The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-18

THE SITUATION OF AFFAIRS.
No important movement of troops took place al
Washington yesterday.
It is said that the whole diplomatic corps are
anxiously watching the course Of events, and
keeping their respective governments carefully
advised Of the chances of the two sections of the
country in the present conflict. 1t is rumored that
tae French government has diplomatic agent
now travelling through the South on tour Of OBJ
servation,
General Scott is busy arresting spies in the fe-
deral capital, many Of whom register their names
at the hotels as coming from the North. 1t is
the probable that these gentlemen will be sum-
marily dealt with.
General Mansfield has issued an order prohibit
ing Adams Express Company from carrying any
express matter, including letters, farther South
than Washington.
The government, in pursuance of its pro-
eramne, has appointed Collectors of Customs at
the different Southern ports, selecting men who
can be relied upon for that Office. The duties
viii be collected on the decks of shipsof- war at
a., hazard.
The blockade of Southern ports by the United
States squadron appears to be carried out with
vigor and rrompttude. At Charleston the en-
trance of three British vessels have been pre-
vented by the frigate Niagara; and another
after being boarded, was allowed to pass up
One ship, however, carrying the British flag, sue
ceeied in running the blockade, although she wai
pursued She eventually got into shoal water and
was towed up to the city. An important seizure
of an outward bound American ship was made by
the gunboat Quaker City at the mouth of the Ches-
apeake, on Tuesday, with cargo of tobacco for
Europe. She was loaded at Richmond, and is va
Iued at $4,000. The vessel proved to be the
Arago, belonging to Bath, Maine, and though car
ryiHg the United States flag she was seized, no
doubt on the double charge Of running the block
ade and of treason in assisting the rebel States,
shs being Northern ship. Commodore String
Lam put prize crew on board, and sent her on
her way to New York, where she will probably be
confscated This is the first prize taken by the
United States blockading squadron.
The ports of Florida have been put under block
ade since the 9th inst, and the yacht Wanderer, Of
West by The Crusader The steamer City Of Rich
nond. which arrived at Philadelphia last night
trcm Washington, reports having passed the
Uaited States steamer Yankee, thirty miles south
,.~:. =,
charge.
We learn the important intelligence from
Havana that the steamtug VIM. II. Webb,
which was seized some time since by the
rebel authorities while attempting to sup
Ply Fort Pickens, and has since been used no
doubt for privateering purposes, was refused a
clearance by the United States Consul General OF
Cuba. She was, however, Immediately purchased
by some British residents there and sailed under
the English flag. 1t is not likely, however, that
she will be permitted for any length of time to
escape the vigilance Of the government squadron,
and will probably have to give an account Of her.
self and her mission in the Gulf.
II is stated that the rebel troops at Harper
Ferry have been actively engaged in throwing up
new batteries on the hills for the past few days.
They are in expectation of an immediate attack
in that quarter.
The Union men In Missouri are acting with great
determination. In addition to the capture Of the
secession forces at Camp Jackson, detachment
Of oiunteers under Captain Cole, surrounded the
town OF Potosi, where band Of secessionists were
in possession. They were all taken, and the ring,
leaders sent to ST. Louis as prisoners Of war. A
company Of rebel cavalry were also dispersed at
De Soto by the same body Of Union volunteers,
and thirty horses captured. If this vigorous course
is continued Missouri is very likely to be saved II
is said that the government have determined to
treat Missouri as they have done Maryland, and to
this end are about to take charge Of the Hannibal
and St. Joseph Railroad for the use Of the govern
ment
II Is now pretty generally believed that there
a. some truth In the report Of the dissertation OF
Washinston's tomb. The Lyncbburg Virgintan
states that the remains have been transferred
20 Lexington, Va, and deposited in o suitable
rnausoleum there. II is known that strong
guard OF secessionists had been CHARTERED for
some days at Mount Vernon, and IL il not un.
likely that their object was the removal Of the
d.dy CT Washington.