New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-04-19
Seizures Of Government Property Reported
FORT PICEENS REINFORCED
The Defenses Of Washington.
TRAITORS DRIVEN GU
Special D.spstoh to The N. Y. Tribune.

WASHINGTON, Thursday, April 18, 1861.
This day has been more exciting than any OF
It's predecessors. What with authentic reports,
probable theories, and most absurd runors,
avery hour has furnished food for the converse
zion which fills the city with its hum. 1t will
Ae well h. 90. forth in their order the chief IT.
ports and occurrences. Early in the day, the
standard rumor Of the taking of Harper's Ferry
was set ahost. 1t is supposed that its founda.
zion was this: II lie known that last night all
The locomotives and cars, except enough to draw
Che morning train South, were sent away from
Alexandria down the line OF the Orange and
Alexandria Road. IL was supposed they were
10 be taken to Richmond for the purpose Of con-
veying the mob to Harper's Ferry. To do this
would. however. require some time, inasmuch rs
Ae Rebels. after passing over the Manassas
Gap Road have march Of Is miles 10 perform.
The Secretary Of War has been in consultation
with loyal virgiuians on this matter and it is
said, on good authority that the arms are to he
removed directly from the arsenal 10 this city.
The Superintendent, Alfred Barbour, has been
superseded. He cent in bis resignation some
Anne ago, with the understanding that it should
nc, be accepted, his only object being to stand
better in Virginia. He was elected to the Con.
~ention as Union man, and had been regarded
a. honest On Wednesday, however, be tele-
rraphed 10 the Department 10 have his resgna.
zion accepted at once. This was done, and from
Shat moment the affairs of Harper's Ferry were
considered as critical
dispatch received late tonight states that al
1. quiet there aud that an art ery force is on
active duty. Those who look at the matter with
De the scene Of a conflict
The next ramOr Of the day was that the Nir-
eioians were sinking ships at Norfolk, sezing
United States arms, and taking possession Of
vessels Of war. This appears to be true, though
there is a strange difficulty in having authentic
intelligence from Richmond.
II is now believed that the ordinance Of Seoes-
sion was passed on Tuesday night, aud that the
action of the Governor is q deliberate attempt to
drive people to vote for it.
II is said that Southern railroads through Vir-
einia are INSTRUCTED by tearing up the rails but
this report is not corroborated.
The two stories just alluded to threw the city
into terrible turmoil, and at Wizards Hotel
one would have thought an invading army were
ct the very gates.
1t is said that large number Of ladies are
tesring Washington, and it is certain that among
She arrivals there are very few, except those
accompanied by men.
The arrangements for the protection OF the
city have been perfected. The outposts have
Ssen strengthened, and an unusual vigilance can
BE observed everywhere.
five companies Of Pennsylvania troops have
arrived and are quartered at the capitol, which
is Lighted and warmed. The men number De-
Tween FIVE and six hundred, and are IN eOod
spirits, though hungry. Sentinels are pos''u'
and the building has the air of very magnih-
cent barrack. Some more troops from fennfyi-
y,uis and some, also, from Massachusetts, are
expected during the night Tho old capitol
building is to be fitted up for the New'iork ci'y
regiments. Shermsn's battery is expected To-
night. SO il is certain that, before Friday nght'
The CITY will be able to stand with effect against
foes from within and without.
The traitors in the city demand the attention
of Government, and viii soon receive IT. III is
,said that an organization of 900 fellows hostile
20 the Union, exists here, and they are anxious
e. co;,perate with the Rebels in the South.
The Secession organ here is striving TO make
a reputation by Dsunion donble-ieadcd articfs'
When martial law is proclaimed, as IN the op
Son of many, it will very soon be, these persons
sFill be dealt with properly
To-day all the Treasury Clerks were sum
znoned TO meet at O'Clock, and it is supposed
chat they were to take the oath. 1t is certain
that thorough and vigorous efforts are making to
purge the departments of traitors
Lieut.. Nash arrived here to-day with dis
matches from Lieut.. Slemmer. Fort Pickens has
really been reinforced, but the nature OF the
dispatches is not made known.
The Hon. Cassus M. Clay left the city this
afternoon, and will reach New-York on Friday
morning, on his way to his mission. The Hon.
Jacob Haldcman Minister to Sweden, is also to
sail at the same time.
Great interest is felt to witness the arrival Oh
che Massachusetts troops. Their movements are
properly kept secret.
The Cabinet held a session at noon to-day,
at which il is understood Philadelphia appoint
anents were made.
II lie almost certain that, during the forenoon,
important dispatches have been received at the
War Department.
WAsHIYGToS Thursday April 1S 1861.