to have no foundation in natural right; and that the usage which undoubtedly exists, rests entirely on force. These doctrines were propounded when it was the object of Americans to enlarge the rights of neutrals. It remains to be seen whether they will be upheld in the present crisis. If they are, the neutral powers may insist that the American cruisers shall not seize the goods of an enemy when found on board a neutral friend's ship. On the other hand, if, in the course of searching an enemy's ship, the goods of a neutral friend are found, it is the admitted law of nations that such goods are not liable to be seized. But the Americans have carried this principle a step further; for it seems that the Supreme Court of the United States has twice carried the principle of the immunity of neutral property on board an enemy's ship to the extent of allowing it to be and the Court seems to have held moreover that the goods did not lose their neutral character even in consequence of resistance made by the armed vessel-provided the neutral did not aid in such armament or resistance-and this rule prevails notwithstanding the neutral had chartered the whole vessel, and was on board at the time of resistance. A contrary decision has no doubt been given by the English Judges. But if the Americans adhere to their opinion, it will be competent for any Englishman or Frenchman, or other neutral, to hire a fleet in the South, which may be armed by the captains, to load the ship with corn or cotton, or any other merchandise; and even although the American captains of these vessels resist the cruisers of the North, the merchandise belonging to the neutrals will be quite safe and will be directed to be restored. This, however, will take place without any recognition of the only ground on which such a claim could legally be based, the independence of the Southern Confederacy. It is a political question worth considering, whether such a de facto concession might not be made to the Southern authorities by England; an exemption from the liabilities of pirates, without acknowledging in them the belligerent rights, which would give them unnecessarily a title to interfere with our commerce, and raise a league of slaveholders to a place among the nations of the world. The recognition of belligerent rights in the South would render the relations of this country to either of the American combatants precisely similar to the relations which subsisted during the Crimean War between Prussia on the one hand, and Russia, England, or France, on the other hand. If, indeed, the Declaration of Paris had been signed by Amer-laden on board an armed belligerent cruiser, ica, the case might have been different; but as that Declaration only bound those Governments which signed it, and as America declined to do so, the law of Neutrals during war remains precisely as it was before the year 1854. The result is that both President Lincoln and President Davis may issue letters of marque to those who respectively acknowledge their authority. The lawfully commissioned vessels of war of either power are entitled to all the privileges usually accorded to the public vessels of war of an independent state, always on the supposition that the belligerent rights of the South are acknowledged. The right of search, which, notwithstanding the strange ideas of some journalists who ought to know better, has always been allowed to exist in time of war, will become capable of being exercised by the cruisers both of the North and of the South. The doctrine of the English Admiralty, according to Chancellor Kent, on the right of visitation and search, and on the limitation of the right, has been recognized in its fullest extent by courts of justice in America. ·And although that right does not entitle a belligerent to search for his subjects or seamen, it does entitle him to search for enemy's property, contraband of war, or for men in the land and naval services of the enemy. The English and French merchant ships and those of all neutrals must, therefore, expect to be searched by the armed vessels commissioned by either of the two rival Presidents. If in the course of searching a neutral friend's ship the goods of an enemy are discovered, it is the established law of England that such goods are liable to confiscation. If, therefore, a cargo of Manchester goods belonging to a New York merchant were found on board an English ship by a Southern cruiser, a British court would hold that they ought to be confiscated. But in American courts the result is more doubtful. According to American jurists, the rule of public law, that the property of an enemy is liable to capture on the vessel of a friend, is now declared on the part of the American Government It is difficult to imagine any state of law more favorable to neutral nations than that which must prevail if the American Judges adhero to the principles of those decisions which have been pronounced by the Supreme Court at Washington. It is hardly necessary to remark that the only way by which neutral ships can be excluded from the ports either of the North or of the South is by an effective blockade. With regard to the North, such a blockade is at present obviously out of the power of President Davis. With regard to the South, it remains to be seen what number of ships President Lincoln may be able to muster. In the midst of the complications which must arise by the events of either Confederacy adopting principles of law different from those which have hitherto been proclaimed at Washington, it might, perhaps, be advisable to settle the moot points by a temporary convention. This is especially necessary in the case of the Confederate States of the South, because they may decline to be bound by the decisions which have already been pronounced by the Supreme Court of the United States. -London Daily News, May 9. Doc. 153. MARYLAND RESOLUTION, PASSED IN THE LEGISLATURE, MAY 10. Whereas, The war against the Confederate States is unconstitutional and repugnant to civilization, and will result in a bloody and shameful overthrow of our institutions; and whilst recognizing the obligations of Maryland to the Union, we sympathize with the South in the struggle for their rights-for the sake of humanity we are for peace and reconciliation, and solemnly protest against this war, and will take no part in it; Resolved, That Maryland implores the President, in the name of God, to cease this unholy war, at least until Congress assembles; that Maryland desires and consents to the recognition of the independence of the Confederate States. The military occupation of Maryland is unconstitutional, and she protests against it, though the violent interference with the transit of Federal troops is discountenanced; that the vindication of her rights be left to time and reason, and that a Convention, under existing circumstances, is inexpedient. -N. Y. Times, May 11. Doc. 154. Capt. Lyon, (commanding the United States troops at this post,) with about twenty pieces of artillery. The troops, as stated before, marched at quick time up Market street, and on arriving near Camp Jackson, rapidly surrounded it, planting batteries upon all the heights overlooking the camp. Long files of men were stationed in platoons at various points on every side, and a picket guard established covering an area of say two hundred yards. The guards, with fixed structed to allow none to pass or repass within bayonets, and muskets at half cock, were inthe limits thus taken up. By this time an immense crowd of people had in carriages, buggies, rail-cars, baggage-wagons, assembled in the vicinity, having gone thither seized rifles, shot-guns, or whatever other weaon horseback, and on foot. Numbers of men pons they could lay hands upon, and rushed but were, of course, obstructed in their design. pell-mell to the assistance of the State troops, The hills, of which there are a number in the neighborhood, were literally black with people themselves with the throng, but as they thought -hundreds of ladies and children stationing out of harm's way. Gen. Frost, commanding Camp Jackson, received the intelligence of the advance of the Arsenal troops with equanimity, but with some THE RIOT AT ST. LOUIS, MO., MAY 10, 1861. astonishment. He had heard reports that it was the design of Capt. Lyon to attack his THE camp of Gen. Frost, at Lindell's Grove, camp, but was not at first disposed to place crewas a camp of instruction, intended to be con- dence in them. So rapidly did these rumors tinued for the term of six days, and which was come to him, however, that yesterday morning formed in pursuance of orders from the gover-he addressed Capt. L. a note of which the folnor of the State, who had directed the other mili- lowing is a copy: tia districts also to go into encampments, with the view of acquiring a greater degree of proficiency in military drill. The encampment was commenced on the 4th instant. ST. LOUIS, May 10. Unusual, and to some extent alarming, activity prevailed early yesterday morning at each rendezvous of the "Home Guard," and in the vicinity of the Arsenal. The men recently provided with arms from the Arsenal, to the number of several thousands, were ordered, we understand, to be at their different posts at 12 o'clock, in readiness to march as they might be commanded. A report gained some currency that Gen. Harney was expected on the afternoon train, and that the troops were to cross the river to receive him, and escort him to the city. Very little reliance, however, was placed in this explanation of the military movements, and at about 2 o'clock P. M., the whole town became greatly agitated upon the circulation of the intelligence that some five or six thousand men were marching up Market street, under arms, in the direction of Camp Jackson. The news proved to be correct, except as to the numbers, and in this case the report rather under-estimated the extent of the force. According to our best information, there were probably not less than seven thousand men under HEAD-QUARTERS, CAMP JACKSON, Captain N. LYON, Commanding United States the very few troops constituting its guard, the service of myself and all my command, and, if necessary, the whole power of the State to protect the United States in the full possession of all her property. Upon Gen. Harney's taking command of this department, I made the same proffer of services to him, and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt. Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to the War Department. I have had no occasion since to change any of the views I entertained at that time, neither of my own volition nor through orders of my constitutional commander. I trust that after this explicit statement we may be able, by fully understanding each other, to keep far from our borders the misfortunes which so unhappily afflict our common country. This communication will be handed to you by Col. Bowen, my Chief of Staff, who will be able to explain any thing not fully set forth in the foregoing. this demand, one-half hour's time, before doing 2d Infantry, Commanding Troops. Immediately on the receipt of the foregoing, Gen. Frost called a hasty consultation of the officers of his staff. The conclusion arrived at was that the brigade was in no condition to make resistance to a force so numerically superior, and that only one course could be pursued -a surrender. The demand of Capt. Lyon was accordingly agreed to. The State troops were therefore made prisoners of war, but an offer was made to release them on condition that they would take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and would swear not to take up arms against the Government. These terms were made known to the several commands, and the opportunity given to all who might feel disposed to accede to them to do so. Some eight or ten men signified their willingness; Capt. L. refused to receive the above com- but the remainder, about eight hundred, premunication. He forwarded Gen. Frost the fol-ferred, under the circumstances, to become lowing about the time, if we are not mistaken, of the surrounding of his camp: I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient HEAD-QUARTERS, UNITED STATES TROOPS, prisoners. (A number of the troops were ab sent from the camp in the city on leave.) Those that they had already sworn allegiance to the who declined to take the prescribed oath said United States and to defend the Government, and to repeat it now would be to admit that they had been in rebellion, which they would not concede. It is, for the most part, made up of those se- The preparations for the surrender and for cessionists who have openly avowed their hos- marching, as prisoners, under the escort of the tility to the General Government, and have Arsenal troops, occupied an hour or two. About been plotting at the seizure of its property and half-past five the prisoners left the grove and the overthrow of its authority. You are open- entered the road, the United States soldiers enly in communication with the so-called Southern closing them by a single file stretched along Confederacy, which is now at war with the each side of the line. A halt was ordered and United States, and you are receiving at your the troops remained standing in the position camp, from the said Confederacy and under its they had deployed into the road. The head of flag, large supplies of the material of war, most the column at the time rested opposite a small of which is known to be the property of the hill on the left as you approach the city, and United States. These extraordinary prepara- the rear was on a line with the entrance to the tions plainly indicate none other than the well-grove. Vast crowds of people covered the surknown purpose of the Governor of this State, under whose orders you are acting, and whose purpose recently communicated to the Legislature, has just been responded to by that body in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct view hostilities to the General Government and co-operation with its enemies. In view of these considerations, and of your failure to disperse in obedience to the proclamation of the President, and of the eminent necessities of State policy and welfare, and the obligations imposed upon me by instructions from Washington, it is my duty to demand, and I do hereby demand of you an immediate surrender of your command, with no other conditions than that all persons surrendering under this demand shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing myself prepared to enforce Doc.-26 rounding grounds and every fence and housetop in the vicinity. Suddenly the sharp reports of several firearms were heard from the front of the column, and the spectators that lined the adjacent hill were seen fleeing in the greatest dismay and terror. It appeared that several members of one of the German companies, on being pressed by the crowd and receiving some blows from them, turned and discharged their pieces. Fortunately no one was injured, and the soldiers who had done the act were at once placed under arrest. Hardly, however, had tranquillity been restored when volley after volley of rifle reports were suddenly heard from the extreme rear ranks, and men, women, and children were beheld running wildly and frantically away from the scene. Many, while running, were suddenly struck to the sod, and the Doc. 155. BLOCKADE OF CHARLESTON. stated some days since, was coming off this THE steam frigate Niagara, which, it was off here at an early hour on Saturday by pilot port to blockade the harbor, was first noticed boat No. 4, then outside the bar, and also from the steeple of the Custom House. The pilot boat had observed in the offing on Friday evening what appeared to be a merchant ship bound into this harbor, and which not being in sight Niagara. Towards midday the frigate disapon Saturday, was no doubt ordered off by the noon. On Saturday, Capt. Robert Lockwood, pilot, in boat No. 2, (the W. Y. Leitch,) took to sea the schooner Minnehaha, for Baltimore, and soon after leaving the schooner outside, he went on board his boat, when he made in the offing, standing in, a square rigged vessel. sight, he thought it best to send his pilot boat Night coming on, and the Niagara being in into port, and to take his skiff and one hand and proceed to the bark. He reached her about seven P. M., and found her to be the bark Hilja, from Liverpool in ballast, consigned to Messrs. R. Mure & Co., of this city. wounded and dying made the late beautiful field look like a battle-ground. The wounded, who were unable to be moved, were suitably cared for on the grounds. The total number killed and injured was about twenty-five. It was reported that the Arsenal troops were attacked with stones, and a couple of shots discharged at them by the crowd before they fired. The most of the people exposed to the fire of the soldiers were citizens with their wives and children, who were merely spectators, and took no part in any demonstration whatever. The firing was said to have been done by Boern stein's company, and at the command of an officer. The United States troops are now in possession of Camp Jackson, with all the equi-peared, but returned off the port in the afterpage, tents, provisions, &c. The prisoners of war are, we believe, at the Arsenal. It is almost impossible to describe the intense exhibition of feeling which was manifested in the city. All the most frequented streets and avenues were thronged with citizens in the highest state of excitement, and loud huzzas and occasional shots were heard in various localities. Thousands upon thousands of restless human beings could be seen from almost every point on Fourth street, all in search of the latest news. Imprecations, loud and long, were hurled into the darkening air, and the most unanimous resentment was expressed on all sides at the manner of firing into the harm- he remained on board during Saturday night, his The tide being too late to get her into port, less crowds near Camp Jackson. Hon. J. R. skiff being taken on deck and carefully placed Barret, Major Uriel Wright, and other speakers addressed a large and intensely excited crowd away. On Sunday morning, it being calm, the in front of the Planters' House, and other well-pilot was unable to get her under way, and known citizens were similarly engaged at vaabout half-past eight A. M. she was boarded by a boat from the Niagara, commanded by Lieurious other points in the city. All the drinking tenant R. L. May, who informed the captain of saloons, restaurants, and other public resorts of the Hilja that the port was blockaded, the similar character were closed by their pro- rebels inside having fired on Fort Sumter with prietors, almost simultaneously, at dark; and the windows of private dwellings were fastened Yankee paper, containing the latest news, and a garrison of less than 100 men, gave him a in fear of a general riot. Theatres and other mentioned that an army of 100,000 men had public places of amusement were entirely out of been landed on the coast of Louisiana. The the question, and nobody went near them. Matters of graver import were occupying the captain of the Hilja informed the Lieutenant minds of the citizens, and every thing but the that he was short of water, and requested to know if the Niagara could supply him; but he present excitement was banished from their thoughts. Crowds of men rushed through the was informed that the frigate had a shorter supply of that than any other necessary article. principal thoroughfares, bearing banners and The following is a copy of the endorsement of devices suitable to their several fancies, and by Lieutenant R. L. May, on the papers of the Hilja: turns cheering and groaning. Some were armed and others were not armed, and all seemed anxious to be at work. A charge was made on the gun-store of H. E. Dimick, on Main street, the door was broken open, and the crowd secured fifteen or twenty guns before a sufficient number of police could be collected to arrest the proceedings. Chief McDonough marched down with about twenty policemen, armed with muskets, and succeeded in dispersing the mob and protecting the premises from further molestations. Squads of armed policemen were stationed at several of the most public corners, and the offices of the Missouri Democrat and Anzeiger des Westens were placed under guard for protection. -St. Louis Republican, May 11. whole Southern coast of the United States of Boarded May 12th, and ordered off the America, it being blockaded. R. L. MAY, Lieutenant United States steamship Niagara. The officer remained by the Hilja for about twenty minutes, when he left. The boat's crew had a revolver each in a belt attached to the waist. Mr. Lockwood left the Hilja about 10 o'clock, and reached the city in his skiff, accompanied by a valuable boat hand, who remained faithful, although appearances indicated that the boy had only to open his mouth, when he might have had a passage to some other place than "Dixie's Land." The Hilja went off during the day, and will proceed to the British Provinces. The British ship Monmouth, from Liverpool and the ship General Parkhill, from the same place, were seen off the bar yesterday and were ordered off, and we understand that the Niagara had previously sent off three other squarerigged vessels. During Sunday the Niagara went well off shore, accompanied by two of the above vessels, and while she was absent the excitements of public meetings and heated dis- Doc. 157. LIST OF OFFICERS. STAFF.-Colonel, Alfred H. Terry, of New Haven; Lieut. Colonel, David Young, of Norwich; 'Major, Robert O. Tyler, of Hartford; Surgeon, Archibald T. Douglass, M. D., of New London; Surgeon's Mate, Francis Bacon, of New British ship A. and A., Captain Hutchinson, THE FIRST CONNECTICUT REGIMENT. from Belfast, stood in from the eastward, when the Niagara made after her; but the ship, having much the start, was run into shoal water, where the frigate could not well approach her, when the Niagara put about and proceeded south. Should the boats of the Niagara omit to board the A. and A. before morning, she may be got into port with the aid of steam. The race was anxiously watched from the wharves, and also by a party of gentlemen who were out in the pilot boat Rover, Captain Evans. They went alongside and spoke the ship. -Charleston Mercury, May 13. Doo. 156. GENERAL HARNEY'S PROCLAMATION. Haven. C. Comstock, 80 men; Infantry Company B, Infantry Company A, Hartford, Capt., John Hartford, Capt., Ira Wright, 77 men; Infantry Company C, Windsor Locks, Capt., Levi L. Hilman, 77 men; Infantry Company D, Waterbury, Capt., John L. Chatfield, 84 men; Infantry Company E, Danbury, Capt., E. E. Wildman, 77 men; Infantry Company F, West Meriden, Capt., Byxbee, 77 men; Infantry Company G, New Britain, Capt., Frederick W. To the People of the State of Missouri and the Hart, 89 men; Infantry Company H, Bridge city of St. Louis. MILITARY DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST, I HAVE just returned to this post, and have assumed the military command of this department. No one can more deeply regret the deplorable state of things existing here than my. self. The past cannot be recalled. I can only deal with the present and the future. I most anxiously desire to discharge the delicate and onerous duties devolved upon me, so as to preserve the public peace. I shall carefully abstain from the exercise of any unnecessary powers, and from all interference with the proper functions of the public officers of the State and city. I therefore call upon the public authorities and the people to aid me in preserving the public peace. The military force stationed in this department by the authority of the Government, and now under my command, will only be used in the last resort to preserve the peace. I trust I may be spared the necessity of resorting to martial law, but the public peace must be preserved, and the lives and property of the people protected. Upon a careful review of my instructions, I find I have no authority to change the location of the "Home Guards." To avoid all cause of irritation and excitement, if called upon to aid the local authorities in preserving the public peace, I shall in preference make use of the regular army. I ask the people to pursue their peaceful avocations, and to observe the laws and orders of their local authorities, and to abstain from the port, Capt., Richard Fitzgibbons, 77 men; Rifle |