The New York Herald Newspaper, April 10, 1861, Page 3

to ratify it, but inate 18 Ritece, tha: pocale See ee fed it most assuredly ong to do), Sa pene, ‘order that the of ite merité or@emerits before voting; people osn as weil learn what ign’ impose on them m the published codes and bocks of edicts, which {hey buy at their leisure, and not at our expense in paper, pe and ink. The 4avavnah Republican says:—The advantages of- ‘ed oy Savannah to those merchants of New York, who we heretofore enjoyed a monopoly of the Southern jade, is apparent, and will be taken advant of. We easy hear of some six or seven rich and extensive , both in dry goods and groceries, who will o niness here On @ scale that must attract buyers. 8 all now needed to make our city increase in population 4 weaith, and an impetus once given by capital well wanaged, our prosperity will astonish even ourselves. The Cotumbus, Ga , Jngvirer, makes war upon Jefferson is? acmumistration because the Bell and Douglas men vepeen entirely excluded from a share in admin- ion of the new government. It is reported on information apparently reliable and rect, that a large error has been detected ip the official ‘ports of the election for convention in some of the estern counties of Ni Carolina, The correction of ¢ error ({f our. ig right) would change the result, at least leave a tie. The Savannah in announces with gratification the banks of clty have taken five hundred thou- 4 dollars of the loan authorized by the Montgomery ‘ongress. 4 he ‘The Grand Jury of Greene county, Borgia, have issued tment, requesting the I tw enwta law any citizen of county who subscribes to Post ane Iridune, the Cleveland publication of a like character, ene cos ee ster was arr % a charged with passing a counterfeit Fe Boe ‘Bank of After the evidence was heard, nsel for the, prisoner claimed that as the State of, jisiana had seceded the court had no jurisiiction in the ‘Judge Moore, however, ruled ther ident of the United States nor ized secession, the trial would proceed und f Kentucky; and it did, resulting in the jury awarding Chester three years in the penitentiary. Rouge (Louisiana) Advocate says:—In pursu- pap peste Ar ing pet ney ‘the elegant estab- nds for the resi- A day or two ago, Hed pp and appropriated te the Governor for a residence. The Richmond Whig says:—We are gratified to learn that 223 es of boots and shoes were brought to this city jt month by the Central Railroad, from the factory recently established at Stauntou—the commence- ment, wo rust, of a prosperous busin2ss. The people of this vection of the should give every encourage ment to this enterprise; and if they fail to do so let our frends of the North come forward and patronize a new branch of Virginia industry. NAVAL AND MILITARY MOVEMENTS. The Steamship Ocean Queen Chartered by the Govermment—Farther Mysteri- ous Movements—Steamtugs also Char- tered to Proceed to the Guif—Their Pro- babie Destination and Objcct—Govern- ment Officials On Board=—The Harrict rture of the Steam Transports Baltic and Ilinols, &c., &c. ‘The expedition of steam transports despitched from this port is to be further increased, it would seem, by the adiition of the steamship Ocean Queen and several steamtugs. THE OCEAN QUEEN. There is now ecarcely any room for doubt that the steamship Ocean Queen has been chartered by the go- yernment for a purpose similar to that for which the Atlantic, Baltic and Illinois Haye been engaged. Rumor durirg the past few days has epread the intellinence, ‘and facte now would seem to make the matter certain. The Ocean Queen belongs to the Southampton aad Bavre Steamship Company, at whoee office, No. 5 Rowling green, our reporter called yesterday. To his inquiry regarding the rumored charter of the Ocean Queen the agent replied that be was not aware that fuch was the fact and could give no information regarding the matter. Notwithstanding this, certain it is that the large hand bills or posters, advertising the intended departure of the Ocean Queen on the 4th of May next, which were affixed to the bulletin board in front of the office of the company on Monday last, were tern off yesterday morping.g§jThe advertisements in the daily papers, announcing the same fact, have also been with- drawn. After leaving the agent our reporter paid a visit to the steamur itself, which he found lying at the foot of King agtreet, North river. The dock was entirely deserted, and no appearances presented themselves of the shipping of either ‘ commercial or warlike, cargo. On board the steamer ‘all was quiet, except towards the bow, where a couple of workmen were engaged in making some repairs. The officers and crew were on shore and but two or three per- sons, connected with the minor departments of the ves- sel, were on board. If she has been chartered, the go- vernment appears to be somewhat tardy in fitting ber out. ‘The Ocean Queen is @ large side wheel three-decked steamer, with a vertical beam engine of twelve feet stroke, and was launehed at the yard of Mesars. Wester- velt & Mackay in 1857. Her draught is sixteen feet. She is 2,802 tons burthen, and is constructed of oak, with four water tight bulkheads. Her dimensions are 827 feet length, forty.two breadth, and twenty- two depth. She was built for Cornelius Vanderbilt, and is rated as Al, with good security against fire. Several passages were made by her between this port and Southampton and Havre in 1859. She was hauled off last year and remained at her dock until the company again determined to bring her into service, ai@ her next passage was extensively advertised to take place on the 4th of May next. Circumstances reem to ehow, however, that an alteration has been made in the programme, and that she willere long follow the expe- dition of munitioned and provisioned transports sent to the South. STEAMTUGS DESPATCHED TO THE GULF. In addition to the steamships already ordered to some Southern destination, the preciee locality of which is ‘as yet a secret, the government appears to have adopted fome new policy in sending steamtugs to the Gulf. Tho object of these is, like that of the steamships, some- what enveloped in mystery. Rumor and conjecture, however, give the matter two solutions One is, that the steamtugs are intended to act as tenders for the landing of troops and provisions from the steamships at points where the superi»r draft of the latter would pre. ‘vent a close approach to the shore. The other is, that they are to be employed in transporting and transferring troops, stores and provisions betwoen the various naval and military stations along the Gulf. Both surmisos seem very provable, ard it may be the case that these vessels are to be employed in both capacities, THE STEAMTUG YANKEE. left this port on Monday evening, and went to sea in com- pany with the Baltie, She was chartered for an object ‘and destination which her owner, Russell Sturges, sq. , is under obligations not to disclose. A government official ‘or meneenger is on board with sealed despatches, and she carries fuel for over two weeks’ consumption. He owner ‘aceured our reporter that a few days wouid clear up the mystery of ber miseion. The Yankee is a very staunch sea boat, and bas been employed in the Sandy Hook towing business. Sho is 875 tons burthen, witha draft of six feet, and a cross-heat engine of cight feet eight inches stroke, Her material is white oak and hacmatack, and dimensions 146 feet length , twenty-five breadth and ten depth. She was launched in November, 1867, is rated Al}4, and is commanded by Captain Aennessy THE STEAMTUG THOMAS FREEBORN. Btipulations were entered -into by the government for the chartering of this vessel, to leave at a moment's no- tice for come destination unknown to her owner. She appears to have been destined to accompany the Illinois aa the Yankee accompanied the Baltic, but at the time the request came for her departure she wa out at sea ‘engaged in her employment of towing, and did not come up to the city until yesterday morning. The Freeborn is a steamtug of 300 tons burthen and 6 feet draft, She is constructed of oak, with a beam engine of 8 feet stroke, and is rated A2. She is com- manded by Captain Morrill, and was launched in 1860. On account of her inability fo comply with the order for departure, THE STEAMTUG UNCLE BEN was substituted in her stead, and proceeded t> sea on Monday night. She returned again somowhat unaccount ably yesterday morning, for some reason which our re. porter was unable to ascertain, He made application at ‘the office of her owners, but they were unablo to en Vigbten him. THE STEAMTUG JACOB DELL. Application was alto made afew days since for the ehartering of this veesel, to go upon an errand similar to that of the Yankee, Freeborn and Uncle Bon. Her own are, however, feared that the large quantity of coal which it would be necessary 10 carry for such a voyage ‘would increase ber draft so much as to render a trip dan- porous in a heavy sea. THE AGENT OF THR GOVERNMENT Yor the chartering of the various vessels is Colonel Keys who has located his headquirters at the Quartermaster’s office in State etreet. Qur reporter called there yester- day, but the absence of Colonel Keys precluded hima from the obtaimance of any information. In an apartment ad. joining that of the agent he found the United States Army Paymaster, who was busily engaged in counting out into small portions a large quantity of gold coin, un- doubtedly the wages of Uncle Sam’s soldiers. THE HARRIET LANE. ‘The sudden departure of this revenue outigr on Mon- day morning, apparently with the purpose of taking part” in the warlike events foreshadowed by the movements of the past few days, has created: no little genastion. The interest with which she is now surrounded induces us to give the few following facts in connection with her:— The Harriet Lane was launched on the 19th of Novem- ber, 1868, and is officered from the revehue service Her model is faultless, and bas made her the theme of much admiratiop. She is a side wheel steamer, 180 feet long, 80 feet wide and 1244 feet deep. Hergirmament consists of five gunson each side, in addition to bow and stern shell guns. a THE BALTIC AND ILLINQIS, after. moving out from their docks on Monday evening, anchored at Quarantine. Yesterday morning they agaiu get under weigh—the former at seven o'clock, the latter BM six o’clock—and steamed out tosea, = * THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD. The sloop-of-war-Savannah has beeo secured in “her berth in the dry dock, which has beon cleared of the water, and a large forée of men have been set to work onher. Yesterday,a stream of Ridgewood water was directed at her bottom, to clear away the impurities which had callected there. The water tanks were being hoisged into the Wabash, and stowed away in their pro per places, having first undergone a thorough scraping inside, The men who were engaged in thie delightfu; Occupation must have had a nice time of it, in their con? fined quarters, The rigging of the brig Perry was progressing; top- mas$s were up, and topgallantmasts were being sent up and secured. A number of gun carriages were taken alongside and placed on board during the day. MILITARY MOVEMENTS. A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TQ, MAJOR HOLMES—DULL- NESS AT THE FORTS. Since the departure of the United States staamer Pow- hbattan, and the transports Atlantic, Baltic and Iiliaois, the excitement at the military posts has died away, and our forts do not present the same scene of bustle and Preparation that we have described within ¢he past few days. Our ‘forts are nearly empty, and ‘with the exception of a few raw recruits, stationed on Gover- nor’s Island, nobody is left to defend our harbors in case such a thing as aif invasion should take place. Of course we here refer to the federal army, as our militia would more than compensate for their ab- sence, trained as they have been to the careful handing of the heavy guns of our harbor fortifications. One of our reporters yesterday visited the different forts, and found there a most peaceable appearance. Every@hing was as quiet and unlike p-eparations for deadly conflict as the most timid could desire, GOVERNOR'S ISLAND. The force at Governor's Island has been greatly redueed in consequence of the many demands upon its resoarces to supply the transports above named. Nearly all the men on the Island are fresh recruits, and, as a matter of course, know nothing of the use of arms, much less that more serious matter, warfare. Yesterday afternoon the drill sergeants of the Island were trying to initiate about one bundred and fifty men into the mysteries of the “manual.” They were all fresh men, having been on the Island only @ few days, some of them having arrived the evening before. As we before mentioned, the force has been greatly weakened: the num- ber now, counting the new additions, does not exceed four hundred men. Fresh recruits are received every day,and before many days the present force may be greatly augmented. Lieut. Woods, who has superseded Major Holmes in the command of the Island, bas been busily engaged in seeing that all things are in proper order, 80 that he may give the proper receipt to the Major for the government pro. perty under his charge. . ‘The following incident occurred at the Island, which will no doubt be read with interest by the many warm frien’s of Major Holmes:—A large number of North Carolinians residing in New York, accompanied by friends from Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, also residing here, paid a visit yesterday afternoon to Major Holmes at Governor’s Island, which post has been under his command for the lasttwo years, for the purpose of manifesting their respect and cordial approval of his course in resigning his late position in the army of the United States. Ihe meeting was an exceeaingly pleasant and affecting one, displaying much warmth of feeling and emotions which do honor to all mankind. On the arrival of the party at the island the Major was eloquently and appropriately addressed by John Potts Brown, Esq, to which he responded ina very affecting manner, giving his reasons in detail for taking the important step to whom we baye just alluded. Whilst referring to the crisis of affairs impelling him to resign, he remarked in the most patriotic and feeling manner that, during his thirty-one years of service, he was not aware of even a suspicion of dereliction of duty against him, and that as long as he could with honesty and wholeness of purpose serve the government, he faithfully discharged his duty but now, tha! he was called upon to instruct men in the art of war, and perfect them in the science that they might cut the throats of his fellow citizens, he felt himself con- strained to throw up his commission, although in doing #0 he sacrificed all pecuniary interests to a sense of duty. Every one present was struck with the hardy and soldier like appearance of this distinguished officer, giving evi- dence of his twenty odd years of active service west of the Mississippi. The eompany were then invited by Mr. Kendall, at whose residence the above took place, to a collation hastily prepared. and while toasts were being drank to the health and fature prosperity of Major Holmes, the representatives present of the different States were called upon and responded with enthusiastic feeling. Among the number Mr. P. A. Moise, of South Carolina, made some very eloquent and appropriate remarks, highly complimentary to Major Holmes and to the Old North State, The Major ac- cepted this entirely unexpected visit of his friends as s high evidence of their appreciation of bis couree, end was evidently much gratified with it, We have been credibly informed that immediately after the fabove interesting interview, des- patches were received by Major Holmes—one from the War Department, at Washington city, authorizing him to proceed to North Carolina and there await the acceptance of his resignation, another from his friends at Wilming- ton, N. C., desiring to know when he would arrive there, ‘and tendering him their boapitalities. On Monday evening the band belonging to the island complimented the Major by a serenate, which affected him very much, as it showed the affection with which he ig ana has been regarded by all with whom he had been Drovght into contact, Major Holmes was to have left for the South yesterday, at 6P. M. With very fow exceptions the soldiers sont from Gover- nor’s Island are recruits, entirely unacquainted with military tactics and not able to endure the fatigues of an extended campnign, and, together with that, there was a dislike on their part to enter into a warfare with a sisier Portion of the country, at least one of thg men £0 ex- pressed himself, and intimated that he but re-echoed the almost universal sentiment of his comrades, After,Jeay- ing the island our reporter betook himself to FORT HAMILTON, where he foumd matters even more quiet than at the point he bad just left. The gate leading to the fort was wide open, notwithstanding an order on the same te «please shut the gate.’ Nobody was visible, and with the exception of an evil-disposed looking dog nothing obstructed his passage, At the end of the leng dock two or three persons were engaged in fishing, and to them our reporter bent his steps, and was politely informed that there was no one at the fort but a few old women and two or three sick soldiers; that they had all been removed to supply the wants of the doparted veesels, A rumor was in circulation that a number of men bad been placed in Fort Hamilton yesterday from one of the neighboring forte, but a personal investigation proved the contrary. FORT LAFAYETTE, Situated immediately opposite Fort Hamilton, is in a ike situation as regards the number of persons within ite walls, They have all been removed, and there remain but a few to take charge of it. No doubt there will be force of men sent to garrison these forte at an carly period. . BEDLOR'S ISLAND. The fort on Bedioo’s Island ie no better off than the ethers; the sudden demard fer soldiers has left bat few on the island, probably not more than one hundred men. Fverything |¢ quiet, and will, no doubt, remain go until gitther orders are received. THE LATEST NEWS. Highly Important’ Reports from Charleston. Active Military Movements of . the Secessionists. NEW YORK HEKALD, WEDENSDAY, APRIL 10, 1861.—TRIPLE SHEET to-dsy, aed complimentary resolutions were adopt- | 82d until they insisted upon knowiog what all these ed, The adjournment of the Convention is ex- pected to-morrow. No war vessels are outside, so far as known. Lieutenant Talbot and Mr. Chew returned at eleven P. M. Permission was refused to visit Sumter, and also to allow a provision ship to enter the port. The city is urtder arms, The ‘surgeons are -caljed for. Martial law is expected to be pro- Six Thousand Troops on | cuines. Duty at the Batteries. .Three Thousand Alabamians Or- 2 dered Into Service, Ree Ree, * we fe beeen satel ‘ CHARLEsTon, Apri 9, 1861, At last the ball has opened. i Lieut. Talbot was detained at Florence,’and lost twelve hours. The eighteen thousand men just called for by Jeff. Davis are intended for operation against the North. The Commftsioners at Washington have tele- graphed to Governor Pickens that, war id ine- vitable. “ » The State authorities last night received official IMPORTANT NE § FROM WASHINGTON. Rotification that supplies would be furnished to Anderson at any hazard—peaceably if possible, by force if necessary. : Immense preparations immediately were'vom- menced suitable to the’emergency. , Orders were issued to ‘the entire military force of the city, held im reserve, to proceed to their stations without delay. 3 Four regiments of a thousand men each have been telegraphed for from the country. Qne of these, from Kershaw district, under command of Col. Rion, is formed with the understanding not to be called out until the fight was positively at hand. Dr. Gibbes, Surgeon General, was ordered to ‘prepare ambulances, and make every provision for the wounded; and in all departments were ob- » o * . . Wasmcros, April 9, 1861. @ My dispatch in to-day’s Hrnanp, disclosing, for thé frst time, the military and naval programme, created the most intense excitoment in this city upon tho arrival of the train to night. The deey mystery which has veiled the active movoments of the administration for mere than a week was removed, an 1 men seemed to realize the fact that they were in the awful prestnce of civil war. The correspondents of the Hanan were immediately sought by all clagses, old and young, milo agd fe- male, to learn the news from Fort Sumter. “‘Havethe supplies arrived?’ ‘Can the vessels get into tho har- bor?” « How are they going to do it?” “ Will the soses- sionists fire upon the government vessels!’ Were among the numerous questions propounded. The greatest anxiety existed on the part of the govern- servable the admirable system and discipline with ment, during the,early part of to-day, on account of the which the State is prepared for this exigency. raging storm here; but despatches from Richmond gave The community has been thrown into a fever of | agsurances that it did not extend to the coast, hence the excitement by the discharge of seven guns from | belief is that the flect destised for Charleston and the Citadel square, the signal for the assembling of | Suit is safe. . all the reserves ten minutes afterwards. Hundred of men left their beds, hurrying to and fro towards their respective destinations. In the absence of sufficient armories, the corners of the streets, public squares and other convenient points rollof the drum and the steady tramp of the iilitary and the gallop of the cavalry resounding through the city, betokened the close proximity of the long anticipated hostilities, It is known that six er seven war steamers are laying off the harbor of Charleston, but the latest despatches do not announee the arrival of the supply vessels, There does not seem to be any disporition to cut off the telegraphic communication between here and Charles- ton, The wires have been working all day. Merchanis formed places of meeting, and all night long the, wert saaiin Gite eaten . id despatches as usual, bat it is almoet universally conceded in them that war is in- evitable, - - A cypher despatch, received this afternoon from Charleston, announces that Captain Talbot was not al- The Home Guard corps of old-gentlemen, who | jowed to return to Fort Sumter with despatohes from bis occupy the position of military exempts, rode government. It is believed that, if he had not been through the city, arousing the soldiers, and doing | allowed to return to Wasbingtom before an attempt other duty required by the moment. Hundreds of the citizens were up all night. A terrible thunder storm prevailed until a late | tm hour, but in no wise interfered with the ardor o the soldiers—merchants, lawyers, doctors, students of divinity, clerks, mechanics and laborers joining shoulder to shoulder for common defence. The Seventeenth regiment, eight hundred strong, gathered thus in one hour, and left for the fortifi- cations at three o’clock this morning. The vessels in the harbor necessary for transpor- was made to throw provisions ipto Fort Sumter, that he will be retained as a prigoner of war. The fact that Talbot did not reach Fort Sumter will make no difference in the action of Major Anderzon in the event that a vessel bearing the American flag is again fired into, He has a general order on that subject. Besides, while the Charlestonians haye cut off bis supplies, they heve not cut off his maf! communication, from fear that their own mails would be stopped. Robert 8. Chew, a clerk in the State Department, was despatched to Charleston by tho government on Saturday last, to inform Governor Pickens that if Major Anderson tation will be called into service by twelve o’clock | was deprived of purchasing supplies in Charleston to-day. market, that the government would take immediate Three thousand men, in addition to those in the | measures to furnish them. The provisions have been re- harbor, will be under arms. A fleet of seven United States vessels has been reported off the bar. Major Anderson dis- played signal lights during the night from the walls of Fort Sumter. South Carolinians are anxious to meet the enemy at the point of the bayonet, rather than stand off and exchange iron compliments. The latter is a too deliberate style of fighting to suit fused to the garrison by Governor Pickeus, hence, the necessity of the government to supply them. Wasmincton, April 9, 1861. Orders left here to-day to have the Wabash, Vincennes and Savannah, at New York, and the Jamestown, at Philadelphia, detailed for immediate service. ‘The administration is still vigorously prosecuting its plan of operations. The military and naval fleet now ordered will be the largest and most imposing ever fitted the impetuous nature of the most desperate set of | out by this government, The administration think that menever brought together in a hand to hand | this immense demonstration off the harbors of the conflict, which will be terrible. No attempt is likely to be made upon the city. Officers acquainted with the calibre of Major An- derson’s guns say the longest shot will fall short three-eighths of a mile. Hundreds are here from the interior watching the progress of events. The calmest men in the community are those who have control of affairs, and every movement dictated by Governor Pickens, Jamison, the Secre- tary of War, and General Beauregard, is marked Southern coast will strike terror into the hearts of the secessionists, and soon bring them to terms. ‘The high official who left here on Sunday morning for Montgomery will, it is said, Isy before President Davis he object and purpose of the government in sending the military and naval fleet along the Southern coast, and the policy it intends to pursue respecting Forts Sumter and Pickens. It is said that they only ask that supplies may be landed. This will not be granted. The administration will then attempt to throw, not only supplies, but men and munitions, into those forts, for if they succeed in the former, of course by the same prudence, ability and judgment which | they will in the latter. The administration believe they have thus far characterized every official act of | can do both. There will be no move made until the ad- the eonfederacy. Advices from Montgomery state that offers o! volunteers from the border States continue to pour in, and that tenders of seven thousand men and two thousand Indian warriors have been received from the West. A brush at Pensacola is daily looked for. It is believed by many here that the fight will commence at Stono, about twenty-five miles south- ward—the batteries along the coast being attacked and silenced in turn; and that, having cleared Morris Island, on which is the last of these forts, the republican army will cross to Fort Sumter while the latter is engaging Fort Moultrie. If so, the fighting will be wicked. Captain Talbot and R. S. Chew arrived here last night, bringing despatches from Washingten stating that Fort Sumter would be supplied with provisions at any cost. The former was denied admission to Fort Sumter. Both left at eleven o'clock last night. There were no improper de- monstrations, Cuarveston, April 9—P. M. The affairs in this city are culminating to a point. About 800 men left the city this morning for different poipts in the harbor. It is estimated that near 5,000 man are stationed at Sullivan's and Morris’ Islands, and along the coast. Companies are arriving from the interior, and the different forts will be further strengthened to- morrow by near one thousand additional sol- diers. The greatest’ enthusiasm prevails among all classes. THE LATEST FROM CHARLESTON. Cuarueston, April 9—Evening. Everything is quiet on the surface, but there is a deep feeling. greasing. Senator Wigfall is serving as a common sol- dier. Rifled cannon are rapidly arriving. Secretary Jamieson delivered a farewell speec Prodigious preparations are pro- ministration hear from their measenger, which, however, f will not be many days, There are a good many military men now in this city, belonging to and acting with the government, who do not hesitate to give it as their opinion that the ad- ministration, with ita present limited force, cannot throw reinforcements into Fort Sumter, and that, under the circumstances, it would be a wanton sacrifice of human life to attempt it. They cannot believe that the admin- istration will make the attempt. General Beauregard was officially notified last evening, by Mr. Chew, of the State Department, for President Lincoln, that Fort Sumter was to be provisioned— peaceably if possible, forcibly if necessary. This is in accordance with the arrangement between the adminis- tration and the Commissioners, that the status quo of Fort Sumter was not to be changed without prior notif- cation to the Confederate authorities at Charleston, and talliea with the purport of my despatch on Sunday, that an agent had been dispatched on a similar errand to Montgomery. Instead of one, it appears there were two gent to cach of the pointe The announcement of this intelligence, it appears, has produced the wildest excitement at Charleston. The whole male force of the city is under arms, and when the attempt to enter the harbor ia made, a terrible scene of slaughter will ensue, The Southern Commissioners are preparing their re- joinder to Secretary Sewarn’s letter, which will close the correspondence, It will be able, dignified and states- manlike, ebhibiting in the most unfavorable light, how ever, the duplicity and vaecillation which has characterized the entire course of the administration respecting the questions at issue. They will show that, soon after their arrival here, they addressed a communication to the government, through the Secretary of State, stating in plain terms the object of their mission; that instead of giving them a prompt and decisive answer, 80 that they might understand the policy of the government towards the Southern confederacy, the government, through the Secretary of State, by @ series of parleyings unusual in such case, delayed action until they were led to believe that a peaceful solution of the questions at isaue really intended by the administration. Assurances were more than once given that there should be no change in the military etatue. In face of thie, the gov ernment were secretly fitting out a military and naval expedition of most elaborate proportions, evidently in- tended to operate in the harbors of the seceded States , wa movemeets meant, did they receive the reply to their note informing them that they could hold no communi cation wituthem. If this is the real state of the case, the administration will not occupy. a very enviable posi ton. . George N. Sanders’ sensation despatches to the Tribune, in. which he charges President Davis with urging an aggressive policy on the United States are utterly untrue. The Commissioners bave repeated ‘asurances from President Davis that he meant to act only on the defensive, and was sin- cerely anxious for peace. He urged them in private letters to exhaust every resource to effect & peaceful so- lution ‘of the question, and to do everything possible to avoid war. All the public bulldings, ingluding the White House, are how nightly guarded by extra Watches. -The Trea- sury Department is the particular object of measures of Precautiqn. The South Carolina matis will be stopped upon the first sign of hostility to the fleet of relief. The Virginia Committee of Three will fare n@better than tho volunteér delegation under the leadership of John Minor Botts, The Pryident will receive them cour- teously, bps will tell them that, although he desires Pesce, he will not stek to secure'It by the violation of his sometitutional duties, ass A ‘Wasitivarow, April 9, 1861. Fatensive as the military'and naval preparations aro, it is persistently stated in administration quarters that they mean deferisive purposes only, and that nothing is iptended not strictly justified by the laws, which it is the duty of the President to enforce to the extent of hia ability. If resistance by made to his efforts in this prrticular, ard bloodshed be the result, the responsibility must fail on those who pro voke hostilities; and the assurance of the inaugural is repeatee, tbat the administration will no be the ag- greesor> : Various theories or reasens are given in the newspapers for the present military demonstrations, among them, that they were only recently stimulated by the result of certain State and municipal elections; but this 1s known to be an error, for at the very com- mencement of the administration the. President and Cabinet entertained the idea of reinforcing both Forts Sumter and Pickens; but owing to the condition of the country at the time, and a non-acquaintance with the,means at the command of the government, the pro- secution of the plans now progressing was impracticable. In other words, it was necessary, first, to ascertain the extent of tho effects boqueathed to tho’, present by the late administration. As to the secre- sy of the objects of the military movements, this was deemed absolutely necessary, especially the sailing of vessels with sealed orders under the late administration were persons who claddestinely commun- icated its purposes, from time to time, to the secession- ists, and as frequently occurred, before they were ro- duced to official form, and according to a remark of an ex secretary , the administration thus always found it- self embarressed at tho threshoid. The present administration, howover, with a full ap- preciation of such obstructions, has limited an actual knowledge of its purposes to the members of the Cabinet and perhaps several trusty officers, and taken such pre- @autionary measures as render it next to impossible to improperly acquire the forbidden information. Tbe administration, while constantly declaring its Policy to be peace, claims that it can only be held by strict accountability by the people, and that, however variant and speculative may be the publications respect. ing ite movements, it is under no obligation to announce its purposes and plans. In other words, that the admin- istration should be judged by ite acta, ‘That Fort Fickeus has or will be reinforced, admits of no doubt; and with regard to Fort Sumter the adminis tration will do all in its power either to relieve Major Anderson, or to secure his evacuation of the post, if needs be, without dishonor or committing the government to the acknowledgment of any right claimed by the Con- federate States, or in any way to recognize the doctrine of secession. The proceedings in the Gulf, beyond the relief of Fort Pickens, will be governed by circumstances. The above has been prepared from reliable sources; with a view to show to some extent the basis of the present military operations. REPORTED CHANGES IN THE CABINET. Wasninctom, April 9, 1861. It is reported to-day, on high authority, that Secrotary Chase will go on to the Supreme Bench, in place of Mr. McLean, that Mr. Cameron will take the Treasury De- partment, and that John Minor Botts, of Virginia, will be appointed Secretary of War. This is important, if truo- My authority is Virginian who holds intimate relations with Mr. Botts, whois now here and has had several in- terviews with Mr. Lincoln. It is authoritatively asserted that Mr. Lincoln would have invited Mr. Botts to a seat in his Cabinet when he first muade up bis slate but for John Bell, who advised against it. WAR MOVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH. Mowtcommey, April 9, 1861. President Davis made a requisition to-day on the Gover. nor of Alabama for 3,000 troops. ‘The Missiusippi brigade, 1,800 strong, arrived at Pen- sacola on the 7th inst. Three hundgpd and seventy Georgia troops for Pensa- cola have passed through here within the last forty-eight hours, HOW THE WARLIKE NEWS IS RECEIVED SOUTH. WILMINGTON, N. OC. Wiiamctox, N. C., April 9, 1861. ‘The Charleston news produced intense excitement here to-day. AUGUSTA, GA, Avovsra, Ga., April 9, 1361. A report is in circulation that United States war vee- sels are off Charleston, but is is regarded as bogus. NEW ORLKANS. New ORLEANS, April 0, 186}. ‘The news received here from Charleston is the all ab- sorbing topic of conversation, and creates universal ex- citement, THE VIRGINIA STATE CONVENTION. Ricumonp, Va., April 9, 1861, The Convention went into Committee of the Whole. ‘The tenth resolution camo up. Mr. Conran moyed an amendment to strike out the word ‘‘authorities,’’ and insert ‘believing the federal au thorities have no power to deal with the subject in any way.’ Rejected, 114 to 12. Mir, Winx offered the following substitute to the resolu. The people of Ma oy hereby declare their consent to the recognition of the separate independence of the ae ceded States; that they shall be treated as independent Powers, and that proper laws shall be passed tw effect their separation. The substitute was adopted—123 against 20, The eleventh resolution came up. Mr. Wickham offered an amendment declaring cont. dence in the justice of the people of the other States, ap- pealing to them for a satisfactory adjustment by the adoption of the amendments to the Constitution ito aes, and declaring the definite refusal or neglect ‘the non -siaveholding States to accede to such amend- p ente should and would result in @ total and final dis- ruption of the Union. ir. Goove submitted an amendment declaring furthe neuch event that big od will feel compelled to resume her powers and throw herself upon her reserved rights. Rejected—54 against 70, Mr. Wickham’s amenoment was lost—57 against Mr. Taxx moved to strike out the last sentence of the eleventh resolution, declaring that the Rtate will resume all powers, in the event of a failure, to receive satisfac- Lf responees. Rejected—64 to 70. ¢ Convention then took a recess, after which the ele 1 resolution was adopted, with a slight amend ment. ovktshen oe resolution 0 Up. ing whieh the ‘arious iments were proposed, pending WI body aqjouradl veh Private advices state that a steamer was seen at the mouth of Charleston harbor to-day, and that Fort Sam- tor was to be reinforced at all hasards. This produced a great sensation in and outside the Convention, New Oncgans, April 8, 1861 The steamer Lrnest, Capt. Merrick, arrived here to-day from Loudon for a cargo of cotton and passengers. When ascending the river she was taken for a war steamer, which gave rive to exciting reports, Sensation despatches from* Washiagton aad New York continue to be received. All is excitement here, caused by advices from Havana to the 4th inst. , ch state that the expedition ff, annexation of St. Hom ingo to Spain saied on t Salutes were fired in houor of the departing ships, joy and enthusiasm prevailed at Havaya. Commander Berryman’s funeral was attended b ¥ Bragg and a large procession of the Conf 2 Sates officers of the garrison. Hoepitalities were interchanged between the federal navy and army offleers and Looe of the Confederate States. Therbest feeling between the to forces prevails at Pensacola, No-apprebensions are en tertained that a rupture would take piace. Great a . Naw Onixans, April 9, 161 The city was thrown {nto the highest stato of oxcite- ment byfa despatch received from Charleston, that seve ral war veesels had appeared off Charleston hacbor this morning, ad were outside the bar waiting tho tide to go ‘ap, and would probabiy age tho attompt to-night Unbounded excitement prevailed in Charleston, AN the reserved city force were ordemd. to the batteries , | abd forts, Country regiments had been summoned by telegraph, and were pouring Into Charleston by very train, Six thousand men would be under arma to right. The anthorities are suid to haye received off! sia! nott- fleation that Fort Sumter would >e provisione!—pasce ably if possible, but forcibly if necessary. * A contiftt is considered’ vertain. Another despatch, from Montgomery, thia morning, states that the Cabinet assembled yesterday with regard to the hostile designs of the Linco administration, and came to thé vuanimous opinion that war ig inevitable. A call was accordiogly made by the War Departmdént on each of the Confederate Statea far three thousand volunteers, oxcepting Florida, which wil) Be called on for 1,600. : « The Commiesiongrs of the Confederate States at Wash- ington have announced their rejeo ion toour government, and their intention to return Lome at once. 3ufficient evidence is supposed to be in thelr possession of the treachery of Mr. Lincola, and of the intention to land troops ut Fort Pickens and elsewhere, Recruiting ig going on rapidly in New Orleans. The amilitary cnthusiagm ig at’ its highest poigt, aud troops continue to pour into Pensacola, The hazard of bloody war is imminently critical. An open and immediate official disayowal of intendod hostili- ties to the South by Mr. Liucoln will aloue gaye such an issue. THE WAR FEELING IN THE NORTH, Wasiuz tox, April 9, 1861. The most startling evidence of the sudden rousing of @ sweeping warlike spirit cgntinueg to arrive here by mail and telegraph from all parts of the Norta. Leading men of all parties express their readiness to stand by the federal government in the progent trial of its strength, in the most enthusiastic and encouraging terme. It is evident that the loyal feelings of the North- ean people have been so deeply outraged by the reckless usurpations of the cotton States that their pati- ence is exhausted. They will no longer allow the liws of the land to be trampled upon with impunity. The first shot fired by the revolutionists upon the yoasels now bric ging relief to Major Anderson, will solidily unite al? friends of the Union in the support of the measures taken by the administration for the muintenavce of the federal authority, and kindle a blaze of universal indiguation that will cause all past diversions of party to be forgotten. The assurances now belng received by the President from leading political opponents leave no doubt on this head Goy, Dennison, of Obio, started for Columbus this afternoon. Upon his retorn he will immediately send a a special message ‘o the Legitlature, which is eull in ceesion, recommending an appropriation for the arm- ing of the State. He thinke Ohio will have fifty thousand men ready for service on short notice, The Governors of all the free States will doubt- lessly forthwith follow in the wake of their colleagues of Obio and ‘Pennsylvania. In New York and Massachuetts the militia forces already in working trim are thought to be sufficient to meet the drafts for men likely to be made upon those States, MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR CURTIN TO THE PENNBYL- VANIA LEGISLATURE. Exxcurive Coawner, HarrisnvxG, April 9, 1861. To THe Senate AND Hovsk oF RevRESENTATIVES OF TH CoM MON WEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA — GuyiizMEN—AS the period fixed for the adjournment of the Legislature is rapidly approuching, I feel constrained by a sense of duty to cull your attention to the condition of the military organization of the State, It is scarcely necessary to 81y more than that the militia system of the State, during « long period distinguished by the pursuite of peaceful industry exclutively, bas become wholly in- poe np teers the interference of the Legislature is re- quifed to remove its defects, and to render it useful and available to the pubiic service. Many of our volunteer companies ao not the number of men required by our military law, and steps should be forthwith taken to supply those deficiencies, There are numerous companies, too, that are without tho necestary arms, and of the arms that are distributed but few are ‘provided with the more modern appliances to render them serviceable, eud, therefore, that the Legislature make paovision for the removal of tnese capital arme be procured add distributed to who may enter into the military service tate, and that #teps be taken to change the guns already distributed, by the adoption of such well known nents as will render them ef ive employment in aetual service. In this connection, | recommend the establishment of a Military Poreau at the capital, and that the militia laws of the Commonwealth be so modified and amended as to impart to the military organization of the State the vitality and energy essential to its practical value and usefulness. Precautions euch a8 | bave suggested are wise and pro- per at ail times in a goverument like ours. Bat especial and momentous cousiderations, arising from the condition of public affairs outside the ‘limite, yet of incalculable conecquence to the people, and demanding the gravest attention of the Legislature of ‘yivania, invest the eubject to which your action is irvited by this communi- cation with extraordinaay interest and importance. We cannot be insensible to the fact that serious jeal- ousies and divisions distract the public mind, and that in portions of this Union the peace of the country, if not the safety of the government iteelf, is endangered. Military organizations of a formidable character, which seem not to be demanded by any existing public exi- gency, bave been formed in costain of the States, On whatever pretexts these extraordinary military prepara- tions may have been made, no purpose that may con- template resistance to the enforcement of the laws will meet #)mpathy or eifcouragement from the people of this Commonwealth. Pennsylvania yields to no State in her reepect for and her willingness to protect, by all needful guarantees, the constitutional rights snd constitutional independence of her sister States, nor infidelity to that constitutional union, whose unexampled beneiita have been showered alike upon nerself and them. The most exalted public policy and the clearest ob tions of true patriotism, therefore, admouish us, in existing deplorable and daogerous crisis of affairs, that our militia eystem should receive from the Legisiature that prompt attention which public exigencies either of the State or the nation may appear to demand, and which may seem in,your wisdom best adapted to preserve and secure to the people of Pennsylvania and the Union the — of peace and the integrity and gtability of our unrivalled constitysional goveroment. The government of this State was establisned by ite ilustrions foucder “in deeds of ” Our people have been Crained and disciplined in those arte which Jeaa to the promotion of their own moral and physical development and progress, and with the brightest regard for the rights of others, have always cultivated fraternal relations with the people of all the tates devoted to the constitution and the Union, and always recognizing the spirit of conceesion and compromise that underlies the foundation of the government, * Pennsylvania offers no counsel and takes no action in the nature of a menace, Her desire is for peace, and her object the preservation of the and CS rights of citizens, of the true sovereignty of ) and the supremacy of law and order. Animated by these sentiments and indulging an earnest: hope of the speedy restoration of those harmonious and friendly relations between the various members of this confederacy which have brought our beloved country to a condition of unequalled power and prosperity. Icommit the grave subject of this communication to your deliberation. A. G, CURTIN. Fx-Treasurer Slifer says that no State loan will be re quired to supply the half million for war purposes. PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS. . Firnencron, April 9, 1861. At the republican caucus at both Houses to night, Sen ator Smith presiding, wrged that that party should at present take no other grounds than thome already taken. Mr. MoClure urged the adoption of the constitutional arfondmnet proposedfto Congress. Mr. Gordon, rerpesentative of the House, opposed ite adoption. Mr. Landon, of the Senate, declared that he would not vote for it, Mr. McClure rejoined warmly Mr, Gonnow again epoke in opposition to the amond mept and Mr. Anmerrone speaking in favor of it. ‘The caucus ie stili in session, No vote will be taken to-night. The democratic members will hold a cauons on the Military Appropriation bill to. morrow morning.