The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1861-02-11
Washington Items.


here among gentlemen who are we'll ac-
quainted with the subject, is that no ap-
prehenscns need be entertained relative to
an immediate attack on Fort Sumter as it
will be referred to the Southern Congress-
Meanwhile, the South Carolina authorities
will keep stricter guard on the Fort to in
tercept any re-inforcements to Major An
derson. All domestic supplies and mail
facilities are to be denied, and all possible
means taken to starve out the garrison.
The committee of the Peace Congress
were engaged to-day on measures looking
to an adjustment Nearly all the commits
sioners have arrived, including those from
Massachusetts and New York. A large
number of influential gentlemen from near
~ all parts of the country are constantly
arriving embracing many members of the
Virginia Legislature.
Capt. Tilton of Maryland attached to the
Navy and a member of the light house
board, committed suicide by blowing out
his brains with pistol. He had for some
time been much depressed owing to the po-
litical state of the country.
1t appeared, on inquiry at the proper
source that the St. Louis was ordered
from the gulf squadron as early as
December 22d, and the Sabine January
9th, three days before the surrender
of the Pensacola navy yard; leaving the
other vessels to compose that squadron, the
PoWhattan, Pocahontas and Cumberland, to
obtain provisions. The storeship Supply
was sent by order of flag officer Fender
graft to Pensacola, and by Capt. Armstrong
then at that place, was ordered to return to
the squadron, but instead of doing so Capt.
Walker her commander took on board the
paroled officers, and men and women from
Fort Pickens, and proceeded to New York,
for which disobeying of orders he is to be
court martialed. The Cumberland has been
ordered to Hampton Roads and the Powhat-
tan to New York.
Whatever disaffection has existed in the
gulf squadron, was on board the latter yes
sell. When ordered to proceed elsewhere, a
portion of her officers, who are Southern
men, supposing she was to go to Pensacola,
manifested discomfort The first Lieuten-
ant sent in his resignation the acceptance of
which will depend upon his being exonerat-
ed from blame, to be ascerJained when the
vessel shall arrive at New York, otherwise
he will be court martialed. There are IL
naval vessels on our coast. One at Cuba
and another at Tortugas. The Macedonian
and Brooklyn had arrived in the neighbor-
hood of Fort Pickens.
While the Mexican Government was in a
more unsettled condition than at present,
and there was prospect ola demonstration
by Spain against Vera Cruz, it was the pol
icy of the government to keep a strong
fleet in the Gulf for the protection of Amer
lean interests. Since the Juarez Government
has been established the necessity for the
continuance of a strong force in that quar-
ter has ceased, and hence the fleet has been
distributed in the manner above stated.
Dispatches received by distinguished Sc
cession leaders Indicate that export duty
will be laid on cotton.
The confirmation Of Horatio Kings
nomination as P. ii. General is delayed in
the Senate by Republicans until it is ascer-
tanned whether he will execute Colfaxs
bill relative to postal service in seeding
States 1t is understood that the nominee
will execute the provisions of that bill to a
letter.
William S. RidgeIy, CLERK in the Navy
Department, died suddenly of heart disease
last evening.
a eourS Of inquiry in the case Of Col.
Armstrong. touching the surrender of the
Pensacola Navy Yard consists of Commo-
dore Lavalette Capt. Hercelle, and Mr.,
Cressy, Judge Advocate. They meet to-
day and adjourn tomorrow.
Gen. Wool of New York, delegate to the
Peace Convention, will demand guarantees
that the Capital shall not be attacked before
he will assent to any place of reconcilia-
ton.
Major Richie and Gov Andrews Of
Massachusetts have telegraphed to President
Buchanan that IS regiments of Massachu-
sets troops are ready to march at
moments notice for the protection of the
capital. The special tender of these troops,
it is understood, has been in consequence of
information pointing to the imminent dan
ger of an attack on Washington prior to
February 18th.