disregarded. I succeeded io visiting the works last night, about midnight, and found every de- partment in full operation. Large numbers of men were engaged, with janterns hanging from the ceiling, in filling up six, twelve and twenty-four pound cartridges, whieh, as soon as filled, were transferred to other parties, where they were placed in boxes for shipment. In another room I found a large number of men busily epgaged in charging bombshells with powder, others engaged in filling shells with bullets and running them full of melted rosin; the latter were taken when filled to another room, and there, with machinery, a hole about three quarters of an inch in diameter was drilled into the buliets and rosin; then they were taken to another room and charged with powder. A very ingenious fuse completes this death-dealing projectile git is made of lead, of a size just to fill the aperture in the snells, and is re- ed into seconds, eo that the exact time that will elapse before explosion, after leaving the gun,pau be es- tablished to asecond. Taken altogether, this shot is a most ugly looking customer. | saw, also, large quantities of Canister and grape, rifle and musket balis and all other known implements of war being pre- pared for shipment. [ visited the grounds ‘again this morning, and the energy and activity which wore 80 apparent last mght were more evident to-day. Two bundred thousand rounds of ball cartridges were be- ing placed on board a barge lying near; numbers of teams were busy drawing to the boat cannon balls, canister and grapeshot, grenades, bullet and rifle balls, car tridges, guns and gun carriages, mortars, and, in fact, every article used in war. Whatstruck me as remark- able was the large number of siege guns and carriages that were going on board, as I could not conceive of what possible use they could be in the South except to the secessionists, unless the administration had deter mined ‘‘to carry the war into Africa,’ and Meapture the forts in the South held by the secessionists. | endeavored to gain some information from the off | | cers at the post; but they were either very discreet or | else they knew nothing. I incline to the latter opinion. They pretended they did not even know the destination | of all or any of the munitions of war which the govera ment had so suddenly ordered. From what I could gv ther in conversation, and from my observations as to the character of the supplies that were going forward, and having & little knowledge of military matters—I1 | once belonged to a militia company—I have my own theory, and it ig thia;—The destination of much of the shipment is Fort Pickens, and [ judge the government | have determined to make that fort a general rendezvous 1 supply station; haying determined to holt it at all a. they will fi it with men and mu nitions of war, and from that point all the ope rations against the extremg South will bo com | dveted. The siege guns and carriages, which are of no use for defence, and are only used to reduce fortified | places, will be stored in Fort Pickens for future uae; or, what is probable, they may be destined for Texas for | the support of old Sam Houston in his attempts to keep | px ssession of the government of his State. You may rest assured, from wat 1 have seen here, that civil war isaboutto be inaugurated. There is no mistaking these indications, and a fortnight henee will see the republic plunged into a contest which will only terminate with the utter exhaustion of both parties, with nothing gained and everything lost. Truly we have fallen npon evil times, Demagogues have usurped the places of patriota, God eave onr country. RECRUITING FOR THE ARMY IN ROCHESTER. {From the Rochester Union, April 6.) ‘The recrujtiog party under the command of Lievtenan Mareball, who lately ogoupied the premises No, AQ afil street, have removed, and are now located at No. 1i@ State , fo this ~~ 9 where they have more epacions to suit their varions military purpozes and to entertain the numerous applicants who are day soliciting admission into the army. Having visited the premises yesterday, we observed a most iticent pole erected, from the of which was suspe! the stars and stripes, waving im all the majesty of national inde- pendence, and on entering the quarters we were be 4 complimented with an inspection of the - cers’ books, containing a general record of all the enlistments and rejections since the 29th of March, 000 ih date on which the office was estab- lished), to the 28th of March, 1861, during which period 224 men have been enrolled into the army, and 721 men rejected for various causes. Of those enlisted 106 were Americans, 56 Irishmen, 24 Germans, 16 Canadians, 10 Englishmen, four Scotchmen, four Switzlanders, three Frenchmen and two Italians. The usual inducements are still offered to all suitable young men who are accepted by the recruiting officer, and are so fortunate as_to pase the surgeou’s examination—pay from $11 to $22 per month, together with board, clothing, medical attend- ance, and ali the necessaries of life grate. Ly inqu. we have been informed that 600 men of requi qualifirations are wanted immediately at the recruiting oilice, NO. 1483 State etreet, in thie city, INTERESTING FROM TEXAS. OUR INDIANOLA CORRESPONDENCE. Iypiaxota, Texas, March 30, 1861, ‘the Departire of United States Troops for the North. Since your paper, of all others st the North, that 1 have een, seems best to comprehend the existing state of affairs at the South, and as yo are at the greatest pains and expenee of any to to obtain the earliest and most reliable information in re- gard to passing events, 1 consider it the duty of every citizen to aid you in thie laudable enterprise by every means in his power, and when in possession of any im- portant or interesting news to communicate it to you, You will doubtless have to wipe your glasses and refer to some modern atlas or gazetteer to ascertain the loca. lity of thie place. But if you wili take your departure from the mouth of the Mississippi, and follow the Gulf conet aleng 350 miles, you will come to an indentation, noted on the map as ‘Matagorda Bay,’ the en- trance to which ie through Vass Caballo, and about eighteen miles up this bay is located the town of indianyla—a quiet, unobtrusive Little place, built upon a clean, white shell bank. But, ag small as it ig, it eports a line of first class steamships, plying between it aud other ports of Texas and New Or- jeans five times a week. It is, infact, the entrepot for the entire trade and commerce of Western Texas, and its importance has been somewhat enhanced at thie moment in its having been selected as the place of the embarka- tion of the troops of the old federal army stationed at the different poste on the frontier of Texas; and the informa. tion I propoge to impart to you is in reference to the movements and departure of thoe troops, You bave already heard of the peaceful surrender of all the posts and the government property to the State authorities. Fort Brown, at Brownsville, was the last to give up. Captain Hill, in commant there, think ing to emulate the quasi valor and heroism of Messrs Anderson and Slemmer, held out fora few days, but fivally, his good sense prevailing, he yielded to a “military necessity.” Query—Will there not be a good many concessions of the same nature by the valiant Wide Awakes before these matters are finally adjusted? No reflections, however, are in- tended by this remark to apply to the really gallant offi cers and men of the regular army, whom every Texan knows and respects, and parts with with great reluctance and unfeigned sorrow. Since the surrender of the posts the troops bave been gradually making their way to the coast, with the view of embarking on the steamers Coatzacoalcos, Star of the West and Empire City, sent by the government at Washington to take them away. These steamers are now lying off our bar waiting for them. The steamer Fashion has been chartered to con. vey them on board. She has just left the wharf with the following companies on board.— Companies 1) and 11, Second Cavalry from Camp Cooper Company 8, Camp Coioraio ae “ Camp Verde. Companies) and E, “ “ Brownsyille. Company H, Firet Infantry, © Camp © ' “ “ “ “Camp Verde. “ « “ & Sam h //nfantiy—Captains King, Caldwell and Car. ; Adeutenants Mower and Sherbourne, ptains Palmer, Stoneman, Brackett and Jenifer; }ieutenants Chabliss, Kimmell and Harrison. Officers (ks and Whiting, Company K. Compsnies G and E came up from Brazos Santiago per steamship Arizona on Friday last. The artillery com. panies ordered there embarked on the steamer Daniel Webster. ‘These troops, 650 in all, with the above named officers and their families, will embark on the Coatzacoalcos if she can take them all. If not, what she cannot take will go on tho Star of the West. The other ship, Empire City, ‘will wait till more troops arrive. Their destination is said to be New York. ‘This is the newe of to-day. The comments and retlec- tions which suggest themselves in regard to all these pro- ceedings I must reserve for some future communication, since the New Orleans steamer will leave in a few minutes and I wish to mail this by her. THE PHILADELPHIA NAVY YARD. VERY LITTLE DOING IN THE YARD—GETTING THE STEAMER WATER WITCH READY FOR SEA. OUR PHILADELPHIA CORRESPONDENCE. Purapeewia, April 7, 1361. ‘Though Mr. Lincoln could bave chosen no fitter place for the conducting of his warlike preparations with secresy, it is a fact, as stated by the papers here, that there is no activity whatever at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Your reporter has visited the station, and found the operations very limited, with two hundred men em ployed in all the departments—some twenty having been discharged last evening. There are only three vessels lying in harbor, the frigate St. Lawrence, which is dismantled and could not be placed in serviceable condition within a month, the sloop of: war Jamestown, ready for equipment, and could be prepared for sea in ten days, and the littic Water Witch, Lieutenant Rouehanderit, commanding, which will go in commission tomorrow (Monday), to sail in the course of the week, destination unknown, but supposed to be for the South. She will have @ crew of about seventy sailors and marines. seemingly too many for her capacity, as she carries but three gums, Besides these there are somo small craft of the surveying service which have arrived during last week, There are only about a hundred and seventy-five marines in the yard. ‘The Philadelphians are complaining severely at this neglect of their naval station during this warlike period. In the piping times of peace, during the Congressional election campaign, the yard war overcrowded with seven- teen bundred mechanics and laborers, These men are now clamoring for work. MILITARY AND NAVAL MOVEMENTS IN NEW YORK. Excitement—Mysterious Doings—Outward and Visible Signs of Coming War-—The Availabic Military and Naval Forces, d&c., dc. Since the close of the Mexican war there has been no- thing to equal the intense excitement which prevails in this city consequent op the military and naval move- ments tbat have characterized the last two or three days. The concentration of troops at Fort Hamilton: the tnces- sant sound of the bugle, and the frequent drills at Gover- nor’s Island; the marching of a company of United States artillery through tne streets of Brooklyn, and their cubarkation on board the hired steamer Atlantic, with @ large aumber of soldiers belonging to other bronches of service; the unusual activity displayed at th ooklyn Navy Yard, caused by the sudden commis. siovlng of the United States steamer Powhatan, and ber hasty preparetion for sea and sudden departure; the in | creaned efforts to hasten the repair and equipment of the frigates Roanoke and Wabash, and the brig Perry, and the alr of impenetrable mystery with which the military sud naval authorities endeavor to enshroud these move. ments, and to Ignore the signs of preparation for war that are 80 palpable to the most careless observer, all polut to the stern fact that the United States are fast drifting into a civil wer, the end of which it is fearful to contemplate, Nor Is \t in New York alone that these unwonted signs and tokens of war are visible in the North. From Boston wo learn that at the Charlestown Navy Yard a degree of activity prevails equal to that manifested in the Brooklyn Yard. Weare told that eight hundred men are there ac tively employed; that the brig Bainbridge is roady for sea, and awaiting her crew, and that the steamships Minneso to, Mississippi and Colorado are nearly ready, Woen, ip ad- dition to these significant facts, 1 ie remembered the’ \m. menege quantities of gunpowder, round stot, shell, grape, capnister, and other destructive missiles known to modern warfare, together with light howitwrs aod tlying artillery, are being taken on board each veesel, \t ia ap- parent to the meanest capacity that warlike operations by land ag well as by sea are intended; for it is prepos- terous to suppose that these last named weapons are in. tended as part of the armament of veesels of war, while the munitions of war already shipped, and to be yet taken on board the several vessels intended for the South, are in far too large quantities for the mere equipment of the respective vessels. Then there sre those mysterious boxes marked “Captain J. Vogdes, Fort Pickens.” All these, w repeat, are signs as visible as the nose upon a man’s face that war is itteoded. In order that the full significance of this unmistakable fact may sppear, we here present @ recapitulation of the military and naval preparations already made and in progress bere ix the North. The fo!lowing ie 4 het of the vessels ordered to sea, and that can be made available for purposes of war, together with the names of their commanders and the armament of escb :— VESSELS OF WAR, Name. Captain, TAY Guns. Steam frigate Roanoke. A os x ‘Steam frigate Minnesota G. J. Vao Brunt. Steam frigate Wabash - pig Steam frigate Merrimac. - Steam frigate Colorado - Hi. A. Alams Joho Marston Sloop of-war Macedonian Shop-of-war St. Louis, Sloop-of-war Jamesto Steam Floop Brooklyn. ‘Stearn sloop Missiseipp) Steam sloop Powhatan oeTEBRERNZeSeEgs Cutter Harriet Lane Steamer Water Witch Brig Perry... Brig Dolphin. Brig Bainoricg Bl ascoanton e: Total.....++ COAST SURVEY FLEET. + Wilkinson. . John ©. Pegran + Thomas 1. Phelps. Charles M. Fauntleroy. J. P. Bankhead Steamer Corwin Steamer Bibb... Steamer Vixen Schooner Varin: Schooner Crawford. Schooner Agaseiz. Schooner Baiiey Schooner Bowditch. .... Schooner James Henry Schooner Dan: Schooner Arago Schooner Toucey, Schooner J. Hall Schooner Ben Pearce. Pee 2 2 Schooner Cuswell. " 2 Schooner Meredith 2 Schooner Gerdes. Zane 2 ‘Three other echooners, names unknown... 6 Total Const SUrVEY.....6cceceeeeeeee aF 0 STORRSIYS. Ship Suppiy +++ Alexander Gibsen. 2 Ship Reto Benjamin Moore Dove... 2 Bark Release TLLL) James Madison Frailey... 1 B Total storeships..... RRCAPITULATION. Number of guns of ships of-war.. Number of guns of Coast Survey flee’ Number of storeehips...... 2.006 5 Grand total of guns... é..666.. poner ‘The vessels of the Coast Survey, it must be remem- hered, are not war vessels, but they are capable ef being fitted up for naval purposes, and might be made useful in a variety of ways, in working in shoal water. STEAM TRANSPORTS. THE TROOPS Sraer oF There is considerable difficulty, in consequence of the cloud of mystery in which these movements have been purposely involved, in forming an estimate of the num ber of troops shipped on the Atlantic on Saturday. The only company of which we have any certainty is Com pany A, Second regiment, United States Flying artillery, commanded by Captain Barry, and which numbered sixty men. The other companies were Company C, Captain Allen; Company H, Capt, Brooks, and Company M, Major Hunt, allof the Second artillery. There are also some com- panies of the Third regiment. A company of Sappers and Miners, under the command of Lieut. Balch, from West Point, also embarked. The total number of these troops has been moderately estimated at five hundred men. Then there were a number of soldiers of the line from Fort Hamilton which cannot be estimated at leas than three hundred men. The artillery horses were seventy eight in number. In addition to the above troops, the Powhatan, on Satur- day evening, took on board a company of artillery from Governor's Island and another from Fort Hamilton. THE STEAM TRANSPORTS. THE ILLINOIS TO SAIL TO-DAY—ACTIVE PREPARA- TION OF THE BALTIC—FINAL DEPARTURE OF THE ATLANTIC, BTC,, ETC. ‘The promptnesa that has so far characterized the war. like but mysterious movements of the government, which vook their first definite shape in the departure on Satur. day of the sloop-of-war Powhatan and the steam trapsport Atlantic, was followed up yesterday by the active prepa ration for sea of the steam transports Lilinois and Baltic. THE ILLINOIS ‘Was hauled round to the foot of Canal street yesterday morning, and taken into the dock recently occupied by ‘the Atlantic, where she had steam up during the entire day, A large number of stevedores, longshoremen, rig gers and workmen were engaged upon ber, getting in the cargo, which was lying upon the dock and on the lighters alongside, A couple of horses, with hoisting blocks, as- sisted the men in their labore, The cargo on the dock consisted of some fifty or sixty cases of muskets, labelled with the address:—“Captain I. Vogdes, Fort Pickens, Florida.’ These cases were not shipped on the Atlantic, as previously stated; #o that it is very probable, whatever the destination of the latter steamer may be, that of the Illinois is for the reinforce ment of the fort mentioned in the address on the musket cases, There were five hundred barrels of tlour on board when the steamer was chartered by the governmeat—a portion of her intended transatlantic cargo. They have been retained on board. On the port side of the vesse! and astern of the wheel. house a lighter was moored. She was heavily laden with provisions, which were hoisted over the vessel's side and deposited in the hold, On the same side of the steamship and forward of the wheelhouse another lighter, with the letters “(. S. on her #tern, denoting her governmental character, was anchored. Her cargo was cannon, gun carriages, car touche boxes, tent poles, tent canvags and camp equip ments, all of which were boisted into the [Illinois and de- posited in the steerage hold. A large magazine and several foraging carts were taken in in the afternoon. The above seemed to be the orily outfit which pe ves vel was taking on board. If any ammunition, powder, ball or shell was on board, it must have been couveyed there in the secrecy of the previous night. At least no signs of these articles were to be found in the vicinity of the steamer yesterday, No extra ar rangements appeared to bave been made for troops, as there was an absencg of bedding and sleeping ac- commodations, beyond ordinary ones of the ehip, and the entire outfit consisted of arms and provisions. The surmiee is, then, that tho Mlinois is bound on tt missigon of reinforcing with additional supplies some of the Southern forts now in possession of the government forces—undoubtedly Fort Pickens, as the telltale mus kota above alluded to would indicate, ‘Tho Mlinois, it is expected, will sail to-day at an early hour. When in the bay, the troops to be conveyed by her will be placed on board by a steamtug. THE BALTIC, Is lying upon the upper side of the dock at which the Illinois ia stationed. The samo active preparations to get her ready for sea are observable on board and on the wharf, About two handred laborers of all kinds were engaged upon her and the Miinois,and the wharf re- sounded during the stillness of the Sabbath day with the hum of their work. ‘Threepighters, with coal, were continually moored at the aides of the Baltic, dischargiog their cargoes through the porthole, while a number of . bers similarly freighted, lytmg near by in the river, took their places as seonas the firet were emptied. The provisions were placed on board on Saturday, and yesterday wag occupied in taktng in, in addition Lo [the coal, the bedding for the soidters’ berths, some five or ix hundred of which have been coustructed between decks of rough boards, There appeared to be no shipmentof arms, awrannition or powder, making it probable that ihe Baltic well carry foldiers and provisions only. Amcst significant and suspicious fact in connection With the outfit of the Baltic was the shipment of fourteen naval yawl boats or launches, 6uch a8 would be used im landing forces from a war vessel for an attack op the Shore. These boats, each capable of holdiag from fifteen to twenty men, and provided with from ten to twelve oars, were brought fromthe Navy Yard, aod bear ow their sides and stern the designations of the veesele-of= war to which they belong. Some four or five of thesa boats have also been shipped on the Illinois, THE CROWDS AT THE WHARF YESTERDAY, The notoriety which was given to Canal street dock by the report in yesterday’s HknALnfof the departure from, there of a warlike steamer, bound, perhaye, om a hostile mission to the Soutvern States, invested that locality with no little interest to the people, and crowds took advantage of the leisure tima afforded by Sunday to pay a visit to the spot yesterday. ‘The wharf leading to the dock, beyond the gates of which, however, they were not allowed to pass, was thronge® during the day, A barred window alongside the gata served as one of the means by which the spectators sought to satiafy their curiosity, while others went around upon a neighboring dock, upon the stringpieve of which they stood gazing across at the work of fitting out the steamers, heroically indifferent to the exhslations arising from the muck heaps in the vicinity, rivalling, if not sur- passing, the farfamed odors of the city of Cologne. Tha Passengers on the Hoboken ferry boats, passing in and out of the slip at Canal street, crowded to the side an® watched with a curious eye what was going on. The crowd continued without abatement until the evening came on and shrouded the preparations in darknees. FINAL DEPARTURE OF THE ATLANTIC. The Atlantic got under weigh at five o'clock yesterday morning, and left her anchorage in the North river, where she had remained during Saturday night. She moved down the bay, passing the Narrows at six o'clock A. M., and then steamed out to sea. BROOKLYN NAVY YARD. ‘The yard authoritics are hurrying up matters to some purpose. On Saturday afternoon preparations were made for floating the steam frigate Roanoke out of the dry@ock, but it was believed that she could not be got out until to-day. Towards evening, however, it was deter- mined that it should be done, The tloodgates were ac” cordingly opened, and the ship floated out into the basin, where she will be goon put into a seagoing condition. ‘To-day the Savannah will be taken into the dry dock, and undergo a thorough repair. The Wabash bas received a coat of priming on the outside of her hull, and begins to look quite smart. The gates of the yard were closed yeeterday, and strangers were refueed admittance, THE DEPARTURE OF THE STORESHIP RELEASE. ‘TO THE KDITOR OF THR HERALD. Unrrap Srares Bark Reveass, BROOKLYN, April 4, 1861. Accompanying you will please tind a list cf officers at- tached to this vessel, bound to the Gulf with suppiies for - the squadron, and which sails this afternoon :— Liewenant Commanding—Jas. Madison Fraiiey. Lieutenants—Joseph M. Bradford, Henry Erben, Jr. Master—By ron Wileon. Commanders Clerk—Win. P. Blagrove. Paymaster’s Clerk—Hugh Jones, MATTERS AT 7. CHARLESTOWN NAVY From the Boston Traveller, April 6.) idan ee received atthe Obariestown heavy Yard yesterday morning to have thé steam frigrte Minnesota, carrying forty guns, fitted for sea forthwith. She has deen lying at the navy yard a yearand a half, since her TEER rive ila, 204 has bean overteuled end 1, Her ebgine 18 All ready, and the principal repairs wore completed some weeks siuce, and she is now to be ri equipped, and her stores got on board with ‘all possible despatch. ‘It is thought that she can be Gtted. in about three weeks’ time, The Minnesota is to be the fiag-ship of the home squadron, the command of which has been given to Captain Stringham. il) proceed at one to the Gulf of Mexico, with sealed orders. The fol- lowing officers have been ordered to the Minnesota :-— Com. Silas D. Stringham, fig officer; J.G. Van Brunt, Captain; A. Ludiow , Commander; Reed Werden, J. u Wauiry ht, 0. ©. Badger, Watson Smith, A. W, John- son, J. P. Foster, and J, r Lieutenants; ©. 1. Franklin, Master; T. A. Jackson, Chicf Engineer; 6. W. City, W. W. Dungan, First Assistant Engineers; G. 8. Bright, C. H. Levy, Second Assistant Engineers; W. Mus-" grave, K. L. Talbot, J. T. Tucker, G. W. Senaser; Third As- sigtant Engineors; J. G. Bell, Boatswain; P. Barry, Sail- maker; J. G, Thomas, carpenter. Ne in Van Brunt formerly had command of the ord- nance department, but fora year past haz been on the retired hat and stopping at hie home in Dedham. ‘ Captain Stringham is expected to arrive to-day or to- morrow to superintend the titting out of the Minnesota. The repairs on the lo have also been nearly com- . She is vow in about the same state as the Min- nesota, and could he fitted for sea in two or three weeks, if required, e e repairs on the side-wheel steamer Missiesippi going On, and she could be ready to go in'o communion, in about five or six weeks. The brig Bainbridge is in good condition, and could be be fitted for sea at very short notice, The recent orders iv relation to the Minnegota have led to an increase of the number of workmen in several de~ Partments, and business generally i now very lively at e yard. TALK ON 'CHANGE IN CHARLESTON. (From the Charleston Mercury, April 3.) Most or our dealers in the staple have become satisfied that we are bound to have a short crop, and that the de- ficiency before the end of year wit! reach lion of bales. There is the present season no uniformity in the weekly statements of the papers at Charleston, Savannah and New Orleans. The last prices current made y ew Orleans to the 22d, make the deficiency. Savannah to the 28th, make the defleiency. Charleston to the 28th, make the deficiency . The New Orleans price current deducts Memphis in the overland shipments and the prices current, add in their Virginia receipts cotton re= ceived from Charleston, Savant Florida and the overland route from Memphis, The following this fact attracting attention elsewhere, we find in one of. our exchange = Some of our Southern cotemporaries have added to the re- — of Virginia a large amount of cotton received at Nor- folk. We have not included these figares in our table, aa we inh iaribedie taste al Meraasa eT had been already counted. s Our prices remain firm, especially since tho Borussia’s news. Sellers have a decided advantage in all sales of qualities from middling up, as freights are now very to all points, and ster! bey pe a decided tendency, 100 being paid to-day Checks on New York are declining, and at 236 2( per cent, Whilst on the subject of we cannot but call the attention of our readers auiyect of thei Turaianing certificated subject of their furn! coin or cein certificates subscribers of the loan to Con! and to the talk of their agreeing ment with our merchants to supply them w: the equivalent, for the House, Charleston and expensive points to import quence of our Lagislature of our banke. je talk on these more frequent, and excites the & | 5 58 gE iF & i i i i i i i rf z in the new confederacy, and in the of Southern commercial cities. The last Feporte frou New York reports ($40,000,000) forty millions of coin in the vaults of New York, near’ ,000 000) mil- lions in New Orleans. This will soon be }, and the South will have its share, Rice bas been in good demand and at full prices, and we hear of some sales of rice straw, packed in bales, by one of our factors, at @ price which some of our planters said would pay more than the rice crop, if all could be sold. In and molasses there has been considerable doing, copoatal. Ls in the latter article; almost all of oe received uring the past week baving been sold by the importers to our jopbers, who are scattering it far and wide. @un- ny cloth has stiffened some at the North, and prices both there and bere have an upward tendency. Our wholesale traders in Hayne and Meeting streets ara ‘still coing a heavy business, The stocks of staple goods are fully equal to the demand, and vals have added very considerably to their Alabama, Teuneesee, Georgia, North Carolina State, are all taking their supplies from here, and we have been three or four agente citing orders for fall supplies. Thus bright for Charleston, and we are only fing floating over Fort Sumter. Ps. am AMADAERED a) Coxsnretion.—In laseachuse' on Committee Federal Relations, vo whom was Teférred the resetenea: of Congress recommending an amendment of the at om = Ly ae made two majority —Meesra, Norti of Senate Davia, Phillipe. nod erabto, of the touse proposed amendment, and recommend the resolve asking Con to call a convention Renato, nod alin ani Robuing, of tre Monee: ct an ins, to the amendment. The were ordered Se rinted, ea a)