–A letter from Major Sprague, U. S. A., giving an account of affairs in Texas, since the arrest of the federal troops in that locality, was published in the Albany (N. Y.) Argus.– (Doc. 197.)

–The privateer Calhoun, Capt. Wilson, arrived at New Orleans, La., having in tow the following prizes: schooners John Adams and Mermaid, of Provincetown, Mass., and the brig Panama, of Boston, Mass.; all these are whalers, and have on board about 215 bbls. of sperm and black whale oil. They were taken about 10 miles from the passes; their crews number 63 men; and all of them told that these vessels had been whaling for some time and cruising in the Gulf –Natchez Courier, May 30.

–The Mobile Register of yesterday, after announcing the invasion of Virginia by the Federal troops, observes: “Servile insurrection is a part of their programme, but they expect no great amount of practical good to result therefrom–consequently, it is contended that it would be a far better course of policy for the Abolitionists to murder the slaves and thus exterminate slavery. A more monstrous proposition could not emanate from the most incarnate fiend among the damned. But infamous as it is it finds an advocate in the abolition press. The slaves are to be indiscriminately slaughtered, and when the last one is butchered, then it it is thought the institution will cease to exist. The soul recoils in horror at the idea of an unscrupulous war upon the innocent and defenseless slave. The Syrian massacre of the Christians and all the crimes of its bloody participants pale before the proposed atrocities of the Black Republicans. Their masters, however, in this, as all other instances, will be their protectors and saviors. With this much of their published programme, we must not be surprised at any act or threat as the campaign advances.”

–A correspondent writes from Montgomery to the New Orleans Delta:–”The startling intelligence of the invasion of the soil of Virginia, and the actual occupation of Alexandria by United States forces, was received here last evening. The Cabinet, I am informed, immediately went into a procrastinated session. No event since the initiation of this revolution has ever created a sensation so profound, and so sorrowful. The mere taking of a deserted and exposed village, is in itself nothing; but when regarded as indicative of the future policy of the old Government, it at once becomes a question pregnant with great importance. Mr. Lincoln has declared in his proclamation, and at various other times reiterated the expression, that the only object his Government had in view, was the retaking and the reoccupation of what he asserted to be Government property; but now, in the face of this promise, which has gone before the world, he converts his Abolition horde into an army of invasion, and now occupies a city within the boundaries of our Republic. This Government has no longer an election. Its duty is now manifest to all. The nation must rise as a man and drive the hireling miscreants from a soil polluted by the foulness of their tramp. Virginia alone could speedily perform the work of expurgation, but her cause is now our cause, her battles our battles, and let the Government at large pour a continuous stream of men into Virginia, and preserve from dishonor that patriotic mother of States.”

–The rebel Congress passed an act to prohibit the exportation of cotton, except through Southern seaports.–(Doc. 198.)

–This afternoon at about 4 o’clock, Gen. McClellan, commanding the military department of Ohio, received information that two bridges had been burned near Farmington, on the B. & O. R. R., and that arrangements had been made to burn the others between that point and Wheeling. The general had been making arrangements to move on Grafton in force, but this intelligence caused him to hasten his movements. He returned at once to Cincinnati and issued telegraphic orders for an advance. One column was directed to move from Wheeling and Bellaire, under command of Col. B. F. Kelly, 1st Virginia Volunteers; another from Marietta, on Parkersburg, under Col. Steedman, 14th Ohio Volunteers. These officers were directed to move with caution, and to occupy all the bridges, etc., as they advanced. A proclamation to Virginians, and address to the troops, were issued by Gen. McClellan simultaneously with the advance.–(Doc. 199.)

–The First Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, Colonel Tappan, passed through New York on their way to the seat of war. The regiment left Camp Union, at Concord, yesterday morning. Its progress through Massachusetts and Connecticut was an ovation, crowds assembling at all the stations to give them a greeting.–(Doc. 200.)

–Postmaster-General Blair issued the following order:–”All postal service in the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, will be suspended from and after the 31st inst. Letters for offices temporarily closed by this order, will be forwarded to the dead letter office, except those for Western Virginia, which will be sent to Wheeling.”–Boston Transcript, May 27.

–Colonel Duryea’s Zouaves arrived at Fortress Monroe, Va., this morning by the Alabama, and encamped near the Hampton Bridge, with the Vermont and Troy regiments. The Pembroke also arrived with two companies of Massachusetts troops. There are now about 6,000 men within or under the walls of the fortress. The Quaker City came up to the fortress with a rich prize this morning–the bark Winifred, of Richmond, from Rio Janeiro, laden with coffee. Gen. Butler, accompanied by acting Adjutant-Gen. Tallmadge, and his aids, made a dashing reconnoissance several miles between the James and York Rivers. A picket guard of rebels fled on their approach.

Three fugitives, the property of Col. Mallory, commander of the rebel forces near Hampton, were brought in to Fortress Monroe by the picket guard yesterday. They represent that they were about to be sent South, and hence sought protection. Major Cary came in with a flag of truce, and claimed their rendition under the Fugitive Slave law, but was informed by Gen. Butler that, under the peculiar circumstances, he considered the fugitives contraband of war, and had set them to work inside the fortress. Col. Mallory, however, was politely informed that so soon as he should visit the fortress and take a solemn oath to obey the laws of the United States, his property would promptly be restored.–N. Y. Tribune, May 27.

–The New Orleans Picayune of to-day says: “One week hence there will not be any available mode of letter or newspaper express or telegraphic communication between the Confederate and the United States. Our Postmaster-General has announced his determination to assume the discharge of the duties of his office on the 1st day of June. From that date all existing U. S. mail contracts, so far as we are concerned, will have been annulled. Meantime, the Washington Administration adopt the same policy, and to make non-intercourse thoroughly impossible, prohibit express companies from carrying express matter, inclusive of letters, across the Potomac River. By order of the commanding general U. S. A., at Washington, Adams’ Express was opened on the 16th inst., and all such matter was stopped. Without mail or express communication with the North, and the carrying of mail matter by individuals being considered in the light of treasonable communication with the enemy, in a few days we shall have but scant opportunity of enriching our columns with interesting intelligence from the other side of the border. We might get an occasional budget by the way of Havana, but we suppose it is intended by the despotic clique at Washington that the blockade shall prevent that. Won’t it be queer to read, hereafter, the latest news from way down east, via Paris and London?

“Well, we suppose we can stand it as well as they can on the other side of the line. Let us see who will first get tired of the embargo.”

–The First Regiment N. Y. Volunteers, Col. Allen, left New York for the seat of war. –(Doc. 196.)

–Funeral ceremonies over the body of Col. Ellsworth took place in Washington. The remains lay in state in the east room of the President’s house for several hours. Owing to the immense throng of anxious gazers on the remains of the deceased, the funeral cortege delayed moving from the Executive Mansion till near 1 o’clock. All along the line of Pennsylvania avenue flags were displayed at half-mast and draped in mourning. Every available point, including the windows, balconies, and house-tops, was thronged with anxious and sorrowful gazers. Various testimonials of respect were paid. All the bells of the city were tolled, and the heads of the soldiers and troops uncovered. Several companies of the City Corps, followed by the New York Seventy-first Regiment, Marines, and the local Cavalry Corps, formed the military escort, with their arms reversed and colors shrouded. The hearse was followed by a detachment of Zouaves, one of whom, the avenger of Col. Ellsworth, carried the identical secession flag torn down by the deceased. Then followed the President, accompanied by Secretaries Seward and Smith, and the rest of the procession was composed of carriages, containing the captains of the Zouave Regiment.–N. Y. Times, May 26

–Sergeant Butterworth, of the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, was shot by a sentry at Alexandria,.Va., through his failure to give the word when challenged.–N. Y. News, May 27.

–An attempt to poison the Union forces in Missouri, by means of arsenic in the bread, was betrayed by a negress.

The Missouri troops, organized under the requisition of Governor Jackson, refused to disband, according to the terms of agreement between General Harney and General Price.–St. Louis Democrat, May 24.

–The Steuben Volunteers, 7th Regiment N. Y. S. V., departed from New York for the seat of war.–(Doc. 193.)

–All vessels belonging to the United States, which arrived at New Orleans, La., after the 6th inst., were formally seized by the Confederate States Marshal, in conformity with the act of the Confederate Congress in relation to privateering, which gave thirty days for all vessels in Southern ports to leave, but made no provision for vessels arriving after its passage.–N. O. Picayune, May 25.

–The Senate of Kentucky passed resolutions that that State will not sever her connection with the National Government, nor take up arms for either belligerent party, but arm herself for the protection of peace within her borders, and tender her services as a mediator to effect a just and honorable peace.–Ohio Statesman, May 25.

John Lothrup Motley published an article on the “Causes of the Civil War in America,” in the London Times of this day.–(Doc. 146 ½.)

–Jefferson Davis issued at Montgomery, Ala., a proclamation appointing Thursday the 18th day of June, 1861, to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer by the people of the seceded States.–(Doc 194.)

–A General movement into Virginia was executed under the command of Gen. Mansfield. The N. Y. Seventh Regiment left their camp in Washington at 1:20 A. M., each man having sixty rounds of ball cartridge. They touched the “sacred soil of Virginia” at 4 A. M., landing at the Alexandria Bridge, near which they encamped. The New York Sixty-ninth and Twenty-eighth Regiments, with Lieut. Drummond’s cavalry and a battery, passed the Chain Bridge, below Georgetown, at about 1 A. M. They first took possession of the Loudon and Hampshire Railroad, seized the train, arrested the passengers, took the cars and engine, and captured one secession soldier, who was on board the train. The 69th then took position on the Orange and Manassas Gap Railroad, which runs out of Alexandria.,

They took up some of the rails, and awaited in ambush the arrival of the train, which they supposed would leave Alexandria with the fugitives. When it came it was surrounded, and the train captured. About seven hundred persons were on board, including 800 men. The entire party were held as prisoners of war, and were kept as hostages for the fair treatment of any loyal citizens that may fall into the hands of the rebels. Two companies of the N. Y. Second, the N. Y. Fifth, Twelfth, Twenty-fifth, three companies of the New York Seventy-first and the N. Y. Fire Zouaves; the Rhode Island First, and the Rhode Island batteries; the Michigan Third; the New Jersey Fourth; three companies of an Ohio Regiment; one company Massachusetts Fifth; three companies of cavalry regular army; and twenty-five hundred District of Columbia troops, also participated in the movement on Virginia–making in all 18,000 men.–N. Y. Times, May 25.

A little before 5 o’clock A. M., the commander of U. S. steamer Pawnee, lying in the Potomac, off Alexandria, Va., sent a flag of truce to the rebel forces, giving them one hour in which to withdraw from the town. At five, the steamers Baltimore and Mount Vernon, with the N. Y. Fire Zouaves, made fast to the wharf. As the steamers approached, the rebel sentinels fired their guns in the air and retreated. The Zouaves landed in good order in double quick time, each company forming on the street facing the river. Company E, Capt. Leveridge, was the first to disembark. It was at once detailed to destroy the railroad track leading to Richmond, which service was promptly performed. After detailing company E, Col. Ellsworth directed the adjutant to form the regiment, and then with his aid, Lieut. Witmer, and a file of men, started for the telegraph office for the purpose of cutting the wires. They marched in double quick time up the street, and had proceeded three blocks, when the attention of Colonel Ellsworth was attracted by a large secession flag flying from the Marshall House kept by J. W. Jackson. Col. Ellsworth entered the hotel, and meeting a man in the hall asked, “Who put that flag up?” The man answered, “I don’t know; I am a boarder here.” Col. Ellsworth, Lieut. Winser, the chaplain of the regiment, Mr. House, a volunteer aid, and the four privates, then went up to the roof; and Col. Ellsworth cut down the flag. The party returned down the stairs, preceded by private Francis E. Brownell of Company A. As they left the attic, the man who had said he was a boarder, but who proved to be the landlord, Jackson, was met in the hall having a double-barrel gun, which he levelled at Brownell. Brownell struck up the gun with his musket, when Jackson pulled both triggers, and the contents lodged in the body of Col. Ellsworth, entering between the third and fifth ribs. Col. Ellsworth was at the time rolling up the flag. He fell forward on the floor of the hall and expired instantly, only exclaiming “My God.”

Private Brownell immediately levelled his musket at Jackson, and fired. The ball struck Jackson on the bridge of the nose, and crashed through his skull, killing him instantly. As he fell Brownell followed his shot by a thrust of his bayonet, which went through Jackson’s body. The companions of Col. Ellsworth, seven in number, immediately posted themselves so as to command the halls of the hotel, and threatened to shoot the first man who showed his head outside of a door. In this way they stood for ten minutes. Their protracted absence alarmed Adjutant Looser, who ordered Company A, Capt. Coyle, to search for the Colonel. The Company found their commander dead, and their comrades in possession of the hotel. They made a litter of muskets, and placing the body of the Colonel on it, returned to the boat, whence it was soon after taken to Washington.

Simultaneously with the landing of the Zouaves the first Michigan Regiment entered Alexandria by the road leading from Long Bridge, and proceeded direct to the railroad depot, of which they took possession, capturing a troop of rebel cavalry numbering one hundred, with their horses and equipments. All the heights which command Washington were occupied in this movement, and the construction of earthworks for batteries was immediately begun. Batteries were placed at each end of the two bridges which cross the Potomac. A portion of the New York troops were ordered towards the Manassas Gap Junction, and the New Jersey regiment was posted at the forks a mile from the Long Bridge. Numerous wagons, with camp equipage, went over about noon to the Federal troops in Virginia, and a great many men commenced work at the intrenchments.

Col. Ellsworth’s body was taken to Washington and placed in the engine-house at the Navy Yard. The house was heavily draped with American flags, crape, and bouquets of flowers. It was guarded by the Zouaves, a company of the Seventy-first N. Y. regiment, and some regulars. Thousands of people assembled there to see the remains during the day, the President’s family among the number. At seven o’clock Alexandria was comparatively quiet. But the Zouaves were anchored at night on a steamer in the river, to prevent them from avenging the death of Ellsworth. They were disposed to burn the town.–(Doc. 195.)

–A. H. Stephens arrived at Atlanta, Ga., on his return from Montgomery, and in response to a call of the citizens delivered a strong secession speech.–(Doc. 189.)

–Gen. Butler at Fortress Monroe, in a general order, announced the following staff: Capt. Grier Tallmadge, Assistant Quartermaster and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Capt.T. Bailey Myers; Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Capt. Peter Hagerty; and Second Lieut., George H. Butler; Major Richard S. Fay, Military Secretary.–N. Y. Commercial, May 31.

–The Philadelphia Evening Journal of today says: “We have it from good authority that there are, at this time, about five hundred Indians stationed at Harper’s Ferry, with the rebel, or traitor army. If this be the mode of warfare these blood-thirsty, scalping devils are to be brought into the fight, our friends in the South must not consider it all unkind if we accept the proffered services of the ten regiments of free negroes in Canada and the North, and send them down South. Our Governor refused to let one regiment of negroes pass through our State to go South to do battle, but if Indians are to be brought into the field by Jeff. Davis, the South may rely on it they will be met with a corresponding force of negroes, and they will increase their numbers as they pass through the country, by having the slaves join them.”

–The Advance Guard, Fifth Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers, Col. Duryea, embarked on board the steam transport Alabama, from New York, for Fortress Monroe.–(Doc. 190.)

–The Mississippi, which sailed from Boston, Mass., this forenoon, returned to that place and anchored off the Navy Yard. She had proceeded but a few miles down the harbor, when it was discovered that in repairing the engines, about two inches of the delivery pipe, through which the water from the condensers was freed out of the side of the ship, had been cut out, and in its place a joint of gum and canvas substituted, when it should have been a slip joint of iron or other metal. The defective part gave way, pouring a flood of water into the ship, when the engines were immediately stopped and the anchor thrown out. Temporary repairs were made so that she was enabled to return, but she lost a 6,000 lb. anchor by the parting of a cable. Michael Quinn of Virginia, late Chief Engineer in the Navy, superintended the repairs of the Mississippi. He recently resigned, returned to Virginia, and his name was stricken from the Navy roll.–N. Y. Tribune, May 24.

–The First and Second Regiments of the Ohio volunteers, numbering together eighteen hundred men, and under the command respectively of Colonels McCook and Wilson, reached Washington. It has been several weeks since they left home, having been in the mean time encamped in Pennsylvania–first at Lancaster, and afterwards near Philadelphia. They left the latter city early yesterday morning, on the railroad, coming by way of Baltimore.–(Doc. 194)

–An immense dry-dock was anchored at night in the Pensacola channel east of Fort Pickens by the rebels, who had intended, however, to anchor it elsewhere. Gen. Brown, in command at the fort, forbade its further removal. Its anchorage between Forts Pickens and McRae was for some time contemplated.–N. O. Delta, May 24.

–A battery of Whitworth guns, twelve-pounders, with ammunition and carriages complete, arrived in New York city, as a present to the Government from patriotic Americans abroad. The battery is consigned to Henry F. Spaulding, Samuel D. Babcock, and Henry A. Smythe, who have informed Secretary Cameron of its arrival, and that it is at the disposition of the Government. Each one of the guns bears the following inscription:

“From loyal Americans in Europe, to the United States Government, 1861.”

Mr. R. G. Moulton, an American at present residing in Manchester, deserves great credit for his energetic efforts in raising funds for the purchase of this battery.–N. Y. Times, May 24.

–One of the secession flags displayed from the head-quarters of the “Grays,” at Alexandria, Va., and within sight from Washington, was captured by two adventurous Union men–William McSpedon, of New York city, and Samuel Smith, of Queens County, N. Y.

–Gen. Patterson and staff arrived at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. Col. Vosburgh, late of the 71st N. Y. regiment, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery. –N. Y. Times, May 24.

–The Third Connecticut Regiment arrived at Washington. It numbers over eight hundred men, all well drilled, and is commanded by Colonel J. Arnold.–(Doc. 191.)

–The Alexandria (Va.) Sentinel of to-day, says: “The Washington Home Guard, Capt. Powell, took to-day 169 head of fine mutton, three miles above the chain bridge. They were appraised at $2.50 a head, and are impounded near this place. They had been purchased of some Virginia drover by the Georgetown butchers, and were to have been delivered by some party, who had undertaken to swim them across the river at so much a head. It has not been found out who it is in Virginia that is thus furnishing aid and comfort to her enemies. This company deserves great credit for the vigilance they have exercised in protecting the adjoining country from marauding bands of Lincoln’s soldiery, as also to prevent disloyal Virginians from furnishing supplies to the enemy.”

–Jefferson Davis issued instructions to privateers sailing under his letters of marque. –(Doc. 192.)

–Gen. Butler, desiring to know the precise lay of the land about Fortress Monroe, Va., concluded to pay a visit to the neighboring village of Hampton. Col. Phelps’s regiment of Vermonters were detailed for the reconnoissance, and took up the march across the dyke and bridge leading from the Fortress to the Hampton side of the bay. Observing the movement, the rebels rushed down to the bridge, and, with combustibles ready, prepared to set fire to it. At this the advance guard of the Vermonters took the double quick step, and before the fire had made much headway were down on the burning bridge and rebels. The latter fled precipitately, and the former was soon rescued from destruction. A field-piece, which the rebels had planted in the neighborhood, was unceremoniously pitched into the bay. Gen. Butler pushed on and completed the reconnoissance, to the infinite disgust of the rebels, and, probably, of John Tyler in particular, whose villa is not far distant. The ground for the permanent encampment was selected on the farm of Mr. Segor at the end of the bridge, and to-morrow will be the first permanent occupation of the soil of Virginia, made by Capt. Carr’s and Col. Phelps’s Regiments, who will go into encampment there.–N. Y. Tribune, May 27.

–The Wheeling(Va.) Intelligencer of today, says:–That the first belligerent issue between the “Union men” of Western Virginia and the “State troops “ recognizing the authority of the Southern Confederacy, has been joined at the town of Clarksburg, in the county of Harrison. Two companies of the Confederate military having marched into that place on the 20th instant, the court-house bell was rung as a signal for the assemblage of the two “Union military companies” of Clarksburg, under the command of Captains A. C. Moore and J. C. Vance, who demanded that the “Confederate forces” should surrender their arms and disband. After a brief parley the demand was complied with.

–The Richmond (Va.) Whig of to-day says: “We are not enough in the secrets of our authorities to specify the day on which Jeff. Davis will dine at the White House, and Ben. McCullough take his siesta in Gen. Sickles’ gilded tent. We should dislike to produce any disappointment by naming too soon or too early a day; but it will save trouble if the gentlemen will keep themselves in readiness to dislodge at a moment’s notice! If they are not smitten, however, with more than judicial blindness, they do not need this warning at our hands. They must know that the measure of their iniquities is full, and the patience of outraged freedom is exhausted. Among all the brave men from the Rio Grande to the Potomac, and stretching over into insulted, indignant and infuriated Maryland, there is but one word on every lip: ‘Washington;’ and one sentiment on every heart: vengeance on the tyrants who pollute the Capital of the Republic!”

–There was an exciting time in Passaic, N. J., on the occasion of raising the Stars and Stripes by the citizens of that locality. A handsome flag, donated by the scholars of the Passaic Academy, was raised upon that edifice, and one of much larger proportions was raised upon Passaic Heights. Eloquent and patriotic addresses were made by Rev. Marshall B. Smith and Thos. D. Hassey, Esq., of Paterson. The Passaic Light Guard turned out in good numbers and saluted the flag with several rounds. –N. Y. Commercial, May 24.

–A correspondent of the Savannah (Ga.) Republican, writing from Montgomery, Alabama, says: “It is feared that the blockade of Lincoln will seriously diminish the revenue, unless speedily raised, and if not, the government will have to resort to direct taxation, in order to provide for its support. The plan will prove acceptable to the people, and will be more effective than a mere dependence upon an uncertain income. Some one has suggested, though not officially, the project of levying a tax of four per cent. upon slaves; but, considering the average value of the slaves at present to be four hundred dollars, the income will not exceed thirty-six millions. The Secretary of War alone estimates for thirty-five millions, and it is probable that at least one hundred will be needed for disbursement this year. We may, therefore, confidently expect a system of direct taxation in case any inconvenience is experienced in collections of the customs revenue. The tariff will be reduced to an exceedingly low figure, and will expose, by its action, the monstrosities of its colleague, the Morrill tariff.”

–Major-General Butler and Staff arrived at Fortress Monroe, and were received with the customary military honors. There was a grand review of the troops in the evening, the parade-line, four thousand men, stretching across the parade-ground of the fortress. The spectacle was magnificent, and there was great enthusiasm among the men.

–A party of Virginians attempted at night to capture a ferry-boat on the Potomac near Clear Spring, Md. Notice was given the Union men of Clear Spring, three miles distant, who turned out to guard the boat. During the night the Virginians seized the boat, and were fired upon by the guard, and when midway across had to abandon the prize and escape in a skiff. Two Virginians were shot. The ferry-boat returned to the Maryland shore.–N. Y. Times; May 24.

–The fortress at Ship Island, Gulf of Mexico, 95 miles from the northern mouth of the Mississippi, was destroyed to prevent it from falling into the hands of the rebels.–Handsboro (Miss.) Democrat, (Extra,) May 22.

–In a speech at Atlanta, Ga., Howell Cobb proposed that the planters should sell half their cotton crop to the Southern Confederacy, and accept its bonds in payment.–(Doc. 186.)

–A circular letter from the Secretary of War was addressed to the governors of all the States, in which he recommends that no person be appointed a lieutenant who is not over 22 years of age; a captaincy, over 30; a major, over 35; a lieutenant-colonel, over 40; or colonel, over 45.–(Doc. 187.)

–The Second Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Col. Carr, left New York for Fortress Monroe.–(Doc. 188.)

–A contingent of 350 men left New York to join the 69th Regiment at Washington. It included Capt. T. F. Meagher’s Company of Zouaves, numbering 110, elegantly equipped and armed with the Minié musket and bayonet. –N. Y. Tribune, May 23.

–Despatches by the Persia state that the agents of the Rebel Government have explored Europe in vain for arms, munitions, or money, to be had in exchange for their bonds. Mr. Dudley Mann had sought an interview with Mr. George Peabody in the hope of negotiating an interview, and had been politely, but firmly repulsed. In no case had they found their securities marketable at the largest discount they could offer as a temptation. –N. Y. Times, May 23.

–The President and Cabinet attended the flag raising at the Post-office Department in Washington. Thousands of spectators were present. As the colors ascended, a lull in the breeze caused them for a moment to hug the staff. In a few seconds, however, the breeze freshened and caused the beautiful Stars and Stripes to float out for full fifty feet. The effect was electric. The host of spectators, the President, the Cabinet–all united in cheers. Mr. Lincoln, amidst the wildest enthusiasm of the mass, made a brief address.

He said that a few months ago the Stars and Stripes hung as listless and still all over the Union as the flag just raised, but in a short time they were caught up by the coming breeze and made to float over the whole loyal nation, and among millions who were now determined to keep the flag flying till the bitter end or until the restoration of peace and unity.

Speeches were also made by Mr. Blair, Mr. Seward, and Mr. Caleb B. Smith. The remarks of Mr. Seward were received with the most intense enthusiasm.–N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, May 22.

–The steamer J. C. Swan was seized at Harlow’s Landing, thirty miles below St. Louis, and brought to the St. Louis arsenal, by order of Gen. Lyon. This is the steamer that brought the arms from Baton Rouge, which were captured by Gen. Lyon, at Camp Jackson. Measures will be taken to effect the legal confiscation of the boat. About 5,000 pounds of lead, en route for the South, were also seized at Ironton, on the Iron Mountain Railroad, by order of Gen. Lyon. Some resistance was offered by a party of citizens, and several shots were fired on both sides, but nobody was hurt.–(Idem.)

–Major-General Sandford was placed in command of the New York troops on duty at Washington.–N. Y. Times, May 24.

–Among the speakers at the annual meeting of the Wesleyan Mission Society in London, was Rev. Dr. McClintock, of New York. He improved the occasion to make a stirring appeal to the audience against the misrepresentations of the London Time., about American affairs, and to set them right on the subject His address was received with very great applause. At one passage, the whole audience rose to their feet, and cheered for the speaker, and for the cause of the Union which he was advocating.–(Doc. 188 ½.)

–Gen. Price, of the Missouri Militia, and Gen. Harney U. S. A., agreed upon a plan to maintain the public peace. Gen. Price pledged the whole power of the State officers to maintain order among the people of the State, and Gen. Harney declares that this object being assured, he can have no occasion as he has no wish, to make military movements, which might otherwise create excitement and jealousies which he most earnestly desires to avoid.–Ohio Statesman, May 22.

–This afternoon two companies, numbering 120 muskets, from the Philadelphia camp, composed of companies E and G under the command of Major McLane, went to Baltimore; proceeded to an unoccupied house near Green Mount Cemetery, and seized a large quantity of arms stored there, comprising 1,600 muskets, the boxes marked, “Virginia muskets,” and 84 boxes containing 4,000 pikes, the boxes marked, “From Denmeads.” The whole made twenty-six dray loads and were all taken to camp, and thence to Fort McHenry. The arms had been in the custody of the city authorities.–Idem.

–The Second Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers, numbering 952 men, arrived at Richmond, Va., and went into camp at the head of Main street.–(Doc. 182.)

–The ship General Parkhill of Liverpool, for Charleston, arrived at Philadelphia in charge of a prize crew of the Niagara. She was spoken off Cape Romain on the 12th, and ordered off. The next day she was captured in attempting to run the blockade. She is 600 tons with a general cargo, a large portion being salt. It is suspected that arms and munitions of war are concealed under the salt. She was commanded by Capt. Forbes, and had two secession flags fiying.–Philadelphia Press, May 21.

–Jefferson Davis approved the act, passed at the session of the Southern Congress, prohibiting Southerners owing moneys to Northern merchants from paying the same, and compelling payment instead into the treasury of the seceded States.–(Doc. 183.)

–A comprehensive and able article upon the present condition of affairs in the United States, is published in the Cologne Gazette.– (Doc. 184.)

–The Confederate Congress in session at Montgomery, Ala., adjourned to meet at Richmond, Va., July 20th.–N. Y. Herald, May 28.

–A letter from Roxabelle, N. C., says:– The Chowan Association, by a unanimous vote, cut off all intercourse with the Bible Union, and recommended those owing subscriptions to withhold the same, deprecating any further agency of the Bible Union among the churches –another fruit of the reckless fanaticism of the Northern agitators. Unwilling to bow down to the Jehovah revealed by Moses and preached by Paul, they seek anti-slavery God. Nor are they unmindful in their ardent devoirs to the almighty dollar. Thousands have gone into the Bible Union treasury, annually for years past; but the steam is now stopped.–N. Y. Express, May 24.

–The New School Presbyterian Assembly in session at Syracuse, N. Y., passed a series of resolutions upholding the Federal Government, the Constitution and laws.–Albany Journal, May 24.

–Gen. Sam Houston addressed the people of Independence, Texas, on the 10th of May last, on the occasion of a May festival. In the course of his remarks he took occasion to define his position in the present political crisis.–(Doc. 185.)

–Mrs. Judge Daly, of New York, and a number of ladies associated with her, sent to the Sixty-ninth regiment 1,260 linen havelocks–a complement sufficient to supply the whole regiment.–N. Y. Herald, May 21.

–The ship Argo, which was captured in Hampton Roads on Sunday afternoon, (May 10,) by the United States steam frigate Minnesota, arrived at New York in charge of a prize crew under command of Midshipman McCook and Clerk Elias W. Hall. The Argo was bound from Richmond, Virginia, for Bremen, and at the time of her seizure had on board $150,000 worth of tobacco.–N. Y. Journal of Commerce, May 21.

–At precisely 8 o’clock P. M., by order of the Government, a descent was made by the United States Marshals upon every considerable telegraph office throughout the Free States, and the accumulated despatches of the twelvemonth past were seized. The object was to obtain evidence of the operations of the Southern rebels with their Northern accomplices, which the confidential telegrams passing between them could most certainly furnish. The seizures in all the principal cities were made at the same time so as to prevent the destruction of evidence which might have followed the receipt of a warning from any particular point. The whole matter was managed with the greatest secrecy, and so well planned that the project was a complete success. By this bold manoeuvre the Government has obtained possession of a mass of evidence of the greatest importance. N. Y. Tribune, May 21.

–The ordinance of secession was passed by the North Carolina State Convention, together with an ordinance ratifying and assenting to the Constitution of the Confederate States.–(Doc. 179.)

–Bram S. Vosburgh, Colonel of the New York Seventy-first Regiment, died in Washington, D. C., of a pulmonary complaint.–N. Y. Express, May 20.

–Gen Butler left Washington for Annapolis. The New York Second Regiment left New York for the seat of war.–(Doc. 180.)–N. Y. Tribune, May 21.

–Gov. Magoffin, of Kentucky, issued a proclamation pretentiously in obedience to public; sentiment, by which Kentucky virtually takes a position of neutrality, and in which its citizens are bidden to “so conduct themselves that the deplorable calamity of invasion may be averted.”–(Doc. 181.)

–Military maps of Virginia made for Gov. Letcher, from special surveys, were seized in Washington by the War Department.–N. Y. Tribune, May 21.

–Shots were exchanged between the U. S. Steamers Freeborn and Monticello, and a rebel battery at Sewell’s Point north of Elizabeth River, Virginia.–(Doc. 177.)

–Two schooners with secession troops on board were taken by U. S. steamer Freeborn, in the Potomac, 10 miles below Fort Washington.–N. Y. World, May 21.

–The rebels at Harper’s Ferry, Md., were reinforced from the south. Two thousand troops arrived from Mississippi and two regiments from Alabama.–N. Y. Herald, May 21.

–A meeting of the New York Bible Society was held, in reference to supplying the Bible to all soldiers, who go to fight for the Federal Government. Wm. Allen Butler presided, and speeches were made by the president, Dr. Tyng, Dr. Hitchcock, and others.–(Doc. 178.)

–A body of 1,000 Virginians and South Carolinians from Harper’s Ferry took a position on the Virginia side of the Potomac, opposite Williamsport, a town about seven miles from Hagerstown, Md. They there were in a situation to command the ferry at that spot.–Phila. Press, May 21.

–Governor Brown, of Georgia, issued a proclamation, inhibiting the carrying of arms or accoutrements of any kind purchased by the State, beyond its limits, without his consent. This proclamation appears to relate to the informal departure of soldiers.

“Governor Brown,” says the Savannah Republican, “may be technically right in this order, but he has at least selected an unfortunate time for issuing it. From the beginning a misunderstanding seems to have existed between him and the Confederate authorities, to be found with no other State, and it is high time it had been brought to a close.”–N. Y. Commercial, May 22.

–A patriotic demonstration took place in the town of Old Saybrook, Ct., made particularly interesting by the antiquity of the place, and its various revolutionary relics and reminiscences. A fine flagstaff was raised upon the spot which had given birth to the old Saybrook platform, and but a short distance from the old fort built by the first settlers of the place.

The services were prefaced by the raising of the flag by Deacon Sill, (91 years of age) a colonel of the war of 1812, and the patriarch of the place. A prayer and addresses were then made by the Rev. Messrs. McCall, Loper and Gallup; the intervals being appropriately filled by national songs admirably given by a club from a neighboring village. In conclusion, the old men of the village were called upon, and short and telling speeches were made.–Boston Advertiser, May 21.

–The Montgomery (Ala.) Mail of to-day has the following paragraph in reference to Fort Pickens: “Having returned this morning from Pensacola, where we have been for several days, we can assure our readers that the reports going to show that a battle will soon occur at Fort Pickens are mere conjectures. Of the plans of any of those in command nothing is known outside of hbead-quarters. Our own impression, formed while in Pensacola, is that there will be no battle at all at Pickens, or at least that it is not now the intention of the Confederate authorities to attack it.”

–Arkansas was by unanimous vote admitted a State of the Southern Confederacy, and its delegates to the Southern Congress. They are R. W. Johnson, of Pine Bluff; A. Rust, of Little Rock; A. H. Garland, of Little Rock; -W. W. Watkins, of Carrollton; H. F. Thomasson, of Van Buren.–N. Y. Times, May 26.

–Three merchants of Baltimore, Jerome A. Pendergrast, James Whiteford, and George McGowan, were arrested charged with riotous conduct in obstructing the track of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad on the 19th of April, while the Massachusetts troops were en route to Washington. They were under indictment by the Grand Jury, and were admitted to bail–N. Y. Times,   May 26.

–The military department of Virginia, to embrace eastern Virginia to the summit of the Blue Ridge, and the States of North Carolina and South Carolina, was created; Major-General Benjamin F. Butler was placed in command. –Rappahannock River was blockaded, which rendered perfect the blockade of Virginia.– N. Y. Herald, May 19.

–Fourteenth Regiment N. Y. S. M. from Brooklyn departed for Washington, amid great enthusiasm.–Doc. 176.

–The Tug Yankee arrived in Philadelphia, having in tow three schooners loaded with tobacco, viz.: the Emily Ann, the Mary Willis, and the Delaware Farmer, belonging to and bound to Baltimore from Richmond. They surrendered to the Harriet Lane, and were ordered to Philadelphia by the flag officer of the Minnesota. Outside of Cape Henry the Mary Willis broke loose, and as the Yankee turned round to recover her, the Emily Ann got a lurch and sprang her mainmast. Her foremast had to be cut away to save her. The Emily Ann arrived at the wharf; leaking badly, and is being unloaded. Lieut. Bryant, of the Navy, who had the prizes in charge, stated that the ship North Carolina, in ballast, from Havre, and another ship, the Argo, had been seized and taken to New York. Twenty vessels had been detained by the fleet, including five tobacco schooners.–Phila. Ledger, May 19.

–An expedition of New York troops sent to recapture the lightship, taken by the secessionists, brought it up to the Washington Navy Yard to-day.–They were fired into, but nobody was hurt.–N. Y. Herald, May 19.

–In behalf of the Government of the United States, and the better to secure the peace of St. Louis, and promote the tranquillity of Missouri, United States warrants were issued for the search of places suspected to contain articles contraband of war. The warrants were placed in the hands of United States Marshal Rawlings, who proceeded, accompanied by a corps of United States soldiers, under Captain Sweeney, to the State Tobacco Warehouse on Washington Avenue, and to the Central Metropolitan Police Station on Chesnut street. At the former were found several hundred rifles, muskets, cavalry pistols, holsters, small boxes of ammunition; and at the latter place, Arnot’s Building, two pieces of cannon, and several hundred rifles.–St. Louis Democrat, May 18.

–A submarine boat, or infernal machine supposed to be owned by the secessionists, was captured in Philadelphia.–(Doc. 175.)

–Suregeon-General Gibbes   of the C. S. A., reports that no serious casualty occurred in the bombardment of Sumter to the Confederate forces. “Four trifling contusions at Fort Moultrie only; none at other posts.”

The Virginia papers recommend Southerners to sing the Marseillaise.–N. Y. Express, May 20.

–The Confederate Congress authorizes the issue of $50,000,000 in bonds, payable in twenty years, at an interest not exceeding eight per centum, and in lieu of bonds to issue $20,000,000 in treasury notes, in small sums, without interest.–N. Y. Herald, May 19.

–A letter upon the Virginia election was written by Senator Mason of that State, in which he says, that “the ordinance of secession” (not yet voted upon by the people of Virginia) “annulled the Constitution and laws of the United States within that State, and absolved the citizens of Virginia from all obligation and obedience to them;” and that if it be now rejected by the people, Virginia must “change sides,” and “turn her arms against her Southern sisters.” Moreover, that ordinance brought into Virginia several thousand soldiers of the Confederate army, and thus the faith of Virginia is pledged to it, for if it be rejected, their soldiers will merely have been entrapped. –(Doc. 170.)

–The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, of today, says that the various accounts about hundreds of letters of marque having been granted by the War Department of the Southern Confederacy, and that thousands of applications are already on file, is a gross error. Applications for that business are made to the collectors of the different ports, and not to the department at Montgomery, where none have been received. A number of applications have been made to the collectors of New Orleans, Mobile, and other Southern ports.

–General Butler was serenaded at the National Hotel in Washington, and in response made a happy speech upon the war, and the position of Massachusetts in it.–(Doc. 171.)

–Upon the opening of the U. S. Circuit Court at Boston, Judge Sprague charged the Grand Jury upon the crime of piracy.–(Doc. 172.)

–The Second Regiment of Maine volunteer militia passed through New York, on their way to the seat of war. Previous to their departure the natives of Maine, resident in the city, presented the regiment with an American flag; the presentation being made at the City Hall, in the presence of thousands of enthusiastic spectators.–(Doc. 173.)

–A correspondence between Gov. Andrews of Mass., and Gen. Benjamin F. Butler, relative to the proposed suppression by the latter of a slave insurrection, is published.–(Doc. 174.)

–Brigadier-Generals Butler and McClellan were appointed Major-Generals.–N. Y. News, May 17.

–Secretary Seward declares it treason to accept from the government of a Southern State the proffered price of vessels previously seized. –(Doc. 174 ½)

–A proclamation of neutrality with respect to the Secession rebellion is issued by Queen Victoria, in which all subjects of Great Britain are forbidden to enter the service of the contending parties, or to endeavor “to break a blockade lawfully and effectually established.” –(Doc. 168.)

–The bark Ocean Eagle, Capt. Luce, from Rockland, Me., with 3,144 casks of lime, consigned to Creevy & Farwell, was captured by the privateer steamer Calhoun, of New Orleans. –N. O. Picayune, May 17.

–Two yachts, belonging to private individuals, were formally accepted by the Government, and detailed for service by the Treasury Department. Their owners, James Gordon Bennett, jr., of New York, and T. P. Ives, of Providence, R. I., were commissioned as Lieutenants in the Revenue service, and ordered to their respective vessels as Lieutenants commanding.–N. Y. Tribune, May 16.

–Bishop Whittingham, the head of the Episcopal Church in Maryland, addressed a circular to the several Episcopal clergymen of his diocese, forbidding hereafter the omission of the prayer for the President of the United States from the regular church service; which had been done by a few disunion persons under his jurisdiction.–(Doc. 169.)

–The town of Potosi, in Washington county, Mo., was taken possession of, under orders of Gen. Lyon, by Captain Coles, of company A, Fifth Regiment, of United States volunteers.–(Doc. 169 ½.)

–Gen. Harney published an address to the people of Missouri, saying that the military bill recently passed by the Legislature is an indirect secession ordinance, manifestly unconstitutional, and ought not to be upheld by good citizens. He says, that whatever may be the termination of the present condition of things in respect to the Cotton States, Missouri must share the destiny of the Union, and all the power of the Government will be exerted to maintain her position.–(Doc. 162.)

–The Confederate Congress requested President Davis, by resolution, to appoint a day of fasting and prayer.–(Doc. 163.)

–A large and enthusiastic Union meeting was held in East Baltimore, Md., James T. Randolph presiding, assisted by a number of vice-presidents; patriotic resolutions were adopted, and addresses were delivered by John L Thomas and John G. Wilmot, of Baltimore, and Dr. Strafford, of Caroline county, and received with every demonstration of approval.–(Doc. 164.)

–There was a great demonstration at Annapolis, Md., in honor of opening the branch railroad connecting Annapolis station and the pier of the Naval Academy, then just completed by the skilful engineer corps of the Thirteenth New York Regiment. A long train of cars carried the Thirteenth Regiment on an excursion over the new road to a short distance beyond the city. They were accompanied with a full band of music, and as the train moved off a salute was fired from the Naval School. The regiment marched back to the city, and much enthusiasm was manifested by the citizens. –National Intelligencer, May 16.

–Ross Winans was arrested at the Relay House, on the Baltimore and Ohio road, by the federal officers. Governor Hicks, with others, endeavored to have him released on security, but this was refused, and he was placed under guard.–Phila. Press, May 15.

–Governor Andrew, in an address to the two branches of the Legislature of Massachusetts, delivered to-day, says:–

“This is no war of sections,–no war of North on South. It is waged to avenge no former wrongs, nor to perpetuate ancient griefs or memories of conflict. It is the struggle of the people to vindicate their own rights, to retain and invigorate the institutions of their fathers,–the majestic effort of a National Government to vindicate its power and execute its functions for the welfare and happiness of the whole,–and therefore while I do not forget, I will not name to-day that “subtle poison” which has lurked always in our national system –and I remember also at this moment, that even in the midst of rank and towering rebellion, under the very shadow of its torch and axe, there are silent but loyal multitudes of the citizens of the South who wait for the national power to be revealed and its protecting flag unfurled for their own deliverance.

“How shall I record the grand and sublime uprising of the people, devoting themselves–their lives–their all! No creative art has ever woven into song a story more tender in its pathos or more stirring to the martial blood than the scenes just enacted–passing before our eyes in the villages and towns of our dear old Commonwealth. Henceforth be silent, ye shallow cavillers at New England thrift, economy, and peaceful toil! Henceforth let no one dare accuse our northern sky, our icy winters, or our granite hills!

“ ‘Oh what a glorious morning !’ was the exulting cry of Samuel Adams, as he, excluded from royal grace, heard the sharp musketry which on the dawn of the 19th of April, 1775, announced the beginning of the War of Independence. The yeomanry, who in 1775, on Lexington Common and on the banks of Concord River, first made that day immortal in our annals, have found their lineal representatives in the historic regiment which on the 19th of April, 1861, in the streets of Baltimore, baptized our flag anew in heroic blood, when Massachusetts marched once more ‘in the sacred cause of liberty and the right of mankind.’

“Grave responsibilities have fallen, in the Providence of God, upon the Government and the people;–and they are welcome. They could not have been safely postponed. They have not arrived too soon. They will sift and try this people, all who lead and all who follow. But this trial, giving us a heroic present to revive our past, will breathe the inspiration of a new life into our national character and reassure the destiny of the Republic.” (Governor Andrew’s address is printed in full in the Boston Transcript, May 14.)

–A schooner was seized at the wharf in Baltimore, by a United States officer. She had a number of pikes, manufactured by Winans, and Minié rifles on board. She was taken over to the south side of the harbor, under Federal Hill, and a guard placed on board.–N. Y. Times, May 15.

Butler issued a proclamation from his head-quarters on Federal Hill–in which he explains why Baltimore is occupied by the troops, and guarantees safety and protection to all citizens engaged in lawful pursuits.–(Doc. 165.)

–Thomas H. Hicks, governor of Maryland, issued a proclamation calling for four regiments of troops “to serve within the limits of the State of Maryland, or for the defence of the capital of the United States.”–(Doc. 166.)

–The Connecticut Second Regiment, numbering eight hundred men, arrived at Washington. They are handsomely uniformed, and have a complete camp equipage and about forty fine horses. They are armed (all save two companies, which have Minié muskets) with Sharpe’s rifles and sabre bayonets.–(Doc. 167.)

–Postmaster-General Blair annulled the contract for carrying the mails between St. Louis and Memphis, owing to the forcible stoppage of the steamers by which they were conveyed. This is the first case under the law of the last Congress which authorized a discontinuance of the mail in case of illegal obstruction.–Boston Transcript, May 15.

–General Butler made a formal demand on the city authorities of Baltimore for the delivery of a quantity of arms stored in the warehouse of John S. Gittings, corner of Gay and Second streets. Marshal Kane refused to deliver up the arms without the officers produced an order from the Mayor.

Finally, after some altercation, an order was produced, and the arms were brought out, making fifteen dray-loads. About two-thirds of the fire-arms were carbines; the rest were flintlock muskets. There was also a large quantity of pikes. A guard of Federal troops was placed over the arms, and, escorted by a large number of police, they were taken to the fort. A crowd of turbulent men and boys followed, yelling and hooting, for a portion of the distance. Some were armed with pistols, and there was an evident desire to commit violence, but all such demonstrations were restrained by the police. –N. Y. Times, May 15.

–The Southern Baptist Convention, in session at Savannah, Ga., adopted a report of their committee on the state of the country, in which they hold “that the States once combined on this continent can no longer live together as one confederacy;” that the movement of Northern soldiers to sustain the Government is “an invasion designed to destroy whatever is dear in the heroic traditions of the South.” They tender to the government at Montgomery their sympathy and confidence, and recommend the churches of the South to observe the first and second days of June as days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. This report borrows additional interest from the fact that it comes from the pen of Dr. Richard Fuller of Baltimore, who made himself conspicuous, three or four weeks ago, as a member of that committee of young Christians who waited upon Mr. Lincoln to request that the Government of the United States would reconsider its order for the troops needed at Washington to come through Maryland.–(Doc. 159.)

–A Union meeting was held in Martinsburgh, Berkeley county, Va. The gathering was large, and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Strong resolutions were adopted, and a protest entered against the warlike attitude which Virginia had assumed in opposition to the General Government. Eastern Virginia is not, as has been represented, unanimous for secession.–Newark (N. J.) Advertiser, May 22.

–Six hundred troops from Georgia and Alabama arrived at Pensacola, the advance guard of 2,000 ordered there by General Bragg.–Mobile Advertiser, May 15.

–A portion of the Federal troops lately stationed at the Relay House on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, entered Baltimore. They arrived at the Camden station at seven and a half o’clock in the evening, disembarked in good order, and marched from the dépôt, piloted by Col. Hare and Capt. McConnell, down Lee street to Hanover, and thence to Montgomery, to Light, to Hamburgh, to Federal Hill, and, moving to the high ground surrounding the Observatory, stacked arms, and made preparations for rest.

The force was under command of Gen. Butler, and composed of a portion of the Boston Light Artillery, Major Cook; a strong detachment of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, Col. Jones; and about five hundred of the Eighth New York Regiment, Lient.-Col. Waltenburgh.

On the route to the Hill, the streets were thronged with people, who greeted the military with cheers at every step, the ladies at the windows and the doors joining in the applause by waving their handkerchiefs. Arrived at their destination–which was unknown to the troops until they reached the place–they began to bestow themselves as comfortably as possible in the absence of tents. Their operations were seriously interrupted by a soaking shower that completely deluged the place, but, having become accustomed to camp life, they seemed to pay little attention to it. At a late hour large fires were built, somewhat dispelling the gloom of the place, and rendering the atmosphere more comfortable. The forces will be largely reinforced, and additional force is expected, who will immediately take possession of the commanding heights around Baltimore. Public Schoolhouse No. 10, corner of Warren and William streets, was taken possession of by the troops for the purpose of storing away their baggage and other articles likely to be injured by being exposed to the weather.–Baltimore Clipper, May 14.

–Judge Giles, of Baltimore, having issued a writ of habeas corpus, directing the delivery of a soldier at Fort McHenry, Major Morris, the commander at that post, refused to obey the writ, and gave his reasons in a published letter.–N. Y. Evening Post, May 14.–(Doc. 160.)

–Early this morning the steamer Pawnee was moored off the city of Alexandria, Va., so that her guns and mortars command the town. She has several of James’s rifled cannon on board, which will throw grape, shell, hot shot or solid into any part of the town, and far beyond into the camp of an army that may be so imprudent as to pitch their tents in the suburbs of the city.–N. Y. Herald, May 14.

–The Virginia Union Convention assembled at Wheeling, and organized, with Dr. J. W. Moss in the chair.–Idem.

–Senator Bayard, of Delaware, issued an address to his constituents, called forth by the denunciations against him on his return from the South. He narrates the history of his journey, gives the motives which induced him to undertake it, and denies having been in consultation with the rebels in Montgomery. He proposes to rest on his past course, his general character, and his future life, and declares that he shall resign as soon as he is convinced that there is to be a war.–(Doc. 161.)

–Mrs. Sarah Sanford, a native of New Haven, Conn., and a graduate of the South Hadley Female Seminary, but for some time past an assistant teacher in a New Orleans Grammar School, was stripped naked and tarred and feathered in Lafayette Square, New Orleans, in the presence and amid the applause of an immense crowd of people. The assigned reason was abolition sentiments, expressed to her pupils, and by them repeated to their parents. Dr. Charles McQueen, recently from New Orleans, was an eye witness to the transaction.–Buffalo Express.

–The Boston Rifle Company, numbering seventy-two men, now at Washington, is armed with the Whitney rifle and sabre bayonet, and is a reliable body of soldiers. The officers are: Capt., A. Dodd; First Lieut., C. Dodd; Second Lieut., C. G. Atwood; Third Lieut., G. A. Hicks; Fourth Lieut., J. Nason. The uniform is light blue pants, red shirt, dark gray overcoat, and fatigue cap.–National Intelligencer, May 18.

–General Wm. S. Harney, commanding the military department of the West, at St. Louis, Mo., issued a proclamation declaring that the public peace must be preserved, and asking the people to return to their avocations, abstain from the excitement of heated discussions, and observe the laws of the local authorities.–(Doc. 156.)

–An attempt was made at night to destroy the Monocacy Bridge, three miles from Frederick, Md., by a party from Point of Rocks. They cut the wires in the telegraph office, and threatened to kill the operator if he resisted. They then went to the bridge, but could not set fire to it, as it is all iron and stone.–N. Y. Times, May 16.

–There was a grand review at York, Penn., to-day. The Governor and many members of the Legislature were present. There were five regiments on the ground.

An attempt was made to tear up the track of the Northern Central Railroad, fourteen miles North of Baltimore. It was detected before much injury was done.–N. Y. Times, May 18. [continue reading…]

–A great Union demonstration took place in San Francisco, Cal. Nothing like it was ever seen there before. Business was totally suspended; all the men, women and children of the city were in the streets, and flags waved everywhere. Three stands for speakers were erected, and Senator Latham and McDougall, General Sumner, General Shields, and others addressed vast audiences. The spirit of all the addresses, as well as of the resolutions adopted, was: the Administration must be sustained in all its efforts to put down secession and preserve the Union complete.

A procession marched through the principal streets, composed of thousands of men on horseback, in carriages and on foot, and embracing all the military and civic organizations of the city. All political parties joined in the demonstration.–Alta Californian, May 12.

–The Savannah Republican of to-day says: “we have conversed with a gentleman who has just returned from the camp at Pensacola and brings the latest intelligence.

As details are not to be expected, we may state generally that the condition of the troops and fortifications is all that could be desired. Gen. Bragg has proved the very man for the work, and the volunteers lend a ready hand to carry out every order. Pickens is covered by our batteries on three sides. There are eight between the Navy-Yard and Fort Barrancas, four between the latter and the light-house, and a formidable mortar battery in the rear of Fort McRae. There is also a heavy mortar battery in the rear of Barrancas. All these works have been erected by the hands of the volunteers, and are armed with the very heaviest and best of artillery. The channel on a line between McRae and Pickens has been obstructed by sinking a number of small vessels. It was supposed that every thing would be complete by the middle of the coming week, after which we shall have a bombardment that will be worthy of record. Pickens must fall, and the more men they put in it the greater will be the destruction. Besides Pickens, the enemy have thrown up a battery on the island some five miles from the fort, which they are now engaged in arming for the struggle. Some hundred or more horses can be seen on the island, and seven ships of war and transports are lying off; something less than a mile from the shore.”

–The Fifth Regiment of N. Y. V. M. arrived at Washington from Annapolis, Md.–National Intelligencer, May 13.

–A large meeting took place at Wheeling, Va. Hon. John S. Carlile and Frank Pierpont spoke. Mr. Carlile took ground in favor of separation from Eastern Virginia, and was rapturously applauded. He proclaimed that while there should be no coercion to go out, there should be none to prevent remaining in the Union. Virginia, he said, owed forty-nine milions of dollars; a debt incurred without benefit to Western Virginia; and he demanded to [continue reading…]

.–The Confederate Secretary of War invested R. E. Lee with the control of the rebel forces of Va., by the following order:

Mongomery, May 10, 1861.

To Major-Gen. R. E. Lee:
To prevent confusion, you will assume the control of the forces of the Confederate States in Virginia, and assign them to such duties as you may indicate, until further orders; for which this will be your authority.
…………..I. P. Walker, Secretary of War.
–National Intelligencer, May 15.

–The Charleston News of this day contains the prayer of the Rev. James Bardwell, at the opening of the Tennessee Legislature on the 25th of April.–(Doc. 149.)

–In addition to the new Military Departments of Washington, Annapolis, and Pennsylvania, the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois will constitute a fourth, subdivided into several others, to be called the Department of the Ohio. Major-General McClellan, Ohio Volunteers, is assigned to its command; headquarters, Cincinnati.

The President, by general orders, directs that all officers of the army, except those who have entered service since 1st April, take and subscribe anew the oath of allegiance to the United States, as set forth in the 10th article of war.–N. Y. Evening Post, May 11.

–The First Regiment of Vermont Volunteers, commanded by Colonel J. Wolcott Phelps, arrived at New York, and took up their quarters in the Park Barracks. This regiment consists of ten companies–77 men each–of hardy Green Mountain boys, whose stalwart frames and broad shoulders are the envy of all beholders. These ten companies were selected from four different regiments. The uniform of the regiment is of gray cloth, each man being supplied with a heavy overcoat of the same material. One or two companies have a blue uniform instead of the gray. Each man wears a hemlock sprig in his hat. They are all supplied with new Minié muskets, but have no ammunition.

The men are nearly all Vermonters, there being scarcely a dozen foreigners in the regiment. They are all esteemed citizens at home, and nearly every one abandoned a profitable business to give his strong arm to his country. They have been encamped at Rutland, Vt., for the past eight days, completing their outfit, and when they came to strike their tents and take up the line of march, not a man was on the sick list. Their destination is Fort Monroe.

The character of the Green Mountain boys may be illustrated by the following incident: As the cars were leaving their camp-ground in Rutland, on the morning of the 9th instant, a private, in response to the cheers of the people, said: “The Vermont Regiment, citizens in peace, soldiers in war, give you the sentiment embodied in the charge of the Grecian matron to her son–We will bring back our shields or be brought back upon them.”–(Doc. 150.)

–The Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Alabama adopted the following ordinance:

“Whereas, the Constitution of the Diocese of Alabama was adopted when the said Diocese actually was, on the presumption of its continuing to be, a part of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States;’

“And whereas, the State of Alabama is no longer a part of the United States:

“Therefore, it is hereby declared by this convention that the first article of the constitution of the Diocese, with all those canons, or portion of canons, dependent upon it, are null and void.

“It is furthermore declared that all canons, or portions of canons, both diocesan and general, not necessarily dependent upon the recognition of the authority of the Church in the United States, are hereby retained in force.

“This declaration is not to be construed as affecting faith, doctrine or communion.”–N. O. Picayune, May 12.

–President Lincoln issued a proclamation directing the commander of the forces of the United States on the Florida coast to permit no person to exercise any office or authority upon the islands of Key West, the Tortugas, and Santa Rosa, which may be inconsistent with the laws and Constitution of the United States, authorizing him at the same time, if he shall find it necessary, to suspend there the writ of habeas corpus, and to remove from the vicinity of the United States fortresses all dangerous or suspected persons.–(Doc. 151.)

–Captain Tyler, of the Second Dragoons, commanding at Fort Kearney, fearing that a mob might take and turn against the garrison the ten twelve-pounder howitzers in his possession, spiked them. He had received orders to remove the pieces to Fort Leavenworth, but thought it unsafe to do so in the distracted state of the country. Threats had been made to take them from him–N. Y. Sun, May 14.

–The Second Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers, Colonel Terry, embarked from New Haven for Washington, on the steamer Cahawba. They marched down Chapel street, escorted by a large body of citizens, cavalry, a body of old New Haven Grays, and by the Emmot Guard–making a very fine appearance. The whole city was alive with people, and the route of the procession was a grand array of flags.–N. Y. Evening Post, May 11.

–The London News publishes an interesting article on the difficulties in the United States, and endeavors to indicate the position which the States under Jefferson Davis now occupy with relation to those under President Lincoln, and the status which both portions of the country now hold with relation to Great Britain and the rest of the world.–(Doc. 152.)

–The steamer Pembroke sailed from Boston, Mass., for Fort Monroe, with reinforcements, including Capt. Tyler’s Boston Volunteers, and a company from Lynn, under Capt. Chamber   –N. Y. World, May 11.

–The Winans steam-gun was captured this morning. A wagon, containing a suspicious-looking box and three men, was observed going out on the Frederick road from Baltimore, and the fact being communicated to General Butler, at the Relay House, he despatched a scouting party in pursuit, who overtook the wagon six miles beyond the Relay House, at Ilchester. On examination it was found that the box contained the steam-gun. It was being taken to Harper’s Ferry. The soldiers brought the gun and the three men back to the Relay House. The prisoners, one of whom was Dickenson, the inventor of the gun, were sent to Annapolis.– Baltimore American, May 11.

–The Diocesan Convention of Massachusetts passed resolutions in regard to the present state of affairs. One of them is as follows:–

Resolved, That the convention of clerical and lay delegates of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the diocese of Massachusetts do hereby express their heartfelt sympathy with the National Government in all right efforts to vindicate the authority of the Federal Union against “all sedition, privy conspiracy, and rebellion.”–Boston Advertiser, May 11.

–The Maryland Legislature passed a resolution, imploring the President of the United States to cease the present war.–(Doc. 153.)

–At about 2 P. M., a sudden movement was made by the U. S. forces in St. Louis under Capt. Lyon, upon Camp Jackson, near that city, by which the camp was entirely surrounded in less than half an hour, and compelled to an unconditional surrender. A great mob followed the U. S. troops to the camp, and began a noisy demonstration against them, and to throw stones. One company received the order to fire, and did so. Twenty-two persons were killed, and many were wounded. The mob then dispersed. A large quantity of arms and munitions were taken in the camp, together with 689 prisoners.–(Doc. 154.)

–At 8 o’clock this afternoon the steamer Maryland, with other transports, arrived at Baltimore with 1,800 troops from Perryville. They consist of five companies of the 3d Infantry, regulars, Major Shepherd, 420 men; one company of Sherman’s Battery of Light Artillery, with 6 pieces of cannon and 70 horses, under Major Sherman; and the 1st Regiment, ten companies, of Pennsylvania Artillery, Col. Patterson, armed with muskets, and numbering 800 men. They were landed at Locust Point, one of the termini of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, within half a mile of Fort McHenry, and there transferred on board of two trains of car; which departed immediately.

Two hundred men were left to take charge of the horses, provisions and baggage, and these were to be forwarded at a later hour. The Mayor and Police Commissioners, with two hundred police, crossed in a ferry-boat to Locust Point, and were present at the debarkation.

The Harriet Lane stood off the point with her ports open. The transfer to the cars was accomplished without much difficulty, and there was no excitement other than that which proceeded from the curiosity of the people to witness the proceedings.

The track from Locust Point skirts the lower part of the city, and joins the main stem near Camden Station.–N. Y. Tribune, May 10.

–The Richmond Whig says: “We beg to sanest to all Southern papers the propriety of omitting all mention of the movement of troops within our borders. A word to the wise.”

“The caution is a good one, and might well be extended to correspondents, both private and public, by telegraph and by mail. The caution is the more necessary, because of our large daily correspondence with the people of the North, with whom we are unfortunately at war.”–N. O. Picayune, May 10.

–The Confederate Congress passed an act authorizing the President of the Southern Confederacy to raise such a force for the war as he may deem expedient.–(Doc. 147.)

–The Palmetto Guard left Charleston, S. C., for Virginia. The company numbers eighty-five privates, and is commanded as follows:

Geo. B. Cuthbert, Captain; C. R. Holmes, First Lieutenant; T. S. Brownfield, Second Lieutenant; L. S. Webb, Third Lieutenant; Samuel Robinson, First Sergeant; J. E. Wright, Second Sergeant; G. M. Lalane, Third Ser-geant; H. D. Manahan, Fourth Sergeant; M. J. Darly, Fifth Sergeant; J. B. Boyd, First Corporal; J. E. Gaillard, Second Corporal; A. M. Brailsford, Third Corporal; DeSaussure Edwards, Fourth Corporal; J. E. Dutart, Fifth Corporal; E. W. Bellinger, Sixth Corporal; O. D. Mathews, Quartermaster; R. S. Miller, jr., Commissary.–Charleston Mercury, May 10.

–The Cumberland, Pawnee, Monticello, and Yankee are enforcing the blockade off Fortress Monroe. The Yankee pursued an armed schooner up York River, but after proceeding a short distance was fired upon from a concealed battery, and compelled to return.

The steamers Philadelphia, Baltimore, Powhattan, and Mount Vernon, of the Aquia Creek line, recently taken possession of by the Federal Government, are cruising on the Potomac, all heavily armed. Southern troops are concentrating in the vicinity of Norfolk. An Alabama regiment of 1,100 men, and eighty cadets of the same State, have arrived, and encamped in the vicinity of Fort Norfolk.

The Virginians have five batteries erected in Norfolk harbor; one on Craney Island; one at Sandy Point; one at the Hospital; one near Fort Norfolk, and one on the Bluffs three miles from the Hospital. –N. Y. Evening Post, May 11.

–J. Lawrence Keese, a private in the 8th Company of the 7th Regiment of New York, was accidentally shot at Washington. He was standing in front of his tent washing his hands, when a musket fell from a stack of arms within a few feet of him, and went off, the ball entering his side, passing through his lungs, and killing him almost instantly. He was a young man of fine talents, and greatly esteemed by his comrades.–N. Y. Commercial, May 10.

–Today was strictly observed as a fast-day at Wheeling, Va. Patriotic sermons were delivered in nine out of the twelve churches. The Methodist Church pulpit was decorated with the Stars and Stripes. Rev. Mr. Smith delivered an eloquent address. He said he would hold no fellowship with traitors. If there was a secessionist in his congregation he wanted him to leave. Other ministers prayed that the rebels might be subdued or wiped from the face of the earth.–N. Y. Herald, May 10.

–The steamship Africa arrived at New York from England, bringing the first news of the impression produced in Europe by the reduction of Fort Sumter. The earliest feeling was one of the profoundest gloom and discouragement, but subsequent reflection suggested a probability, eagerly accepted, that hostilities would terminate with the opening act; and that, startled by the shock of arms, the Government and the separated States would have fresh dispositions for an amicable arrangement The notion, founded on the fact that no lives had been lost, also became current; that the affair was merely a sham fight, arranged entirely to cover the evacuation from discredit, and save the reputation of Major Anderson. These ideas were indorsed generally by the journals, who, however, regarded the business as extremely enigmatic, and as needing further enlightenment before final judgment could be passed.– (Doc. 148.)

–Two companies of Southern volunteers from Baltimore, numbering sixty-five men, passed through Frederick, Md., on their way to Virginia. They were under the command of Capts. Wetmore and Price, and unarmed. They marched through the city protected by Gen. Shriver and the sheriff, and their appearance created deep excitement, but no outbreak. A company of about thirty-four volunteers left Frederick early this morning for Harper’s Ferry, under the command of Captain Bradley T. Johnson.–National Intelligencer, May 11.

–The First Regiment of Connecticut Volunteers left New Haven this morning for the seat of war.–N. Y. Tribune, May 10.

–The Salem, Mass., Zouaves arrived at Washington. They number 66 men, and are officered as follows: Captain, A. F. Devereux; 1st Lieutenant, G. F. Austin; 2d Lieutenant, E. A. P. Brewster; 3d Lieutenant, G. D. Putnam. They are armed with the Miniè musket, and uniformed in dark blue jackets and pants, trimmed with scarlet braid, and red fatigue caps. –National Intelligencer, May 11.

–A privateer was captured at the mouth of the Chesapeake, by the steamer Harriet Lane. The officers and crew, with the exception of two seamen, escaped.–Philadelphia Press, May 9.

–The Richmond Examiner of to-day demands a Dictator; it says: “No power in executive hands can be too great, no discretion too absolute, at such moments as these. We need a Dictator. Let lawyers talk when the world has time to hear them. Now let the sword do its work. Usurpations of power by the chief, for the preservation of the people from robbers and murderers, will be reckoned as genius and patriotism by all sensible men in the world now, and by every historian that will judge the deed hereafter.”

–The Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment from the county of Montgomery, arrived at Washington from Annapolis. It is commanded by the following officers:

Colonel, John F. Hartranft; Lieut. Col, Edward Schall; Major, Edwin Schall; Adjutant, Chas. Hunsicker; Quartermaster, Yerkes; Surgeon, Dunlop; Assistant-Surgeons, Christ and Rogers; Captains, Bolton, Schall, Chamberlain, Dunn, Snyder, Allabaugh, Amey, Brooke, Cooke, and Taylor.

The regiment numbers about 900, and comprises a fine body of hardy yeomanry and artisans, who left their fields and shops to rally in defence of the National Capital–National Intelligencer, May 9.

–The steam frigate Minnesota, the flag-ship of the blockading squadron, sailed from Boston, Mass.–Boston Transcript, May 8.

–A meeting in aid of the volunteers from Roxbury, Mass., was held in that city. Speeches were made by Rev. J. E. Bartholomew, Edward Everett, and Alexander H. Rice.–(Doc. 145.)

–General Butler, at the Relay House, Md., promulgated special brigade orders concerning the several events that have occurred at the camp at that place since its formation.–(Doc. 146.)

–A serious riot occurred at Knoxville, Tenn., caused by hoisting a Union flag and the delivery of inflammatory speeches. About twenty shots were fired in all. A man named Douglas, a ringleader in the fight, was wounded, having received several shots. An outsider, named Bull, was mortally wounded.–National Intelligencer, May 11.

–Judge Ogden   of the County Court of Oyer and Terminer of Hudson County, N. J., delivered a charge to the Grand Jury, in which he defined the crime of treason as giving aid, comfort, and information to the enemy.

The Massachusetts First Regiment, which has been for several days at Boston waiting marching orders, on learning that the War Department would hereafter accept no troops for a less period than three years, unanimously offered their services to the Governor for the full term.

The New Jersey House of Assembly ordered to a third reading the bill to raise a war loan of $1,000,000. Resolutions of thanks to Governor Olden for his activity in raising troops, to President Lincoln for his energetic defence of the Union, and pledging New Jersey to stand by the Union with all her power, were introduced into the Senate by a democrat, and passed by a unanimous vote.–N. Y. Tribune, May 8.

–The contributions of the people of the North for the war, during the last three weeks amount to the sum of $23,277,000. Pennsylvania leads the column with a free gift of $3, 500,000. New York and Ohio have each given $3,000,000; Connecticut and Illinois each $2,000,000; Maine, $1,300,000; Vermont and New Jersey, each $1,000,000; Wisconsin and Rhode Island, $500,000; Iowa, $100,000. The contributions of the principal cities are: New York, $2,173,000; Philadelphia, $330,000; Boston, $186,000; Brooklyn, $75,000; Buffalo, $110,000; Cincinnati, $280,000; Detroit, $50,000; Hartford, $64,000.–(Doc. 141.)

–The Twentieth Regiment of N. Y. S. M. from Ulster County, under the command of Colonel George W. Pratt, left New York for the seat of war.–(Doc. 142.)

–Reverdy Johnson addressed the Home Guard of Frederick, Md., upon the occasion of the presentation to them of a National flag from the ladies of that place. The population of the city was swelled by the addition of upwards of two thousand persons, who poured in from the surrounding towns and villages, sometimes in lengthy cavalcades of horses and vehicles, and again in companies of tens and fifties. Union cockades and badges were displayed in profusion upon the coats of the jubilant Union men, numbers of whom were decidedly ambitious in their ideas of patriotic personal adornment, wearing cockades as large as sun-flowers. The Stars and Stripes fluttered gaily from about forty different points, and, altogether, Frederick may be said to have donned her holiday suit for the occasion.

The scene of the presentation formalities was the Court-house yard, where a stand, draped with the national colors, had been erected, and at the hour designated for the commencement of the ceremonies, was surrounded by two or three thousand persons, including the Brengle Guard, a body of about three hundred respectable citizens, principally aged and middle-aged men, organized for the purpose of home protection and defence.–(Doc. 148.)

–Four hundred Pennsylvania volunteers, escorted by three hundred regular United States troops from Carlisle barrack; arrived at Washington at 10 o’clock, on the evening of Thursday, April 18th, and bivouacked at the capitol–N. Y. Times, April 19.

–Isham G. Harris, Governor, sent a message to the General Assembly of Tennessee, announcing the formation of a military league between that State and the Confederate States; submitting the plan of the league, the joint resolution ratifying it, and a “declaration of independence and ordinance dissolving the Federal relations between the State of Tennessee and the United States of America.”–(Doc. 144.)

–Governor Hicks, in response to an order of the Maryland Senate, inquiring if he consented to or authorized the burning of the bridges on the Northern Central, and the Baltimore, Wilmington, and Philadelphia railroad, said: “I have to say that I neither authorized nor consented to the destruction of said bridges, but left the whole matter in the hands of the Mayor of the city of Baltimore, with the declaration that I had no authority in the premises; that I was a lover of law and order, and could not participate in such proceedings.”–National Intelligencer, May 10.

–The six regiments demanded by the Federal Government of Indiana were raised and mustered into service and ready to march in a week after the call was made. They are now in camp, drilling daily, and living the regular soldier life. They would have been on the way to the post assigned them long ago if they had been armed. But up to this time, though the guns have come, the accoutrements are still behind.–Indiana State Journal, May 7.

–Virginia was admitted into the Southern Confederacy in Secret Session of the Confederate Congress.–N. Y. Times, May 14.

–The Committee appointed by the General Assembly of Maryland to visit President Lincoln and present him with a copy of the joint resolutions adopted by that body on the 24 of May, presented their report.–(Doc. 135.)

–The town of Dorchester, Mass., voted $20,000 for the war, besides appropriating $20 per month to every married volunteer, and $15 to every single volunteer. This applies not only to citizens of Dorchester who enlist in the town or out, but to citizens of other towns who may enlist in Dorchester, provided their own towns . do not make any provision for them.–N. Y. Express, May 9.

–General John A. Dix, late Secretary of the Treasury, was appointed one of the four major-generals from the State of New York. General Dix is a native of New Hampshire, and is a son of the late Lieut.-Colonel Timothy Dix. He entered the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1812; was promoted ensign in 1814, and was subsequently promoted to a third lieutenancy in the twenty-first regiment of infantry. His subsequent rank of promotion is as follows:

Second lieutenant, March, 1814; transferred August 14, 1814, to artillery arm; returned same year in the re-organization of the army; adjutant, 1816; first lieutenant, March 18; aide-de-camp to Major-General Brown, 1816; transferred to First artillery, May, 1821; Third artillery, August, 1821; captain, August 25; resigned his commission in the army, December 11, 1828. He afterward filled the post of Adjutant-General of the State of New York, Secretary of State, and United States Senator from January, 1845 to 1849; Postmaster of New York in 1860-61; and was called to the post of Secretary of the Treasury, under James Buchanan, January 11, 1861.– Commercial Advertiser, May 7.

–The First, Second, and Third regiments of New Jersey State Militia arrived at Washington. They constitute, with the Fourth, previously arrived, a brigade of 3,200 men, under the command of Gen. Theodore Runyon. His staff consists of Capt. J. B. Mulligan, Aid; Brigade-Major, A. V. Bonnell; Private Secretary and Special aid, C. W. Tollis.–(Doc. 136)

–The Arkansas Convention, by a vote of sixty-nine to one, passed an ordinance of secession from the Federal Union. The ordinance was unanimously ratified by the State.–N. O. Picayune, May 7.

–The correspondence between Mr. Faulkner, late American Minister at Paris, and Secretary Seward, in relation to the recognition of the Southern Confederacy by the government of France, is published. – (Doc. 137.)

–The Washington Star of this morning, speaking of the intended attack on Washington by the secessionists, says, “The scheme of the oligarchy was to have attacked this city sometime between daybreak of the 18th and daybreak of the 21st of April ultimo. They had been led to believe that the Virginia ordinance of secession would have been pushed through the Convention a few days before that was accomplished, (on the 17th,) and that the troops of that State would have been able to take Washington by surprise between the dates we have named above. The secret outside Convention that was assembled by the disunion Convention in Richmond on the 17th ultimo, was called to aid the scheme, and the raid on Harper’s Ferry was to the end of aiding it also. That was contrived and carried out wholly by disunion revolutionary means; the Governor (Letcher) having declined to order it, or the raid on the Government property (the Navy Yard, &c.) in and near Norfolk. John Bell was doubtless in the conspiracy, we apprehend, as his change of front took place just in time to admit of his getting on what he foolishly supposed would be the winning side. The resignation of the large number of army and navy officers between the 18th and 21st of April, in a body, was doubtless also planned to embarrass the Government just previous to the contemplated attack upon the Federal Metropolis. The conspirators had no idea that the Government would prove more prompt and efficient in their measures of defence, than they in theirs of attack.”

–President Lincoln’s letter to Governor Hicks of Maryland and Mayor Brown of Baltimore, dated on the day after the attack upon the Massachusetts troops, (April 19,) is published in full in the newspapers of to-day.–(Doc. 138.)

–The Police Commissioners of St. Louis, Mo., formally demanded of Capt. Lyon, the officer in command at the Arsenal, the removal of United States troops from all places and buildings occupied by them outside the Arsenal grounds. The Captain, as was doubtless expected, declined compliance with the demand, and the Commissioners have referred the matter to the Governor and Legislature. The Commissioners allege that such occupancy is in derogation of the Constitution and laws of the United States, and in rejoinder Capt. Lyon replies, inquiring what provisions of the Constitution and laws were thus violated. The Commissioners, in support of their position, say that originally “Missouri had sovereign and exclusive jurisdiction over her whole territory,” and had delegated a portion of her sovereignty to the United States over certain tracts of land for military purposes, such as arsenals, parks, &c., and the conclusion implied, but not stated, is, that this is the extreme limit of the right of the United States Government to occupy or touch the soil of the sovereign State of Missouri.–St. Louis Democrat, May 7.

–An important interview took place at Camp Defiance, Cairo, Ill., between Colonel Tilghman, commander of the Kentucky forces, and Colonel Prentiss in command at Cairo.–(Doc. 139.)

–The act recognizing the existence of war between the United States and the seceding States, and concerning letters of marque prizes and prize goods, which had passed the Southern congress at Montgomery, was made public, the injunction of secrecy having been removed therefrom.–(Doc. 140.)

–A meeting of the principal shipowners and commercial men of Maine was held at Augusta. It was summoned by Governor Washburn to take into consideration the state of the country, and the expediency of procuring a guard for the coast. Resolutions were adopted tendering the services of the shipowners to the Government, and pledging their ability to furnish thirty steam vessels within from 60 to 90 days, if required.

George F. Patten, of Bath, John B. Brown, of Portland, and George W. Lawrence, of Warren, were appointed a committee to proceed to Washington and communicate to the Government the views of the merchants and shopkeepers of the State, and to urge the most vigorous action in the premises. The meeting embraced the leading shipowners of all parties, and the sentiment in favor of executing the laws was not only unanimous, but enthusiastic.–Boston Transcript, May 8.

–Raleigh, North Carolina, is alive with soldiers, who have been pouring in at the call of the Governor. Sixteen companies, comprising twelve hundred men, rank and file, are encamped at the Fair Grounds, and there are several more quartered in other parts of the city. They are all fine looking, and in their eagerness to acquire military knowledge frequently have voluntary drills, not being satisfied with the three regularly appointed ones for each day.

Ten companies have been selected by the Governor to constitute the “First Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers,” and an election of field officers has taken place, resulting in the selection of D. H Hill, O. C. Lee, and J. H. Lane, respectively, to the offices of Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Major.–Charleston Mercury, May 11.

–The Twenty-eighth New York Regiment (from Brooklyn) arrived at Washington by the steamer Star of the South. In the absence of Col. Bennett, detained at home by sickness, Lieut.-Col. E. Burns is in command. The other officers are Acting Lieut.-Col. W. R. Brewster; Adjutant, D. A. Bokee; Surgeon, P. B. Rice; Surgeon’s Mates, Drs. Rappold and Prentice; Captain of Engineer Corps, Von Kumeke; Quartermaster, F. Steigier; Assistant Quartermaster, O. Menseh; Acting Paymaster, W. Mavelle; Chaplain, Mr. Zapt. They number about six hundred men, divided into ten companies, commanded by Captains Brewer, Baker, Campbell, Brandenberry, Beadle, Seeper, Ruegor, Wills, Kuhl, and Weaver. –National Intelligencer, May 7.

–Brigadier-General Philip St. George Cocke commanding the “Potomac Department” of the State of Virginia, in orders issued to-day, says:

“The capital of the United States has never been threatened, and it is not now threatened. It is beyond and outside the limits of the free and sovereign State of Virginia.”

If Gen. Cocke means to say that the “capital of the United States” has never been threatened by him, all credence will be given to his declarations under this head; but if it is intended to suggest that there have been no threats of attack from other quarters, sufficient to justify the precautionary measures taken by the Federal Government, his assurances cannot be received without casting discredit on men high in the confidence of the Confederate States, and on able and influential journals, heretofore understood to be the authentic exponents of Southern wishes and purposes.–(Doc. 134.)

–A body of, Federal troops, under command of Gen. B. F. Butler, arrived at the Relay House, nine miles from Baltimore, took possession of the telegraph wires, planted eight howitzers on the viaduct, and invested the entire neighborhood. They encamped on the grounds of William Talbot, adjoining those of George W. Dobbin, on the west side of the Patapsco. This point is the junction of the Baltimore and Ohio road, and the Washington branch, and gives full command of the road to and from the West.–The World, May 6.

–The women of Mobile organized themselves into a society to make sand bags for defence, lint and bandages for the wounded, clothes for the soldiers of the Confederate Army, to nurse the sick and wounded, and to seek out the families of those volunteers upon whose exertions their families are dependent for daily support.–N. O. Picayune, May 5.

–A large Union meeting was held at Kingwood, Preston county, Va., when resolutions were adopted expressing unalterable opposition to the ordinance of secession, favoring a division of the State, and resolving to vote for a delegate to the next session of Congress.–National Intelligencer, May 11.

–Commodore Charles Stewart, of the United States Navy, addressed a letter to George W. Childs of Philadelphia, furnishing him with the reminiscences of a conversation which passed between Com. Stewart and John C. Calhoun, in the year 1812, after the declaration of war against Great Britain by the Congress of the United States.–(Doc. 132.)

–The artists of New York met at the rooms of Messrs. Kensett and Lang in that city. Mr. D. Huntingdon was called to the chair. Messrs. Kensett, Gray, and Lang embodied resolutions which were adopted by those present, expressing their desire to contribute to the relief of families of volunteers of the city of New York who are now serving in defence of government and law, and resolving that a committee be appointed to solicit contributions of pictures or other works of art, to be disposed of at public auction; said committee to have power, also, to receive moneys presented in aid of the fund. Messrs. Gray, Lang, Hubbard, Huntington, Stone, and Baker were named the committee, with full power to forward the plan proposed. –N. Y. Evening Post, May 7.

–The Ithaca (N. Y.) volunteers arrived in New York on their way to the seat of war. They number one hundred and fifteen men, and are commanded by the following officers:–Captain, Jerome Rowe; First Lieutenant, James Tischner; Ensign, William O. Wyckoff; Orderly Sergeant, William Godley; Second Sergeant, Edwin C. Fulkenson; Third do., Edward Atwater; Fourth do., Dr. Tolbo; First Corporal, Leonard Atwater; Second do., Clinton McGill; Third do., James A. Dickinson; Fourth do., George Shepherd.–N. Y. Herald, May 5.

–The Onondaga Regiment left Syracuse, N. Y., for Elmira. This is the first regiment organized under the new Volunteer bill of the State of New York. Ten full companies presented their muster-rolls to the Adjutant-General, not merely full, but with an excess of nearly one hundred men.–N. Y. Tribune, May 5.

–The New Orleans Delta of to-day contains a full account of the numbers and condition of the rebel troops and defences in the vicinity of Fort Pickens; from which it appears that Gen. Bragg has under his command an army of over six thousand fighting men, besides a large force of laborers, sailors, and marines.–(Doc. 133.)

–The Buena Vista Volunteers, from Philadelphia, Captain Powers, arrived at New York. They are to join Col D. E. Sickles’s regiment. These are men who went unarmed to Baltimore, and fought the Gorillas with their fists.– N. Y. Tribune, May 5.

–The Phoenix Ironworks at Gretna, opposite Lafayette, New Orleans, cast the first gun for the Confederate Navy. It is an eight-inch Dahlgren shell, and has eight feet six inches bore.

The steamship Star of the West was put in commission as the receiving ship of the Confederate States Navy at New Orleans. She is stationed at the navy yard at Algiers, under the temporary command of Midshipman Comstock, for receiving sailors and marines now being enlisted for the navy.–N. O. Picayune, May 5.

–A committee of the Maryland Legislature held an interview with President Lincoln. They admitted both the right and the power of the government to bring troops through Baltimore or the State, and to take any measures for the public safety which, in the discretion of the President, might be demanded either by actual or reasonably apprehended exigencies. They expressed their belief that no immediate effort at secession or resistance of the federal authority would be attempted by the Legislature or State authorities, and asked that, in this view, the State should, as long as possible, be spared the evils of a military occupation or a mere revengeful chastisement for former transgressions. The President replied that their suggestions and representations should be considered, but that he should now say no more than that the public interests, and not any spirit of revenge, would actuate his measures–N. Y. Herald, May 5.

–A Union meeting was held at Wheeling, Va, Hon. Frank Pierpont, of Mason county, and George M. Porter, late member of the convention, addressed the people in able speeches, urging resistance to the secession ordinance, ad favoring the division of the State. Resolutions were adopted approving the action of the merchants in refusing to pay taxes to the authorities at Richmond, denunciatory of the secession ordinance, and declaring adhesion to the stars and stripes.–Boston Transcript, May 8.

–The American flag was displayed from the tower of the First Baptist Church in Broome street, New York, with appropriate ceremonies. A large concourse of people listened to stirring speeches by President Eaton, of Madison University, Rev. Dr. Armitage, Rev. Mr. Webber, of Rochester, and Hon. W. D. Murphy, of the Oliver street church.

Dr. Armitage referred to the fact that the pastors of this First Baptist Church (a church which has existed more than a century) had all been noted for their zealous patriotism. One of the most eminent of them–Spencer H. Cone–had, in the war of 1812, himself gallantly defended that emblem of civil and religious liberty, the stars and stripes, at Fort McHenry; and at this moment members of this church are in the camp, equally ready to defend it against all aggression. No free government or constitutional liberty have ever been secured or perpetuated by any nation without the seal of its own blood. If the liberties thus purchased for us by our fathers, and the government which they founded–the best the world has ever seen–are to be insulted and trampled upon, shall we not strike down the traitor, even though he be one of the family–even though he be our own brother?

“I too,” said Dr. Eaton, “am emphatically a man of peace, for I am a minister of the gospel of the Prince of Peace; but in this crisis, my friends, it is my firm conviction that the best and surest way to perpetuate the blessing is promptly to send down, if need be, half a million of men to those seditious brethren of ours, and compel them to keep the peace. We cherish no malice against them–God forbid. But their traitorous hands are now clutching the very life of our body politic, and we must use prompt and vigorous action in defence of our very national existence.”–N. Y. Evening Post, May 7.

–The American flag was elevated above the roof of the University at New York, by Captain Jones, late of Harper’s Ferry, amid the enthusiastic cheers of a large collection of people.

Dr. Bethune made some remarks, taking occasion to make a fitting allusion to Major Anderson and Fort Sumter, which were received with repeated and enthusiastic cheering. He had looked over ancient history for a parallel to this deed of valor, but found none. The bravery shown by the three hundred Spartans at the Pass of Thermopylae was well known; but there still was one coward among them. There was no coward among the men at Sumter. He had been present at a conversation with the gallant defender of the fort, when a gentleman remarked he regretted that the major had not blown up the fort, to which Major Anderson replied that it was better as it was. The ruined battlements and battle-scarred walls of Fort Sumter would be an everlasting shame and disgrace to the South Carolinians. At the conclusion of Dr. Bethune’s remarks the “Star-spangled Banner” was sung, all the audience rising to their feet and joining in the chorus. Col. Baker and Capt. Jones also made short addresses.–The World, May 4.

–Governor Letcher published a proclamation, saying that the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Virginia having been denied, her territorial rights assailed, her soil threatened with invasion by the authorities of Washington, and every artifice employed which could inflame the people of the Northern States against her, it therefore becomes the solemn duty of every citizen of Virginia to prepare for the impending conflict.

To this end, and for these purposes, and with a determination to repel invasion, Governor Letcher authorizes the Commanding General of the military forces to call out, and cause to be mustered into service from time to time, as the public exigencies may require, such additional number of volunteers as he may deem necessary.–(Doc. 129.)

–The First Regiment, Colonel Johnson; the Second, Col Baker; the Third, Col. Napton; the Fourth, Col. Miller, of New Jersey Troops, with Brigadier-General Runyon and staff, left Bordentown for the seat of war, proceeding down the Delaware, via the Delaware and Chesapeake canal. The troops and stores are in a fleet of fourteen steam propellers, the W. Woodward, Henry Cadwalader, Octorora, Delaware, Raritan, Trenton, Patroon, F. W. Brune, Elizabeth, Franklin, Farmer, J. B. Molleson, Eureka, and Fanny Gardner.– World, May 4.

–Union Ward meetings were held to-night throughout Baltimore, Md., and resolutions were adopted to the following purport:–

That we cherish the Constitution and laws of the United States, and will devote our fortunes and lives to defend their integrity against all revolutionary or violent assaults; that we regret the violent attacks on the troops of the United States while peacefully marching through the city to protect the seat of Government, and indignantly repudiate making it a pretext to organize an armed mob, under the guise of a special police, to place the city in a hostile attitude to the General Government; declaring abhorrence at the attempt of the Legislature to inaugurate a military despotism by the bill for the creation of a Board of Public Safety; that the persons named for said Board have not the confidence of the people, and we protest against the whole measure as an invasion on the prerogatives of the Governor and a usurpation of the Executive power by the Legislature.–N. Y. Tribune, May 4.

–The following notice was issued at Pittsburg, Pa., to-day: Shippers of goods in New York are hereby notified that all packages found to contain guns, pistols, powder, and other articles contraband of war, destined for the Southern States, will not be permitted to pass the city of Pittsburg.
………..By order of the Committee,
………………..E. D. Gazzani, Chairman.
–N. Y. Tribune, May 4.

–A letter was received at New York giving information of a design to burn that city, the supply of water to be cut off at the time the city was fired. Philadelphia and Boston were also to be burned.–(Doc. 130.)

–Fourteen companies of Kentuckians from the border counties tendered their services to the Secretary of War through Colonel T. V. Guthrie. Ten were accepted with orders to encamp on the Ohio side of the river.–Boston Transcript, May 4.

–The Connecticut legislature unanimously passed a bill appropriating $2,000,000 for the organization and equipment of a volunteer militia, and to provide for the public defence.–N. Y. Tribune, May 4.

–Governor Jackson of Missouri, in a message to the legislature of that State, says the President of the United States in calling out the troops to subdue the seceded States, has threatened civil war, and his act is unconstitutional and illegal, and tending towards consolidated despotism. While he evidently justifies the action of the Confederate States in seceding, he does not recommend immediate secession, but holds the following language:

“Our interest and sympathies are identical with those of the slaveholding States, and necessarily unite our destiny with theirs. The similarity of our social and political institutions, our industrial interests, our sympathies, habits, and tastes, our common origin, territorial contiguity, all concur in pointing out our duty in regard to the separation now taking place between the States of the old federal Union.” He further adds that “Missouri has at this time no war to prosecute. It is not her policy to make an aggression; but, in the present state of the country, she would be faithless to her honor, recreant to her duty, were she to hesitate a moment in making the most ample preparation for the protection of her people against the aggression of all assailants. I therefore recommend an appropriation of a sufficient sum of money to place the State at the earliest practicable moment in a complete state of defence.”

In conclusion he says: “Permit me to appeal to you and through you to the whole people of the State, to whom we are all responsible, to do nothing imprudent or precipitate. We have a most solemn duty to perform. Let us then calmly reason one with another, avoid all passion and tendency to tumult and disorder, obey implicitly the constituted authorities, and endeavor ultimately to unite all our citizens in a cordial cooperation for the preservation of our honor, the security of our property, and the performance of all those high duties imposed upon us by our obligations to our families, our country, and our God.”–Louisville Journal, May 4

–President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling into the service of the United States 42,000 volunteers for three years’ service, and directing the increase of the regular army and navy of the United States.–(Doc. 131.)

–Four companies of volunteers left Buffalo, N. Y., for the rendezvous at Elmira. They were escorted to the depot by the Home Guard. Major Millard Fillmore, Ex-President, commanding in person. The Home Guard is composed of retired commissioned officers of the State Militia, and is being thoroughly drilled by Major Fillmore. About 150 members are already enrolled.–N. Y. Tribune, May 4.

–Two associations of ladies of New Orleans were formed for aiding and equipping volunteers, and for making lint and bandages, and nursing the sick and wounded. The meetings were very large and enthusiastic.–Baltimore Sun, May 7th.