[PER PONY EXPRESS.]
Letter from New York.
[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
NEW YORK, April 27, 1861.
Advices from your city of the 13th instant were published in our journals of yesterday morning.
Safe Arrival of California Treasure.
The steamship Champion, with the California mails and treasure of the 1st April, came into port on Tuesday, to the great relief of our community, and especially to the underwriters and of those having friends on board, as a painful anxiety had been prevalent regarding her safety, on account of the belief that there were piratical craft abroad with the express purpose of capturing her. She was immediately turned over to the Government and taken to the Navy Yard, where she will undergo the necessary repairs, preparatory to being attached to the blockading squadron.
The California Regiment.
The California Regiment is filling up at a rapid rate, upward of 800 men having been enrolled up to last evening. This regiment will be composed of picked men, and will be officered only by men who have seen actual service. The uniforms are to be supplied from a fund made up by Californians. Judge Barnard of Marine Court, has resigned his position in order to take the post of lieutenant-colonel in this regiment. He will be the only officer that has not seen hard service.
Col. McLeod Murphy's regiment is also going ahead bravely. It has been accepted by the Governor, and was to have been mustered into service to-day.
The Villainous Abuse of Union Regiments by Baltimore Rowdies.
An eye-witness of the outrages endured by the Massachusetts soldiers on their march through Baltimore, relates the following:
In order to test the temper of the people, it was announced that the Pennsylvania troops would pass through the city unarmed. This they did, marching from one depot to the other, without a musket or a pistol in the ranks. The crowd were on either side of them, and exhibited wonderful genius in the display of insult. All manner of rude, taunting, and provoking remarks were addressed to the troops as they passed along. "Ho, ho," said one, "look at that d––d Dutchman; he'll never get back safe again; he'll never hank sour-krout again." "Mosey, old boots, don't you look this way, or I'll break your Dutch jaw," said another, while others seemed to vie with their comrades in profane and obscene slang, all of which was leveled at the forbearing soldiers. My informant saw one huge fellow take some well-masticated tobacco from his mouth and deliberately fling it at the face of a soldier; but on they march, blackguarded, execrated, and all but assaulted. The Massachusetts men were not only exposed to the passage of a similar gauntlet, but also to that murderous charge which has been so instrumental in stirring up the indignation and a burning for revenge in the hearts of the Northerners.
State of Affairs in Baltimore and Maryland.
A gentleman who was in the same city on Wednesday, (the 24th April,) writes:
Great preparations are making for war to-day. The foundries are hard at work turning out shot and shell; women are busy scraping lint and making bandages; the exportation of provisions from the city have been forbidden; the shipping of freight by water has been stopped; the telegraph wires are in possession of the city authorities; 30,000 men and boys have been enrolled, and armed with some sort of missile; the army and navy officers of the State are rapidly resigning; Col. John Winder will probably be awarded the commander-in-chief of the State forces by the Legislature; able-bodied citizens in all the counties are in arms; the Governor has sent his family to Dorset county, his home; the Annapolis Railroad has been rendered impassable for the passage of Federal troops; the Winans's, worth some twenty-five millions, have offered their whole property to the State, if required, and most of it is in money; all the arms in the stores have been seized; and in the course of a few days, Maryland and Baltimore will be one vast camp.
Meantime, our bank paper has sunk to 10 percent discount for specie, and then only in small sums; the Savings Banks have shut down paying deposits for thirty days; the merchants see nothing before them but a vast sea of bankruptcy; working people are thrown out of employment by the hundreds; the next thing will be general ruin to all the industrial and economical interests of the State, and all for the glorious purpose of withdrawing from a Union of unalloyed blessings in order to become a satrapy of Jefferson Davis. Oh, the fatuity of human nature––especially Pro-slavery human nature!
Anthracite coal has gone up to $15 a ton to-day, because the source of supply from Pennsylvania, by way of the Northern Central Road, has been cut off by the barbarian order of Gov. Hicks to destroy the bridges, and the general fear now is that, even when the road is repaired, non-intercourse will be established.
Delusive Hopes of the South upon the Aid of New York.
Another gentleman, who left Savannah on Friday week, says that it was the universal belief there that New York city would take up arms against the Government. It was currently reported that Fernando Wood was raising a regiment for the Southern service, and they counted confidently upon the support of all the men of wealth and of influence here. This impression led them to make a very broad distinction in the treatment of strangers between New Yorkers and others. The news of the Union demonstration had not reached them with sufficient fulness to make any decided impressions––but there is no doubt that it would create very great disappointment and alarm.
The above reference to what was expected from Fernando Wood fully justifies the allusion I made the other day to the suspected complicity of that gentleman in the Southern schemes. When the fire-eaters learn the whole force––its length and breadth––of the Northern movement––their indignant denunciation of the men whose support they had relied on––may possibly reveal to us some of the secrets of the New York hatchers of treason.
General Scott an Old Coon.
A letter correspondent of the Evening Post, writing from Washington, says:
I am amply assured that Gen. Scott is fully awake to the importance and urgency of the occasion, and fully informed of all that the rebel leaders are doing or meditating. He is occupied, as he was in the early part of the Mexican war, in carrying into effect plans carefully laid, and as carefully concealed from the knowledge of the enemy. Before they are aware, the net which he has set will be sprung upon them, and they will be taken in it like a covey of partridges.
A Piece of Count and Reckoning with Norfolk.
It will be recollected that when the Navy Yard and war vessels were blown up at Norfolk, two United States officers, were in the hurry and confusion of the occasion, left behind. It has bene since ascertained that those officers are held as prisoners by the rebels, if indeed they have not already been hanged. On the supposition, however, that they are still alive, Com. Paulding has sent word to the authorities at Norfolk, that if the men are not released forthwith, he will proceed to the city with the Cumberland and blow it to pieces. Fearing the Commodore will put his threats into execution, the rebels are planting cannon below town, and taking other measures of defense.
Strong Feeling of the People against Baltimore.
Matters are fast nearing a crisis in Maryland, and it is not unlikely that before this letter reaches you, you will have heard that the State has legislated herself out of the Union, and met the first shock of the impending war upon her own soil. Even if her leaders fail to carry out their Secession programme, there is no escape for Baltimore, unless there is a square back-down on her part, and a free and uninterrupted passage through her thoroughfares is allowed to the Federal troops. The feeling of bitter hatred toward that city for the scenes of the 19th of April is gathering in volume and intensity throughout the Free States, and the cry everywhere, from all throats, is, "A free passage through Baltimore, or over it." This is still the demand, not of the radical press alone, but of such staunch conservative journals as the New York Times, the World, and the Commercial Advertiser, among our metropolitan journals, and of nineteen-twentieths of all the newspapers which reach us from other cities and rural districts, irrespective of past party affiliations.
Indeed, the sentiment may be said to be universal in the States outside of the Seceders. At a meeting on Wednesday of the influential gentlemen at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, the following memorial was presented, and signed by a large number of our most prominent and our most wealthy men:
To his Excellency the President of the United States:
SIR––The undersigned, citizens of the United States, deem it their duty, in view of the forcible and continued interruption of communication with the capital of the country by residents of Baltimore, to make known to you, in an emphatic and solemn manner, the universal sentiments of the citizens of the country in favor of the immediate reopening of that communication; and in their name to demand that the gallant men who have so nobly responded to the call of the Government in the time of its peril shall not be placed in jeopardy, either for supplies or reinforcements, from any considerations of policy, expediency, or mercy to the rebels.
An open pathway to our national capital is the nation's right, and will be had and maintained––peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must.
A prominent Democrat writes to the Tribune:
No marching around Baltimore. For the present, let our battle-cry be, "Through Baltimore at every hazard!" I pray you say to the Government that the people demand the right of way to the Capital, and will have it.
I am ready, if there be an occasion for it, to be one of an army over whose dead bodies our living soldiers may march in triumph to Washington. I mean what I say. I have lived thirty-seven years, and I care not to survive my country. Through Baltimore at all hazards!
"No more marching around Baltimore," echoes Richard Busteed in the Evening Post, but ove [over] and upon the nation's highway to the capital of our country. Better a thousand Baltimores should smoulder in ruins, and lie waste for ever, than that our people should feel their rulers are not equal to this exigence. Through Baltimore at all hazards. The only order of the Government that I will not be loyal to is 'March around Baltimore,' and there are thousands in this city who cherish the sentiment."
And finally, George Law––Live-oak George––takes up the cry, and in a memorial to the President tells that functionary that the Government must clear the path to Washington, or the people will do it for them. It is said that George has intimated a strong desire to go to Baltimore with his own steamers and at his own expense, to avenge upon that city the outrages it has committed against the Government. He could, no doubt, raise for such a purpose a force of 50,000 men in this city alone. Here is his letter to the President:
TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES––Sir: The people of the Free States have now been for some time cut off from communication with the capital of their country by a mob in the city of Baltimore. The troops of the General Government have been attacked and shot down by the mob, in their passage through that city in pursuance of the orders of the government. The lines of communication have been destroyed, and the authority of the General Government has been set at defiance. This state of things has been permitted to continue for nearly a week, and our troops going to the capital have been delayed, and have had to find their way by irregular and circuitous routes, very much to their inconvenience. Citizens of the Free States have either been prevented altogether from visiting the capital or from returning thence to their homes, or have been compelled to run the gauntlet, been subjected to all sorts of insult and danger, and have had to resort to the most circuitous routes by private conveyance and at exorbitant expense. All facilities by mail and telegraph have been cut off by the same unlawful assemblage in Baltimore and other parts of Maryland, at a time when the free communication is so much required between the Free States and Washington.
The public mind is already excited to the highest point that this state of things has been so long tolerated; and the people are determined that free and uninterrupted communication with the seat of Government shall be immediately established, not by circuitous routes, but by the direct lines of communication that they have heretofore traveled over. And it is demanded of Government that they at once take measures to open and establish those lines of communication, and that they protect and preserve them from any further interruption. Unless this is done the people will be compelled to take it into their own hands, let the consequences be what they may, and let them fall where they will. It is certainly most desirable that this be done through the regularly constituted authorities of Washington; and the Government is earnestly desired to act without delay.
There is entire unanimity of feeling on the part of the people of the Free States to Sustain the Government and maintain the Union.
I trust, Mr. President, that this letter will not be received unkindly, as in writing it I simply do what I feel it to be my duty as a citizen to do in this extraordinary state of things.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, GEORGE LAW.
It is believed, however, that the instant Government has put the Capital in a state of defense, it will turn its attention to this question, and carry out, to the fullest extent, this universal demand of the incensed North. in view of this movement, it is suggested that the duty of opening the road be given to the Massachusetts boys, with the privilege of christening the route "Bay State avenue." A letter from Philadelphia says:
Judge Pierrepont of New York, and his confreres of the New York Committee, were here this afternoon. He says he goes prepared to take, on behalf of New York, the responsibility of saying that that route must be opened, and must be protected, and as he said so in the corridor of the Continental, his words, caught by the listening crowd, were echoed again and again, demonstrating clearly that the people are uneasy, and will not long be held in check, even if their being checked is for the very best interests of the country. The fiat has gone forth––there is no alternative. Baltimore must be open to the people of the land, and if grass won't effect the result, stones must.
Where are Davis and his Men?––Doubts that the Virginia Ordinance of Secession will be Ratified by the People.
There is a good deal of mystery hanging over the movements of the rebel troops and leaders, and hundreds of false rumors touching their whereabouts. Notwithstanding the newspapers have had thousands of Secession troops posted on Georgetown heights and commanding the city of Washington, together with Gen. Beauregard at Richmond with a large army, and Jefferson Davis with other troops within but a few hours march of that point, it is now ascertained that there certainly have been no rebel troops at Georgetown, and it is doubtful whether Davis and Beauregard have even started on their threatened raid on Washington. Indeed, a Richmond correspondent of the Times asserts positively that Jeff. Davis is still at Montgomery, and that Beauregard has not been in Richmond. Nor will the Secession leaders attack Washington, or make any hostile demonstrations toward the North, until after Virginia shall have joined the Southern Confederacy. And this latter event is not so sure to happen after all, inasmuch as the Ordinance of Secession has yet to be submitted to the vote of the people, who may repudiate it altogether. The unanimous uprising of the North––so totally unexpected by the Secession traitors––its warlike response to the movements of Davis and Beauregard, and above all, the countless myriads of excited troops who are gathering all over the States and hurrying towards the Virginia line, will have a wonderful effect in strengthening the Union feeling which still lingers among the masses, and urging them to one more effort to save their State from the vortex of disunion, while a corresponding depression of the hopes of the Secession demagogues will be sure to follow. Besides, there is that minor Secession movement––the wheel within a wheel––which has gathered so much strength in the western half of the State, that it has already culminated in the call of a Convention to consider the question of a disunion of the Commonwealth. Western Virginia says plumply that she will not go with the Southern Confederacy, and this decision, when uttered with all the formalities and sanctions of a popular convention will have a salutary effect upon the movements of the eastern counties. To have the poisoned cup thus presented to their own lips, will have the effect of showing the people the absurdity as well as the wickedness of the whole scheme of Secession, and thus strike the movement stone dead.
Our news from Baltimore of to-day indicated also a great change in the feelings of her citizens touching the secession movement. The Sun, hitherto a bitter, out-and-out Secessionist, now takes the other track, protesting against the passage of an ordinance, and denying the right of the Legislature to consider the matter. The stand taken by this city has doubtless had its share in bringing about this wholesome change in the tone of the leading Southern organ of Baltimore. Perhaps also the impending great slave stampede, which has just commenced on the Maryland borders, may also have had its effect, to say nothing of the numerous escapes from the city itself of its business men.
We have also to-day further rumors from the South, to the effect that large bodies of rebel troops are concentrating at various points in Virginia––at Harper's Ferry, Richmond, Norfolk, etc.; one rumor putting the force at Richmond at 28,000. But travelers who come direct from those places do not confirm these reports. They are evidently exaggerated repetitions of former rumors.
Incident on the March from Annapolis to Washington.
A private letter gives the following account of an incident which occurred on the march of the New York Seventh regiment from Annapolis to Washington:
The regiment left Annapolis on Wednesday morning, early, and started on their way in company with 800 of the Massachusetts (Col. Butler's) regiment. Parties of skirmishers were thrown out to repel any obstructing forces, though, fortunately for the Baltimore fellows, they did not think it advisable to act up to their threats, and no fighting was to be done. Much hard work was on hand, however. The locomotive engine found at or near the station was discovered to be badly injured at the outset. Col. Butler, knowing the peculiarities of the Yankee, and suspecting that he might have a machinist under his command, put the inquiry. Six men answered. To one he gave directions to examine the engine and see if he could put it in order. The man looked at the disabled monster, and a light of recognition came into his eye. "I know this work," said he, lovingly patting the sides of the boiler; "I made it myself." And, sure enough, in the proper place appeared his name. Therefore, there was a cheer for the good omen of the incident, and with ringing hammers and the rude tools at hand, the locomotive was shortly in condition, showing that though Baltimore may try to destroy New England in general and Massachusetts in particular, she can make whole again at the shortest notice.
The machinist referred to was from Willmarth's locomotive factory, South Boston, which furnished also eight other workmen for the same regiment.
Mob Rule in Baltimore.
Thomas Rawlins, a merchant, who was driven from Baltimore a few days ago for uttering Union sentiments, states that the Baltimore banks will not pay gold on the check of their depositors, and will only give gold for their own bills, less 10 per cent. discount. The stores and business places of persons supposed to favor the Government are broken into, and their contents rudely treated, and in every possible and conceivable manner the residence of the Union-lover is rendered most undesirable in the city. He think that Gov. Hicks means well, and expresses the belief that one of the earliest actions of the Maryland Legislature will be an attempt to impeach him. Mayor Brown he k nows to be not a Secessionist, but merely inclined to the States' Rights doctrine––a doctrine which cannot avail him much if the Massachusetts regiments are sent that way again. But however these statements may be, one thing is very evident, and that is that the mov has such control of the defense of the city, such command of the police, and such influence with the authorities, that they do what they please, and ask permission of no man.
Another gentleman, who passed through Baltimore on Thursday evening, says:
During the time spent in Baltimore I traversed a number of the streets, and found patrols thickly disposed on every block, both of the military and police. The person whom I engaged to convey me from the city was arrested while making his preparations for our departure, but being identified by a friend of one of the party of patrolmen, he was released again. We were advised to obtain a permit from the Marshal, in order to leave the city. After numerous interrogations as to business, destination, character, (!) &c., the permit was granted, and we were allowed to proceed.
We were informed that the bridge at Bush creek had again been burned during that night. We saw a picket guard about twelve miles below Baltimore on the Washington road. We also encountered other patrols on this side of Baltimore, some three miles from the city. They, however, gave us no trouble beyond watching us very closely until we got out of sight.
In Baltimore we saw quite a battery of howitzers and 6 pound field pieces in front of the Marshal's office. We saw other pieces of ordnance in the streets at various points. The people believe they are prepared to repel a force of 30,000 men.
There was a very free display of Secession flags. All the principal buildings were decorated with this appendage. I was informed that a Union man had that day hoisted the stars and stripes on his building, and that it had been torn down by a mob, but that he had raised it a second time, fully prepared to defend it. Men of Union sentiments begin to put on strength. Their language is somewhat subdued, but it is a muttering which will undoubtedly gain in boldness until it become a power to be recognized.
All through Northern Delaware, in Wilmington, and other towns, there is a plenteous display of American flags, and considerable enthusiasm. The people in the rural districts are alarmed, owing to the demonstrations being made by the Government.
The Union Feeling in Delaware.
The union sentiments in Delaware, alluded to by this gentleman, has just been nobly responded to by the Governor of that State, in a proclamation, calling out troops for the defense of the Union, in conformity with the President's requisition.
False Telegrams in the South.
The transport ships are beginning to return from Washington, where they carried troops from this city. One of these ships brought us yesterday upwards of fifty bags of mail matter, which had accumulated at the Capital since the destruction of the roads by the Baltimoreans. Through these mails we get our Southern papers, at which we had not a glimpse for several days. It is curious, in perusing them, to note the highly exaggerated manner in which the telegraph treats of the facts, in some cases, and the utter falsehood to which it gives currency in others. Thus the Norfolk Herald of Tuesday gives the following:
Just as we were going to press last night, a despatch was received by Gen. Gwynn, that the Seventh Regiment of New York, in their attempt to proceed from Annapolis to Washington, were met and cut to pieces by the Marylanders, between that city and Marlboro, Maryland.
The Lynchburg Virginian of Saturday gives its readers the following despatch:
Baltimore has triumphed! The Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by B.F. Butler, numbering near 800 men, were taken prisoners. It is reported that upward of 100 of the Massachusetts men were killed, while only 16 Baltimoreans were killed and wounded.
When people who are deceived by such infamous means as these are really awakened to the horrors which will encompass them on every side, what imprecations will they not heap upon the heads of the demagogues who have all along been so persistently deceiving them. It is to be hoped that their eyes may be opened to their peril before the coming hour; when, Washington being safe beyond peradventure, and Baltimore a heap of ruins, in Northern hosts, flushed with victory, and with bosoms overflowing with the thirst of revenge which many years of unprovoked outrage have nurtured, have commenced their desolating march over the plantations of the South. The singular unanimity with which our Northern press and our Northern politicians, Democrats as well as Republicans, now echo the sentiments which Wendell Phillips and Lloyd Garrison have been preaching for so many years, ought to be a significant warning to every owner of a slave. How many men are there in our Pacific States who are ready to enlist under Lane and Gwin, for the purpose of taking the side of the slave oligarchy in such a contest?
The "Niagara."
The timely arrival of the frigate Niagara from her Japan voyage has already been announced to you by telegraph. She had hardly sung round to her anchors at the Charleston, Mass., Navy Yard, when the process of weeding out the traitors from among her officers commenced. There were found among them fur who resisted to take the oath of allegiance anew, and their names were, of course, forthwith stricken from the rolls. Lieutenant Brown, one of these cashiered officers, was subsequently arrested in Boston for uttering treasonable sentiments. The Niagara is now on her way to this city to have her boilers repaired preparatory to a cruise in Chesapeake Bay, if matters are not settled in Baltimore. Her armament consists of twelve eleven-inch Dahlgren guns and four howitzers. The Dahlgrens can throw their enormous balls, or bombs of the same size, a distance of four miles. Now that her list of officers is purged of the Southern element, there will be entire unanimity and enthusiasm on board for the American flag, which she has borne in triumph round the globe.
Settling Scores with Traitors at Home.
Speaking of traitors, I am reminded that the process of weeding out such vermin from among us is still proceeding with vigor, and with happy effects. In the Circuit Court on Wednesday, Judge Betts defined the law of treason to the Grand Jury. In his enumeration of the several acts constituting that crime, he included the building, manning, or in any way fitting out or victualling vessels to aid the enemy; sending provisions, arms, or other supplies to them; and raising funds or obtaining credit for them. Any person cognizant of such acts who does not promptly inform the authorities, is guilty of misprison of treason, and punishment for which is seven years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000.
I referred last week to the arrest of one of the brothers Newkirk, clothiers, of Dey street. Mr. Newkirk endeavored to clear himself, as did the lithograph of the letters of marque, by saying that the orders for clothing were received some months ago, before the secession of South Carolina, and that since that even the work on the job had been stopped. Unfortunately, however, for the gentleman, the police detectives, in the course of their investigations, happened to find some dozen or more places where the employés of Newkirk, not having heard of the trouble at headquarters, were still busily at work over the Secession uniforms! This settled the matter against the prisoner, and he is now in jail awaiting examination.
On Wednesday, a person who calls himself Dr. Sabo, was arrested on a charge of enlisting seamen for the Southern Navy. The information against him was given by a printer, who, by order of the accused, had printed a form of enlistment similar to those used in the United States service. It is claimed that the prisoner intended to delude his recruits into the belief that they were to be engaged for service in the United States Navy at the South.
On the day previous to this several engraved steel plates for printing the bonds of the Confederates were seized at the office of the American Bank Note Company in Wall street. These plates are enumerated as follows:
One bond plate, for.........................$50 notes.
One bond plate, for.........................$100 notes.
One bond plate, for.........................$250 notes.
One bond plate, for.........................$1,000 notes.
Ten bond plates, for........................$50 and $100 notes.
Four bond plates, for $50, $100, $500 and $1,00 notes.
The officers of the Company state that they ceased printing from them as soon as the President'e proclamation was issued. The informer against them asserts that they were being printed from as late as four days ago.
An hour after the above seizure of the United States deputy marshals entered the office of the National Bank Note Company and took into their keeping two plates of cancelled Treasury Notes of the Southern Confederacy, of the denominations of $50, $100, $500 and $1,000. The engraving of the plate is of the best quality, and not unlike the United States Treasury Notes now in circulation. The presidents of both companies are held to await investigation in the matter.
A Brooklyn Pro-Slavery Clergyman Taken to Task.
Of the Rev. Henry J. VanDyke your readers have doubtless already often heard. It was he who preached the sensational pro-slavery sermon in Brooklyn last fall, and afterwards took a journey South to receive the ovations of the oligarchy. Recently, his neighbors in Brooklyn have been rather anxious to have him define his present opinions on the institution; but he played shy for awhile, until the pressure about him became so strong that he was forced at last to speak out. This he did in a card in which he acknowledged his allegiance to the United States. His church, at the corner of Rempen street, also gave him a lift in the eyes of his fellow-citizens by displaying the Stars and Stripes from its roof. Mr. VanDyke will utter no more eulogies––for the present, at least––upon the beauties of slavery.
Caleb Cushing now all for the Union.
A greater man that Van Dyke is the Hon. Caleb Cushing. I referred the other day to the fact that there had been anxious inquiries as to the whereabouts of this gentleman, he not having then been heard from for several weeks. He has turned up at last in his old homestead, in Newburyport, where, on Thursday, he made a speech, declaring himself in favor of sustaining the Government, and his readiness to take the field, and to die, if necessary, in behalf of his country. A gentleman who encountered Caleb a few days previous to this, at Fredericktown, Md., he being then on his way from Washington, represents the wily General to have been in deep consultation there with leading secessionists in that city. Caleb may have been sincere in his utterances at Newburyport, but of all the recent suddenly-converted pro-slaveryites he will need the most watching, and ought to be the least trusted in any enterprise where he could have an opportunity to do mischief.
And so is the Colt Revolver Man.
Col. Samuel Colt, the Hartford pistol man, is another instance of sudden conversion under the pressure of a wholesome public opinion. Colt has been for some time sending the product of his manufactories to the South. He has now, he says, stopped all that, and will sell only to Northern dealers. Unfortunately for the quality of the Colonel's patriotism, his sudden conversion has not brough [brought] forth works meet for repentance, for, while only two short months ago he was furnishing our Southern foes with his manufactures at $18 per pistol, he now makes his Yankee brethren pay $22 for the same article. Mr. Colt has amassed a fortune of nearly two millions of dollars, through the monopoly which our patent laws have given him in the pistol market, and it is now suggested that, under the circumstances of his recent unpatriotic conduct, that his patents should be revoked, and the manufacture of the Colt revolver thrown open to everybody. Such a course would be a just punishment for him.
Some Notable Secessionists.
The Winans Brothers, of Baltimore, are showing their appreciation of their duty to a Government under whose patent laws they have been enabled to amass a splendid fortune, by taking the most energetic measures to overthrow it. It is said that these brothers have now nearly 1,000 men engaged in the manufacture of cannons, bombs, balls, &c., which are intended to perform an important part in the meditated attack upon Fort McHenry. Ross, the elder brother, has, it is said, tendered a loan of $1,000,000 to the State.
Salmon Adams, a Southern agent for the purchase of arms, came very near being lynched the other day at Springfield, Mass. He would have suffered, had he not eluded the vigilance of his pursuers by hiding himself in a tomb which providentially stood in an open cemetery. In this rather uncomfortable place Adams remained until dark, when, seeing his way clear, he started for the railroad depot, and took the evening express to Palmer, where he awaited the arrival of the night mail train from Boston, on which he embarked to Hartford. He is then supposed to have visited Col. Colt the following morning, and being refused arms to use against the Government, proceeded directly to New York, and then to Richmond, Va.
Another traitor is Capt. Andrew Talcott, of the Topographical Engineers, a native of Connecticut and a graduate of West Point, and recently stationed at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Talcott has gone to Richmond, Va., to superintend the manufacture of arms, etc., to be used against the Government. His skill as an engineer makes him a valuable accession to the enemy. His treachery will surprise his friends and family. He is a brother of Col. Talcott, who was lately dismissed from the army as a defaulter. His son was lately employed on the Washington aqueduct.
Grave suspicions are also entertained of the loyalty of Gen. Harney, of the Western army, and of Lieut. Maury, of the National Observatory, who is now absent from his post and nobody knows where. The friends of the Lieutenant, however, vouch for his loyalty, although they fail to account for his absence at this critical period.
Senators Bell and Crittenden.
The defection of Senators Bell in Tennessee and Crittenden in Kentucky has caused considerable mortification and some indignation among the larger portion of their friends in this quarter. Being champion leaders of a party whose shibboleth was but so recently "The Union, the Constitution, the enforcement of the laws"––their sudden caving in is wholly unaccountable on any other hypothesis than that they have heretofore been playing a part. Republicans who but three short months ago were urging John Bell for a seat in Mr. Lincoln's Cabinet have some reason to be indignant. There are others who have the right to boast that they strenuously opposed even the mention of the Ex-Senator's name in connection with a seat in a Republican Cabinet, on the ground that he was a State Rights man, and that, whenever Tennessee seceded, he would go heartily with her. He now, it would seem, is disposed to go still further, and to lead his State out of the Union. How different from this is the conduct of his Democratic antagonist––Andy Johnson!
Are the Democrats to Steal the Republicans' Thunder? –– "Through Baltimore" is the Cry.
Are the Democrats really going to take the wind out of the sails of the Republicans in the great race for the rescue of the country from the hands of the anarchists? It would seem so, from the indications of the feeling among the masses of that party which the events of the past few days have brought forth. Of all the most active men in getting up regiments in our city, and in fact, throughout the State, there are none that surpass in spirit and patriotism the several prominent Democrats who have taken up the business in this city; Dan Sickels, Dick Busteed, Dick Connolly, McLeod Murphy, Senator Spinola, and os many other people of a democratic fame that I cannot stop to name, are all as busy as bees in forwarding our military preparations, and every one of them very decided in the assertion of their right to march with their troops through Baltimore, and their determination to assert that right at the point of the bayonet. "THROUGH BALTIMORE!" is now inscribed on the banners of more than one of our volunteer regiments, and those are eh words which now the oftenest greet the ears of those troops as they march through our streets on their way to the war. George Law presented a pair of revolvers to each fo Billy Wilson's regiment, accompanying the gift with words, "THROUGH BALTIMORE!" Col. Ellsworth's firemen Zouaves are eagerly bent on going that route, and Col. Larned is now organizing a "Pathfinder's Association," whose avowed object is to cleave a road to the Capital through the devoted city. The Boston boys who are yet to come on, have sent word in advance that they can reach Washington by no other route. It makes a strong man shudder simply to think of the terrible fate that awaits that beautiful city if the Slave oligarchy should continue to wield its destiny but a few days longe.r
Foreign Nationalities in the United States Rising for the Union.
Not the least magnificent feature in the general warlike uprising of our people is the cordial sympathy and the instant action which the foreign element in our population manifests on every side. Besides a very large sprinkling of foreigners in all our regiments, we have regiments formed exclusively of distinct nationalities. Thus we have the British, Irish, Scotch, Welsh, French, German, Italian, Polish, Hungarian, Scandinavian, and Norwegian regiments, and some of these nationalities more than one regiment; and I do verily believe that, if John Chinaman was worth a damper fighting, we would in less than a week get up a regiment of Celestials of as ugly a pattern as any you can produce in San Francisco.
At the anniversary meeting, on Wednesday, of the St. George's Society, the "rebellion" of the South was strongly and indignantly denounced. Dr. Vinten, of Trinity Church, who was an invited guest, denounced Secession as a demoniac idea which should be overthrown and crushed out.
Aid from Canada.
Besides this feeling among the foreigners living here, we hear of strong commotion among those who live in other lands and under other Governments. The Canadians are stirring, and preparing to battle against the spread of an institution, which they have recently been made so familiar with, through the testimony of the Anderson trial; and many are preparing to leave their homes to fight in the army of the North. It is said that 600 men are now on their way from Quebec to Boston, where they are going to enlist. Here is a card which appears in the Montreal Herald of Tuesday:
The business of Nathaniel Davis & Co., 105 1/2 McGill street, will cease on Thursday of this week, as the proprietors leave for the scene of war on Friday. Our landlord, Mr. Flynn, kindly releases us from our agreement to occupy his store for another year. The President of the United States has issued his call for volunteers. As Americans we respond at once. Every drop of blood in our veins belongs to our country. We are thankful to Divine Providence that we are alive and in good health to do duty to our Government. The name of Washington will receive new lustre from the glorious deeds about to transpire in the trial of the cause of freedom and republican government. The South call themselves Confederate States of America. We call them Confederate States of Assassins.
NATHANIEL DAVIS,
ROBERT DAVIS,
WILLIAM ROBINSON,
Members of the Seventy-first regiment, New York city.
MONTREAL, April 22, 1861.
It is also reported at Boston that arrangements have been made by George Ashmun with the Canadian authorities by which the Government can immediately obtain a large number of the best muskets for the arming the of our troops. it is stated that 6,000 guns are on the way or have already arrived, and that more can be had, even to the number of 75,000. The rumor has not yet been authenticated. These arms will be of more use to us than ten times the number of men, just at the present juncture; for, thanks to the treasonable industry of the knave Floyd, several regiments are actually detained in this city to-day, for the lack of fire-arms, and this, while the Southern troops are all thoroughly armed and the Southern arsenals still overflowing with implements.
The Traitor Floyd and his Confederates.
In thinking over these facts, with the knowledge that the arch-traitor himself is where his throat is safe from the clutch of an honest man's hand, one is constrained to ask who were the aiders and abettors of this meanest of all scoundrels? Who were his accomplices in the United States Senate, and where are those accomplices now, and what have they to say to their outraged constituents? It was said, three or four weeks ago, that one or two of these Senators had left these shores for the purpose of stirring up the Pacific States to rebellion. How have these gentlemen succeeded in their mission? and how do they like the attitude of their Democratic brethren in the North, East and West, with which the telegraph must have already made them sufficiently acquainted to enable them to give an answer?
Will England Recognize the Southern Confederacy?
But I was talking of the feeling of foreigners. From England, we hear that in the British Parliament Mr. Gregory's motion, recommending a prompt recognition of the Montgomery government by Great Britain, is threatened with a powerful opposition. B. Foster has given notice of his intention to move an amendment, postponing any opinion on the part of the House of Commons in favor of such recognition, and expressing a hope that it will never be made without security taken against the revival of the African slave-trade. If this be adopted, the English Cabinet will not venture to take any steps in the matter during the present session, and the mission of the Southern Commissioners to London, so far as the present action of England is concerned, will prove a failure.
Union Feeling in New Jersey.
New Jersey is alive with military enthusiasm. Camden has raised two full companies, and can do more if wanted. The State was called on for four regiments, but eight were offered and small as it is she could furnish twenty. As to money for the war it is poured out like water by banks and individuals. The Camden and Amboy managers have made a donation of $10,000, and are watching like hawks for anything contraband that may be offered in New York to come over their road. Our two small banks have tendered $50,000 to the State. Com. Stockton, who was an earnest Compromiser, has hoisted the right flag on his dwelling, with Senator Thompson, a worse Compromiser yet, and Edward Stevens is said to have tendered $1,000,000. This whole State has no weak spot in it. Some of these very expelled truckers have offered themselves as volunteers, but the companies are all full, and they must hold off until the next call, or go on their own hook.
The Sioux and Chippeways Offer their Services to the President.
A deputation of twenty Indians, headed by White Cloud, in behalf of the Sioux and Chippeways, have arrived in Washington. They tender to the United States, in behalf of themselves and 300 other warriors, their services against rebellion. Having heard that the Cherokees have sided with the rebels, they could not remain neutral, and, with a promptness worthy of imitation in high quarters, have come to offer their services in defense of the Government. The 300 are probably on their way now. They ask to be armed and led. White Cloud is the interpreter of the Sioux, and is a man of intelligence and true patriotic ardor. He visited the Quartermaster's Department, and addressed the soldiers being inspected there. He says the men on the way are all good warriors, ranging from 18 to 40 years of age. He has received some encouragement that their wishes will be gratified.
Bruisers in for the Fight.
The New York Empire City regiment, under command of Col. Andrew Sheehan, is now enrolling volunteers at No. 15 West Houston street. Among the members are Billy Mulligan, Jim Hughes, George Middleton, champion wrestler of America, Louis Borrel, Ira Cole, Robert C. Kehoa, W.P. Hallett, Benjamin Wells, John Woods, William Smith, John Williams, Lewis Conover, Michael Mark, Capt. Daniel Aldrich, Major Welding, John Franklin––and all are fighting men. There will be two companies of riflemen equipped from this regiment, if possible.
Miscellaneous Items.
The New York Yacht Club, which was announced to meet "for considering what action should be taken by the owners of yachts and members of the Club, in the present crisis," failed to come to any conclusion. In consequence of this insufficiency of the notice of meeting, but few members were present, and an adjournment to an early day was made. It is expected that every member of the Club will do all in his power to aid the Government not only personally, but with his vessel.
The Committee of twenty-six who are directing the organization of a Metropolitan Home Guard have tendered the chief command of said Guard to George Law. Mr. Law did not accept, but is to meet the Committee at the Astor House to-day for further consultation. The tender of this command, if not suggested, was decidedly impelled by Mr. Law's letter to the President [published above] which speaks the universal sentiment of this community. His energy of character and decided executive talent render the choice eminently judicious. The Committee expect to extend and perfect their organization until it shall include at least 20,000 effective men, of all classes, able and willing to bear arms in defence of New York.
Expelled Union men from Richmond, report that the Secessionists are fearfully "down" on New York. It had been confidently expected that thousands of volunteers and millions of money would be cast by New York in favor of revolution and anarchy. They say they built up New York themselves, and consider it a very ungrateful thing for the metropolis now to turn round against them. They intend to make fearful retaliation for our ingratitude.
A letter received by a young man in this city, from a friend in Newark, N.J., states that Major Robert Anderson, the hero of Sumter, a New Jerseyman by adoption, has asked permission to take command of the volunteer troops from that State, and promises to lead them into Fort Sumter. His wishes will undoubtedly be acceded to by the government.
At the great demonstration at Union-square for the defense of the Union, a Committee was appointed, which has been sub-divided into other Committees, and among them a Committee to obtain subscriptions in aid of the fund to be provided. A.T. Stewart, who is one of the latter, has headed his own subscription list with the sum of $10,000.
Col. Edwin A. Stephens, of Hoboken, has signified his intention of equipping an entire regiment for the service of the country.
"Letter From New York," San Francisco (CA) Daily Evening Bulletin, May 14, 1861, p. 1.