AMERICA.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 389, 16 July 1861, Page 3

AMERICA.

THE CIVIL WAR

[Since the last news from America of the fall of Port Sumter and ita occupation by the Secessionists, the whole country has risen in arms. We extract the following particulars from the Auckland Register and Southern Gross ; Captain Butt, of the Constance, having just arrived in Auckland from San Francisco, and brought files of California papers.]

DESTRUCTION OF ARSENALS, &c.

Additional particulars in relation to the burning of the U.S. Arsenal and Armory at Harper's .Ferry, represent that several days previous to the affair, Lieut. Jones was advised from H§ad Quarters that his post was in imminent danger, and directing him to be prepared for any emergency. Yesterday, he had information from various sources that an attack would be made upon the arsenals last night. The militia of the place who professed loyalty, resolved to difband; the laborers, who were acting as guards, manifested a significant uneasiness; a special train was known to be on the way to the Eerry and there was positive information of bodies of troops, in all amounting to over 2000 men, having moved from Winchester, Charlestown, and other points towards the Ferry. Early in the evening, the little garrison, consisting of about 50 men, commenced the preparation to enable them to destroy the arsenals and arms in case of necessity. They cut up planks and other timbers with their swords to ignite the buildings. They emptied their mattresses, filled them with powder, and carried them into the arsenals, so that no suspicion was aroused among the people.

The asms, 15,000 in number, were then placed in the best position to be destroyed by their explosion, and splints of boards and gtraw were piled up in different places in the shops, so that all the public buildings could be destroyed.

At 9 o'clock, Lieut. Jones was advised of the advance of not less than 2000 aen, who expected to be upon turn by mid- ght, and he at once proceeded to the w kof destruction. The windows and oors of the buildings were opened, so th , the flames could have fiee course, and w'l a all was ready, the fires were started i . the carpenter shop, the trains leading 1 the powder ignited, and the men marched out. The cry of fire alarmed the town, and just as Lieutenant Jones and his men were entering the ledge to escape, an excited crowd pursued him, threatening vengeanco upon him for having fired the buildings. He wheeled his men and declared that unless the crowd dispersed he would fire upon them. The mass fell back, and he fled up the canal and took to the woods. Several shots were fired after him, but without effect. He was not out of the town over fifteen minutes when he heard the first explosion, and the light of the burning buildings lit his path as he escaped northward. He does not doubt but that the destruction of the arsenal shops, &c, is complete, as he heard the different explosions distinctly.

. We learn that the destruction of the Gosport Navy Yard was a most complete work, by means of which the Government has prevented a very important naval station, with a splendid dry dock, and eleven vessels of war from falling into the hands of the Secessionists. It was a gigantic undertaking most successfully performed; but it is to be feared several valuable lives have been lost in the execution of the plan. Commander Rogers and Colonel Wright were the principle agents on shore in carrying out the stupendous undertaking, but it is thought that they could not get off in time, and we are therefore,-afraid that they and their assistants have perished in the shock of the fire and explosion, because the buildings in the yard, the ships, and other materials, were plentifully supplied with combustibles. The match was applied from the ships. Thus, by an act of positive necessity, the Navy Yard, with eleven ships of war, were utterly destroyed, at a loss of not less than 5,000,000 dollars.

At Norfolk many millions worth of public property at that place and the harbor and navy yard in the neighborhood, was destroyed by the United States officials to prevent their seizure by the Secessionists.

The ships Germantown and Merrimac were scuttled. The Pennsylvania was burnt, her guns were double shotted, which destroyed the neighboring buildings. Some other ships were likewise burnt or scuttled.

WASHINGTON.

Gen. Beauregard is said to have had the brazen effrontry to advise President Xincoln that it will be well to have the women and children, now in Washington, o\u of it by this day. The danger that rrjenaced Washington must be over by this t>\me. In and about Washington city, as we learn from well informed parties, they are ;bout fifteen thousand men under anrjs. 1 '!. the heights around the city are s( ngly guarded by regulars, as well aa the b Iges, common roads ?md railroad. The yis piovisioncd for a siege, all the dep; ment cellars being filled ~with bar.Js or pork, beef, bread, ect. Every man capr ie of bearing anus is compelled to do dutj , or is closely wa'.ched. At night no one is sllowed to walk the streets unless known. Even by daylight any three persons stopping in the street to talk are ordered to disperse. Some of Twiggs' troops from Tex s are the;re. They have seen hard service on the fn/ntier, and are brawny fellows with long beards and faded uniforms, but well mounted and may be seen carefully sharpening -their sabres with whetstones till the edges are as keen as a razor.

'The Secessionists have long demanded that the forts and arsenals in the Southern otates be given up, and have claimed that their possession by the United States was the only obstacle to peace. Now, they demand Washington for the same reason.

The Baltimore Sun calls the occupanc}' of that city by the Federal Government the great obstacle to peace. It assumes that we are to have two Confederacies, and avers that, with the fifteen Slave States forming one of them, no sane man can expect that Washington will be the capital of the other. Even if Maryland should belong to the Northern Confederacy, the national capital could not be continued on the frontier of a foreign territory, within gun shot ot the batteries on the Virginia side of the Potomac. "It would be frowned upon and commanded," says the Sim, " by fortifications upon the Virginia soil." "If Washington could be captured and fall into the hands of the South," adds the Sun, " it would not be worth a single dollar, a single life, or a moments war to endeavour to repossess it."' It concludes, then, that if there is to be a fight about Washington, it will be " about an impracticable thing."

NEW YORK.

In New York the war fever was in full blaze; whilst the cities of the South were in an equally rampant state of excitement. Here are some of the sentiments of Northern patriots :— Daniel S. Dickinson, an adamantine Democrat, who supported Breckinridge in the last campaign, and has always been the defender of Southern rights, made a speech at the Fihh Avenue Hotel, in New York, on the 23rd, in the course of which he said that his hearers would bear him witness that he had long endeavoured to. stay the storm that has now arisen, and to bring, about some peaceful settlement of affairs. But now, the South, first by seceding, and second by firing on the Old Flag, had closed the door of reconciliation. He was for meeting them on their own ground. He would have no half way measures, no compromises. Let us settle this speedily and surely. It may ruin this generation, but we owe it to the next that they should Have no such troubles as we have had. He would strike now, in our might, and if necessary wipe the South from the face of the earth. He knew they would have civil war, and what was far worse, servile war; and he would make the prophecy, that by the time this matter was settled, the peculiar institution of the South would be swept away. Let us finish things while we are about it, and leave nothing behind

Colonel Baker made a brief speech: He said that the hour of conciliation was past, the gathering for the battle was at, hand, and the country required every man to do his duty. The hour for conciliation might return, but not to-morrow or next week. It would return when the tottering flag of Sumter was avenged; when rebellious traitors were taught obedience and submission; when a rebellious confederacy were taught that the North, though forbearing, was not fearful; and after the ensign of the Republic again streamed over every rebellious fort and every rebellious State. We were all democrats—all Republicans ; we acknowledge the sovereignty of the people. Under the Constitution, and beneath that flag, let traitors beware. In one sense he was for a war of aggression. He proposed now, as they did in Mexico, to conquer a peace. (Applause.) He proposed to go to Washington and beyond. He would meet them on the threshold of their gathering, and dictate terms of peace. It might take 30,000,000 dols.—itmighttake3oo,ooo,ooo dols. What then ? They had it! (Applause and cheers.) His mission to-day was to kindle the heart of New York for war—-war —sudden, bold, determined, forward war this day. (Renewed cheers.) Civil war was always fearful and bloody. Dishonour and anarchy were worse. Traitors everywhere were worse. He desired to speak to them as a soldier. It was once his fortune to lead the gallant New York Regiment upon the bloody heights of Cerro Gordo. (Cheers.) He knew well what New York can do when her blood was up. We had nothing to avenge—we had something to punish—wrongs against the Union. Even while he spoke, the object of the meeting was accomplished. New York declared that she would loyally sustain the Governmen;.

A gentleman of this city, who returned on Saturday from a short visit to Savannah, informs us that the excitement there is most intence, and reaches every class of the community. Ladies, he says, are engaged night and day in making cartridges, clothing, &c, for the army, and in soliciting subscriptions of money, &c. The negroes, too, are not behind in enthusiasm, and being impressed wtth the belief that our Government seeks their destruction, work with a will. In short, the whole city is intensely excited and patriotic to the new Government—and men, women, and children of all grades and colors, think, talk, and act in regard to nothing else.

CALIFORNIA.

In California, the most enthusiastic loyalty, in favor of the Union, prevails; the following from the Alia California of May 11th will show the intensity of the public excitement :—

Even at the time of the present writing, the city is boiling over with patriotic fervor. In all directions there are evidences of preparation for the grand demonstration. The fires of patriotism will burn today upon the hills of San Francisco as brightly as they did in the days that •tried men's souls.' In all these United States there is not a more loyal city than tr o Metropolis of the Pacific* Among our citizens, devotion to the flag is an all absorbing passion. It is shared equally by all classes, and is all but universal.

"We all left the States on the other side prosperous, and contented. We have since read! with pride and gratification, of the progress which they have been making in everything that constitutes a great nation. With them we have grown up and expanded and to their fostering care we owe all of whicsih we now can boast. Under such circurastances, it hasbeen difficult for us to

realize the change that has taken place, and we comprehend, in all its stern proportions, the fact that by the plotting of traitorous and turbulent politicians in the Southern States, we have been plunged in civil war.

San Francisco and the State of which she is the commercial emporhm are for the Union, founded by the he lies of the revolution, and cemented by eir blood. Our State is a member of the Great American Confederation > and is r idy to perform every duty, cheerfully ark' willingly, whish that relation may involve.

The attempt which has been made to undermine the Government has made her attachment to it stronger than ever, if possible; and so long as a vestige of the Stars and Stripes remain, to that vestige California will adhere with devoted loyalty. It is altogether useless for us to address any words of advice to our citizens in relation to the duties which to-day imposes. From one end to the other the city is thoroughly aroused. From house-tops, flag-staffs, and windows the American ensign will float—soldiers will march and counter-march; patriotic speeches will be delivered, and in every manner the people's fealty to the Constitution and laws will be manifested. It is a time when lukewarmness is positively criminal. Every patriot has a part to fill and a space to occupy. Those who are not with us are against us.

THE BORDEII STATES,

Since Virginia has taken the lead, the general sentiment is that all the Border states will be compelled to follow her into secession. An effort will be made here and in Kentucky to assume a neutral position, but there is little hope that the effort will be successful. Maryland in that case, may be driven into the support of the south, notwithstanding the present conservative position of Governor Hicks and the strong union sentiment now prevailing.in Baltimore. Missouri wiil doubtless be out in time, but St. Louis, having a large Union population, and with the aid of a Federal eorps-d'-armee to be collected here or in the neighborhood, can be kept out of the clutches of the secessionists. John J. Crittenden, James Guthrie, and many other eminent gentlemen of Kentucky, favor a position of neutrality for that state, but John C. Breckinridge, Governor Mogoffin, James B. Clay, and the most determined demagogues, favor an espousal of the southern cause. The telegraph will give news of fearful import. We are rushing into a war of an entire North against an entire South—a war of two systems of civilisation, to end God only knows when.

ILLINOIS.

The:lllinois Legislature had under consideration yesterday, a bill for the organization of six regiments, as called for by the President. The bill passed and was signed by the Governor.

At the assembling of the Illinois Legislature Douglas addressed both houses in the Representatives' Hall, last night, and was enthusiastically received. He said a war of extermination and oppression is now being waged against the government. Walker boasts, that on the Ist of May the Confederate flag will wave from the dome of the National Capitol, and on tlve 4th of July the army will cesupy Independence Hall.

Already their piratical flag is unfurled against our commerce, and the navigation of the Mississippi is obstracted, and we are required to pay tribute at its mouth. The question is, shall we allow this to proceed, or meet the oppression. He said there was no cause for tais rebellion—that no evidence had been presented that their institutions were insecure—that the Fugitive Slave law never was executed with more firmness than recently, at Chicago. Are we to inaugurate the Mexican system in the United States? Had the candidate of the Disunionists been elected, and the Republicans of the North rebelled, I would have used my best efforts to crush them. The first duty of American citizens is obedience to the Constitution and the laws. In my opinion it is our duty to lay aside all party creeds and platforms, until you have secured the country from our assailants. I will never acquiesce in a warfare upon the Constitutional rights or institutions of the Sou; 1. If any attempt be made to invade these rights, or incite servile insurrection against them, I would be first to rush to the rescue, yet they must distinctly understand that I will never acquiesce in their invasion of our Constitutional rights. It is clearly against Constitutional freedom to attempt to crush the United States out of the map of Christendom. He appealed to the men of all parties not to allow their passions to get the better of their judgment, and not to attempt to manufacture partisan capital out of the miseries and struggles of their country. To the Democrats he would say, don't allow party considerations to make you traitors. The most stupendous and unanimous preparations for war is the shortest way to peace. The greater the unanimity the less blood will be shed. Every friend of the country must feel that this cause is his ownThe Seceded States have proceeded to obstruct our inalienable rights of navigation of the Mississippi river. The people of the Mississippi Valley can never consent to be excluded from free access to the Gulf of Mexico. I will never cease to urge my countrymen to take up arms and fight to the death in defence of rtheir rights. It is a war of self defence, and I believe it is a duty we owe to ourselves, our children, and our God, to protect and sustain the government and flag from every assailant. The Senator was frequently interrupted by enthusiastic applause.

BALTIMORE.

Of the attack upon the Federal Militia in passing through Baltimore to Washington, we gain the following particulars from a Sacramento paper of May 11.

A regiment of Massachusetts and one of Pennsylvania Militia, in obedience to the requisition of the President, were hastening

to the defence of the Federal Metropolis. They were not going to fight any but those who defied the authority of the .Federal Government, openly resisted its laws, and were bent on the destruction or spoliation of its property and the subversion of its authority. What was there in all this to excite the ire or provoke hostile demonstrations from any but ingrain traitors ? Why should not those men have been received warmly and treated as kindly in Democratic Baltimore as in Democratic Nevir York ? Who believes that one loyal, Union-loving soul in all Baltimore was excited to wrath by seeing those men in that city ? Remember that neither Governor, nor Mayor, nor even Marshal Kane had asked them to avoid Baltimore on their way to Washington. Fart of the Massachusetts men, well armed, passed the citizens unmolested. Then the mob tore up the rails and placed obstructions on the tracl£. So far, none of the Militia had been seen except by pseping into the windows of the cars and marching through the streets. But for this, there would have been no pretence for seeing them. That the few and partially armed Massachusetts men, thus confronted by a vast and hostile mob, tried to pass as rapidly and inoffensively as possible, all will believe. They cared nothing for howls, or groans, or vile abuse; they stood knocking down by showers of paving stones, with Christian meekness; not until they had seen comrades fall dead in their ranks, killed by bolts of iron thrown on their heads from upper windows, or shot by muskets wrenched from their own hands, did they obey the order to fire. Who shall say that their forbearance was not heroic? Who, but a base 'traitor, will pretend that they did anything that justifies or at all excuses, the outrages afterwards perpetrated on the unarmed Pennsylvanians who followed them, or on the Northern citizens remaining in or since attempting to pass through the city ? And yet this hideous crime of the Baltimore mob is made the excuse for all its subsequent outrages, for the crushing out of the Union men, for the destruction of the railroads and telegraphs leading to the loyal states, and fitting out of private vessels in their harbor to press upon our commerce or attack the unarmed transports that are hurrying with citizens to the defence of the stars and stripes still waving over the capital of the Union.

Since this affair Baltimore has been in a fearful state of excitement, and Mr. Sumner, who was travelling through the city, had to fly for his life, and many citizens have likewisa left. Blood has stained its streets.

THE NAVY.

The naval strength seems to be in the hands of the Federal Government; but President Davis has set to work to fit out privateers for the Secessionists, and invites cooperation in the same line from abroad.

At the Charlestown navy yard work has been actively prosecuted. Ten vessels of war are now fitting out here. The Minnesota already presents a formidable appearance. Tons of shell have been put aboard of her, and workmen are engaged in adjusting the percussion locks upon her heavy guns. The Vincennes has been taken into the dry dock, and is being thoroughly overhauled and repaired. There are now over 100 marines at the yard, and recruiting goes on briskly. The same rigid examination is required in this branch of the service as in the army, and the recruits are drilled regularly six hours each day. Many are from Maine and New Hampshire, and the shoemakers of Haverhill, Natick, Newburyport, Marblehead, Lynn, and other places are offering themselves. One of the most startling instances of secession impudence yet attempted was tried on at the Brooklyn navy yard. The captain of the surveying vessel Varina very quietly endeavored to move down the river with his vessel, having an idea to take her • down south to Dixie.* Whatever his real intentions were, the crew suspected that something was going on wrong, and succeeded in communicating their feelings to the commander of the receiving ship North Carolina. A line was thrown across the stream, the Varina unmanned, put out of commission very unceremoniously, and her ship's company transferred to the 'Guardo.' .She now lies empty in the stream. The men cheered lustily for, the union, and hooted down * treason' as they left the Varina.

The Jeff. Davis proclamation for privateers has shown the real spirit of his enterprise. It is almost wholly devoted to a threat of piratical warfare upon Northern commerce, and an invitation to the pirates of all nations to help themselves to the California treasure ships. This is designed probably as practical coercion of northern shipowners, but it has roused quite a different spirit. The commercial men of New York and Boston have taken the measure in hand, and will furnish plenty of vessels to be converted into men-of-war, to catch the privateers, and those who take part in such piratical enterprises may expect to swing for it. The South will find that a continuance of this spirit will raise more John Browns, and provoke more raids on their slave property.

As regards ships the Federal government is somewhat weakened by the destruction of many of iheir fine vessels, &c, to prevent theie falling, into the hands of the Secessionists ; but the sailors and marines, with few exceptions, are said to be as true as steel, and the best gunners in the States.

THE ARMY.

The following is the official account of the present strength of the Federal army, and the general plan of the campaign about to be commenced. But, as elsewhere stated, a general arming is actively going on. 1. A corps d'armea of 35,000 men will be colleoed in and about this point, for the purpose of defending the seat of government, protecting the military posts, controlling the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, and keeping open the communication between the north and the capital. Washington will serve for its point d'appui, while its line of operation will extend all along the left bank of the right shore of the bay.

2. A second corps, 25,000 strong, will be formed in and about St. Louis. A portion of it will be employed in protecting the Union men and Federal property in that state from the violence of secession sympathisers, and the rest .in holding Cairo, and the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi, the most important strategical point in the west. 3. Of the remaining 40,000, 6000 are expected to be thrown into western Tevas, to forma nucleus around which the Unionists of that state will gather. 4. 25,000 men will be employed in a demonstration for the relief of Fort Pickens, and the recapture of the other fortifications about Pensacola bay. : 5. 10,000 men will be kept hovering in steam transports between Charleston and Savannah, to worry the rebels by necessitating the presence of a largo defensive force in both places, and effect a landing whenever opportunity shall offer. The army operations will be seconded by a strict blockade of the mouths of the Mississippi and all the southern ports. , This programme reflects exactly what the Go-[ vernment has decided to do, but will of course bo materially changed in case Virginia and the other Border slave states should secede. Washington however will be defended, and Fort Pickens relieved at any cost of blood and treasure.

MISCELLANEOUS.

We gather the following paragraphs from the same sources as the above.

The Southern Confederacy loan is in bad favor. The Californians in New York are mustering for Federal service. : .

In Arkansas the Secessionist flag has,been raised. .

The Massachusetts regiment found, the; Secessionists converting the ship ConstjUution at Annapolis into a battery, and drove them out. There is a report of a negro insurrection in some parts of Maryland. The citizens of Baltimore are flying in all directions from the violence of the mob.

There is a report of an attack on Fort Pickens: and that 2500 Secessionists were killed.

An army of 150,000 men, it is said, can be raised in the south. \ A diabolical attempt was made to poison the Massachusetts volunteers aboard the State of Maine, at New York; one man died, and several others were ill.

A regiment of riflemen is forming in New York city, of Italians, Swiss, and Hungarians, to be' called the Garibaldi Guards. t ?

The British residents are also forming a light infantry regiment.

Commodore Vanderbilt is said to have informoSVthe Government they caa have his whole fleet of" steamers, full manned and equipped, without thj? charge of a penny. / New Orleans advices state that the free colored

population had tendered their service to the government for the defence of, the state. All Abolitionists are to clear out.

Preparations for war in the Texas are on a large scale. The remaining Federal troops at Indianola will probably be taken prisoners. In Maine the legislature has voted to pledge the entire resources of the state to support the Federal government. The Union feeling in Delaware is unabated.) In the Nebraska territory a steamer was turned back by the secessionists, when some firing took place, and four men were killed and several wounded.

A piratical vessel, manned by fifty men, has been seen in Chesapeake bay. The government has directed Com. Breese to charter 20 steamers of light draught for three months, and to arm them with nine-inch guns and fit them for sea.

The siate'authorities of New York have decided to muster into immediate service the whole of 300,000 volunteers, as unauthorised by the legislature.

The common council of New York have voted 1,000,000 dollars to arm and equip regiments, and 500,000 dollars for families of volunteers.

Regiments are being raised throughout Vermont, and large sums of money tendered by the banks for government and the families of voluntears.

In Boston a full corps of flying artillery enlisted in two hours, and will be furnished with rifled cannon and all other equipments.