Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1861-05-02

or whether she returned to Old Point.
The steamer Spaulding, it is said, at
tempted to return to Boston with hes
troops, but they mutinied against the
Captain and CON mpelled him to take them
to Fortress Monroe, She landed her troops
there, as did also the Empire City, from
New York, carrying in all nearly two
thousand men. 1t seems, however, that
the Spaulding left Fortress Monroe with
out troops for Fort Mcaenry, in the
haI Dor of Baltimore, where she took in
coal and left for the North.
The excitement at Norfolk and Ports
mouth last evening is represented to
have been most intense, and the women
and children were flying from the cities,
md the whole male population rallying
TO arms. 1t was expected that the shops
and the Shp-of the line New York, on
the stocks, would be fired before the
force abandoned the yard.
The levelling of the buildings by be.
ing blown up with powder was going on,
bur it was thought to be an effort to de.
stroy all without fire; for fear the conha
grafton might extend 10 the two cities.
The people of Norfolk had seized the
powderhousc at Craney Island, and re.
moved all the powder it contained to The
city, and were making arrangements fol
vigorous defence.
There had been no fire applied to the
buildings at the Navy Yard when the
louisiana left, at six o'clock last even.
ing. No attempt was made to interfere
with the boats of the Norfolk Line, eli.
thcr by the Government or by Virginia
The citizens of Norfolk have held Il
public meeting; and adopted measures
looking to the public safety until mill.
tary leader shall be appointed by the
Governor, and measures Of defence ia.
ken by the State authorities.
Commander Page, United States Ma.
Wy, being present, responded to a call ot
the meeting, and advised careful and
juaicous course and strict compliance
with the direction Of those who might be
appointed to lead. lie said war was u.
pon us, and we should consider the
mcaning If that word.
The Mayor has issued the following:
To the people of Portsmouth-as your
chief Magistrate. DEAN it my duty to
urga upon you the necessity of avoiding
as far as possible, any excited discussion
at this particular time. Remember that
liberty with law is the greatest blessing
on oarth-without law, it is chaos and
confusion.
1t is all important at this time that
every one shall conduct himself quietly
aud with that true dignity characteristic
of us as people. Our interests are in
common aud destiny one, and it behoves
US quietly to await the final action of our
old mother and to be prepared to obey
her behests, and to enforce the orders of
the constituted authorities. In the mean
while making preparations for defence,
commit no improper act, and remember
that the laws must and will be enforced.
GEORGE W. GRICE Mayor.
The following paragraphs are from the
Norlol papers of Saturday:
Gcn. Taiafcrro and staff arrived here
yesterday and made their headquarters
at the Atlantic Hotel Gen. T., as we
learn, has command of all the Virginia
troops i'll this section. lie was was wal
ted on shortly after his arrival by the
captains of the several military compan-
les of the city and vicinity for the pur-
pose of reporting their strength, condl-
ton, dc. and receiving orders.
An order was issued yesterday by the
Commanding General prohibiting the
Collector of the Port, DR.. j. j. SIM
klns, from the United States Govern
ment, or allowing the removal of depos-
its or anything else from the Custom
House. The Collector being informed
that on his refusal to obey the order
file of men would be sent down to occu-
py the premises, acquiesced AS a mat
ter Of course.
Boats from the Navy have been bust
ly engaged in taking the soundngs and
bearings of these distractions under the
guidance, it is thought, of some person
along shore who witnessed the operation
of placing them there.
The following gentlemen, who had
formerly served with distinction in the
late United States Navy. yesterday re-
ceived their commissions as Captains in
the Navy of Virginia, having previously
sent OH their designations to the Depart
ment at Washington: Commanders r.
i. Page, Arthur Sinclair and j. r.
Tucker; Lieutenants e. + NJ Spottswood
and Robt. b Pegram.
The citizens of Norfolk have organi-
zed a Home Guard, with G W. New
ton as captain. Several military compa-
MES have been mustered into service
both in Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Ez-Gov. Floyd has rendered to Gov.
Letcher the services of Il brigade from
Southwestern Virginia.
Mrs. Mil!lgan, the patriotic wife of
Lieut.. Milligan, late of the revenue
service, has organized force Of young
ladies', and viii proceed at once to make
gray iannel shirts for the n. l.. A. Blues
which are 70 be substituted for their
handsome uniforms,