–The steamship Star of the West was taken near Indianola, Texas, by the Galveston Volunteers, without resistance. She has on board eight to nine hundred barrels of provisions.
The steamer Habana has been purchased by the Southern Confederacy, and will be transformed into a war steamer. She will carry eight guns and one pivot gun.–Times, April 22.
–General Cass made a speech at Detroit, Michigan, on the occasion of the Board of Trade unfurling the national flag over their rooms. He is strongly in favor of supporting the Union, the Constitution, and the country’s flag, under all circumstances. He said that, in a crisis like the present, it was the duty of every citizen to stand by the Government.– Louisville Democrat.
–Piqua, Ohio, to-day raised a company, and tendered its services to the Government.
A large and enthusiastic meeting was held last night at Michigan City, Ind. Democrats and Republicans are a unit for the Constitution and Union. Strong anti-secession resolutions were adopted, denouncing all as traitors whose views are not to sustain the Government. Salutes were fired to the Stars and Stripes, which were displayed in all parts of the city. A volunteer company was immediately organized. The first man who signed the roll is a prominent clergyman.
The first company of volunteers left Lafayette, Ind., for Indianapolis, at 2 o’clock P. M. to-day. They were escorted to the depot by the Lafayette Artillery; and two companies are nearly full, who will follow in a few days. –Buffalo Courier.
–An excited secession meeting was held at Baltimore, Md. T. Parkin Scott occupied the chair, and speeches denunciatory of the Administration and the North were made by Wilson C. N. Carr, Wiliam Burns, president of the National Volunteer Association, and others.–Baltimore Clipper, April 19.
–The main entrance to the harbor of Norfolk, Va., was obstructed by the sinking of small boats by order of Governor Letcher.–Idem.
–Governor Letcher, of Virginia, issued a proclamation, in which the independence of the Confederate States is recognized, and all armed volunteers, regiments, or companies, are commanded to hold themselves in readiness for immediate orders, and to prepare for efficient service.–(Doc. 59.)
–A meeting, composed of all parties, was held at Middletown, Orange county, N. Y. Speeches were made, and great enthusiasm prevailed.–Tribune, April 20.
–The Virginia State Convention passed the “ordinance to repeal the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the State of Virginia, and to resume all the rights and powers granted under said authorities.”–(Doc. 60.)
–Further precautions were taken at Washington to guard against a sudden raid of the rebels upon the city. The Long Bridge across the Potomac was patrolled by a party of dragoons, and at night a detachment of artillery, with guns posted to sweep the bridge, kept guard on the Washington side. Intense excitement prevailed.–Tribune
–Jefferson Davis issued a proclamation, offering to grant letters of marque and reprisal, to aid the Southern Confederacy “in resisting the wanton and wicked aggressions” of the Federal Government.–(Doc. 61.)