The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-28

TOUR WASHINGTON CORRESPOND ENCE. I
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27.-Ths has been one of the
most eventfu and exciting days Of the present ses-
sion of Congress. About noon it announced
that despatch had been received from Charleston
stating that Fort Moultrie had been abandoned by
the United States troops who had retired to Fort
Sumpter. l am informed by military men that
this is judicious move, inasmuch as Fort Sumter
entirely commands Fort Moutrie, and is much
more defensible. Gen. Scott, | learn, suggested
the change, and expresses the opinion that
hundred men hold the position for three months
against any force that South Carolina can bring
to bear. The necessity of the change made pro-
found sensation upon Northern men, who awake at
last to the fact that civil war is becoming mmi
nent and may at any moment enSue.
There are, however, no symptoms Of yielding on
the Republican side. learn, reliably, that all the
propositions presented yesterday, in the Senate
Committee of Thirteen, were, under the rules,
voted down, the Republicans unanimously eppes-
ing all propositions coming from the South. The
Committee meet again tomorrow, but it is not
thought Davis, of Miss, ToOmbs, will attend,
it being generally known that the Republicans in
tend to make no concessions whatever! This,
have positive Information, is the expressed deter
mination of the leading men of that party, on the
Committee.
The Committee of Thirty-Three are not likely to
be more fortunate in their abors, and their disso-
luton, without action, is expected at any moment.
Mr.. Breckenridge has suggested that conven-
ton of the border slave States be held in Baltimore
in February, to determine their course of ac-
ton. An address upon the subject will be signed
by the great bulk of the representatives in Congress
from those States.
The probability of LincOln's inauguration in
Washington being opposed by force, is now very
freely spoken of.
The affairs of the War Department, according to
| Ill. i
was confidently stated this afternoon that Secre-
tary Floyd was in danger of arrest and impeach-
ment for malfeasance in Office. Recent develop
ments have affected him much to render him
nearly incapable of attending to the duties of his
position. Should any thing happen to him it is sup
posed Gen. Scott will be asked to succeed him.
Investigations have been going on in the Treasu-
~ Department. but so far no defalcation has been
discovered, and it is not likely that any will be.
The South Carolina Commissioners occupy a
private house X street. They receive but few
visitors. The President will make commuuica-
ton to Congress on the subject of their embassy,
on Monday next and MIR. Benjamin will open the
debate in reference thereto in the Senate
The proposition of Charles Francis Adams in the
Committee of Thirty three to admit New Mexico rs
a slave State into the Union is bitterly opposed by
the Republicans, and in Difference to the views of
his friends, Mr.. Adams will probably withdraw it,
unless coupled with other propositions distasteful
TO the South
The feeling prevalent here to-day was that the
Committees would accomplish nothing that the
Government was fast going to wreck, and that civ
il war was hourly becoming more imminent A
general gloom pervades all ranks of society.
OBSERVER.