, 1861-05-03
BY EMPRESS AND OVERLAND mai.
DATES FROM ST. LOUIS TO APRIL Slh!
From the San Francisco Bulletin, April II.

the Administration regarding the southern
forts. The greatest activity continue,
about the New York forts and navy yards
Troops continue to embark under sealed
orders, their destination being wholly IN
known.
1t is not settled whether a war polio,
has been determined upon, though the &C
counts indicate determination to hold and
strengthen oil posts in its possession in The
Southern States.
Republican papers assert that the Gov
ernment has at last policy.
Much excitement exists in the South
where activity is displayed and preparation,
are making for fight, which by many is
considered as inevitable, though others dc
not yet despair of peaceful solution.
Special dispatches are lilled with rumors
many Of which seem to be purely "sensa-
tional." Some already have proved to be
unfounded, and others contradict each 9th.
er. Thus far, the only steamers chartered
at New York to convey troops to the
South, are said to DO the Illinois and A.
Lantie. The Illinois will sail to-day. The
Atlantic will carry 900 troops, with provis-
ions for sixty days. The Potchatdn will
probably act as convoy for the steamers.
Two companies are reported to have left
New York on the night Of the 5th. About
$500 troops are collected at New York,
who we're paid up last week, indicating
marching orders.
Large quantities Of stores were re-ship-
ped on board the Atlantic; l6 double-bank-
ed boats, for landing troops, were put on
board the same steamer. Capt. Barry's
battery is on board. The PotohataH will
take troops from Forts Columbus aud
Hamilton. Orders have been given for
10000 sand-bags now manufacturing for
Fort Tortugas.
The sloop-of-war Palonee, left Washing
ton for Norfolk, aud will there receive or
ders.
Lieut.. Talbot, after an interview with
the President, returned to Fort S1mpter.
Lieut.. Gilman, after an Interview With
Secretary Cameron and Gen. Scott, left i'm
mediately for Pensacola.
Capt. Meigs, commander Of the corps Of
carpenters and machinists, left Washington
Navy Yard for New York.
Certain movements are studously kept
secret. Workmen are now engaged on the
frigates Wabash aud Roanoke, and brig
Perry There is great activity in the
Charleston (Mass.) Navy Yard; 500 work
men are employed.
The brig Bain6ridge is ready to sail
waiting a crew. The MiRaesota, MiSsissip-
pi and Colorado are also ready. Last ac-
counts state that supplies to Fort Sumpter
were not cut Of.
The Southern Commissioners still mani
fest belief of peaceful solution of the
National difficulties.
In reply to Bolts, and other Virginians,
it is said that the President declined to in
innate his policy.
The Richmond Wing and other papers
have been bought up and raised Secession
banners. Another paper will be started at
Richmond
1t is denied that the naval preparations
are intended for San Domingo.
A despatch from Charleston, yesterday,
to the New York Herald, says that Charles
ton has to-day been in a state Of excitement
unequalled since the FIRST secession move
ments. A crisis is at hand. The appear
ance Of schooner OF the harbor yester-
day evening, her attempt to pass the bat
teries here, and her subsequent mysterious
dsappearance-all have aroused apprehen-
sions Of the most serious character. Tue
military leaders have been unusually active
all day, and members Of the Convention
now in session belonging to the several for
tifcations have been ordered on their sta
tious A thousand rumors are in circnla-
-tion, the principal Of which indicates that
Fort Sumpter will be attacked In the course
of few days.
Later adviccs are understood 10 have
been received from Montgomery, ordering
further supplies to be cut of. No further
communication between Fort Sumter aud
the Federal authorities. The attack will
be from the forts, and Major Anderson will
soon surrender in selfdefense, though it is
believed an attempt will seriously be made
at reinforcement The danger is imminent,
aud members Of tho Convention wait here,
expecting a conflict before Saturday.
The N. Y. TTme5 Washington despatch IS
say that the Revenue laws will be enforced
in Louisiana. No visitors are admitted to
the War Department to-day.
The representatives Of the Great Powers
have unoficially expressed desire that the
Union should be maintained.
Mr.. BIaisdcll arrived from Texas, to-day
bringing $4,000 which the Secessionist'
failed to get hold Of at Galveston. He re
ports that the people have not been fairly
heard, and are disguised with the revolu
tion.