The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-04-20
ESPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DISPATCH.

PETERSBURG, April IS, 1861.
The events of the day have been such as TO
render me almost unable to decide where to
begin an enumeration of them. The excite
ment has certainly reached its climax, ana
events of the most extraordinary character
would now be received With nothing more
than comment. The prime cause, however,
Of the tremendous display of feeling to-day,
was the seizure of the three vessels at City
Point. The originators of the plan TO take
possession of these vessels were certainly
very ingenious, as we'll in the conception as
in the management and execution of it. 1t
was done almost secretly, may say, for very
few persons here had any idea of such thing !;
and when the news of the success of the en-
terprise reached the city, the majority OF our
citizens were completely aStounded. A COM
pany Of twelve or fifteen men, commanded by
Col. E. L. Brockett, assisted by about an
equal number from Richmond, headed by
Capt. Albert Akin, of Henrico county, We're
all that participated.
The frst-elass ship Argo, from Bath, Maine,
was.the first one taken. She is a large vessel,
being of $50 tons burthen, and will undoubt-
eddy render good service, with an outlay OF
small sum of money. No resistance was Of
fered, though the officers thought it a little
hard that they should So suddenly be deprived
of their command, and consequently of their
means of support. Part of her crew, con-
sistng Of eigh teen negIo es, from different por-
tons of the North, were put under arrest,
and brought to this city and lodged in Jail -
What disposition will be made of them l am
not able to say, but presume they will not
be harmed, as Col. Brockett pledged his word
that they should not be troubled. They will
be brought before the Mayor to morrow morn
ing, and Of course shall keep you advised
about them.
A u. S. surveying vessel was next boarded
and seized, and a sufficient force left upon her,
as well as on the Argo, to protect and hold
them.
The seizure of the Jamestown was acct
dental altogether, she happening to reach the
wharf before the Petersburg train left. which
would have brought all but the force neces-
sary to guard the captured vessels. to this city
The jamestown created general admiration
as she proudly neared the landing, with her
flags floating gaily to the breeze. Nothing
was said or done until she was firmly fastened
to her mOorings, when Col BrUckett politely
informed Capt. Skinner of his intention to
detain and take possession of her also. OBJ
lection was made by the gentlenanly Captain,
and threat was made that he shouH clear
away and proceed Immediately back to New
York. But, by this time, he found his ship
being fas tened by other hands than his own,
and seeing 1t was to no purpose TO longer OBJ
]ect, he reluctantly yielded, and Col. b. as
eumed the command. Arrangements were
then made for the steamer to proceed on her
regular route TO Richmond, where resign her
further disposal to you.
Flags have been floating from many resi-
dences and public buildings to-day. A party
assembled to the top of the new Post Office
and flung large and beautiful Southern flag
to the breeze, in the presence of an immense
Ah5ctnOldRe oi persons, VINO, already WIG Win
excitement cheered and hurrahed till their
throats wers hoarse.
Our City Council sat with closed do ors this
afternoon, which action has caused good
deal of surmise and conjecture. Nothing in
regard to their proceedings has as yet been di
vulged. II is generally supposed, however,
that the members are engaged in discussing
the proprety of arming the city, and other
wise preparing for her defence. l heard a
rumor, to the effect that appropriation or
e25 900 or 81, 900 would be made for such pur-
pose.
The Nottoway Rifle Guards, Capt. Owen,
arrived here in the o'clock South Side train.
+ This company had not been ordered to Nor
folk, but merely came down to offer their SER
vices; 1t mum bers 46 fine looking, determined
men, who seemed much disappointed on ind
ing they should have to return home. They
will 60 back to morrow. The two companies
from that county ordered to proceed 10 Nor
folk to day, did not receive orders in time to
assemble and come down.
The Petersburg Riflemen were to-day or
dered to proceed 10 City Point, to take charge
Of the vessels held there.
Four rifled cannon passed through here
from Richmond this morning, en- route for
Norfolk. Mon CGUR.