Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-09-21
AvrArns IN n1CHmonD.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT AND THE sTaTE EEcAMPxEETs.
The Richmond Eralniner of the 18th says:


THE WAR DEPARTMENT AND TIE sTATE BEcAKPNENTs.
The Richmond EraRiner of the 18th sSys
A considerable and urgent difficulty in the man
agement of thel forces called out for the defence of
the Confederate Government is found in the impos-
sibility Of the War Department here making rapid
provisions for transporting and supplying with
arms and necessary stores the troops raised in the
different States, so as to transfer them to the Con
federate service. 1t thus becomes necessary TO or
der these troops into State eneampments, where
they at vast expense to the State, exposed to
the decentralization of inactive life, and wasting the
limited term Of their enlistment in idleness.
The extent of these State encampments and of the
evils they infict Is either not generally known or
not correctly appreciated. In the State of Misss-
sipp for instance, there are, we learn no less than
eight thousand troops awaiting TO be transferred 70
the Confederate service, andimposng upon the State
the expenses Of their encampment at the rate of
twenty or thirty thousand dollars day
Where the blame of the folly of these State en-
eampments exactly attaches we are not prepared
to saw but the correction at least in the particular
of the supply of arms, may be easily indicated. 1t
was stated some time ago that the Confederate Gov
eminent had determined to receive no more twelve
months volunteers, or volunteers for any term, we
believe, unless they were armed It has become
necessary for the Government to adhere to this de-
sign and TO announce it distinctly that there may
be no possible misapprehension, if it desires to
avoid the folly and the imposition of undue expenses
imposed upon the States by the useless and costly
collection Of vast State encamPments OF troops with
out arms, and unpr0Vided with stores necessary TO
support them When called into camp. We are sure
that there has been an unfortunate misunderstood
ing on this subject between the Confederate and
State authorities. M
WAnKE MOVEMENTS ROTARY FORT.
The Richmond Erdniaer Of the 18th says:
There is in the Navy Department here the model
of floating fort of very peculiar description the in
vention of Major Robt. Gamble, citizen, we believe
of South Carolina The combination of its parts
develops at once its iocomotiol and proectle pow
ers. II is claimed for the invention that, though
construction of light draft that might easily be
adapted to the waters on-the coasts of Carolina,
Georgia and Florida, (aad thus made collateral
means Of harbor and sea coast defence il Is eapas
BILE Of carrying guns of the heaviest metal, and &C
eommcdRting easily 8 garrison of three hundred
men. The peculiar feature Of this fort which dis
tingushes il from the floating batteries at present
in use, is, that when In action, It reYolVes on its
centre thus bringing each gun in rapid succession TO
bear upon the enemy. The invention has not yet
been tested by actual experiment on the part Of the
Department. but, if it fulfs its ingenious design,
there can be no doubt of its adoption by the Gov
eminent. The preliminary report of a board Of
officers upon it has, we believe, been favorable.
The effect however of the tides upon its locomotion
seems to be problematieal.
REARREsT OF BYRD
The Richmond Enquirer of the 18th says: "Mr.
WILLIAM H. BYRD of Augusta Georgia, who was az
rested few days ago, upon the charge of being a
Federal spy and released on parole, has been re-
arrested by order of Commissioner Irons, and con-
fined in jail to await further examination
CoLUMB1ADs sENT TO NEW ORLEANS.
The Richmond Examiner of the 18th says eve
learn that the Government has, within the past few
days. sent no less than twentyeight columbiads to
New Orleans, to be applied to its coast defelees.
This is good example of prumptness and energy.
There have been also large shipments to other ports
of the coast"
RELEASED on PAROLE. 8
The Richmond Enquirer Of the 18th says "Eleven
Yankees, comprising the officers and crew Of n
prize vessel captured OF the port of Fenandini,
Florida, by one of our priVateers, and brought to
this city as prisoners, were on Monday last sent,
under flag of truce, to Fortress Monroe, va Nor
folk, there to be released on PAROLE