The American Civil War

—The story of an armistice having been requested by Secretary Cameron was denied as follows:

Wilmington, Wednesday, May 1.
Simeon Draper, Esq., Chairman Union Defence Committee:

There is not a word of truth in any of the newspaper reports of the armistice made or proposed. That sort of business ended on the 4th of March.

………F. W. Seward.

N: Y. Times, May 2.

—A large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Wiscasset, Maine, was held, Wilmot Wood, Esq., presiding. Some spirited resolutions were unanimously passed; and it was recommended to the town to raise $5,000 for the support of families of volunteers who, under the command of Edwin M. Smith, Esq., were enrolled in a company for the defence of the Union.—Boston Transcript, May 7.

—The Baptist State Convention of Georgia, submitted a communication to the Congress of the seceded States at Montgomery, endorsing, approving, and avowing support to, the Confederate Government, and requesting the said Government to proclaim a day of fasting and prayer, “that God will deliver us from the power of our enemies, and restore peace to the country.”—(Doc. 124.)

—The governor of Connecticut sent a message to the legislature of that State, containing the following:— “Col Samuel Colt, of Hartford, on the 25th of April last, offered to the executive his services in promoting the enlistment of a regiment of able-bodied men from the State for the war, and to furnish a sufficient number of his revolving breech rifles for their equipment. To this noble proposition I have replied, expressing my high appreciation of the patriotic offer, and assuring him that the tender of ten companies would at once be accepted, the troops organized into a regiment, the field officers appointed in harmony with the wishes of the regiment and the dignity of the State, and their services placed at the disposal of the General Government. These arms, which are the very latest improvements, with the saber bayonets, would sell in market to-day for over $50,000 in cash. Col. Colt is now actively engaged in enlisting a full regiment for the war, and also furnishing officers to drill and perfect the men in the use of the weapons at his own expense.”—The World, May 3.

—General Harney, in a letter to Col. Fallon of St. Louis, gives an account of his arrest and subsequent release by the authorities of Virginia; declares that he will serve under no other banner than the one he has followed for forty years; denies the right of secession, and implores his fellow-citizens of Missouri not to be seduced by designing men to become the instruments of their mad ambition, and plunge the State into revolution.—(Doc. 125.)

—The Albany (N. Y.) Burgesses Corps arrived at New York, and proceed to Washington to-morrow to join the Twenty-fifth regiment, N. Y. S. M.—(Doc. 126.)

—An attempt was made to blow up the State Powder House, on Brarnhall Hill, at Portland, Me., containing 1,000 kegs of powder, by building a fire at an air-hole outside. It was discovered, and extinguished.—N. Y. Tribune, May 2.

—Gov. Black of Nebraska, issued a proclamation, recommending a thorough volunteer organization throughout the Territory. He has supplied companies with arms and equipments, and seems determined to place Nebraska in the best possible condition of defence.—Idem.

—The remains of the three Massachusetts soldiers who were killed in Baltimore, arrived at Boston in charge of private D. S. Wright, of the Sixth regiment, who was detailed by Col. Jones for the duty. The bodies were taken from the receiving tomb in Baltimore, under the supervision of Mayor Brown, and left Tuesday morning last. The fact was not generally known, but a large crowd gathered at the depot.

Gov. Andrew and staff, the executive council, with the divisionary corps of cadets as an escort, were present to receive the bodies. The coffins were covered with national flags, as were the hearses which bore them to Stone Chapel, under which they were deposited to await final and more public obsequies. On the route to the chapel the band played dirges, and the rapidly-gathered crowds uncovered as the procession moved past.—Boston Transcript, May 2.

—The Montgomery (Ala.) Weekly Post of this day, says:— “There is no longer any doubt as to the position of General Scott. His general order of April 19 will satisfy the most skeptical. He will prove false to the mother which gave him birth.”—(See Doc. 68, p. 78.)

—Collier, of the United States marines, attached to the Minnesota, raised the American flag to-day on the steeple of the Old South Church at Boston, Mass.

At noon the star-spangled banner was raised with great demonstration of enthusiasm from the post-office and customhouse at Baltimore, Mel, by order of the newly-appointed officials. A large crowd assembled in front of the custom-house to witness the flag-raising. A new flag-staff was erected over the portico, and at precisely quarter to twelve, Captain Frazier, a veteran sea-captain of Fells Point, who was assigned the honor, drew up the flag, which, as it spread to the breeze, was greeted with tremendous applause, waving of hats, cheers for the Union and the old flag. The crowd then joined in singing the “Star-spangled Banner.”—N. Y. Commercial Advertiser, May 1.

—William Gray, of Boston, Mass., gave ten thousand dollars for the benefit of the volunteers’ families.—N. Y. Times, May 2.

—The South Carolina College Cadets and the Washington Artillery returned to Charleston, S. C., from duty at the forts in the harbor of that place.—(Doc. 127.)

—The Virginia Convention passed an ordinance to provide against the sacrifice of property, and to suspend proceedings in certain cases. It is to apply only to debts due non-residents, and not to those due the State. The ordinance is to remain in force until repealed or changed by the Convention or the General Assembly; and if not so repealed or changed, is to expire at the end of thirty days after the first day of the General Assembly.— National Intelligencer, May 7.

—The school-teachers of Boston, Mass., relinquished the following proportion of their salaries during the continuance of the national troubles:

Superintendent of Schools and Masters of Latin, English High and Girls’ High and Nora—25 per cent.

Masters of Grammar Schools and Sub-masters of Latin and English High Schools—15 per cent.

Sub-masters of Grammar Schools and Ushers of Latin and English High Schools—12½ per cent. Ushers of the Grammar Schools—10 per cent.

The aggregate of the percentage on the salaries will amount to between $12,000 and $13,000.—N. Y. World, May 8.

—The first cannon was cast in Nashville, Tenn, last Saturday, April 27.—Charleston Mercury, May 8.

—The members of the New York Yacht Club met, and resolved to offer, through the Commodore, the services of all their yachts to the Government of the United States for any duty compatible with the qualities and dimensions of the vessels.—N. Y. Tribune, May 2.

—A. H. Stephens, Vice-President of the seceding States, arrived at Atlanta, Georgia, on his return from Virginia. He was received by a crowd of citizens, to whom he made a speech.—(Doc. 120.)

—The New Jersey Legislature met, and Gov. Olden delivered his Message, recommending a loan of $2,000,000 for war purposes, and a State tax of $100,000 per annum; the thorough arming of the State, and the raising of four regiments additional to those called for, to be held subject to the call of the Government. He also recommended that provision be made for the defence of the Southern part of the State, either by fortified posts or by an intrenched camp.—N. Y. Tribune, May 1.

—Daniel Fish, charged with selling guns to the South, was examined before the U. S. Commissioner and discharged.—N. Y. Herald, May 1.

—The First Battalion of the Third Alabama Regiment left Montgomery this morning for Virginia .—Col. Kershaw and staff, with Captains Richardson, Hasles, and McMannus’ companies of South Carolina troops arrived at Richmond, Va., this evening at 5 o’clock.—Charleston Mercury, May 1.

—General Harney is released by Governor Weber of Virginia.

The Washington City Councils passed a series of resolutions, expressing the strongest devotion to the Union, and thanking the citizen soldiery of the North now there, for coming forward so promptly at the call of the Government.—N. Y. Times, May 1.

—The Toronto (Canada) Globe of to-day, in a long article on American affairs, says that the North, by their impatience with reference to President Lincoln’s policy, ignore the stupendous and delicate task he has before him, and will drive the country to anarchy and chaos.

It advocates strengthening Mr. Lincoln’s hands, and to abstain from perplexing his councils.

The Leader, the Government organ, fears that Canada may become involved, and advocates an armed neutrality, and suggests that the Canadian Government represent to the imperial authorities the expediency of sending six or eight regiments of the line for the protection of the frontier.

—The Palmetto Guard, Marion Artillery, and German Artillery returned from Morris’ Island to Charleston, S. C. “Their brave and noble actions during the bombardment of Fort Sumter are not forgotten, we can assure them, but will ever live in grateful remembrance.”—(Doc. 121.)— Charleston News, May 1.

—A United States Armory is to be established at Rock Island, Ill., in the place of the one destroyed at Harper’s Ferry.—N. Y. Tribune, April 30.

The Twenty-Eighth Regiment N. Y. S. M., composed of the best class of Germans, and commanded by Colonel Bennett, left Brooklyn, N. Y., for the seat of war. At 11 o’clock the last farewell was said; the Regiment formed, about 800 men, and headed by Meyers’ Band and a corps of drummers and fifers, they marched through Myrtle avenue and Fulton street to Fulton Ferry, where they embarked on board the ferry-boat Nassau, and were taken direct to the steamer Star of the South, then lying at Pier No. 36 North River. The streets through which they marched were lined with enthusiastic citizens to bid the troops God speed, and from nearly every house waved the Stars and Stripes and those other inspiring signals—white handkerchiefs. The troops were everywhere cordially received. At the foot of Fulton street a few brief farewells were said, and amid the booming of cannon and the cheers of the populace, the troops took their departure.

Fifty-seven recruits for Company G, Capt. Thorne, and a number for Capt. Sprague’s Company of the Thirteenth Regiment, went with the Twenty-eighth to join their Regiment at Annapolis.—(Doc. 122.)

—A meeting of the Harvard Medical School was held in Cambridge, Mass., at which the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That we, the members of the Harvard Medical School, do here and now resolve ourselves into a volunteer medical corps, and as such do hereby tender our services to the Governor of this Commonwealth, to act in behalf of this State or country, in whatever capacity we may be needed.—Boston Transcript, May 1.

—Citizens of Philadelphia, representing all parties, addressed a congratulatory letter to Lieut.-General Scott.—(Doc. 123.)

—Yesterday the Louisiana Guards, and to-day the Montgomery Guards, left New Orleans for the seat of war in Virginia. The former company, previous to their departure, were presented with a beautiful flag by Mrs. A. H. Seaman at her residence.—N. O. .Delta, April 30.

—A meeting of the Bar of Suffolk scanty was held at Boston, Mass., to consider the present situation of the country, and the measures necessary, when a blow is aimed at the existance of the Government, and the supremacy of law in the country. The meeting was numerously attended. Resolutions sustaining the Federal Government were adopted, and speeches were made by Judge Thomas, B. F. Hallet, J. C. Park, and others—Boston Transcript, April 30. —William C. Rives, Senator Hunter, Judge Brockenbrough, and Messrs. Preston and Camden, have been appointed by the Richmond Convention as delegates to the Montgomery Congress from Virginia.—Montgomery (Ala.) Post, May 1.

—By order of Governor Harris of Tennessee, seventy-five thousand dollars’ worth of Tennessee bonds and five thousand dollars in cash, belonging to the United States, which were in possession of the Collector at Nashville, were seized by the State authorities. The seizure was conditional, the property to be held in trust until the Government restores the property of the State and its citizens, involved in the seizure of the steamer Hillman by troops of the Federal Government.

The steamer Hillman was seized at Cairo, by the Illinois troops, on the 26th of April, because she was laden with munitions and other articles contraband of war.—National Intelligencer, May 7.

—The Charleston Mercury of to-day contains the following:—”To His Excellency Governor Pickens.—Will you oblige the mothers, wives, and sisters of the Carolina troops, and appoint next Thursday as a day of Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the late bloodless victory.—ONE OF MANY.”

—Several companies of the Third and Fourth Regiments of Georgia passed through Augusta for the expected scene of warfare—Virginia. Sixteen well-drilled companies of volunteers and one negro company, from Nashville, Tennessee, offered their services to the Confederate States.—Charleston Mercury, April 30.

—At New Orleans, La., the steamships Texas, Tennessee, and the G. W. Hewes, the property of Charles Morgan, Esq., were taken possession of by order of Gov. Moore. Captain Warren of the steam-tug Tuscarora, who was arrested on the charge of having furnished information to the captain of the Daniel Webster, which caused him to leave this port, was released on giving bonds of two thousand dollars for his future loyal conduct. It is ascertained that the blame rests less upon him than upon the owners of the above-named steamers. —N. O. Delta, April 30.

—A military review took place at New Orleans, La. The city was one long military camp. Where the main body of troops appeared was not the only place to find the soldiers. They were in every section of the city, on the river and in the suburbs; in fact, New Orleans was completely under the control of military arms, within and around. It was one of those days that brought to memory the period of 1814. The streets, the house-tops, the windows, and balconies of every building were thronged with ladies, and at least thirty thousand persons witnessed a military pagent not equalled in this section of the South. The enthusiasm was immense, and beyond description.—(Doc. 115.)

—At Roxbury, Mass., a beautiful silk flag was presented, by the ladies of that city, to the volunteer company of Capt. Chamberlain. Hon. J. S. Sleeper presided, and the presentation address was made by Rev. Dr. George Putnam. The flag was placed in the hands of Capt. Chamberlain by a sweet little girl tastefully dressed in white, relieved by red and blue. Capt. Chamberlain knelt as he received the flag, and responded briefly in a voice choked with emotion. Capt. C.’s company stood before the platform in a hollow square, and responded with loud cheers to the patriotic sentiments which the occasion called forth.—Boston Transcript, April 30.

—Secession in Maryland was defeated by a direct vote in the House of Delegates of the State, of fifty-three against secession and thirteen for it. The State Senate published an address, signed by all its members, denying the intention of passing an ordinance of secession. —N. Y. Times, April 30.

—Ellsworth’s Fire Zouaves left New York for Annapolis, Md. They were escorted to the boat by an immense body of brother firemen and citizens.—(Doc. 116.)

—Jefferson Davis sent a message to the Congress at Montgomery to-day. While reading in Congress, the allusion to Virginia was loudly cheered. A quotation from President Lincoln’s proclamation advising the people of the South to retire to their homes within twenty days, was met with derisive laughter from the crowd in the galleries. Nearly all the members of Congress were present.— Charleston Mercury, April 30.—(Doc. 117.)

—Citizens of Weverton, Frederick Co., Maryland, in a letter to Governor Hicks, protest against the entrance of Virginia troops from Harper’s Ferry into their State.—(Doc. 118.)

—There was an interesting display of patriotism by the young ladies of Brooklyn (N. Y.) Heights Seminary. They unfurled a beautiful flag at their chapel, in Montague street, where speeches were made by Dr. West, the principal; Professor Washburne of Harvard Law School, and Rev. Dr. Storrs.

A preliminary meeting, to make arrangements for providing for the families of volunteers, was held at the Brooklyn Institute, Mayor Hall presiding. $2,500 was subscribed on the spot. Committees, composed of the most wealthy and active citizens were appointed to further the objects of the meeting.—New York Times, May 1.

—Virginia Ladies, resident in Washington, are constantly warned by their friends at home to leave that city before its inevitable destruction by the Southern arrny.—N. Y. Herald, May 1.

—A spontaneous Union meeting was held in East Baltimore, Md. 1,500 to 2,000 persons were present, and great enthusiasm was manifested. Strong Union resolutions were adopted, and the national banner was unfurled.

Regular daily communication between Baltimore and Philadelphia was fully reestablished. —N. Y. Herald, April 30.

—Up to this day seventy-one thousand volunteers offered their services to Governor Dennison, of Ohio, to fill the thirteen regiments required by the Proclamation of President Lincoln.—N: Y: Courier and Enquirer, April 30.

—The American flag was raised upon the steeple of North Dutch church at New York. Nearly every church edifice and public building in the city is decorated in the same manner.—(Doc.119.)—Commercial Advertiser, April 30.