The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-04-15


" important The President, and the Commits
sioners appointed by the Virginia State Conven-
ton to ascertain from Mr.. Lincoln personally his
policy in regard to the seeded States, had for
NAL interview on Saturday at the White House.
The President referred the Commissioners to his
inaugural address for an exposition of his policy,
and stated that he did not intend to invade any
State or community, but at the same time as
sured the Commissioners that if the secessionists
had made war for the purpose of driving the
government from the possession of its property,
he should not only do his utmost to hold all the
forts now in possession of the government, but
would speedily proceed to retake those already
seized and in any event, to the best of his ability,
repel force by force.
In accordance with these views, the President
will to-day issue his proclamation, calling for
seventy five thousand men to take the field forth
with. The document is printed in our columns
this morning. The quota of troops required from
the State of New York is thirteen thousand. The
troops will be to retake the forts and repossess
the public property seized by the secessionsts.
The proclamation also convenes Congress in
extraordinary session, to meet on the Fourth of
July next.
The administration are making active prepare.
tions for the defence of the federal capital.
The six steam sloops of war authorized by the
last Congress will be put under contract without
delay.
As announced in yesterdays HERALD, Fort Sum-
ter was on Saturday surrendered to the revou-
tionists. Major Anderson and his comrades, after
gallant struggle of some thirty hours duration,
in which he sustained heavy and continuous fire
from the batteries of the secessonists, that not
only greatly damaged the fort, but also set on fire
the wooden structures, struck his flag.
A pile of cartridges exploded in the fort yester.
day, killing two men and wounding four others.
Major Anderson and his command were to sail
from Charleston at eleven o'clock last evening.
on board the steamer Isabel, for New York The
gallant Major will no doubt receive a magnificent
reception on his arrival in this city.
Advices from Albany state that Governor Nor
gan will tomorrow issue call for twenty five
thousand men for the assistance of the federal
government.
private letter from Governor Curtin, of Penn.
sylvauia, to a prominent citizen of New York,
L. Ia hrn
Pennsylvanians in Washington within forty-eight
hours If required.
Nothing new in military point Of view has
transpired our military men accepting Yesterday
as day of rest. The Offices were all closed, and
Governors Island was in perfect state of tran.
quility looking green and fresh in its spring dress
The soldiers were sauntering about, amusing
themselves in various ways, or else standing in
groups, speaking Of the future, and Of what for.
tune, good or bad it might bring them. The force
is being greatly increased by the reception Of re.
cruts, and will be able to furnish fresh sup
ply of men in case Of necessity. The commanding
officer had received orders as to the disposition
OF the soldiers. Some order may come soon, how.
ever II the rumor proves true that the steamers
Vanderbilt and Philadelphia have been chartered
by the government.
The steamship DE Soto, Captain johnson. from
New Orleans and Havana, arrived at this port at
an early hour yesterday morning. Havana dates
are to the 9th. There is no news.
General Cushman, United States Minister 10 the
Argentine Confederation, is about 10 return home
The bark zingarstta arrived at this port yester
day with Pho Janeiro advices to February a.
The Gales of coffee since the departure of the last
steamer were about 10000 bags The quota
tions were for washed, 6n500 a 1850; superior
$1,000 6II400; first good, 6nO00 o 6nlO0 first
ordinary 4N70O 5ls00; second do. 4n700 $1,000.
Exchange on London 2Gd. Freights to the United
states nominal; TO London and Liverpool AIS. q
Dos; to the channel, &C., COS. COS.
The Havana papers give the following items Of
Mexican news, taken from E7 Heraldo. of the
capitsl-General ortega and Senior prieto had 70.
signed fheir posts, and the former was to be "a.