The Express.
London, England, 1861-06-04 00:00:00

AMERICA.

--4--
NEW YORK, MAY n.
The public mind has been much exercised by the
late news from England in relation to the position
that may be taken by your government during our
continued difficulties. We ask if it be possible that
the Confederate States are to be recognised, and
our blockade disregarded, for the sake of the cotton
interest, and whether every other consideration
is to be overlooked for this alone i By the last
steamer we learn, it is true, that a proclamation is
to be issued warning British subjects from
engaging in the business of privateering, except
at their peril ; yet people fancy that there
underlie+ all a desire that the Southern
Confederacy should in some way escape the con-
sequences of its rashness. Now, it is best
that you should understand that no escape is pos-
sible—it is too late. Nothing short of a return to
their allegiance will ever induce us to abandon the
policy which is now adopted by the national go-
vernment. The South, in the very words of Gene-
ral Scott, is half beaten already. Our preparations
are on the largest scale. Two hundred and thirty
thousand men are already in motion, and half a
million can be called into the field in sixty days.
Never was there such determination displayed be-
fore in this country. Maryland, Delaware, Mis-
souri, and Kentucky are saved to the Union. The
seceders in those States are silenced, and in all
probability Virginia will be with us before
long. It will be a losing game with your
government to give aid and comfort to the insurrec-
tionists. They cannot sustain themselves. They
have no money, they are resorting to issues of
paper, even of the smallest denominations, which
are not taken except at an enormous discount, even
among themselves, and which will never be re-
deemed. Every vessel that now attempts to leave
their ports is immediately seized, and prizes are
daily made by our blockading squadrons, mid sent
'to northern ports to be condemned. Our ships are
now beginning to act vigorously against the fortified
positions within the reach of our guns. A battery
was knocked to pieces the other day at the mouth
of the Potomac, and three grand columns will shortly
operate against Harper's Ferry, Norfolk, and
Richmond.

One thousand Canadian volunteers have been
accepted by the President, and an agent, what=
been in the Canadas on a special mission, reports
that the people there aro unanimous in the expres-
sion of their good will towards our government.
Now, let your own remember that if it takes part
under any pretext with the South, you will most
assuredly lose these fine provinces, and if you
resist their movements by force of arms, we, too,
may talk about "belligerents" as learnedly as
your Crown advisers, and quote your maxims to
your own misfortunes.—l am, &c., AMERICUS.

Some alight skirmidling is reported. The
steamer Baltimore got aground at the mouth of
the Potomac, and was attacked by a propeller,
with a heavy gun and full of men. Four of the Balti-
more's crew were killed and five mortally wounded ;
but the steamer was got off without being captured.
Two schooners filled with Seoessionists had been
captured in the Chesapeake, and towed into the
Washington Navy-yard.

AMERICAN PRIVATEERING.

The following is the text of the letter laid before
the House of Commons last evening by Lord John
Russell :

Foreign-oflice, Jane 1, um.

My Lorda,—Her Majesty's government are, as you ars
aware, desirous of observing the strictest neutrality in the
contest which appears to be imminent between the United
States and the so-styled Confederate States of North
America ; and with the view more effectually to carry out
this principle they propose to interdict the armed ships and
also the privateers of both parties from carrying prizes made
by them into the port., harbour•, roadsteads, or waters of
the United Kingdom, or of any of her Majesty's colonies or
possessions abroad.

I have accordingly to acquaint your lordships that the
Queen has been pleased to direct that orders in conformity
with the principles above stated forthwith be addreseal to
all proper authorities in the United Kingdom, and to her
Majesty's naval and other authorities in all quarters beyond
the United Kingdom for their guidance in the circum'
stanoss.—l have, &c.,

(Signed) J. RriNty.
To the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
Similar letters have been ►ddrereed to the Secretaries
of State for India, War, and the Colonies.

A letter from Carleruhe, in the Were Prwaias
Gazette of the Ist, mays :—" An attempt was lately made to
poison the Grand Marshal of the Court, K. Banenbach, and
it is affirmed that another has now taken place. What is
certain is that, after an investigation by the judicial autho-
rities and a search ail. Baumbach's house, that gentleman's
wife and several of his servants have been arrested. The
lady is allowed two rooms in the apartment of the director
of the prison, and is treated with great attention. Her
husband es firmly convinced that she i■ not guilty,and hopes
are entertained that her innocence will be demonstrated."

The late duel continues to engross a large share
d public attention at Berlin. M. Tweetin's wound is more
serious than was at first reported. Both bones of the
forearm are broken, and the word "amputation" has even
been pronounced. This danger, however, if it ever existed.
seems now to have passed away ; the state of the patient
is satisfactory, and it is hoped that his cure will be complete.
It is said that General Manteutiel, on his return to Berlin•
from the scene of the duel, which took place on the prat'
Using ground of the rifiemen of the guard, near l'utsiLoo,
went straight to the palace and saw the king.

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