Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-04-13
important from Washington.

From the Cincinnati Commercial
WASHINGTON, April Correspondents
have been cruelty tantalized during the last
tweuty-four hours, by a succession Of blood
stirring rumors.
AT a late hour last evening the report that
the supply vessel with its convoy had ap-
peared off Charleston Harbor obtained cur
rency, and eventually the war-like tales fol-
lowing each other with painful rapidity. kept
the pnblic in ferment of excitement.
This morning it was reported that tele-
graphic intelligence of the opening of the
bombardment of Fort Sumter has been re-
ceived at the War Department, but inquiry
in the proper direction, soon satisfied me that
the report was premature, and that the Adj
ministration does not expect anything de
cisive to occur before tomorrow.
The fleet may have arrived off the harbor
this afternoon, but will certainly not make
any attempt to enter it to-day.
1t is now known that the official programme
in regard to Fort Sumter is, first TO attempt
an approach with an unarmed supply vessel,
and in case its progress should be stopped by
the batteries of the rebels, to run it back to
the open sea, and renew the attempt uuder
the escort of men-ofwar, which are instruct
ed to force a passage at all hazards.
The instructions carried to Major Anderson
by Capt. Talbot, direct him to second the fire
of the feet.
Every body here is satisfied that the supply
vessel will not be allowed to pass, and that
hence a collision is inevitable.
The events about Charleston have momen-
tarily absorbed all other matters of interest.
Fort Pickens is, however. likely to attract
equal attention in less than five days.
The Administration is satisfied that the
appearance of the vessels which sailed from
New York will signalize an attack upon the
Fort by the rebels.
An intense commOtiOn was produced here
this morning, by the PRONUNCIATION of an
order calling the entire militia of this Dis
trict under arms
A raid OF Virginia and Maryland filibus-
tiers was forthwith supposed to be impending,
but it soon appeared that the movement arose
from precaation, rather than an immediate
necessity of defence.
The Administration is in possession of
positive information showing that a surprise
of the Federal Capital has been seriously
contemplated by secession sympathiZers, and
hence felt in duty bound to provide addition
al protection of the public property under
its care.
Nearly twenty companies paraded this af-
ternoon, out of which seven companies OF
such as were willing to enter the United
States service this afternoon, were mustered
into the service.
A good deal of caution had to be exercised
in the formation Of the companies, as many
ayowed secessionists are kRown-to be in the
ranks.
Those that volunteered expect to be re-
tanned in the Government service for months
The troops will be mostly employed in
guarding the Government buildings.
In Justice TO the President. it should be
stated that although the majority of his Ca
binet advised him to recognize the military
necessity, and evacuate Fort Sumter, he was
at no time fully prepared to submit to The
| humiliation of surrendering the Federal pro-
perty to the Southern rebels. The amend,
honorable is due him by the press that attrib
uted other intentions TO him.
A leading Democrat telegraphed to Gurley
| last night:
eve are for the President to the death, il
he will hold Fort Sumter. The necessity OF
holding il is absolute"
The prospect of civil war has rendered the
onslaught of office-seekers upon the Execu-
tive none the less fierce. There is an increase
rather than a decrease of the crowds thai
daily while away the weary hours In patient
expectation in the ante-rooms of the White
House.
The President is said to have humorously
remarked this morning that be would hence
forth require all applicants to demonstrate
their patriotism by serving three months at
Forts Sumter and Piekens. The announce
ment of this resolution would doubtless
cause the last of these hungry gentry to va
nish from vision.