April 30, 1861;
The New York Herald
The course of the administration at the present time appears to be of a vigorous and energetic character. Troops are being rapidly concentrated in the vicinity of Washington in such force as may change the original designs of the Southern leaders upon the federal capital. There can be no doubt, from the fact that all the southern troops actually in motion are observed in every quarter to be advancing toward the North, and from the fact that large bodies of men are quartered in Richmond, Harper’s Ferry and other points on the Southern border, that the intention of the secessionists was to make an attempt upon Washington, and, as preliminary measures, to seize the Navy Yard at Norfolk, the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry, Fortress Monroe, which commands the entrance to the Chesapeake, and Portsmouth, which faces the Norfolk (Gosport) Navy Yard. If they had accomplished all these manoeuvres and succeeded in making Baltimore the basis of operations against the federal capital, Washington would have been completely surrounded by hostile troops and cut off from all commutations with the North.
But the rebels were foiled in this attempt. They were too slow for the prompt action of General Scott, and the capital is now secure with its garrison of 18,000 and the hordes of troops which are organized all over the North, ready to pour into it at the word of command. There are probably not less than a quarter of a million of men in the different Northern States enrolled at present, of whom about 68,000 are qualified for active service in the field. It is not overestimating the number to say that 15,000 troops, from all points of the North, are at this moment ready to march for Washington, independent of the men already there, and those guarding the railroad from Annapolis. That the government is resolved to carry on the war vigorously, and to the bitter end, is evident from the fact that it has just decided to receive out of the 75,000 volunteers called for, 40,000 men to serve for three years, 25,000 for five years, and 13,000 out of the regular army to serve for five years, besides enrolling 18,000 sailors for the navy. An additional call has been made upon Pennsylvania for twenty regiments of infantry and one of cavalry, all of which have already been tendered to the Governor for the service of the United States government. Intelligence received from Harrisburg last night intimates that a prompt movement is about to be made from Pennsylvania at once which may result in the occupation of Baltimore by federal troops within forty eight hours. It is certain that troops are being hurriedly concentrated at Camp Scott, and Chambersburg; to the latter point ten brass field pieces and a large quantity of ammunition were forwarded within a few days.
The government has decided to establish an arsenal at once at Rock Island City, Illinois, in place of the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal just destroyed. Rock Island City stands on the banks of the Mississippi, 182 miles southwest of Chicago. It is situated at the foot of the Upper Rapids, which extend nearly fifteen miles, and in low stages of water obstruct the passage of vessels drawing a heavy draft. In the channel is an island from which the city derives its name, three miles in length, presenting a perpendicular front of limestone from twenty to thirty feet high; the channel to the east of the island has been dammed, so as to produce an immense water power above, and leaving a fine navigable channel on the west side. It is very probable that the arsenal will be located on this island, and its geographical position seems very favorable for this purpose.
Our despatches from Harrisburg, represent that city to be full of loyal Marylanders and Virginians, who have fled from the reign of terror in those States, many of whom are joining the volunteers in defence of the Union. It is said that the Baltimoreans are determined to resist the passage of the Pennsylvania troops through Maryland, notwithstanding the reaction said to exist there, but on the other hand it is stated that the Pennsylvanians are ready for any emergency, and that if they are attacked the city of Baltimore is doomed. We are informed, however, by our despatches from Washington that the Maryland Legislature, now in session at Frederick, decided yesterday not to call a convention of the people on the question of secession, by a vote of 53 yeas to 13 nays, and also resolved that the troops of the United States Government shall be permitted to pass through he States. A great change in public sentiment is reported to have occurred in Baltimore, which has been manifested by an extensive display of the Stars and Stripes in all quarters of the city.
It was rumored that Mr. Mason, of Virginia, was arrested yesterday in Pennsylvania, but the report is authentically contradicted. It is manifest from all the intelligence which reached us up to a late hour last night, that warlike preparations are being pressed on by the government in a vigorous fashion, which will astonish and may dismay the leaders of the Southern insurrectionists before many days are passed.