The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-12
WASHINGTON RJTNOPS

WASHINGTON RUMORS.
Ertracts from the Correspondence ofac Northern yoar
nalsl
THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE Defence OF THE EAT1ovAr
CAPITAL.
There is no doubt that the military movements
mere IN progress are connected With precautionary
measures for the defence of the capital from an ap
pretended attack from the South.
The fear of attack from an inyadinp army
from Virginia and Maryland, under command Of
that celebrated Texas ranger, Ben Mccullough. is
the cause of all these movements.
President Lincoln says he has positive KNOWLEDGE
In MS possession that an attack on this city il in
contemplation. He has communicated this infor-
nation, not only to General Scott, but to several
of the Governors of Northern and Western States
1t is understood that he desires them to call ont
the militia, and to hold them in readiness at mo-
ments warning. MIR. Lincoln is evidently alarmed
He says that when the ball is once opened this CITY
will be the first that will be attacked He has been
notified, In anonymous letters, that be will have TO
leave here and take refuge in some Northern CITY,
He has no idea of doing any such thing. He saws
he Will remain here, even if he has to be protected
and surrounded By the military arm of the gov
eminent.
Startling developments were made in regard to
the opinions of the volunteers of WASHINGTON citv
upon the subject of supporting the Government, If
has generally been supposed that account of the
direct interest that property-owners and residents
of Washington have in maintaining Government
that secures them so many blessings with uuexam
Piled cheapness, they would be unanimous in favor
OF the Union when their fidelity to it came to be
tested. To the surprise of many, unite n nrp,her
of them refused take the oath presented IN them
and many did so with levity of manner that ar
CUES unfavorably for their devotion when the cri
sis shall come.
WAR INEVITABLE.
hear to-day, from excellent authority that the
Commissioners who were appointed by the Confad
crates to communicate with the President have ra
lnquished all hope OF peaceful adjustment of the
existing troubles.
adj IF fha Nil.
and one of the Southern Commissioners has inst
declared to friend that 'the commission is closed
and that war is inevitable"
Up to this time the Commissioners have patient
ly awaited the definite answer of tue Government
to their demands for the evacuation of the forts in
the Southern States and the recognition of the
Southern Confederacy; but they will now probably
leave the capitol and report to their superors that
threats fall harmless.
The expression of Forsyth's opinion has found
currency here already, and adds largely to the ex
citement which previously existed.
PRESIDENT DAVIS ABOUT TO TAKE THE FIELD
Dispatches received here to-day from Montgom-
cry state that President Davis was considering the
propriety of going to Charleston, being satisfied
that Fort Sumter was to be the great strategic
point where the issue was to be tried as to the
power of the Confederate States government to
maintain itself. He and his friends deemed it his
duty to be on the ground. He had not decided at
one O'Clock whether he would 60 or not.
THE RELIEF OF FORT PICKENs.
Official advices from Lieutenant Slemmer confirm,
what tslegraphed you some ten days since upon
the authority of a Cabinet officer. The BROOKLYN
was ordered to leave her troops Fort Pickeus but
did not land them, owing to the refusal of its COM
mander to receive them. His reasons for this a ct
were not disclosed to the War Department until
few days ago. They were, simply that his SUNNY
OF provisions was inadequate to the maintenance of
the proposed increase of his command The Ad
mlnistration was greatly puzzled, in determining
linn n ont-n
this seemingly inexpcable movement of Lieutenant
Slemmer. But, the mystery being solved. no time
was lost in providing for his necessities There car
be no doubt that several of the transports which
have sailed from New York since Saturday are
bound for Pensacola bay and that orders have been
sent, not only to throw provisions, but also men,
into the fort.
REFUSAL OF GEN. HOUSTON TO COOPERATE WITH THE
ADMINISTRATION.
few weeks since a distinguished Democrat wa,
requested by Secretary Seward to go to Texas and
ascertain the state of the public mind there and
especially to converse with Gov. Houston, and
!earn ms views OF the present secession movement
IN that State. On his return he reported that Gov
houston not only refused to accent military snn
port from the United States Government Int Do
sired that President Lincoln should recall tha re
1iar troops from Texas. He also reported that
Governor Houston urged in the strongest terms
the evacuation of Forts Sumter and Dickens
stating that Arkansas would join Texas in secas,
sion IN the event of coercion, or even the colIec-
tiuH vi tHe revenue being attempted. Governor
Houston requested to be let alone, and maintained
that the Union party of the entire South was dead
II coercion was once attempted.
This account appeared to President Lincoln SO
much at variance with what was understood here
to be the opinion of Governor Houston, and know
Ing the political procivities of the ambassador
the President Immediately despatched another mes
senger to Governor Houston, and without waiting
lor MS return has sent forward the troops to Texas
RETURN OF LIEUTENANT TALBOT
Inc interchangeable Lieutenant Talbot accompa-
MED by Mr.. Chew, the confidential agent of the
Administration, returned to-day, not Unexpected
refusal of the authorities to allow Lieutenant Tai
bot to reJoin his company at Fort Sumter These
gentlemen report the most intense excitement ex.
istng at charleston, among all classes of the nom
ulation The wives and families of the citizens
under arms almost frantic a. the apnroarh of
the dreadful scenes which they have freely dis
cussed while they seemed remote.
PREPARATIONS FoR. ACTION
The most extensive preparations are tsing made
in every direction for the actual collision which
now seems inevitable. Wealthy families, who have
friends and connections living in the interior are
removing thither with their valuabes fearing the
huge projecties that may be thrown by the colum
biads which are sighted towards Charleston. All
of the physicians and surgeons are arranging their
and medicines and the ladies are en-
gagged in preparing lint and bandages, it may be,
to relieve the mangled limbs of brothers and hus-
bands.
HOW THE FIGHT WILL BEGIN.
Lieut.. Talbot is of opinion that the Secessionists
WI, WI certainly fire upon any vessel that shall at
~ 70 pass their batteries with either provisions
the shns oreements for Fort Sumter. The men at
lysI IN Ustsries are eager to distinguish them.