April 2, 1861; The Charleston Mercury
MONTGOMERY, March 29, 1861. Despatches from Washington to the State Department have been received today, containing an announcement that the Senate had adjourned. As they have come to no definite conclusion in regard to existing troubles between the two governments, it is supposed that the course pursued for the time, at least, will be a peaceable one. Our Commissioners telegraph that they are of opinion that the Cabinet will decide upon peace and a speedy recognition of the Confederate States. There is no probability of an extra session of Congress, as that would limit the power of the Secretary of State somewhat, and curb his ambition to be the leading spirit in the affairs of Government. SEWARD is a far seeing man, knows that sooner or later the Southern confederacy must be recognized, and is now playing his hand to get every thing his own way. It is an easy matter seemingly for him to control the Senate and Cabinet, but with the turbulent House of Representatives he can have but little influence. Probably the most difficult person to manage is CHASE, who is a man of both physical and moral courage, and is withal a man of education, ability and decision. Both these men are represented as in favor of peace, and are willing, since no better terms can be made, to recognize the Government under its present policy, which is , equality and reciprocity. The report that our Commissioners had hired a house in Washington is true. They are now comfortably situated, and are prepared to enter into negotiations with the Federal Government as soon as it is ready to receive them. They are wise not to hurry matters, for day by day the longer settlements are delayed the better for us, as the Confederacy has been growing in favor and importance both at home and abroad. Two of our European Commissioners are now on their way to England. Mr. YANCEY leaves New Orleans on the 31st in the Havana steamer. It is a matter of some surprise here that the apparent treachery on the part of the Federal Government in sending messengers from Washington to Major ANDERSON in Fort Sumter, should be tolerated by the commander of the forces there, or even by the authorities of South Carolina. It was but a few days since that Col. LAMON, LINCOLN’S bosom friend, and Surgeon Fox, were admitted inside the fort, with no purpose except the avowed one of examining the state of the garrison in order to report to Republican headquarters. Unless coming with positive orders to Major ANDERSON to give up the fort to its rightful owners, they certainly can have no business there, and by admitting them matters are only delayed in their final settlement. The list of Navy appointments is not yet complete, but I hope to send you a copy in a few days. It will be seen by the Navy Bill, passed by Congress this session, that very few officers are allowed at present. These have all been taken from the number of officers who resigned from the United States Navy, and who had claims superior to any other that could be urged. Very many civilians from each of the States have sent in applications for commissions in the navy, but it will be seen at once that there are now no vacancies to fill. The million appropriation will bring a few vessels into service as soon as they can be obtained, but there have already been commissions issued to fill all the offices. The department is getting into working order as rapidly as possible, but operations are delayed on account of the absence of several officers now on duty at Charleston or Pensacola. A few Lieutenants are recruiting for the marine service. The Treasury Department is now in fine working order, all the appointments having been made, furniture and books obtained, and rooms put in order. They are now ready to transact any business that comes under the head of Treasury matters. The subscription books for the new Government loan have all been sent out, and nearly all of the advertisements. As I told you in my last, the bonds will be issued sometime next month for a large amount of subscribed stock, which has been taken at par. The greatest difficulty the department has to contend with is want of room, as no rooms of sufficient size can be obtained for the use of clerks, and those now occupied are far too small. The government building, by no means a large one, contains all the departments, and each is considerably cramped for room. In the list of officers of customs, &c., which I sent you, no appointments were made for the port of Savannah. This was on account of the difficulties heretofore existing there in regard to jurisdiction. The objection to the reappointment of the Collector at Savannah having been removed by his undertaking to devote his whole time to his office, and by the recommendation of all or nearly all of the principal merchants of that city, he has been recommended to the President for reappointment. The Naval officer resigned his office, and until Congress shall act upon any plan to be submitted, it is thought better to leave this office vacant. There are now two appraisers there, but only one will be appointed until after the experiment has been tried with one. The following names have been recommended to the President – appointment to take effect April 1st: JOHN BOSTON, Collector; JOHN E. GODFREY, Surveyor, THOMAS PURSE, Appraiser. Undoubtedly they will be approved. A despatch from Warrington Navy Yard, received this morning, says that Col. BRAGG is still busy in preparations for an attack. Fifteen hundred troops from Mississippi are now on their way to Pensacola. The two regiments will be in Mobile in a few days, and from there will march across the country, from Blakely to Pensacola. The Georgia troops will rendezvous at Macon, and proceed in a body from that point, to join the regiment from Florida. One thousand men are about to start from Louisiana also. All these, with the seventeen hundred men now before Fort Pickens, will make quite a respectable force, and will prevent any reinforcements at present, were it attempted. A few temporary appointments have been made in the medical staff of the army, but their names will not be published until the officers are classified. As all are aware, GEO. W. LANE has been appointed United States Circuit Judge for North Alabama. This worthy stated some time ago that he was going to get an office with large pay and little to do. I believe he got it, for the pay of a District Judge is good, and there can be no doubt but a Federal Judge in Alabama will have little to do. LANE is a brother-in-law of NICK DAVIS, recently elected to Congress, and a brother of the Mayor of HUNTSVILLE, I believe. He has been a strong Union man and Reconstructionist, and on the day the Ordinance of Secession passed, raised the United States flag on his house. I have been told that he was one of the BELL and EVERETT Executive Committee. He was never considered a man of much ability. GOV. HOWELL COBB was in the city night before last, and left yesterday on the Mobile boat for New Orleans. He is looking as pleasant and rotund as ever, and does not seem bowed down by the weight of cares heaped upon him. He goes to attend the Masonic meeting which meets in New Orleans within a few days. Hon. ROBERT TOOMBS arrived here today. TROUP.