The Van Buren press., 1861-05-22
BALTIMORE, May 16.

taking one-half of the battery with them,
and returning to the Relay House.
a gentleman who gives us report of
the removal of the remains Of Washing
ton says, that it was done on the ground
that the north was about to do the same
thing.
New IoRK, May 16.
The Herald states that on the 18th nit,
the War Department issued orders direct
ing the commanders of Fort Smith, Ark
ansas, Forts Cobb, Gibson and Washita.
to evacuate and repair with their troops anu
government property to Fort Leavenworth,
authorizing the occupation of these posts
by Arkansas volunteers, called out by the
first proclamation of the President. This
explains the abadonment Of Fort Smith by
its federal garrison some time since.
A special dispatch to the New York
Commercial says that Gen. Butler has re-
ceived orders to take command Of an i'm
portant >ex petition. 1t is reported here that
the Virginia secessionists had erected bat
teries at Aqia Creek, to prevent an ap-
proach to Richmond. Certain develop
ments indicate that the government will
make decisive demonstration in q short
time.
A special despatch to the Herald from
Frederick states thata rumoI prevails that
the Kentuckians at Harper's Ferry, who
have been furnished with arms, in a
state of mutiny, and have doclaned for the
Union, and are about leaving for home
There is trouble there, and desertions are
numerous.
The Worlds dispatch says it is believed
that 10. 900 Pennsylvanians are moving to-
wards Maryland. The transfer of General
Butler to Fortress Monroe and sending
large quantities of ammunition and stores
is believed to indicate important move
ments.
New YORK, May II.
The Times Washington dispatch says no
more troops except for the war, will be or
dered in this direction troops for the short
service will, however be accepted at pres
ent for the western service.
In less than ten days, Gen. Butler will
have more than 10000 men under his COM
mand, at Fort Monroe, and a squadron ad-
equate to the support cf the land forces.
This demonstration looks to the posses
sion of the public property at Gosport.
The following important letter was yes
tcrday written by the Secretary Of State
WASHINGTON, May l6.
SIR have read your letter of yester-
days date, asking Inc to give you in writ
ing my reasons for considering an arcent
ance on your part of Gov. Letche-'s pro..o
sition to purchase the steamships Yo.,otown
and jamestown, recently seized hu b. y. :
ders' and now % IN M, possession, an act of
Treason. Wiz this request l readily com
Ply; lnsurrectioI mas broken out in sever
a. sues OF this Union, including Virginia.
'cslgned to overthrow the Government of
the United States. The executive authori-
ties OF the States are parties to that insur-
rcctlon, and so are public enemies. Their
action IN seizing o. buying vessels to be
employed in the execution of the decision
is not merely without authority of law, but
is treason.
1t Is treason for any person to give aid
or comfort to public enemies.
10 sell vessels to them, which it is their
purpose to use ships of War, is to give
them aid or comfort. To receive money
fl ON them in payment for vessels, which
they have seized for these purposes, would
be to convert the unlawful seizure into
sale, and would subject the party offending
TO I, 1d th, fines and penalties of treason, and
tba ofTnn,,a ,,urant would not hesitate to bring
(sisnedl "'shment.
To G.. KINNEKER, Es,, '''" A'D'
Agt. n. Y. and G r..
The Worlds dispatch from u a.,
says, passengers, via. Harper's Ferry II w. VI.
that the rebels are erecting Notifications on
the Maryland side, also erecting one of
Railroad Iron, 13 miles below the ferry.
1t is reported that considerable discomfort
existed among the troops at Richmond.
The Cahawba arrived at Washington,
stating the Harriet Lane was blockading
James and Elizabeth rivers the Monticel-
10, York river the Quaker City, Ches-
peake Bay, and the Minnesota is off Point
Comfort. The Quaker City towed the
ship Arago, of Baltimore. to sea, from
Richmond, with cargo Of tobacco, valued
at 100000.
Com. Stringham put crew aboard till it
reached New York
The United States steamer Crusader at
Havana from Key West reports tha. the
Yacht Wanderer was taken by the United
States steamer ST. Louis.
FRANKFORT, KT., May II.
The House concurred. Yesterday, in the
Senate bill legalizing tbe suspension of
specie payments by the Kentucky Banks.
The House passed resolutions that Kentucky
should maintain strict neutrality during the
present contest and approving of the Gov.
ernor's refpsal, under the existing circur,
ces to fu,,ish troops to the Federal Govern.
ment.
ST. Lor1s Mav17
Asslces from Jefferson City state that
,Soo oiate troops, gathered from Cole and
me heighboring counties, are stationed At
,nat plaza to defend it against an attacL
Four pieces VI ur,n.--, =, "n SLACK.
ZEN. Price has is.ued orders. directing .ffis
Brigadier Generals of the several districts,
10 organize the militia of the State and re-
port to head quarters.
Maj, George G.. Wagaman, U. s. A. in
this city has resigned. Capt. Jno. G. Kel-
ton succeeds him in the duties of the chief
Commissary of Subsistence Of the military
department of the west.
WASHINGTON, May II.
Ben. McCulloch is now at Richmond, it
is reported that he has formed company
If mounted men, numbering about 300, the
nuclens of which is old California and
Texas, rough set of dare devils, while a
majority OF the men are hunters and nard
cases. Tie expects to do great deeds with