A communication from the surgeon-general, inclosing an estimate of the medicines and surgical instruments which will be required for the Army of Virginia, amounting to $33,525.20, the estimate being only one-half of the standard of supplies for the U. S. Army. He states that he has telegraphed to New Orleans, Memphis, and Louisville, and has as yet received no reply, but believes that nothing can be expected from those cities; that he understands from Surgeon-General Gibbes, of South Carolina, who has just left Richmond, that nothing can be had from Charleston or Savannah. Baltimore he has not communicated with, because he has just received from that city as full a supply of surgical instruments as could be furnished, though the supply received was a mere trifle. Some of the medicines, he hopes, may be obtained in Baltimore, but deems it improbable that they could be had in the quantities required. He says that no agent has yet been sent to that city, as he supposes it must be necessary to send to England or France for them, and if so, that economy would be promoted by ordering them there in full quantities: Advised unanimously that these instruments and medicines are essential and must be procured, the surgeon-general receiving instructions to keep himself within the estimates. SIR: I have just been informed at headquarters that a requisitionhad been made for arms for the use of the Virginia forces stationed here. Having failed in my application at Richmond for arms for the light infantry company under my command, which was this day mustered into service, I take the liberty of stating some reasons why we should be supplied, and if in so doing I transcend the rules of military etiquette I hope I may be pardoned. A strict blockade has been established by the Federal authorities with a sufficient power to enforce it, and all communication, even with other ports in Virginia, has been cut off. Vessels have been for the past few days constantly employed in making soundings from Cape Henry Light-House to the barricades in the channel of the Elizabeth River, a few miles below this city. There can be no doubt that preparations are being made by the Federal troops to attempt to repossess the magazine at Fort Norfolk, the navy-yard at Gosport, and other public property, and unless we are speedily placed in possession of arms, or re-enforcements sent, we shall be powerless to resist a large landed force, and to render us more defenseless it were an easy matter for the enemy to proceed up Nansemond River and destroy the Seaboard and Norfolk and Petersburg Railroads, at or near Suffolk, and thus cut off all means of transportation of troops from Richmond and North Carolina. In addition to all this, my men-who are willing to fight, and if needs be to die, for the honor of the State, and I may add with truth, the unarmed members of other volunteer companies— are becoming disheartened, in fact, demoralized for want of arms. They know our exposed condition, and that we have not the power to resist a large attacking force by land. Federal troops can be landed on the Nansemond River and marched to the rear of the navy-yard. Others can be landed at Sewell's Point, Ocean View, or some other point on the coast, whilst a demonstration can be made by water. Should such be their design, which to my mind seems most feasible, and the attacks are simultaneous, our small and half-armed forces would necessarily be divided and weakened. I do not, however, presume to advise, but have deemed it my [duty] to make the statements, and to beg that efficient arms may be placed in our hands with which to defend ourselves and uphold the honor of the State. SIR: Believing it to be the design of the late United States to make a descent on this station in order to correct their recent error, I feel called upon to suggest to you, in view of the immense value of the public buildings, guns, and other stores exposed, that a competent military force be placed near to resist all efforts on their part. I have, in fact, indirectly learned that the full powers of the late Government will be directed to this point, probably via Pig Point, on the Nansemond. Could you, general, place such a force in this neighborhood as in your judgment could properly repel them? Last night we could muster only seventy-three men under arms in the yard, and scarcely forty men from the town appeared, and only two with suitable arms. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. FORREST, [2.] Commandant. HDQRS. MAJ. GEN. COMDG. FORCES NORFOLK HARBOR, Flag-Officer FRENCH FORREST, Commanding Navy-Yard, Gosport: COMMODORE: Your communication of this date shall receive due and immediate attention. It is in contemplation to erect a battery at Pig Point and to establish a line of vedettes there. A sufficient force, and if necessary the whole force under my command, will be in readiness to repel an attack on the yard. The necessary order for this object will be issued in due time. [2.] With much respect, your obedient servant, WALTER GWYNN, Major-General, Commanding Forces Norfolk Harbor. WINCHESTER, VA., May 1, 1861. General ROBERT E. LEE: SIR: Though personally unknown to you, I take the liberty of addressing you this letter. There is now, it is said, under arms at Chambersburg, Pa., a large military force, designed, it is thought, to act upon the nearest important points in Virginia. Martinsburg, the seat of justice for the county of Berkeley, Va., is such a point. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad passes through or immediately by it, and has there one of its most important stations for the repair, &c., of its engines, &c. The military occupation of that place would in a material degree give a hostile force the control of that great work. There is a railroad from Chambersburg to Hagerstown, and the latter place is distant from Martinsburg only about fourteen or fifteen miles, and the entire distance from Chambersburg to Martinsburg, even if from the former place to Hagerstown there was not a railroad, does not much, if any, exceed a day's march. In consideration of the motive which prompts it, I trust you will pardon the liberty I take in addressing this communication to you. [2.] With highest respect, I remain, your obedient servant, &c., L. P. WALKER: RICHMOND, May 2, 1861. Virginia convention adjourned till 12th of June. Maryland Legislature adopted without division majority report committee on federal relations to effect Legislature has no power to pass secession ordinance. Governor of New York asks Seward will there not be requisition for more troops from this State. Seward answers 40,000 more volunteers for three years or during the war. Washington, May 1.-New York Seventh Regiment refuses to take Lincoln's oath; refuse to fight against Virginia and Maryland. Proclamnation of martial law promulgated by Lincoln to-day divides Maryland into four military districts. Fifth Military District embraces District of Columbia and includes Alexandria. Under this order inoffensive citizens were driven from their families and expelled at the point of the bayonet. Respectable families grossly insulted by volunteers. A gentleman just arrived saw General Scott, who said he would not invade seceded States, but would retake Harper's Ferry and forts at any cost. Lincoln exercised about provisioning large force now in Washington. Estimated 20,000 to 25,000. [2.] PRIVATE.] General R. E. LEE: D. G. DUNCAN. NORFOLK, [May] 2, 1861. This harbor is completely blockaded. The boat from Baltimore was stopped yesterday at the Point. The passengers were sent ashore and the boat sent back to Baltimore. The passengers, save one who was detained, were permitted to come up to this city in the afternoon by the Coffee from Hampton. The captain of the steamer Coffee was notified that if he attempted another trip to Hampton his vessel would be detained. Thus all water communication is cut off. The following notice was sent up on yesterday to this city: To all whom it may concern : U. S. FLAG-SHIP CUMBERLAND, I hereby call attention to the proclamation of His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, under date of April 27, 1861, for an efficient blockade of the ports of Virginia and North Carolina, and warn all persons interested that I have a sufficient naval force here for the purpose of carrying out that proclamation. All vessels passing the capes of Virginia coming from a distance and ignorant of the proclamation will be warned off, and those passing Fortress Monroe will be requested to anchor under the guns of the fort and subject themselves to an examination. G. J. PENDERGRAST, Flag-Officer, Commanding Home Squadron. The troops from Suffolk, some 300, have been brought down to this place. That town is defenseless now. The Nansemond River approaches undefended. The enemy in a night might throw a party into this town and destroy the Seaboard Railroad and the Norfolk and Petersburg Railway. There is considerable state of alarm here. The troops are not free from this, not on account of their own persons, but they feel the want of organization. They lack confidence. Skillful officers are greatly needed here. General Gwynn is greatly harassed with business which should be attended to by others who understand the duties of their position. Doctor Archer, of Richmond, Doctor Simpkins, and Captain Sinclair go up on the train to-day; they will give you information not proper for me to telegraph. Suffolk, the mouth of the Nansemond River, and Pagan Creek, leading to the town of Smithfield, need attention to protect the town of Smithfield. A small battery upon Pagan Creek would effectually secure this place. This is below Burwell's Bay, and is thought by gentlemen of intelligence, fully acquainted with James River, to be a more suitable place for a battery than Burwell's Bay. Ten thousand men are absolutely necessary for the efficient defense of the public property in and about this place. [2.] S. BASSETT FRENCH. L. P. WALKER: RICHMOND, May 3, 1861. Alexandria, 2d.-Great excitement here. Troops expected from Washington to give effect to proclamation law. Alexandria unprepared to oppose attack. Opinion grows stronger that Lincoln will strike Virginia when twenty days' notice expires, Sunday next. Pressure from North very strong for bold operations. Captain Armstrong found guilty by court-martial for surrender Pensacola navy-yard; suspended five years, half without pay. Merchants here moving goods, furniture, and families to country from approaching attack. Norfolk, 2d.-Federal ships sounding Nansemond River. Suppose contemplate cutting off Petersburg and Richmond from connection with Norfolk. Blockade effectual. All steamers turned back with orders not to come again. Pendergrast issued notice from flag-ship Cumberland off Fort Monroe. Depot Richmond crowded by thousands daily expecting President Davis. [2.] L. P. WALKER: D. G. DUNCAN. RICHMOND, May 4, 1861. Faulkner had interview with French foreign minister, Thouvenel, who said the practice was now clearly understood to recognize governments once clearly established beyond dispute, and when the new American Government arrived at the point he presumed it would be recognized. Thouvenel then demanded information on subject of new tariff, which he said so deeply affected French commerce. Faulkner answered the tariff would be modified by extra session of Congress. Norfolk, 4th.-Bay Line permitted to resume trips for mails and passengers. British ship Hiawatha, from Liverpool, with salt for Richmoud, boarded at Old Point by Ú. S. ship Cumberland. Captain was told by Commander Pendergrast that Virginians would seize and appropriate his vessel. Captain, notwithstanding, came on and arrived, but was shot at twice by Pendergrast. He intends complaining to his Government. Washington, 3d.-Capt. Montgomery C. Meigs arrived from Fort Pickens. Reports 1,000 men in fort, and provisions so as to make its reduction utterly impossible for six months. Maryland Legislature appointed a commissioner to Richmond and commissioners to Washington, of whom one is Robert McLane. Scarcity of gold in Washington Treasury; cannot pay employés. Million of gold coming from New York in a war steamer. Attorney-General Bates' opinion is that retrocession of Alexandria to Virginia is unconstitutional, and this including [is included] in proclamation declaring Fifth Military District. Commodore Paulding notified Chase he would be arrested as [sic] secessionist. Order rescinded. Restriction Fairfax, Va., farmers visiting Washington market. State Department, Washington, answers to diplomatic corps inquiries respecting blockade. First, vessels in blockaded ports would be allowed reasonable time to depart; second, vessels bringing emigrants would not be allowed to enter, but recommended to enter an open port. Washington Government received intelligence by Adriatic Minister Faulkner had presented commissioners of the Southern Confederacy. Dallas refused reception until instructions from Washington. Faulkner presented them in violation of his instructions. Reported English and French ministers at Washington had protested to Montgomery Government against issuing letters of marque. Impression in diplomatic circles is that Montgomery Government would not take this responsibility against such protest. Reported Government has purchased twenty-nine additional vessels and will, within twenty days, blockade every Southern port. Reported from Washington Judge Campbell's resignation. General Harney reported courteous treatment from Virginia authorities, and said he will command troops at Washington. [2.] L. P. WALKER: D. G. DUNCAN. RICHMOND, May 5, 1861. I am convinced, with other intelligent persons capable of judging, it there is not deception in councils of Virginia, there is a want of harmony with your Government. Chaos and confusion reign here and squabbles about rank. Some of the troops, dissatisfied, threaten to go home. On the part of some there is a want of confidence in Governor Letcher and General Lee. It is intimated by good authority Scott will attempt to retake Harper's Ferry, Alexandria, Norfolk, before vote secession ordinance this State [sic]. Pressure from North on Washington increasing. New York papers advocate strenuously such aggressions. General Beauregard notified by competent judge of immediate necessity of the presence of an unquestioned head here, say a brigadiergeneral, Confederate Army, else few days more will demoralize and confound the whole movement. Maryland is crushed and lost to us, although her people are undoubtedly with us, simply because they cannot resist Federal power. Encouragement and assistance would have 5 R R VOL LI, PT II |