The Van Buren press., 1861-05-15
LATEST BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE VAN buren, PRESS
By the 81. Louis and Western Telegraph
Stebbinss Line.
ST. Louis, May I

Gentlemen at Baltimore, to-day, from
say that Gov. Letcher will
soon issue an order for the evacuation OF
Harper's Ferry, by the troops now rendez-
vousing there.
The both Regiment left New York for
Washington day, via Annapolis.
Senator Barnard. of Delaware, arrived
a: Philadelphia, this morning, having lett
Wilmington. fearing an assault would be
made upon him. He was taken into custo-
dy at the Depot here, but was no discharS'
ed by Mayor Henry, he having no charge
against him.
The Tribune's Washington correspond
ent, to day, states that has certain advlces.
that there are between 10000 and 10000
troops in the vicinity of Fairfax Court
House, Virginia, and that within two day s
march of Richmond, there ara at least w.
900 men, available, whose desire and expec
tion is soon to be quartered in Washing
ton.
A gentleman who was at Gen. Buffers
camp this morning. says there is battery
planted on the other side OF the Patapsco
river, which rake him -efsctually. He
at once informed Gen. Butler of it, who ut
once made preparations to take it. ..'''.s'.
Brig. Gen. Locke commanding the mill
tary forces and detences on the Potomac
border Of Virginia, says that Gen. Ruggies
has taken up his quarters at Fredericksburg
Gen. Locke is to take a position in front Of
Washington. in connection with the COM
manding officer at Harper's Ferry, on his
left, and thus cover and defend the Poto-
mac border, against invasion from. the
North. He adds that the Capital has new
er been threatened by Virginia. 1t is not
now threatened. 1t is beyond and outside
the limits of the free and sovereign State OF
Virginia. The North has not openly, and
according to the usage Of civilized nations,
declared war on us, and we make no war
on them, but should the soil. or the grave
of Washington be polluted by the tread of
a single man in arms, from the North ii
will cause open war.
The Herald's Washington dispatch ol
the sixth, says the forces of the Relay
House have been reinforced to-day, and al
an hour and a halfs notice, a further rein.
foi cement of two or three thousand more
could be furnished, Gen. Butler, before the
troops from Harper's Ferry could APP
proach near enough to give Gen Butler bat
tie. they would be harrassed by Pennsylva
MIA troops in the vicinity. There is no fe, /,
of any lighting in Baltimore, unless an at
tacs. IS made by some impetuous and dis
organized mob. There can be no formida-
BILE regular battle.
The Charleston Courier says the Collec,
tor at that port has been instructed by the
Government OF the Confederate States, to
clear private vessels and cargoes until wal
is declared, and the will of Congress made
known.
Gen. Beauregard has left Charleston fol
Montgomery.
Gov. Andrews. of Massachusetts,, has re-
ceived dispatch from the War Department,
saying that no more additional troops would
be required, at present, unless enlisted tol
three years.
At Philadelphia, four Penn syivan;a reg.
iments, and two Ohio regiments, are under
orders to march, tomorrow.
The Missouri Legislature is still in secret
session. The Senate has under consi sidera-
tion a bill to incorporate the Western Pa
cihic Railroad Company.
The Union men at Atchinson, Kansas
were victorious, yesterday, at the municipa
election.
The mines at Pixies Peak are reported te
yield largely.
ST. LOUIS, May 8.
New Orleans dispatches of the 9TH, say
that over 5000 applications have been made
to the State Department at Montgomery fol
Letters of Marque and reprisal.
In the Confederate Congress on the 7th
Brooke. of Mississippi. presented the ordi
nance OF Virginia, adopting the Provision.
al Constitution, also resolutions appointing
Commissioners to Congress, two of whom
Broken Borough and Staples were present
Mr. Broke moved that they be qualified ans
take their seats.
AIR. Rhett moved to go into secret session
and the Virginia Commissioners be invited
to remain.
A later dispatch says Virginia has been
admitted as member of the Confederat,
States Government in secret session.
Two of her members were sworn in and
partici pated N discussion and voted on
questions.
MONTGOMERY, May 9th.
Curry, of Alabama, presented a bill fix
ing the time for election of Representatives
III Congress, also providing for an election
of President and Vice President, under the
permanent constitution; referred to the Ju
dietary committee.
An act passed, secresy removed, recogni
zing the existence of war with the United
States. and concerning letters of marque
reprisal and prize goods.
The preamble reviews acts of Lincoln
and his proclamation, and the necessity 70,
the Confederate States to accept the wal
thus commenced by him.
The act authorizes granting letters OF
marque and reprisal. ON certain conditions.
a proviso announces the doctrine that free
ships make free goods.
Thirty days granted to vessels. now at
Ports of the Confederate States for the mr.
pose of lawful commerce to return to thei,
homes.
Five per cent. of prizes reserved as a
fund for widows and orphans of those kill
ed on private armed vessels, and support of
the wounded.
NASHVILLE, Nav Z.
The proceedings of the Tennessee Legis-
laturc, have just been made public. An
ordinance of Secession and alliance with
the Confederate States passed, subject to a
vote OF the people on the 9th of june next
"A military bill was passed, calling for 55.-