The Sun.
London, England, 1861-04-23 00:00:00

'ME SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 23, 186 L

AIfIBRICA.

(From the Times' Special Correspondent.)
WASHINGTON, APRIL 9.
•

The critical position of the Federal Government
has compelled its members to preserve secresy.
Never before under any Administration was so
little of the councils of the Cabinet known to the
public or to thOse who are supposed to be ac-
quainted with the opinions of the statesmen in
office. Mr. Seward has issued the most stringent
orders to the officers and clerks in his department
to observe the rules which heretofore have been
much disregarded in reference to the confidential
character of State papers in their charge.
It may be as well to state in the most positive
terms that the reports which have appeared in
American papers of communications between the
English Minister and the American Government
on the subject of a blockade of the Southern ports
are totally and entirely destitute of foundation,
No communication of any kind has passed between
Lord Lyons, on the part of the English Govern-
ment, and Mr. Seward, or any one else, on behalf
of the Government at Washington. It would be
a most offensive proceeding to volunteer any inti-
mation of the course to be pursued by an European
Power respecting a contingency of action on the
part of the United States; nor would it be neces-
sary, in case a blockade were declared, to formu-
late a supererogatory notice that it must be such
a blockade as the law of nations recognises. The
importance of a distinct understanding on that
point is all the greater in connection with the
stories which ate afloat that the naval preparations
of the hour aro intended to afford the Federal Go-
vernment the means of blockading the mouths of
the Mississippi, and the Southern ports, with the
object of collecting the Federal revenue. If any-
thing is clearer than another, in the doubt and
perplexity which prevail, it is that the Govern-
ment will do nothing whatever to precipitate a con-
flict. It would ill become me, in such a crisis, to
hazard any authoritative statements as to the
conduct of the Administration 'under the very
great ,variety of complications which may arise'
hereafter. Of this, hoivever, be assured,—not a
ship, or a gun, or a man will be directed to make
any attack, or to begin an offensive movement
against the Confederated States. If any promise
was made by .the Buchan-an Administration to in-
form the members of the Southern Government or
its representatives of their-course of action, it will
not be considered binding on the consciences of Mr.
Lincoln's Cabinet, composed as it is of men who
look on their predecessors as guilty of treason to
the State. An attempt may be made to reinforce
Fort Pickens, and neither that nor any positien
occupied by the Federal authorities will be volun-
tarily abandoned.
Once for all, let it be impressed on the minds of
the English people that, whatever reports they hear,
and however they may come—no matter whence or
in what guise—there is no truth in them if they
indicate the smallest intention on the part of Mr.
Lincoln to depart from the policy indicated in his
inaugural address. As strongly as words can do
it, I repeat that the forces which have been assem-
bled are oily intended for the reinforcement of
the strong places at Tortugas and Key West, which
have been left short of every necessary of occupation
and defence, and for the establishment of posts of
observation, which are essential in case of hostility
and to guard against surprise or treachery. I have
dwelt in preiious letters on the Obvious policy of
the Government of the United States, and I beg
your readers to have firm faith that there will be
no departure from it. By concentrating forces at
Key West and Tortugas very valuable political
results are obtained in face o f the present dis-
putes, and material strategical advantages in case
those disputes should lead to a rupture, which will
not -be. initiated by the Cabinet at Washington,
These places are within a few hours' sail of the
coast; they are healthy, and can be easily supplied,
as long as the United State's fleet can keep the sea
and cover the movements of its transports. Their
occupation in force cannot be taken as an act of
open war, while it is undoubtedly an alarming
menace, which will keep the Confederates in a state
of constant apprehension and preparation, leading
to much internal trouble and great expense. By a
confusion of metaphor which events may justify,
the eye to watch may be turned into an arm to
strike.

LIVERPOOL, MONDAY.
The Royal Mail steamship Africa, which touched
at Queenstown yesterday, has arrived.
The opinion that a portion of the expedition
fitted out at New York was intended to support
General Houston, the Federal Governor of Texas,
appears to be borne out. The New I ork, Journal
of Commerce takes that view, saying :—" The
greater portion of the expeditionary force sent from
New York is destined, as I have informed you, for
Brazos Santiago. The importance of that point
in a military, commercial, and political view can-
not be overrated. If you consider the character
of the materials shipped you will see that it is
for the purpose of throwing up fieldworks, of
erecting barracks, and of employing in a level
country flying artillery. You will notice,
too, that the country on the Brazos for thirty
miles is very rich, and will be the wealthiest and
most conservative part of Texas. It now embraces
important commercial points—for instance, Browns-
ville, 40 miles above Brazos Santiago. From
Brownsville there is a great trade with Mexico,
and with the interior of Texas. The imports of
foreign goods at Brazos and at Brownsville are
large and increasing—over five millions in 1852.
Besides the goods and merchandise from non-
seceded States will amount to as much more, all
which will pay duty to the Texan Customhouse,
unless the United States' Government maintain a
military post at Brazos Santiago. One _object,
therefore, is to protect the revenue at this impov-
tant point. But, besides all these reasons, you will
find another in the fact that Governor Houston
made a formal application to this Government for
military and for the protection of the State from
invasion and insurrection, and the expedition may
be intended as a response to the application."

The New York Herald confirms this opinion as
follows :—" The flying• artillery, cavalry, and sap-
pers and miners which have left this port within
the past five days are to proceed to Texas, there to
co-operate with General Houston, for the restora-
tion of the Government authority in that State,
while a portion of the fleet will reinforce Fort
Pickens and other posts on the Gulf coast."
Letters from Washington state that a Government
messenger had been despatched to Montgomery
to have an interview with President Davis. It is
reported that the State Government of Charleston
had been notified that Fort Sumter would be pro-
visioned at any cost. Mr. Seward, the Secretary
of State had declined to receive the Southern com-
missioners, but it is •alleged that he expressed
peaceful intentions on the part of the Administra-
tion, providing the Federal forces were not molested.
The number of steamers recently chartered by the
Government was eight, as follows :—The Atlantic
Baltic, Illinois, Ocean Queen, Fashion, Thomas
Freeborn, Coatzacoalcos, and Yankee. Besides the
Star, of the West and Empire City, orders had been
issued by the Navy Department to have the Wabash,
Vincennes, and Savannah, at Brooklyn, and the
Jamestown, at Philadelphia, fitted for active service
with despatch. The Powhattan, the Harriet Lane,
aid the transports Illinois and Baltic had sailed for
*the Gulf.

The Governor of Pennsylvania gad sent a mes-
sage to the Legislature, recommending the organi-
sation of militia and other measures, and stating

that he had received a letter from President Lin-
coln, with information of a design to attack the
city of Washington. He calls attention to the
serious jealousies and divisions distracting the

public mind, and the military organisations of a
formidable character, seemingly not demanded by
any existing public exigency, in certain States.
He adds " Pennsylvania offers no counsel, and
takes no action, in the-nature of a menace. Her
desire is peace; and to affect the preservation of the
personal and political rights of citizens, the true
sovereignty, of the States, and the- supremacy
of law and order.: Animated by these sentiments,
and indulging an earnest hope of a speedy
restoration of harmonious and friendly relations,
I commit the grave subject of this communi-
cation to your deliberations; ' The message was
referred to a
_joint select committee to report by bill.
The alarming rumours current at Washington
had occasioned great excitement in the seceding
States. The state of affairs at 'Charleston and
Montgomery is best.expressed by the telegrams :

" CHARLESTON, APRIL 6.

" Reliable information has been received from
the North that reinforCements are ordered to Fort
Sumter, and will be accompanied by a squadron
under command of Commodpre Stringham. 5,000
Southern men, in 'addition to those at present in the
fortifications, are ready to take the field within 24
hours. The ultimattiro, " siege or surrender," has
not yet been. sent to Major Anderson, but with the
supplies sent in to-day he was notified by General
Beauregard that they are the laA, which is equi-
valent to a declaration of hostilities, This is posi..
live. Troops have Men ordered to rendezvous at
points 'remote from2Charleston, but within sup-
porting distance, to watclObeAuoverrients of the
enemy. They move at once.. Governor Pickens has
all day been inspecting the batteries, accompanied
by a portion of his Council and senior officers of the
army. Everything throughout was in a state of
efficiency. Bloodshed is inevitable, and if 'one
drop is split- no one knows when it will end. A
fOrmahiemand for the surrender of the fort has not
been made, and may not be made at all. For ob-
vious reasons the intentions of the Confederacy are
involved in mystery. The excitement is intense,
and everybody is in fighting humour."

" APRIL 8.

"Gen. Beauregard ha 3 ordered out 5,000 more
troops. Companies of volunteers are constantly
arriving and being put in position in the harbour.
New batteries are also being constructed. All the
posts have been strengthened, and two additional
regiments are hourly expected from the interior.
The men are in excellent spirits at the prospect of
some result, Vessels have been ordered from the
range of fire between Fort Sumter and Sullivan's
Island. The floating battery sails at 7 o'clock this
evening for a point near Fort Sumter. A house
has just been blown up near the five gun battery.
Business has been suspended, and fearful excite-
ment prevails.. Considerable activity is manifested
in military quarters here, giving indications that
matters are approximating to -a crisis. Major
Anderson's mail faCilities have not• been cut off, as
reported—only his supplies."

"APRIL 9.

'The affairs in this city are culminating to a
point. About 800 men left the city this morning
for different points in the harbour. It is estimated
that near 5,000 men are stationed at Sullivan's and
Morris Islands, and along the coast. Companies
are arriving. from the interior, and the different
forts will be further strengthened to-morrow by
nearly 1,000 additional. soldiers. The greatest
enthusiasm prevails among all classes. Everything
is quiet on the surface, but there is a deep feeling.
Prodigious preparations are progressing. Senator
Wigfall is serving as a common soldier. Rifled
cannon .are rapidly arriving. Secretary Jamieson
delivered a farewell speech to-day, and compli-
mentary resolutions were adopted. The adjourn-
ment of the Convention is expected to morrow. No
war vessels are outside, so far as known. Lieut.
Talbot and Mr. Chew re!turned at 11 p.m. Per-
mission -vvaa refused to visit Sumtbr, and also to
allow a provision ship to enter the -port. • The city
is under arms ; the surgeons are called for. Martial
law is expected to be proclaimed. Lieut. Talbot
was detained at Florence, and lost 12 hours. The
18,000 men just called for by Jeff. Davis are intended
for operation against the North. The Commis-
sioners at Washington have telegraphed to Gover-
nor Pickens that war is inevitable. The State
,authorities last night received official notification
that supplies would be furnished to Anderson at
any hazard—peaceably if possible, by force if neces•
sary. Immense preparations immediately were
commenced suitable to the emergency. Orders were
issued to the entire military force of the city, held
in reserve, to proceed to their stations without
delay. row regiments of 1,000 men each have been
telegraphed for from the country. One of these,
from Kershaw district, under command of Colonel
Rion, is formed with the unde tanding not, to be
called was pos tively at hand. Dr.
Gibb e
s out s
until
Surgeon-Genera],
fight
make, every provision for the
ral, was rdered to prepare
ambulances,
wounded; and in all -departments were observable
urg
aeon nd the e
the admirable system and discipline with which the
State is prepared for this exigency. The community
has been throin into a fever of excitement by
the discharge of seven guns frotn the Citadel-
sauare, the signal for the assembling of all the re-
serves ten minutes afterwards. Hundreds of men
left their beds, hurrying to and fro towards their
respective destinations. In the absence of sufficient
armories, the corners of the streets.' public squares,
and other convenient points formed places of meet-
img, and all night long the roll of the drum and
the steady tramp of the military
the close proximity of the long and the gallop of
the cavalry resounding through the city betokened
anticipated hostili-
ties. The Home Guards corps of old gentlemen,
who occupy the position of military exempts, rode
through the city, arousing the soldiers, and doing
other duty required by' the moment. Hundreds of
the citizens were, up all night. A terrible thunder-
storm prevailed until a late hour, bat in no wise
interfered with the ardour of the soldiers, mer-
chants, lawyers, doctors, students of divinity, clerks,
mechanics, and labourers, joining shoulder to shoul-
der for common defence. The 47th Regiment,.Boo
strong, gathered thus in one hour, and left for the
fortifications at 3 o'clock this morning. The vessels
in the harbour necessary for transportation will be
called into service by 12 o'clock to-day. 3,000 men,
n addition to those in the harbour, will be under

arms."

The Captain Talbot alluded to in the above tele-
gram was a messenger from Witshington with de-
spatches for Fort Sumter, which he was not per-,
mitted to deliver. The floatingbattery is described
by those who have seen it as resembling a large
wooden screw, arched over with iron, and roofed
with iron plates. To preserve the vessel's balance
one side of the roof is covered with sandbags. In
addition to being used as a battery, it is intended
also for hospital purposes. Altogether it appears
to be a very clumsy affair.
A despatch from Pensacola states that orders had
been given to erect batteries, if possible, on Santa
Rosa Island, to prevent its occupation by the
Southern troops. Fort Pickens is on this island.
The State troops continued their preparations for
an attack on their fort.
British Columbia advices mentions the arrival at
Victoria of Lady Franklin. It was reported that
the British GovernmCnt had determined to build a

naval depot at Esquimault, and that 150,000 dole.
was already set aside for that purpose. The miners
were working as high up the Frazer river as Lyt-

ton City. The weather had been very favourable
for their operations.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Commercial affairs were Mill largely affected by
the critical conjuncture of affairs. For money the
demand was very limited, and borrowers with good
security had but little difficulty iu making almost
their own terms. Rates, if anything, were lower;
prime paper continues very scarce; short dated

passed freely at 5 per cent. and long at 51 to 61.
On call the supply, as usual of late, was much in
excess of the necessities of the general public.
Foreign exchange was heavy, but inactive ; com-
mercial bills were in good supply, and freely offered,
but many bankers were not pressing sales. We
quote on London, 60 nays' bankers' bills, 105 to
1051 ; ditto, commercial bills, 106 to 1071 ; ditto,
bankers' bills, 1071 to 107.1 ; ditto, short sight
bankers' bills, 1081 to 1091.