The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-04-10
THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD.
MILITARY MOVEMENTS.

MILITARY MOVEMENTS.
A TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO MAJOR HOLMEs-DULL-
NESS AT THE FORTS.
Since the departure Of the United States Pow
haitian and the transports Atlantic Baltic and Illinois,
the excitement at the military posts has died away and
forts do not present the Of hustle and
preparation that have described within the past
few days Our forts nearly empty, and with the
exception Of few recruits, stationed on Cover
nor's Island, nobody is left to defend our harbors
in case such thing al invasion should
take place. OF refer the federal army
militia would more than compensate for their alb
sence trained they have been to the careful handling
of the heavy guns Of our harbor Notifications.
One of our reporters yesterday visited the different
forts, and found there most peaceaole appearance.
Everything was quiet and unlike Preparations for
deadly condic, as the most timid could desire.
GOVERNORS ISLAND.
The force at Governors Island has been greatly refused
consequence of the many demands upon its
to supply the transports above named Nearly all the
the Island fresh recruits and matter OF
course know nothing of the use of arms much less tina.
serious matter, warfare Yesterday afternoon the
drill sergeants Of the Island trying initiate about
one hundred and fifty into the mysteries of the
/" manual" They all fresh men, having
been the Island only a few days, some
of them having arrived the evening before AS before
mentioned the force has been greatly weakened the
Der now, counting the additions, does not exceed
four hundred men, Fresh recruits received every
day and before many days the present force may be
greatly augmented
Lieut. Woods, who has superseded Major Holmes in the
command of the Island has been busy engaged seeing
that all things in proper order that he may give
the proper receipt TO the Major for the government pro-
perty under his charge.
The following incident occurred at the Island, which
will no doubt be read with interest by the many
FRIENDS Of Major Holmes:--A large number of North
Carolnians residing in New York, accompanied by
friends from Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. also
residing here paid visit yesterday afternoon to Major
Holmes at Governors Island which post has been under
his command for the last years. for the purpose of
manesng their respect and cordial approval Of his
in resgnng his late position in the army Of the United
States. The meeting was an exceedingly pleasant and
affecting one, displaying much warmth OF feeling and
emotions which do honor to all mankind On the arrival
of the party the island the Major eoqueny and
appropriately addressed by John Potts Brown, Esq to
which he responded in very affecting manner, giving
his in detail for taking the important step To
whom have just alluded. Whilst referring TO the
crisis of affairs impelng him resign, he remarked in
the most patriotic and feeling manner that, during
his thirty one years OF service, he was not
against him, and that as long s he could
with honesty and Wilderness of purpose serve the
government, he faithfully discharged his duty but
now tina. he called upon to instruct in the art
OF war and perfect them in the science that they might
cut the hroats Of his fellow citizens he felt himself con-
strained to throw up his commission, although in doing
SO he sacrificed all pecunary interests TO sense Of duty
Every one present struck with the hardy and soldier
like appearance OF this distinguished officer, giving evil
dence OF his twenty odd years Of active service
west Of the Mississippi. The company were then
invited by Mr. Kendall, at whose residence the
above took place, to a collation. hastily prepared
and while toass being drank to the health and future
prosperity of Major Holmes the representatives present
OF the different States called upon and responded
with enthusiastic feeling Among the number Mr.. p A.
Noise of South Carolina made very eloquent and
appropriate remarks, highly complimentary to Major
Holmes and 10 the Old North state. The Major &C.
cepted this entirely unexpected visit OF his friends
as high evidence Of their appreciation Of
his course, and evidently much gratifed
with II. We have been credbly informed that
Immediately after the above interesting interview des
patches received by Major Homes-one from the
War Department at Washington city, authorizing him 10
proceed North Carolina and there await the acceptance
Of bis resignation another from his friends Whining
ton N c. desiring to know when he would arrive there
and rendering him their hoepltaes.
on Monday evening the band belonging 10 the island
compImented the hnjor by serena 10, which affected
him very much 1t showed the affection with which he
is has been regarded by all with whom he had been
brought Major Holmes to have left for
the South yesterday, at6P.M.
With very few exceptions the soldiers sent from Cover
nors Island recruits entirely unacquaintcd with
military and not able endure the fatgucs Of
extended campaign, and, together with that, there
dislike their part to enter into warfare with sister
portion OF the country at least Of the men so
pressed himself and umated that he but reechoed the
almost universal sentiment of his comrades. After eav
ing the island reporter betook himself TO
FORT HAMILTON,
where he found matters even quiet than at the
point he had lust left. The gate leading to the fort was
wide open, Notwithstanding order on the same TO
please shut the gate" Nobody was visible, and with
the exception OF evildsposed looking dog nothing
obstrucicd his passage. At the end OF the eng dock
two three persons were engaged in fishing, and
TO them reporter bent his steps, and politely
informed that there was no ono at the fort but a
few old and two three sick soldiers that they
had all been removed to supply the wants Of the departed
vessels
A rumor in circulation that a number Of men had
been placed in Fort Hamilton yesterday from of the
neghboring forte, but personal investigation proved
the contrary.
FORT LAFAYETTE,
Situated Immediately opposite Fort Hamilton, ia in a
like situation as regards the number Of persons within
walls They have all been removed, and there remain
bu, few to take charge Of H. No doubt there will be
force OF men sent TO garrison these forts early
period. .
BEpLoE's ISLAND.
The fort on Bedloes Island s better OF than tho
etbcrs tie sudden demand fer soldiers has left but few
han Oup man
Everything il quiet, and will no doubt remain until
urthpr orders arc tecafvnd