LETTER OF EX-PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE TO | merly represented his State with great distinction in the popular branch of Congress. Temporarily sojourning in this city he has become authentically informed of the facts recited in the subjoined letter, which he communicates to us under a sense of duty, and for the accuracy of which he makes himself responsible. Nothing but assurances coming from such an intelligent, reliable source could induce us to accept the authenticity of these startling statements, which so deeply concern not only the welfare but the honor of the Southern people. To them we submit, without present comment, the programme to which they are expected to yield their implicit adhesion, without any scruples of conscience as without any regard to their own safety. WASHINGTON, January 9, 1861. I charge that on last Saturday night a caucus was held in this city by the Southern Secession Senators from Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas. It was then and there resolved in effect to assume to themselves the political power of the South, and, to con trol all political and military operations for the present, they telegraphed to complete the plan of seizing forts, ar senals, and custom-houses, and advised the conventions now in session, and soon to assemble, to pass ordinances for immediate secession; but, in order to thwart any operations of the Government here, the Conventions of the seceding States are to retain their representations in the Senate and the House. They also advised, ordered, or directed the assembling of a Convention of delegates from the seceding States at Montgomery on the 13th of February. This can of course only be done by the revolutionary Conventions usurping the powers of the people and sending delegates over whom they will lose all control in the establishment of a Provional Government, which is the plan of the dictators. CLARENDON HOTEL, January 6, 1860. MY DEAR FRIEND: I wrote you an unsatisfactory note a day or two since. I have just had a pleasant interview with Mr. Shepley, whose courage and fidelity are equal to his learning and talents. He says he would rather fight the battle with you as the standard-bearer in 1860 than under the auspices of any other leader. The feeling and judgment of Mr. S. in this relation is, I am confident, rapidly gaining ground in New England. Our people are looking for "the coming man," one who is raised by all the elements of his character above the atmosphere ordinarily breathed by politicians, a man really fitted for this exigency by his ability, courage, broad statesmanship, and patriotism. Colonel Seymour (Thos. H.) arrived here this morning, and expressed his views in this relation in almost the identical language used by Mr. Shepley. It is true that, in the present state of things at Washington and throughout the country, no man can predict what changes two or three months may bring forth. Let me suggest that, in the running debates in Congress, full justice seems to me not to have been done to the Democracy of the North. I do not believe that our friends at the South have any just idea of the state of feeling, hurrying at this moment to the pitch of intense exasperation, between those who respect their political obligations and those who have apparently no impelling power but that which fanatical passion on the subject of domestic slavery imparts. Without discussing the question of right, of abstract power to secede, I have never believed that actual disruption of the Union can occur without blood; and if, through the madness of northern abolitionism, that dire calamity must come, the fighting will not be along Mason's and Dixon's line merely. It [will] be within our own borders, in our own streets, between the two classes of citizens to whom I have referred. Those who defy law and scout constitutional obligations will, if we ever reach the arbitrament of arms, find occupation enough at home. Nothing but the state of Mrs. Pierce's health would induce me to leave the country now, although it is quite likely that my presence at home would be of little service. I have tried to impress upon our people, especially in New Hampshire and Connecticut, where the only elections are to take place The spectacle here presented is startling to contemplate. during the coming spring, that while our Union meetings Senators entrusted with the representative sovereignty of are all in the right direction, and well enough for the pres- the States, and sworn to support the Constitution of the ent, they will not be worth the paper upon which their United States, while yet acting as the privy councillors of resolutions are written unless we can overthrow political the President, and anxiously looked to by their constitu abolitionism at the polls and repeal the unconstitutional ents to effect some practical plan of adjustment, deliber and obnoxious laws which, in the cause of "personal lib-ately conceive a conspiracy for the overthrow of the Goverty," have been placed upon our statute-books. I shall ernment through the military organizations, the dangerlook with deep interest, and not without hope, for a decided ous secret order, the Knights of the Golden Circle, "Comchange in this relation. mittees of Safety," Southern leagues, and other agencies at their command; they have instituted as thorough a military and civil despotism as ever cursed a maddened country. Ever and truly, your friend, Hon. JEFF. DAVIS, Washington, D. C. FRANKLIN PIERCE. The Disunion Programme. The subjoined communication, disclosing the designs of those who have undertaken to lead the movement now threatening a permanent dissolution of the Union, comes to us from a distinguished citizen of the South, who for disclose a plan of which ex-Governor Price was likely aware: Twelfth, That in the deliberate judgment of the Democracy of Philadelphia, and, so far as we know it, of Pennsylvania, the dissolution of the Union by the separation of the whole Sonth, a result we shall most sincerely lament, may release this Commonwealth to a large extent from the bonds which now connect her with the Confederacy, except so far as for temporary convenience she chooses to submit to them, and would authorize and require her citizens, through a convention, to be assembled for that purpose, to determine with whom her lot should be cast, whether with the North and the East, whose fanaticism has precipitated this misery upon us, or with our brethren of the Sonth, whose wrongs we feel as our own; or whether Pennsylvania should stand by herself, as a distinct community, ready when occasion offers to bind together the broken Union, and resume her place of loyalty and devotion. • Understood to be Hon. Lemuel D. Evans, Representative from Texas in the 34th Congress, from March 4, 1855, to March 3, 1857. This caucus also resolved to take the most effectual means to dragoon the Legislatures of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia into following the se ceding States. Maryland is also to be influenced by such appeals to popular passion as have led to the revolutionary steps which promise a conflict with the State and Federal Governments in Texas. They have possessed themselves of all the avenues of information in the South-the telegraph, the press, and the general control of the postmasters. They also confidently rely upon defections in the army and navy. It is not difficult to foresee the form of government which a convention thus hurriedly thrown together at Montgomery will irrevocably fasten upon a deluded and unsuspecting people. It must essentially be "a monarchy founded upon military principles," or it cannot endure. Those who usurp power never fail to forge strong chains. It may be too late to sound the alarm. Nothing may be able to arrest the action of revolutionary tribunals whose decrees are principally in "secret sessions." But I call upon the people to pause and reflect before they are forced to surrender every principle of liberty, or to fight those who are becoming their masters rather than their servants. EATON. As confirming the intelligence furnished by our informant we may cite the following extract from the Washington correspondence of yesterday's Baltimore Sun: "The leaders of the Southern movement are consulting as to the best mode of consolidating their interests into a Confederacy under a Provisional Government. The plan is to make Senator Hunter, of Virginia, Provisional President, and Jefferson Davis Commander-in-Chief of the army of defence. Mr. Innter possesses in a more eminent degree the philosophical characteristics of Jefferson than any other statesman now living. Colonel Davis is a graduate of West Point, was distinguished for gallantry at Buena Vista, and served as Secretary of War under President Pierce, and is not second to General Scott in military science or courage." The Charleston Mercury of January 7, 1860, published the following telegraphic dispatch: [From our own Correspondent.] WASHINGTON, Jan. 6.-The Senators from those of the Southern States which have called Conventions of their people met in caucus last night, and adopted the following | secession. But at the same time they resolved that it would resolutions: "Resolved, That we recommend to our respective States immediate secession. "Resolved, That we recommend the holding of a General Convention of the said Sta.es, to be holden in the city of Montgomery, Alabama, at some period not later than the 15th day of February, 1861." These resolutions were telegraphed this evening to the Conventions of Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. A third resolution is also known to have been adopted, but it is of a confidential character, not to be divulged at present. There was a good deal of discussion in the caucus on the question of whether the seceding States ought to continue their delegations in Congress till the 4th of March, to prevent unfriendly legislation, or whether the Representatives of the seceding States should all resign together, and leave a clear field to the Opposition to pass such bills, looking to coercion, as they may see fit. It is believed that the opinion that they should remain prevailed. LETTER FROM U. S. SENATOR YULEE OF FLORIDA. WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 1861. MY DEAR SIR: On the other side is a copy of resolutions adopted at a consultation of the Senators from the seceding States-in which Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, and Florida were present. The idea of the meeting was that the States should go out at once, and provide for the early organization of a Confederate Government, not later than 15th February. This time is allowed to enable Louisiana and Texas to participate. It seemed to be the opinion that if we left here, force, loan, and volunteer bills might be passed, which would put Mr. LINCOLN in immediate condition for hostilities; whereas, by remaining in our places until the 4th of March, it is thought we can keep the hands of Mr. Buchanan tied, and disable the Republicans from effecting any legislation which will strengthen the hands of the incoming Administration. The resolutions will be sent by the delegation to the President of the Convention. I have not been able to find Mr. Mallory this morning. Hawkins* is in Connecticut. I have therefore thought it best to send you this copy of the resolutions. Resolved 1. That in our opinion each of the Southern States should, as soon as may be, secede from the Union. Resolved 2. That provision should be made for a convention to organize a Confederacy of the seceding States, the convention to meet not later than the 15th of February, at the city of Montgomery, in the State of Alabama. Resolved, That in view of the hostile legislation that is threatened against the seceding States, and which may be consummated before the 4th of March, we ask instructions whether the delegations are to remain in Congress until that date for the purpose of defeating such legislation. Resolved, That a committee be and are hereby appointed, consisting of Messrs. Davis, Slidell, and Mallory, to carry out the objects of this meeting. be imprudent for them openly to withdraw, as in that case Congress might pass "force, loan, and volunteer bills, which would put Mr. Lincoln in immediate condition for hostilities." No, no! that would not do. (So much patriotic virtue they half suspected, half feared was left in the country.) On the contrary, "by remaining in our places until the 4th of March it is thought we can keep the hands of Mr. Buchanan tied, and disable the Republicans from effecting any legislation which will strengthen the hands of the incoming Administration." Ah! what a tragic background, full of things unutterable, is there there! It appears, however, that events were faster than they, and instead of being able to retain their seats up to the 4th of March, they were able to remain but a very few weeks Mr. Davis withdrew on the 21st of January-just a fortnight after this "consultation." But for the rest, merk how faithfully the programme here drawn up by this knot of traitors in secret session was realized. Each of the named States represented by this cabal did, “as soon as may be, secede from the Union"-the Mississippi Convention passing its ordinance on the heels of the receipt of these resolutions, on the 9th of January; Florida and Alabama on the 11th; Louisiana on the 26th, and Texas on the 1st of February; while the "organization of the Confederate Government" took place at the very time appointed, Davis boing inaugurated on the 18th of February. And here is another plot of the traitors brought to light. These very men, on withdrawing from the Senate, urged that they were doing so in obedience to the command of their respective States. As Mr. Davis put it, in his parting speech, "the ordinance of secession having passed the Convention of his State, he felt obliged to obey the summons, and retire from all official connection with the Federal Government." This letter of Mr. Yulee's clearly reveals that they had themselves pushed their State Conventions to the adoption of the very measure which they had the hardihood to put forward as an imperious "summons" which they could not disobey. It is thus that treason did its work. Mr. James L. Pugh, member of Congress from Alabama, in a letter, Nov. 24, 1860-“made public his reasons for going to Washington, " and taking his seat in Congress. He says: "The sole object of my visit is to promote the cause of secession." Douglas's Farewell Words. IN CHICAGO May 1, 1861. The election of Mr. Lincoln is a mere pretext. The pres ent secession movement is the result of an enormous conspiracy formed more than a year since-formed by leaders in the Southern Confederacy more than twelve months ago. They use the slavery question as a means to aid the accomplisliment of their ends. They desired the election of a northern candidate by a sectional vote, in order to show that the two sections cannot live together. When the history of the two years from the Lecompton question down to the Presidential election shall be written, it will be shown that the scheme was deliberately made to break up this Union. They desired a northern Republican to be elected by a purely northern vote, and then assign this fact as a reason why the sections cannot live together. If the disunion candidate in the late Presidential contest had carried the uni ted South, their scheme was, the northern candidate suc The preceding letter was found in Fernandina, Florida, upon the capture of that city in the winter of 1862, and the orginal letter was forwarded to the editor of the N. Y. Times by cessful, to seize the Capital last spring, and by a mited South and divided North, hold it. Their scheme was deits correspondent who accompanied the expe-feated, in the defeat of the disunion candidates in several dition. The Times of Saturday, March 15, 1862, comments on this development: The telegraphic columns of the Times of January 7, 1861, contained the following Washington despatch: "The South ern Senators last night (Jan. 5) held a conference, and telegraphed to the conventions of their respective States to advise immediate secession." Now, the present letter is a report by Mr. Yulee, who was present at this "consultation," as he calls it, of the resolutions adopted on this occasion, transmitted to the said Finegan, who, by the way, was a member of the "Sovereign Convention" of Florida, then sitting in the town of Tallahassee. It will thus be seen that this remarkable letter, which breathes throughout the spirit of the conspirator, in reality lets us into one of the most important of the numerous secret conclaves which the plotters of treason then held in the capital. It was then, as it appears, that they determined to strike the blow and precipitate their States into *The Representative from Florida. of the southern States. But this is no time for a detail of causes. The conspiracy is now known; armies have been raised, war is levied to ac complish it. There are only two sides to the question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war; only patriots or trailors! (Cheer after cheer.) The Conspiracy in Maryland. On page 152, the arrest of Marshal Kane* railroads to Philadelphia and to Harrisburg, sent this tele* Marshal Kane, on his way to burn the bridges on the gram for troops: MARSHAL KANE'S DESPATCH TO BRADLEY T. JOHNSON, OF BALTIMORE, April 19, 1881. Thank you for your offer; bring your men in by the first train, and we will arrange with the railroad afterwards and the Board of Police of Baltimore in June, 1861, by General Banks, is noticed. After their arrest, the minutes of their proceedings during the reign of terror" in Baltimore were found, from which these interesting extracts are taken: EXTRACTS FROM THE "MINUTES" OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS OF BALTIMORE, AND FROM THEIR LETTER BOOK; FOUND IN THEIR OFFICE AFTER THEIR ARREST BY GENERAL BANKS. 1861, April 19th, 20th, and 21st-No entry. April 22d-After debate, Resolved, That notice be immediately given of election for Legislature on Wednesday 24th April, and the sheriff be requested to unite in giving the necessary call therefor. The Board declared itself to be in permanence. D. J. Foley & Bros.' powder purchased, and the disposition of the same and all other powder to be purchased committed to Col. Isaac Trimble. Henry Thompson, Esq., appointed Quartermaster General, to act under the Mayor.t Order passed to prevent the transportation of provisions without special permission. Colonel Trimble appointed to enforce the order. Charles Pitts appeared and offered 200 to 300 negroes to perform any service which the authorities may call on them to do. The Mayor returns thanks, and assures them they shall be called on when any occasion arises when their services can be availed of. Coleman Yellott authorized to charter a steamer to summon the members of the State Legislature. Unnecessary parades forbidden in the streets. Extract from a note from Col. Trimble to Howard, President of the Board, found among the papers: "The display of military will be a sorry one as to the strength of the military of the city, and calculated to dishearten our own citizens, and if represented abroad will rather invite and encourage attempts from the north to defy us and pass through the city, whereas without this display many will think that the military force of the city is much stronger than it really is." Application by Messrs. Tucker [British subjects] to complete the loading of the Queen Victoria, [British.] In reply were informed that instructions would be given to Col. Trimble to permit the Queen Victoria to depart with her present loading, but that no other articles prohibited to be removed from the city can be permitted to be shipped on board the vessel. American vessels partly laden shall not depart without further and distinct action being taken by the board. The following were loose papers accompanying the "minutes" but not recorded: 1. Despatch by Morse's line, dated Received Baltimore 22, 1861." TO POLICE COMMISSIONERS: I want to communicate. "HARPER'S FERRY, 1861. What have you to say? 2. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Telegram, dated HARPER'S FERRY, April 22, 1861. Received 11 o'clock, 8 min., A. M. To W. H. GATCHELL, Police Commissioner: 3. Memorandum in pencil-omited in the "minutes:" APRIL 23, 1861. "Telegraphed General Harper, Harper's Ferry, to the effect, that the town is quiet, expressing thanks for his communication, and promising to let him know when any exigency requiring it shall arise; mentioning that Gwinn had been seen by us." Gwinn reported "six thousand men ready to come down." 4. Another memorandum: "Gwinn asserts that six thousand troops are at Harper's Ferry." APRIL 25.* and all other parties whatsoever, are requested to offer no "All police officers and others in the employ of the Board, obstruction to the running of the trains." (i. e., to Wash In a letter to John Garrett, Esq., Col. Trimble directed to allow and grant facility for the transportation of 40 kegs of powder to be used by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company in Virginia. Order passed authorizing Col. Trimble to permit steamboats to leave for the eastern shore, to and below the Sassa-ington.) fras river, upon condition that in going and returning they shall not stop at Annapolis. April 23. U. S. SHIP ALLEGHANY, BALTIMORE, April 23, 1861. CHARLES HOWARD, Esq., President of the Board of Police. SIR: Having occasion to employ a steamtug in the service of the United States, I have to request that you will authorize me to use one this day in the harbor of Baltimore and the adjacent waters. I am, respectfully, WM. W. HUNTER, Com. U.S.N. Respectfully declined. Communication from Col. Trimble in regard to the removal of the Alleghany. Answer given through Charles Wethered, that the matter was attended to, and the removal forbidden. Mr. Zenas Barnum called in regard to repairing the telegraph wires on the road to Philadelphia; no action determined on. Mr. Barnum was informed that no communications can pass over the wires for Washington, whether for the War Department or citizens, without being subjected to the inspection of the police board. Commissary Lee applied for permission to convey provisions into Fort McHenry. He was informed of the impossibility of ensuring him protection in carrying provisions to the fort during the present excitement of public feeling. Application received from Mr. Clarke, Superintendent of the Northern Central Railroad, for permission to rebuild the bridges (which had been destroyed by Kane on the night of the 19th at Melville and the Relay House. This was refused. Streets red with Maryland blood! Send expresses over the mountains and valleys of Maryland and Virginia for the riflemen to come without delay. Fresh hordes will be down on us to-morrow, (the 20th.) We will fight them or die. GEO. P. KANE. This was posted in Frederick, with a placard as follows, signed by Bradley T. Johnson: All men who will go with me will report themselves as soon as possible; providing themselves with such arms and accoutrements as they can. Double-barrelled shot guns and buck-shot are efficient. They will assemble after reporting themselves at 10% o'clock, so as to go down in the 11 train. Now Major General in rebel service, and a prisoner in our hands, captured at Gettysburg. The Mayor was one of the Board. Restrictions on the export of provisions, breadstuffs, and bituminous coal, removed. Propositions to repair the telegraphic lines to Cockeysville, and also to Havre de Grace and Belair, were declined. Appointment made with Col. Trimble and Gen. Thompson by the Mayor and Board, for 6 p. m., to consider and determine certain matters in reference to the disbursement of moneys under the ordinance, appropriating $500,000. Col. Huger furnished plans and specifications for a bombLetter from General Stewart + found among the papers: April 22, 1861. proof. CHARLES HOWARD, Esq. : DEAR SIR: A messenger from Virginia called to inform the Mayor that Senator Mason will be in the city either on to-morrow evening or the next day, and wishes an interview with Governor Pratt, Hen. Robert McLean, and J. Mason Campbell. Respectfully, D. H. BLANCHARD, Secretary. April 26-Colonel Kane reports that the powder purchased by Colonel Trimble's orders, and stored in a church in the west end, has been ordered to be transferred to Vicker's house. Negroes said to be offering northern notes (1) General Delegates, when but 9,000 votes were cast, of the 30,000 in +Stewart was Major General of the 5th Division Maryland militia; is now in the rebel service and our prisoner, hav Elected to the Legislature at the election of 24th April. ing been captured in one of the battles of the Wilderness. Member of the State Senate. To take Fort McHenry. Ing reports a revolving cannon* in William Wilkens & Co's. warehouse. But Colonel Huger and Ross Winans do not approve of such batteries. Application made for permission to repair telegraph lines to Havre de Grace. Granted; it being understood that the board shall have cognizance of all communications made by the American Telegraph Company. (Letter Book, folio 97.) Certain directors of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore railroad [O'Donnell, Pratt, Cohen, and T. Donelson] ask for the privilege of reconstructing the bridges and repairing the rails upon their road, [destroyed by Marshal Kane.] They assumed that a promise could be had by them from the General Government not to ask for the passage of troops over the road. Answer given that they should first learn what time would be required for repairing the road, and what asurance they could get from the Government that troops shall not seek that means of transportation, and then that the app cation for permission to rebuild the road shall be renewed to the board. Prohibition to remove flour and breadstuffs re-enacted.† April 27 1861-Full Board and Mayor. Resignation of David Daneker and William T. Butler, of the police force, received. DANEKER'S LETTER. TO THE BOARD OF POLICE: GENTS I hereby tender my resignation as a member of the police force of Baltimore. As an American citizen I DAVID DANEKER,‡ 26th April. Colonel Trimble instructed to allow shipments of breadstuffs, &e., in limited quantities, within the State; must use his discretion: "Keep a list of parties shipping the articles, and quantities, and make daily reports." cannot condescend to pull down the American flag. Gene. al Stewart appeared and stated that he had information of 2,000 stand of arms having arrived at Camden Station, (Baltimore and Ohio railroad,) which he claimed as officer of the State. Reply, (Letter Book, page 111:) "A gentleman representing the house of W. T. Walters & Co., has just called. Their house has bill of lading for the arms, and desires to hand them over to the police depot solely for safe-keeping." April 28th-General Stewart notifies the Board that 2,000 guns were yesterday morning at Harper's Ferry, awaiting his orders, and that he had given directions for them to be forwarded to his orders. LETTER FROM GENERAL STEWART TO THE BOARD. HEADQUARTERS, 1st LIGHT DIVISION, M. V. BALTIMORE, 2d May, 1861. To the BOARD OF POLICE OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE: GENTS: I have the pleasure to lay before you the official dispatches of Governor Letcher, of 24th April, addressed to me, and several other communications between myself and Major General Kenton Harper, commanding at Harper's Ferry, as well as Brigadier General Cocke, commanding at Alexandria, all showing that the 5,000 flint-lock guns furnished by the State of Virginia are for the use of Maryland, and are destined to be delivered to my order. Understanding that 2,000 of these arms, which arrived two or three days ago from Harper's Ferry, consigned to Mr. W. T. Walters, (but contrary to the instructions of Major General Harper, as he assures me in a dispatch,) are now in a warehouse at the corner of Second and Gay streets, occnpied by your Board or by the city authorities, I, as the officer of the State of Maryland, commanding here, and agent of the State, to whom the arms were destined, require that the whole be delivered to my order, it being understood that I assume the responsibility of receiving those arms on account of the State of Maryland. You are aware that upon special application to me on behalf of the companies of Calvert county, I agreed to delivery of 120 of those arms." Extract from the reply of the Commissioners (C. Howard) to General Stewart-same date. "And you having also understood that a gentleman now in Frederick has full power to control or alter the destination of them, we were unwilling to exercise any authority over them. I showed you a copy of my letter to that gentleman from whom I have yet no reply." Letter referred to, Letter Book, page 116, to Senator Mason, dated April 30, 1861. MY DEAR SIR: Since I had the pleasure of seeing you I have had a good deal of annoyance in consequence of the irregular manner in which some of our townsmen obtained in your State some arins. I do not question their motives, but it was unfortunate that we had no information of what had been done by them until we learned it from you. Can you inform me whether these arms mentioned by General Harper are a part of the original quantity mentioned by you, and of which I understand you have full power to control the destination? of the State, to receive them for its use? If so, do you desire General Stewart, as a military officer (Signed) CHARLES HOWARD. GOVERNOR LETCHER'S LETTER TO GENERAL STEWART. DEAR SIR: I called this morning to see you, having received a dispatch from J. S. Barbour, Esq., Alexandria, giving information respecting matters in Baltimore. I have issued an order to General Harper to send 1,000 stand of arms to General Stewart. Stirring times in your State. Truly, JOHN LETCHER. THE ORDINANCE APPROPRIATING $500,000. This ordinance (No. 22) was approved April 20, 1861, and a portion of the money expended. The following report, made April 4th, 1862, shows how: The Joint Select Committee, to whom was referred the resolution for the appointment of a committee "to examine and dispose of all papers and vouchers relating to the expenditure of money under the provisions of the ordinance for the preservation of the peace of the city, approved April 20th, 1861, to inquire and report what has become of the articles then purchased and in whose possession they now are, and also what disposition shall be made of the balance of the funds now in the city treasury," have discharged the duty imposed upon them, and submit to the Councils the following report, with accompanying resolutions: The duties imposed upon the committee were three-fold; first, to examine and dispose of all papers and vouchers relating to the expenditure of money, under the provisions of the ordinance specified; secondly, to inquire and report what has become of the articles thus purchased, and in whose possession they now are; and thirdly, to decide what disposition shall be made of the balance of the funds now in the city treasury. On the first head, your committee have to report that no papers" have come under their cognizance, except a note addressed by Col. Henry A. Thompson to the Mayor, which accompanied a statement of his agency, in the capacity of Quartermaster General, in the disbursement of $38,000 of the money in question, and in which he claims to have saved a considerable sum for the city treasury, by efforts to prevent lavish expenditure, and by annulling numerous contracts and returning many articles already delivered. Your committee regard it as a cause of profound regret, that such an agency had not been earlier in action; but it is due to the gentleman referred to, to say, that he appears to have performed the difficult duties confided to him, with fidelity and discretion. Acknowledgments are also due to Col. Thompson, for a courteous note, tendering any assistance in his power, in the examination of the "vouchers," so far as his agency was concerned; but no occasion has arisen for making use of the proffered aid. The "vouchers," as placed in the hands of your committee by the city Register, have been carefully examined, and found to be in due form, authenticated by the partics having control of affairs at that period, and accounting for the expenditure of the gross amount reported, allowing for interest and the balance on hand. Each account has been singly inspected, the objects of expenditure have been classified, and present the results stated below. Having served the purposes of your committee in affording the points of information it was necessary to obtain, no other disposition of them seems necessary than to restore them to the custody of the city officer, in whose charge they properly belong, as vouchers for disbursements under the ordinance. The labors of your committee under the second head of instructions, "to inquire and report what has become of This was afterwards captured en route for Harper's the articles then purchased, and in whose possession they Ferry. now are," have resulted in the following classified summary of expenditures for different objects: The argument of the rebels then was that otherwise Government would suddenly buy up and remove all the supplies. It had been determined to suppress the American flag, and the military had been put in array to put this through; vide ters from Stewart to Howard, 26th April, and the replies of the Board in Letter Book. SUMMARY. Arms, ammunition, &c............................................................................... $24,174 74 Blankets, mattresses, &c... 2,825 67 Surgical instruments and medicines....... 99 37 Marine and navy (embracing hire and alterations of steamers, and wages of men)............ 5,461 31 Pay of officers and men. Horse and hack hire, and hauling arms...................... Rent of armories and repairs.................................................. Poor Association, for use of indigent widows, Carpenters, bricklayers, materials, &c............... $2,568 05 | become of them, and in whose possession they now are." Rations.... 9,914 39 This investigation was attended with considerable difficulty, 7,736 30 owing to the various changes which have taken place since 8,472 86 the period of the purchases; the abdication of the former 234 78 Police Commissioners, the absence of the Mayor, the substi 1,748 02 tution of the United States Provost Marshal and his police force, and the seizure, by way of precaution, by the United 8,508 19 States, of arms and military materials stored in different parts of the city. Many articles and equipments have un2,000 00 doubtedly disappeared; but your committee are enabled to 5,775 56 present the following list of arms and other articles, fur24,576 86 nished by Mr. James L. McPhail, Deputy Provost Marshal, which will account for a portion of the articles. Identification of those purchased was, of course, impossible: Total... $99,096 00 From the above summary it will be seen that the expendItures for "Arms and ammunition" reached the large amount of nearly $25,000. The articles purchased include fixtures for cannon, carbines, rifles, muskets, pistols, swords, spears, drums, canister and grape shot, bullets, lead, powder, cartridges, caps and other kindred materials, the precise number and quantities of which, as nearly as could be ascertained, are given in the two following schedules: 1,217 carbines, from F. W. Bennett. 407 Hall's patent rifles, from Denson & Buck. 80 carbines, from Denson & Buck. 6 cutlasses, from Denson & Buck. 12 gun carriages, from A. & W. Denmead & Son. 8,285 iron spears, from A. & W. Denmead & Son. 2 muskets, from Levi Cromwell. 16 pistols, from Wm. Harris. 302 pikes, from Hayward, Bartlett & Co. 23 guns, from T. Foy. 9 pistols, from Merrill, Thomas & Co. 12 flasks, from Merrill, Thomas & Co. 4 ship pistols, from Levi Cromwell. 1 sword, from Canfield, Bro. & Co. 414 pikes, from George Page & Co. 7 revolvers, from C. Schumaker. 3 drums, from- Eisenbrandt. AMMUNITION. lbs. powder, (value $4,526) from Foley & Bro. 8,194 lbs. canister shot, from A. W. Denmead & Son. 119" musket balls, " Levi Cromwell. 21,000 caps, from Cugle & Co. 1 keg rifle powder, from F. Devlin. 2 bags balls, from F. Devlin. 2,000 caps, from F. Devlin. 4,958 lbs. lead, from Baltimore Water Board. 200 blank cartridges, from Green & Yoe. 2 boxes caps, from Green & Yoe. 1 bag shot, from Green & Yoe. 113 yards flannel, for cartridges, from 10,000 ball cartridges, from Wm. Harris, 10,860 800 do do do do do do Hoffman. do Poultney & Trimble. Of the above articles, (your committee are informed by Mr. McPhail,) the beds and bedding were distributed to the several station-houses, they having been found, on taking possession, to be generally destitute of such articles, and those found being in bad repair and very dirty. Besides the bedding thus appropriated, a considerable number of mattresses, some tin ware, &c., were transferred, with the approbation of the mayor, to the warden of the jail, for use at that institution, where they were much needed. A portion of the arms purchased by the parties who had control of affairs during the period of the "crisis" are still at Fort McHenry, where they were placed after seizure by the United States authorities. According to a return made to the mayor on the 12th of August, 1861, by Samuel W. Bowen, Captain of the Middle District Station, the following arms, taken by order of General Butler from the corner of Gay and Second streets, were then at Fort McHenry: 58 boxes, marked "Va. muskets," 20 in each box...... 1,160 64 46 Minie muskets, percussion locks.......................................... 23 " 1 box accoutrements. 115 boxes pikes. 334 46 38 2,919 Of the above, issues to a considerable extent have been made by the United States authorities, and some have been returned to Denson & Buck. Your committee are obliged. to Deputy Marshal McPail for the following statement of arms at present to be found at Fort McHenry: 60 boxes of pikes, containing 60 each. carbines. 11 300 carbines. 5 guns, 7 carriages, 13 rammers. It is understood that these articles, and such others belonging to the city as may be found in possession, will be restored by the Government of the United States as soon as their restoration is deemed compatible with a proper regard for its own protection. A few words more are necessary, in explanation of the remaining items of the summary. Of the amount charged to the "Marine and Navy," the principal portion is made up of sums expended on the hire and alterations of steam-tugs Hercules and Tiger, charges for use of the Potomac, George's Creek, and other steamers, amounting to $1,500 53, and $55 paid for the purchase of a boat and oars. The balance was principally expended in the payment of officers and "harbor police." The only articles known to be remaining from this department are a |