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in lot address to you on taking tbe oath of office, and before receiving from X° a l^e communication ol Ibis resolution I b** s*id, ” necessity, not a choice, we bare resorted to the remedy of sepa ration, and henceforth our energies most be di rected’to the conduct of our own affairs and the perpetuity of the Confederacy which we hare formed, “ifajnet perception of mutual interest shall permit us peaceably to pursne our separate political career, my most earnest desire will have been falUtled.” It was in furtherance of the accordant views of the Congress sod the Executive, that I made choice of three discreet, able and distinguished citizens, who repaired to Washington. Aided by their cordial co-operation, and that of the Sec retary of the State, every effort compatible with self-respect and the dignity of the Confed eracy, was exhausted before I allowed mvselfto yield to the conviction that the government of the I nited States was determined to attempt the con quest of this people, and that oar cherished hopes of peace were unattainable. On the arrival of our commissioners in Wash ington, on the sth March, they postponed, at *hc suggestion of a friendly intermediary, doing any more than giving formal notice of their arrival. — This was done with a view to afford time to the President who had just been inaugurated, for the discharge of other pressing official duties in the organization ofhis administration, before engag ing his attention in the object of their mission.- It was not until the 12th of the month that they official) v addressed the Secretary of State, inform ing him of the purpose of their arrival, and stat ing in the language of their instructions their wish “to make to the government of the United States overtures for the opening of negotiations, assuring the government of the United States, that the President, Congress and people of the Conled erate States earnestly desire a peaceful solutiou of these great questions; that it is neither their interest nor their wish to make any demand which is not founded on the strictest justice, nor act to injure their late confederates.” lo this communication no formal replv was received until the Bth of April. During the inter val, the Commissioners had consented to waive all questions ot form. With the firm resolve to avoid war, if possible, they went so far, even, as to hold, during that long period, unofficial intercourse, through an intermediary, whose high position and character inspired the hope of success, and thro’ wfHjm constant assurrances were received from the Government of the United States, of peaceful intentions ; of the determination to evacuate Fort Sumter ; and further, that no measure, changing the existing status prejudicial to the Confederate States, especially at Fort Pickens, was in contem plation, but Uutt in the event of any change of intention on the subject, notice would be given to the Commissioners. The crooked paths of dip lomacy can scarcely furnish an example so want .ug iu courtesy, in candor, and directness, us wa* the course of the United States Government to wards our Commissioners in Washington. For proof ot this, I refer to the annexed documents marked , taken in connection with further laeta whtch I now proceed to relate : Lariy in April the attention of the whole couotrv, as well as that of our Commissioners, was attracted to extraordinary preparations for an extensive mil itary and naval expedition in New York and other northern ports. These preparations commenced i*t secrecy, for an expedition whose destination was concealed, only became known when nearly com pleted, and on the sth, 6th and 7th April, trans oorts and vessels of war, with troops munitions and mil itary supplies, sailed from the northern ports b-jund southwards. Alarmed by so extraordinary a de monstration, the Commissioners requested the de livery of an answer to their official communic Uion of the 1 2th March, and thereupon received, on the Bth April, a reply dated on the 15th of the previous month, lrom which it appears that, during the whole interval whilst the Commissioners weie re ceiving assurances, calculated to inspire hope of the success of their mission, the Secretary of State and the President of the United States bad already determined to hold no intercourse with them what ever ; to refuse even to listen to any proposals they bad to make, and had profited by the delay; cre ated by their own assurances, in order to prepare secretly the means for effective hostile operations. That these assurances were given, has neea vir tually confessed by the government of the United States by its sending a message to Charlestou, to give uotiee of its purpose, to use force, if opposed m its intention of supplying Fort Sumter. No more striking proof of the absence of good faith in the conduct of the Government of the United States towards this Confederacy can be required than is contained in the circumstances which ac companied this notice. According to the usual course of navigation, the vesaels composing the expedition designed for the relief of Fort Sumter, might be expected to reach Charleston harbor on the 9th April, yet with our Commissioners actually in Washington, detained under assurances that notice should be given of any military movement, the notice was not addressed to them, but a mee senger was sent to Charleston to give the notice to the Governor of South Carolina, and the notice was so given at a late hour on the Bth April, the eve of the very day on which the fleet might be expected to arrive. That this manoeuvre failed in iu purpose ;was not the fault of those who con trived it. A heavy tempest delayed the arrival of the expedition, and gave time to the commander of our forces at Charlestou to ask and receive the instructions of this government. Even then under ail the provocation incident to the contemptuous refusal to liaten to our Commissioners, and the tor tuous course of the Government of the United States, I was sincerely anxious to avoid the effu sion of blood, and directed a proposal to be made to the commander of Fort Sumter, who had avow ed himself to be nearly out of provisions, that we would abstain from directing our fire on Fort Sumter if he would promise not to open fire on our forces unless first attacked. This proposal was refused and the conclusion was reached, that the design of the United States was to place the bese.ging force at Charleston between the simul taneous fire of the fleet and the fort. There remained, theerfore, r.o alternative but to di rect that the tort should at once he reduced. Tins order was executed by General liean regard, with the skill and success which were naturally to be expected from the well known character of that gallant officer ; and although the OombardmeDt lasted but thirty-three hours, our iag .lid not wave over its battered walls, until after the appearance of the hostile tteet off Charleston. i ortunately not a life was lost on our side, and we were gratified in being spared the necessity of a useless effusion of blood bv the prudent caution of the officers who commanded the fleet, in ab staining from the evidently fotile effort to enter the harbor for the relief of Major Anderson. I refer to the report of the Decretory of War and the papers which accompany it for further details of this brilliant affair. In this connection I cannot refrain from a well def- rved tribute to the noble State, the eminent soldierly qualities of whose people were so conspi ciously displayed in the port of Charleston. For months they had been irritated by the spectacle of a fortress held within their principal harbor as a standing menace against their peace and indepen ueoce. Built in part with their own money, its custody confided with their own consent to an agent who held no power over them other than such as they had themselves delegated for their own benefit, intended to oe used by that agent for their p,^* ctlor ! a^a,nßt ’ foreign attack, they saw it held with persistent tenacity as a means ol offence against them by the very government which tbev had established for their protection. They had beleaguered it for months—felt the entire power to capture it—yet yielding to the requirements of dis cipline, curbed their impatience, submitted without complaint, to the unaccustomed hardships, labors and privations of a protracted seige ; and alien at length their patience was rewarded by the seige ; and when at length their practice was rewarded by the signal for attack and success had ciowned their steady and gallant conduct—even in the very moment of triumph—they evinced a chivalrous re gard for the feelings of the brave but unfortunate officer who had been compelled to lower bis fltg. AU manifestations of exultation were checked in ms presence. Their commanding general, with their cordial approval and the consent of his gov e[Tent. r efrained from imposing any terms that could wound the sensibilities of the commander of the fort. He was permitted to retire with the honors ot war to salute his flag, to depart freely with all bis command, and was escorted to the ves sels In which he embarked, with the highest marks of respect from those against whom his guus bad been so recently directed. Not only does everv event connected with the siege reflect the highest honor on South Carolina, but the forbearance of her people and of this government, from making any harsh use of a victory obtained under circum stances of such peculiar provocation, attest to the fullest extent the absence of any purpose beyond securing ibeir own tranquility, and the sincere de sire to avoid the calamities of war. Scarcely had the President of the United States * n **h>genee of the failure of the scheme w .ich he bad devised for the reinforcement of ci, . uinter when he issued the declaration of t ' !i ® Confederacy which has prompted ducticn ° n th’ f o *!’ * U l k ,s ei r *ordinarv pro ducticn Inst High lunctionary affects toiaf igno rance of the existence of an Independent Golf™ ment whuth possessing the entire and anthtSKc devotion of its people, is exercising its function-, without question over seven sovereign States! pver wort than five millions of a territory whose area exceeds half a million of i square miles. He terms sovereign States “com* i binations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of the judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law.” He calls for an army of seventy-firg thousand men to act as a posse eomitatu* in aid of the process of the courts of justice in States where no courts exist whose mandates and decrees are not cheerfully obeyed and respected by a willing people. He avows that “ the jirst service to be assigned to the forces called out,” will be, not to execute the pro cess of courts, but to capture forts and strong holds situated within the admitted limits of this Confederacy, and garrisoned by its troops , an d.-clares that “this effort” is intended “to maintain the perpetuity of popular government. He con cludes by commanding “the persons composing the combinations .foresaid,” to-wit : the five millions of inhabitants of these Mates, “to retire peaceably to their respective abodes within twenty days.” Apparently contradictory a# are the terms of this document, one point was unmistakably evi dent. The President of the United States called for an army of seveuty-five thousand men, whose firet service was to be to capture our forts. It was a plain declaration of war which I was not at liber ty to disregard, because of my knowledge that un der the Constitution of the United States the Pres ident was usurping a power granted exclusively to the Congress. He is the sole organ of communi cation between that country and foreign powers.— The law of nations did not permit me to question the authority of the Eexcutive of a foreign nation to declare war against this Confederacy. Al though I might have refrained from active meas ures for our defence, if the State of the Uuion had all intimated the action of Virgiuia, North Caroli na, Arkansas, Kentucky, Teunessee and Missouri, by denouncing the call for troops as an unconstitu tional usurpation of power to which they refused to respond, I was not at liberty to d : sregard the fact that maBT of the States seemed quite content to submit to the exercise of the power assumed by the President of the United States, and were ac tively engaged in levying troops to be used for the purpose indicated in the proclamation. Deprived of the aid of Congress at the moment, I was under the necessity of confining my action to a call on the States for volunteers for the com mon defence, in accordance with the authority you had confided to me before your adjournment. I deemed it proper further to issue a proclamation inviting application from persons disposed to aid our defence in private armed vessels on the high seas, to the end that preparations might be made for the immediate issue of letters of marque and reprisal, which you alone, under the Constitution, have power to grant. I entertain no doubt you will concur with me in the opinion that in the absence of a fleet of public vessels, it will be emi nently expedient to supply their place by private armed vessels, so happily styled by the publicists of the United States “ the militia of the sea,” aud so often and justly relied on by them as an efficient and admirable instrument of defensive warfare. I earnestly recommend the immediate passage of a law authorizing me to accept the numerous pro posals already received. I cannot close this review of the acts of the government of the United States without referring to a proclamation issued by their President under date of the 19th inst., in which, after declaring that an insurrection has broken out in this Con federacy against the government of the United States, he announces a blockade of all ports of these States, and threatens to punish as pirates all persons who shall molest any vessel of the United States r.nder letters of marque issued by this Gov ernment. Notwithstanding the authenticity of this proclamation, you will concur with me that it is hard to believe it could have emanated from a President of the United States. Its announcement of a mere paper blockade is so manifestly a viola tion of the law of nations, that it wonld seem in credible that it could have been issued by authori ty ; but conceding this to be the case, so far as the Executive is concerned, it will be difficult to satis fy the people of these States that their late con federates will sanction its declaration, will deter mine to ignore the usages of civilized nations, and will inaugurate a war of extermination on both sides by treating as pirates, open enemies acting under the authority of commissions issued by an organized government. If such proclamation was issued, it could only have been published under the sudden influence of passion, and we may rest assured mankind will be spared the horrors of the col flic t it seems to invite. For the details of the administration of the dif ferent departments, I refer to the reports of the Secretaries which accompany this message. The State department has furnished the nec cessary instructions for three commissioners who have been sent to Eugland, France, Russia and Belgium, since your adjournment, to ask our rec ognition as a member of the family of nations, and to make with each of those powers treaties of amity acd commerce. Further steps will be taken to enter into like negotiations with the European powers in pursuance of your resolutions passed at the last session. Sufficient time has not yet elaps ed since the departure of these commissioners for the receipt of any intelligence from them. As I deem it desirable that commissioners or other dip lomatic agents should also be sent at an early pe riod to the independent American powers south of our Confederacy, with all of whom it is our interest and earnest wigh to maintain the most cordial and friendly relations, I suggest the expe diency of making the necessary appropriations for that purpose. Having been officially notified by the pubiic authorities of tbe State of Virginia that she had withdrawn from the Uuion and desired to main tain the closest political relations with us which it was possible at this time to establish, I commis sioned the Hon. Alexander 11. Stephens, Vice President of the Confederate States, to represent this government at Richmond. lam happy to ioform you that he lias concluded a convention with the State of Virginia, by which that honored Commonwealth, so long and justly distinguished among her sister S'ates, and so dear to the hearts of thousands of her children in tbe Confederate States, has united her power and her fortunes with ours*, aud become one of us. This conven tion, together, with the ordinance of Virginia, adopting the provisional constitution of tbe Con federacy, will be laid before you for your consti tutional action. I have satisfactory assurauces from other of our late confederates that they are on the po'nt of adopting similar measures, and I cannot doubt that ere you shall have been many weeks in session, the whole of the slave holding States of the late Union, will respond to the call of honor and affection, and by uniting their for tunes with ours, promote our common interests and secure our common safety. In the Treasury Department, regulations have beeu devised aud put into execution for carrying out tbe policy indicated iu ycur legislation on tiie subject of the navigation of the Mississippi river, aa well as for the collection of revenue on the frontier. Free transit has been secured for ves sels and merchandiz3 passing through the Conled erate States; aud delay aud inconvenience have been avoided as far as possible in organiziug the tbe revenue service for the various railways en tering our territory. As last as experience shall indicate tiie possibility of improvement in these regulations, no effort will be spared to tree com merce from all unnecessary .embarrassment and obstruction. Under your act authorizing a loan, proposals were issued inviting subscription* for five millions of dollars, aud the call was answered by the prompt subscription ol more than eight millions by our own citizens, and not a single bid was made uoder par. The rapid development of the purpose of the President of tbe UnitedJStates to invade our forts, blockade our ports, and wage war agaiost us, induced one to direct that the entire subscrip tion should be accepted. It will no*’ Leconte nec essary to raise means to a much larger amount to defray the exjtences of maintaining our indepen dence and repelling invasion. I invito your spe cial attend on to this subject, antUthe financial con dition of tl e government, with the suggestion of ways and means for the supply of the Treasury, will be presented to you in a separate communica tion. To the Department of Justice you have confi ded not only the organization and supervision of all matters connected with the courts of justice, but also tlo o connected with patents and with the bureau of public printing. Since jour adjournment a 1 ! the courts, with the exception of those of If iati ippi and Texas, have organized \y tbe appointment of Marshals and Dis trict Attf crejr, an i are now prepared for the ex ercise of their junctions. In the two States just named, the gentlen e 1 con firmed a s judges declined to accept the appoint* meut, a nd rio nominations have yet been made 10 fill the vacancies. I refer you to the repor of the Attoer ey General, and concur iu his reccotnmen dauofc fur immediate legisation, especially on the suh£* tof patent rights. Ejilv provisions should be sat de to secure to the subjects of foreign ua t:oae he full enjoyment of their property in val uable inventions, and to extend to our own citi zens Drote< t on, not only to their own inventions, but fin such as may have beeu assigned to them, or may hercalier t>o assigned by persons not alien enemie it The patent office business is much more exten. stTe at and important than had been anticipated.— Tbe apj, lications for patents, although confined un der the Uw exclusively to citizens of our confed eracy, f average seventy per month, ahow ing the necessity for the prompt organization of a bureau of patent*. , „ The Secretary of War, in bis report and accom panying documents, conveys full information con cerning the forces, regular volunteer and pro visional raised and called for under the several acis of Congress, their organization and distribu tion. Also an account of the expenditures al ready made, and the future estimates for the fiscal year ending 18th February, 1862, rendered neces sary by recent events. 1 refer tq his report also for a full history of the occurrences in Chatfoston harbor, prior to and including the bombardment and reduction of Fort Sumter, and of the mean a subsequently taken for common defense, on re ceiving intelligence of the declaration ot war against us made by the President of the United States.— There are now in the field at Charle-ton, Pensa cola, Forts Morgan, Jackson, St. Philip and Pul aski, uinteen thousand men, and sixteen thousand are now en route for Virginia. It is proposed to organize and hold in readiness for instant action, in view of the present exigencies of the country, an army of one hundred thousand men. If fur ther force should be needed, tie wisdom and pat riolism of Coogress will be confidently appealed to for authority to call into the field additional uumle sos our nob’e spirited volunteers, who are constantly tendering service far in excess of our wants. Tbe opeiattons f ihc Navy Department have been neces-aiity restricted by the fact that sufficient time bas not yet elapsed for lhe purchase or construction ol more tha i a limited number of v ease's adapted lo the public si vice Two vessels purchased have been tarn ed the •‘Sumter” and “Maciee.” and are now being prepated frs aat Near Orleans with all possible dis patch. Contracts hive a'so been med% at that city with two different es ablishnie its for the casing of ordnance, cannon s'ot and shell, with the view to encourage the manufaciute of these articles so iud s pensab'efor our defense, at as many punts within our territory as possib’e. I call your attention to the recommendat'on of the Secretary for the establishment of a magazine and lab oratory for preparation of ntduattce stoies. and the ntc* e.-siry app'op ia*ion for that purpose, lliiherto such stores have usually been ptepa ed at the navy yards, and no apptopriation was made at your last session for this object. The Secretary a’so calls attention to the fact that no provision has beeu mde for the payment of invalid pensions to our own citizens. Many of these persons are advanced in life, t ey have no means of support, and by ‘he s> cession of these Sta'es. have been depriv ed of their claim .-gainst the Government of the United Sta es. I iecommend the app optia'ion of tlu* sjtn neee any to pay the*e pens oi.eis. as well as those of the army, wh.oe claims cat scarcely exceed twenty thousand d-dlais per annum Ttie Pos mis er Gene-ai has already succeeded in o-ganizi-g his department to such an ex'ent as to be in teadiress to assume the di'ectio i of our postal af fairs, on the occurrence of the contingency goutemplat ed by the Act of the 15th Match, 1861, or even sooner, if desired by Congress The various ho -ks and circu la’s have been p epated and tneasu es taken to secuie supplies ol blanks, postage stamps, stamped envelopes, mail bigs. locks, ke s, etc. He presents a detailed classification and arrangmet t of h s e'erieal so ce and asks for its inc-eaae. an auditor ot the Tie sury tor this dejta'tmeut is De -essarv, and a plan is submitted for the organ : zatioi of his bureau. The great number and m g niude of the accounts of this department, re quite an incie-tse of the cle ica! force in the accounting branch In tbe treasury. The revenue< of this depart ment ate collected and d-sbursed in mod* s peculiar to itse ; f, aud requite a special bureau to secure a proper accountability in the administration of its finance-?. I call your a'lention lo the additional legislation re quired for this department; to the recommendation for changes in the law fixing the rates of postage on newspapers, and sea ed packages of certain kir.-ds, and B[e-.-ialiy to the recommendation ol the Secretary, in which 1 concur, that you provide at once for the as sumption by him of the conttoi of our entire postal service. In the military organization of the States, provisions are made for brigadier and major general, but in the .army of the Cor tolerate States the highest grade is that of brigadier general. Heucj, it will no doubt, sometimes occur that where troops of the Confederacy do duty with the mi idi. the ge.ie al se’eeftd for the command and possessed of the views, and purposes of this government, w ill be supet seded by au officer of the militia not having the same advantages. To avoid this contingency in the least objectionable man ner, I recommend that the law of its organization be amended, so that, the g ade be that of gene al. To secure a tho-ough military educa iou it is deem ed t sseut'al that ofliceis shou’d enter up m the study of their prof ssinn at an early pe iod of ife, and have elementary iristiu tion in a mi'itary school. Until such school all ill be established, it is recommended that cadets be app nnted and attached to companies untii they sbal have attained the age and hare acquir ed the knowledge to fit them for die duties of lieu ten ants. I also call your attention to an om’ssion in the law o’ginizing the army, in te'a'ion to military chaplains, and recommend licit provision be made for their ap pointment. In conclusion, I congra'ulate you on the sari, that in every portion of our country, there has been exhibited the most patriotic devotion to our common cause Transportation companies have fieely tendered the use of their lint s for troops and supplies. The Presidents of the railroads in lhe Confederacy, tit company w ith other Sta'es that we hope soon to greet as sisters, as sembled in convention m this city, and not only re dacel largely the ta'es he-e ofore demanded for mail service, and conveyance of troops aud munitions, but voluntarily proffeied to receive their compensation at these reduced rates in the bonds of the tonforle'acv, for the purpose ot leaving all the lesouices of the gov ernmeot at its disposal for tbe common defer se Requisitions for troops have been met writ such alacrity, that die numbers tendering their services, haTe, in every ios'ance, g-eatly exceeded the demand. Men of the highest official and social pos tioo, are serv ing as vo’unteers in the lanks. The gravity of age and the zeal ot youth, rival each other ii tiie desiie to be foremost for the pub'ic de'ense; and though at no other point than the one here ofote noticed, have t'uev been s'imula ed ly the excitement incide t to actual engagement and the h j>e of distinction for individual achievement, they have borne what, lor new troops, is ‘be most sevete otdea', ba'ient toil and com-tant vigil, and alt the exposuie and and scorn fort of actual service, with a resolution and fortitude such as to command appiohation and justify the highest expec'a'ion of their conduct when active valor shall beiequiied p ace in steady endurance. A people thus united and res lived cannot shrink from any sacrifice which they may he called on to make, oor can the*e be a seasonable doubt of their ti nal success, however long and sere e ntav be the test of their de'erminntioo to maintain their birthright of f eadom and equality, as a trust which it is ibeir first duty to transmit, unditninished, to tluir posterity. A bounteous Providence chee s us with tbe prom ise of abundant crops The fields of grain, which will, wi hiu a sow weeks be ready for the sickle, give assur ance of the amplest supply of food for man ; whilst tbe corn, cotton and other staple productions of our soil, afford abundant p oof that up to this period, the sea son has been propitious. We feel that our can e isjust and holy ; we protest so emnlv in ihe face of ma'tkind that we desite pea-e a’ any sacrifice, save that of honor and independence ; we seek no conquest, no aggrandisement, no conces s:on of any kind f om the Mates w r ith which we were late'y confedeia'ed ; all we ask is to be let a'one ; that those* who never held power over us. t-liall not now attempt our subjuga’ion by arms. Tit's we will, this w e must rerist, to tbe direst extremity. The moment that this pie'ension is abandoned, the sword will be dropped f.om our grasp, and we shall be readv toenter into tiea<ies of amity and commerce, that cannot but be mutually benefic-al. So long as Ih : s pie'ens on is maiutaiued, with a firm reliance on that Divine Power which covers with is protection the just cause, we will continue to strugg’e for our inherent right to free dom, independence and self-government. JEFFERSON DAVIS. Muntgomeky, Apiil 29th, 1?61. Major Anderson. —Major Anderson was receiv ed by the municipal authorities of New York, at the City Hall, on Tuesday. Mayor Wood addressed him as follows : Major An demon —l have been requested by the members of both branches of the Common Council of the city of New York to welcome you to the City Hall, and to tender you the hospitality of the city. In doing so I feel that I not only represent the Corporation, but every individual in the city— aye, and the State. It is unnecessary for me to state the reason for this municipal reception.— Events in which you have taken so digtinguished a part, are too recent, and have mnde too deep an impression on the American heart to render such an explanation necessary. You have represented the country faithfully.— You have represented it successfully. T tie Ameri can flag, under your command so nobly defended, was never hauled down ; although rent, not one of its stars was obliterated. I again tender you a he irty welcome, and tender you the hospitalities of the city, HDd would add that, at some subsequent time, I shallj present to you, on behalf of this Corporation, a gold snuff-box, emblematic of the freedom of the city. REPLY OP MAJOR ANDERSON. Major Anderson replied as follows: It cannot be expected of me, a soldier, to talk as I would like to, and as I feel a desire. I have only to say I have tried to do my duty, humbly, faithfully and trustfully, in defending the Ameri can flag. God grant that we may maintain the honor of that flag and of the country. In Him let us put our trust. Georgians and their Parson Captain. —Th“ fdlowing interesting incident is furnished by the Portsmouth correspondent of the Petersburge Exp ret*. A large company of gallant and hardy looking men, lately arrived from Georgia, is commanded by a minister of the gospel. lam told that they are all true temperance nion. On their arrival hey were breakfasted at the Macon House; and it was an imposing and cheering spectacle to see them in the fierce habiliments ot war, reverently standing around that table, while their reverend Captain devoutly implored the blessing of God on their repast. Can such men be conquered ? I Vmr l Explosion of an OH We]l-Lo* of I.lfe and t t rightful Scenes. It has already been briefly menttioned that an ’ oil well in \Varrentoi\ county, Pa., took fire a few days ago, and exploded with frightful effect, caus ing the loss of eighteen lives. A letter gives the following additional particulars: A well which had been drilled over two hundred feet by Hawley k Merrick, had struck oil, but the yield being less than expected, the pumping was abindoncd and drilling recommended. Over one hundred feet further were drilled, when at half past five on Wednesday eventing a suJfe t rush ot oil through the five inches and a half tubing thiew out the dt ills and gushed into the air forty leet above the surface of the ground. At the least computation it was throwing lrom seventy to one hundred barrels an hour. Above this mass of oil, the gas of benzine rose in a cloud, for fifty or sixty feet. As soon as the oil commenced gushing forth, all the fires of the engines in the neighbor- hood were immediately extinguished. At about half-past eleven, as a large number of men and boys were around the well engaged in saving the oil, the gas from the well, which had spread in every direction, took fire front the engine ot a well over four hundred rods distant, when in a second the w hole air wa9 in a flame, with a crash and a roar like discharges from a park of artillery. As soon as the gas took fire, the head of the jet of oil was in a furious blaze, and falling like water from a fountain over a space one hundred feet in diameter, each drop came down a blazing globe of boiling oil. Instantly the ground was a flame, constantly increased and augmented by the falling oil. At once a scene of indisetibible horro’ took place. Scores were thrown flat and tor a distance of twenty feet, and numbers horribly burned rushed blazing from the hell of misfortune, shrieking and .•creaming iu their anguish. Just within the circle of the flames could be seen four bodies boiling in the seething oil, and one man, who had been digging a ditch to convey away the oil to a lower part of the grouud, was killed as he dug, and could be seen as he fell over the handle of his spade rousting in the fierce ele ment. Mr. H. R. Rouse, of the firm of Rouse, Mitchel & Brow n, of the village of Enterprise, War ren county, a gentleman largely interested in wells in this locality, and whose tucome from them amounted to #I,OOO a day, was standing near the pit, and was blown 20 feet by the explosion. He got up and ran about 10 or 15 feet further, and was dragged out by two men, and conveyed to a shanty some dis ance from the well. When he arrived, not aves ige of clothing was left upon him except his stockings and boots. His hair was burned off, as well as his finger nails, his ears aud his eyelidr, while lhe balls of bid eyes were crisped up to nothingness. In this condition he lived nine hours made his will, leaving #IOO,OOO to the poor of Warren county, the same amount to repair the roads of Warren county aud SSOO a year to his father, his only living relation for life. He died, however, without signing the will. The bodies ol five other men were recovered and recognised in addition there are the skeletons of five otiiers visible within the circle of flames, and as many are misting—strangers, who came to wit ness the operation of the wells. It is supposed that a number of others have been burned to a powder, close by the mouth of tbe well. Some thirty-four were wounded. At tbe time of the explosion, everything ib the neighborhood—sixty or seventy rods—took fire, and shanties, derricks, engine-houses and dwell ings were at once involved in flames. The boiler of Dodds’ well, eighty rods from the original well, blew up with a tremendous explosion, killing in stantly the engineer, Wesley Skinner, adding an other intensity to the evenings horrors. At thi* time the whole air was on tire. The jet of oil rushing up forty feet was almost a pi'.ler of livid flame, while the gas above it to the distance of a hundred feet, was flashing, exploding, dashing to wards the heavens and apparently licking the clouds with its furious tongues of heat. All this lime during this tremendeous combus tion, the sounds of the explosions and burnings were so tremendous and continuous that they could be comptred to nothing but the rushing of a hurricane or tornado through a forest. The heat of the fire was so intense that no one could ap proach within 150 feet without scorching their skin or garments. It was the most frightful and yet the grandest pyroteehnieal display every vouch safed to a human being. On Friday morning the oil was still rushing up, on fire, with the same regularity and speed, throwing, it was calculated, at least 100 barrels an hour, cov ering an immense space with flaming oil—a loss to the proprietor of the well of from $20,000 to $25,- 000 daily. No hitman power can extinguish the flames, and the oil must burn on till the well is ex hausted. No pen can describe it fierceness, no tougue describe the magnitude of its horrors.— Thousands of spectators visu the scene every day. It seems the earth is really on tire, and its elements about to melt with fervent heat. The flames were, at last accounts, still ascending to the height of eighty feet. Floyd Rifle’s Quarters, ) Marine Hospital, April 25tb, 1861. ) The F:oyd Rifles deeply impressed, with the liberal spirit, that characterized the citizens of Ma con, on the eve of their departure from their homes, cannot withhold an expression of their gratitude. Called horridly away, our wishes were anticipa ted, our necessities provided lor, our wants sup plied. We can not, (we would not if we could) particularize, where all did so well.—We prefer writing their names upon tbe tablets of grateful hearts. Gratitude feels much, speaketh little, for gets never. Be it therefore resolved, That to the Mayor and Council the noble hearted, committee—the gener ous citizens who so liberally aided us with their means, and encouraged us with their blessings and their prayers, we only sav—from our hearts, we thank you.—Your kindness is appreciated, your memories will be cherished and your unpar alleled liberality will strengthen our arms, and nerve our hearts to act our part, worthy of friends so generous—and a city so loved. Resolved, That, to each and all, we say God bless preserve and defend you—your homes, your altars and your firesides. Capt. T. Hardeman, Lieutt. Rots, Redding, Turpin, and seventy men Committee. On Tuesday night last, Vice President Stephens made a short speech in Atlanta, in which he said, as reported by the Confederacy: A general opinion prevails that Washington City is soon to be attack jd. On this subject I can only say, our object is peace. We wish no ag gressions on any one’s rights, and will make none. But if Maryland secedes, the District of Columbia will fall to her by reversionary right—the same as Sumter to South Carolina—Pulaski to Georgia, and Pickens to Florida. When we have the right, we will demand the surrender of Washington, just as we did in the other case, and will enforce our de mand at every hazard, and at whatever cost. — And here let me say that our policy and conduct from the first has been right, and shall be to the last. I glory in the consciousness of our recti tude. Anderson Indorsed. —The War Department at Washington has issued the following: “7b Major Anderson, late Commander of Fort Sumter: “I am directed by the President to communi cate to you, and through you to the officers under your command at Fort Sumter, the approbation of the Government of your and their judicious and gallant conduct there, and tender you and them the thanks of the Government.” The Montgomery correspondence of the Consti tutionalist, dated the 2d, says : The train from Pensacola has just arrived, and brings several passengers, who left Warrington and Pensacola yesterday afternoon. They tell me that Gen. Bragg is progressing rapidly in his forti fication, and is nearly ready to “entertain” the forces at Pickens and those in the fleet, “in a hos tile manner.” The troops of the Confederate army are in good spirits, and are sanguine of suc cess. Hut little sickness prevails, and the troops generally are in good health, sun burnt, and ready for the conflict. Look 011 tliiii Picture and then on that. Mr. Secretary Chase says to his Collectors; “Grant no clearances to any vessel south of Ma ryland until further ordered.” Mr. Secretary Mentminger says to his: “Let us abide by the Law of Nations, and pro tect peaceful commerce which has trusted to our hospitality. Tell your people to have patience.— We gain more by respect lor law than from the seizure of a few vessels.” gjg"We learn from a gentleman who left Ptnsa cnli on Monday evening last, that two of the sol diers stationed at Fort Pickens had deserted and were brought to the Navy Yard by one of tbe boats of Gen. Bragg. They report that the ne groes who were recently stolen from the Tortugas are now on Santa Ilosa at work—that there are about nine hundred men in the fort and on the Island, besides sixty from ships—and that ouly six vessels of war are pow off tbe harbor.—Mont gomery. MACON, Wednesday, May 8, 1861. FINE RAINS Have visited us within the last few days, and from every direction we have most encouraging accounts of the crops. CONFEDERATE FLAG- A friend writes us from Oxford, that the Confed erate Flag was raised by the students of Emory upon the tower of their College edifice. A patriotic and thrilling address was delivered to the students and citizens assembled, by Rev. Dr. Means. OUR SOLDIERY, At Pensacola, Tybee, and Virginia, we are hap py to learn are getting aloug as pleasanttly as could be expected. We hope the false tumors in regard to their health and comfort will not be credited by their friends, who very naturally feel quite anxious upon this subject. We regret to learn that papers which we have sent them, do not reach them regularly. We shall still send, as oc casion may offer. THEIR SPIRIT. “We had a prayer meeting in our tent last night.” Thus writes a friend in Camp Oglethorpe, Pen sacola. Georgia may well confide in such a sol diery, and look with pride upon sons thus pano plied, with the God of hosts for their “sun aDd shield.” Such men must be invincible. BE OF GOOD CHEER We perceive the Philadelphia North American and Gazette is alarmed at the prospect of “famine after war.” Let our Philadelphia contemporary be of good cheer. Under the blessings of a good Providence, if our present, hopes are realized, we will not let our Northern friends starve. “If thine enemy hun ger, feed him,” Ac. THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE- We need not urge the perusal of this admirable state pap.:. . It contains ati uthful historical com pendium of our political difficulties, and an admir able exposition of the true theory of the old and new Governments. Were it possible, the Lincoln administration would do well to imitate its style and tone. GOVERNOR CAMPBELL NOMINATED. Gen. W. B. Campbell was unanimously nom inated for Governor, on Thursday last, by the Union State Convention in Nashville, Tenn. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION Os the Methodist Church, within the bounds of the Georgia Conference, met in this city on Wednesday last. The venerable Dr. Lovic Pierce was selected as President. Owing to the disturb ed condition of the country, the attendance of del egates was smaller than anticipated, though res pectable in number and intelligence. Many inter esting questions, involving the Sabbath School in terest and the well-being of the rising generation, were presented, which elicited a pleasant and profitable interchange of views and feelings. On Thursday night, Rev. Dr. Means delivered an eloquent aDd earnest address to a large audi ence, including quite a number of Sabbath School teachers and Scholars, who, under the direction of their efficient and w orthy superintendent, re galed the audience with some delightful music. Owing to the absence of the report of the busi ness committee, we are compelled to defer the publication of the proceedings of this important body until next week, when we shall give them entire. FINE STRAWBERRIES. A few days since we called at the Market Gar den of Mr. Charles Collins, (which is located on the Vineville Branch, in the out-skirts of our city,) to take a look at his strawberries, which we under stood were “something extra” in that line. We found the favorite old “ Hovey’s Seedling,” of “PeabQdy” notoriety, doing its best, and sustaining its original character. Also several other kinds, in fine bearing. But the great attraction of the collection was a variety but recently cultivated here, known as “ Fulton's Albany Seedling.” ‘l’he berry approximates to the largest size, is of good quality, and for productiveness far surpasses any strawberry we have ever seen. Many of the sin gle plants showed two hundred berries or more ; and when ripe, would, no doubt amount to two quarts—some of them would probably exceed it. Each plant wa9 literally “a pile ” of strawberries. This statement may appear to some readers, who have not seen the fact, as it really presents itself, as an “ expansion,” or “ giving a latitude to the truth.” If any doubt it, let them go and see for themselves; and Mr. Collins will be ready to welcome all those that call, who can appreciate such matters. These strawberries are grown on a very common light sandy soil, somewhat moist, and slightly manured—but we think they have had good cultivation. From what we saw, we should suppose that they would doubly compensate, for the labor bestowed on them, to any variety we have ever seen. A CHALLENGE TO GOOD WORKS. Mr. Kilpatrick, of this county, proposes to be one of ten planters in this neighborhood, to cross their cotton with corn, and turn over the proceeds to the families of the absent soldiers. If he can not find nine others, he will he one by himself to do it. Who will respond to this challenge to good works ? We find the above patriotic proposition in the Telegraph of Monday. We see it commended by several planters, to adopt the plan of crossing cotton rows with corn at intervals of twevle feet w ith a farrow for corn and plant at the intersection of every other cotton row—thinning out to two stocks of corn. This diminishes the yield cf cotton very shghtly and will bring a fair crop of corn. EMORY COLLEGE. The impression has gone abroad that this ex cellent institution has suspended operations for the present, owing to the disturbed condition of the country and military ardor of the students.— This is not true. A company of students has been formed, and under Professor Orr, as their Captain, are regularly drilled, and hold themselves in read iness for any emergency, but the Professor very properly writes, ‘ “We do not intend to suspend. Asa faculty, we endeavor to teach our young men to attend to present duty. The well performed duties of to day, will fit us the better for those which arc to come to-morrow. THE GATHERING STORM A glance at our exchanges renders it quite evi dent that we are upon the eve of a fierce and de vastating war. The South and the North are mar shalling their hosts upon the borders of the two hostile Republics, in fearful battle array. Before another week, the two great armies which will confront each other upon our Northern bouodarv, will number respectively, probably, not less than one hundred thousand men—perhaps more. The war spirit is fully up in the North and West, which may be said to be a unit in the present deceptive aspects of the controversy. Equally united and determined are the people of the Confederate States. Tennessee has not yet fully defined her position, though thousands of her patriotic sons are rallying under the Confederate Flag. Ti e same is true of Arkansas and Kentucky. The un certain aud equivocal attitude of Maryland has doubtless prevented an earlier hostile demonstra’ tion upon Washington City. But the storm is gathering dark and angry, and unless rolled back by Omnipotence, will carry sorrow and desolation to many a heart aud home. Let us hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. Planters and farmers will do the State good service in saving and preserving, as far as possible, all provision aod forage crops, Prayer far oar Cattntry. There will be a prayer Meeting held at the Bapi list Church in this city, tri-weekly at 5 o’clock, p. m.; on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, for the future. All Christians in the city who desire the Divine protection expended to our* country and soldiers, and a spiritual refreshing upon onr city, are most cordially invited to unite with us in this meeting. E. W. WARREN, Macon, Maj 6. Pastor Bap. Chnrcb. LIBERAL. The Macon and Western Railroad Directory has appropriated f1,700 dollars to needy families of absent soldiers. ARRIVAL OF TROOPS. It was expected that ten companies of troops would arrive in this city on last night or this mor niog. Quartermaster General Jones is already here. WAR AND THE CHURCHES. War is an evil, and results from the baser pas sions of the heart. But when a treacherous enemy invades us, we are in duty bound, to God and our country, as patriots and Christians, to meet and drive him back. lam proud to see with what lib eral bauds and cheerful hearts every sacrifice of men and money is made to meet the demands of our country, to gain a complete triumph over the enemy. With such a spirit of patriotism the Gov ernment of the Confederate States will be a suc cess. But our Pastors are sadly neglected. They are the champions and leaders of our spiritual hosts, and must not be forgotten. Mo9t of them are wholly dependent on their salary for a support. As the Treasurer of the Baptist Church of this city, I appeal to every member, aDd to the congre gation to come up at once to the support of your Pastor. You will thus strengthen the cause which was so near the heart of the Savior, that He gave his life for it. J. D. DeLoach, Treas. By request, we publish with pleasure the above pertinent appeal. With a noble liberality the peo ple are contributing to the aid and relief of our soldiers. This is right. Let them not, however, lorget those who minister at the altar, visit the sick, and bury the dead. The above hint is alike appropriate to country and city. Memphis, Tennessee, ) 20th Aprl, 1861. f Hon. M. S. Thompson :—Bear Sir :—Being here on my way to Arkansas, my thoughts, in view oi the exciting war news, are naturally turned home ward. I see that the City Council of Philadelphia have appropriated $125,000 for the suport of the families of soldiers who have enlisted to conqiter the South. | Permit me to suggest, through you, to the City Council of Macon, a similar policy, by making a liberal appropriation for the support of the families of our gallant soldiers who have volunteered for the defence of the South ; and should it be neces sary, I would suggest that an extra tux be levied upon those who are able, aad no doubt willing to respond. Very respectfully yours, <fco., N. BASS. Acting upon the foregoing patriotic suggestions, our City Council have levied an extra tax upon the citizens of Macon. This is well. But it is sug gested, that as all have a common interest and destiny at stake in the pending struggle, all should equally share its burdens and glory, ai far as may be, and that the Justices of the Inferior Court at once authorise the levy of a tax upon the citizens of Bibb county residing out of the city limits, cor responding with the one required of Hiose living in Macon. This would be equitable and right. The burdens which fall upon cities are, at this time, particularly ouerous, but cheerfully borne. Our country friends, who raise their own supplies, are able, and we doubt not, willing to share them. These hints are thrown out at the request of severs influential citizens. INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE. It will be seen by the following, that the young ladies in our schools and codeges are all aglow with the patriotism which now fires the Southern heart: To the Ladies of the Soldier's Relief Society: Unwilling to know that so many of our friends and relatives now in the battle field to guard our liberties, are in need of articles of food aod cloth ing, when we can assist them by lending our aid in making garments, and in subscriptions to pro cure provisions, we have formed a relief society, which we hope you will consider auxiliary to your own. We desite to be under your direction, and although our time is limited, we hope to aid the Confederate soldiers. Our number averages front thirty to forty, and we would like for you to have the garments cut, as we have no experience in cutting clothing. We will make subscriptions which shall be plac ed in your hands, that you may expend them as you think best. School girls’hearts are filled with patriotism; their hearts are truly touched at the condition of brave Southern sons. We have willtug hands and cheerful hearts, and are ready to engage in the work. It is a worthy cause, aud we heartily ad vocate it. Very respectfullv, &0., EMMA BELLAMY, President. Sallie Hcdson, Vice l'res’t. Amanda Barnett, Sec’y. Kittie Cater, Treas. Wesleyan F. College, May 2d, 1861. On motion, Resolved, That the petition of the Soldiers Re lief Society, of the Wesleyan Female College, be granted, and that it be enrolled as an auiilirry to the Ladies’ Soldiers’ Relief Society at Macon. On motion, Resolved, That the young ladies of the Wesley an Female College deserve and receive the highest commendations for their timely and patriotic in terest in this cause. Resolved, That this letter be published, and en tered upon the minutes of the Society. MRS. WASHINGTON POE, Presd’t. Miss Mary E. Bass, Sec’y. May 6th, 1861. military’ Moremenfa. The Sumter Light Guards aud Dawson Greys inarched through Broad street yesterday morn ing, says the Augusta Constitutionalist of Satur day,, and attracted geueral admiration for their military bearing and deportment. The Macon County Volunteers, and the South ern Rifles, left our city yesterday morning for Richmond, Va., by the South Carolina railroad. The Sumter Light Guards and Albany Guards, left for the same place, and by the same route, last night. The same paper of Sunday says : The Dawson Greys left our city yesterday morn ing, by the South Carolina railroad for Virginia. The LaGrange Light Guards, tbe West Point Guards, and the Albany Guards left on the same road for the same destination last night. There was a large crowd present to see them off.— Speeches were made by private Bull, of the La- Grange Light Guards, and private Lane of the West Point Guards. aDd as the train moved off hearty cheers were given by tbe citizens and sol diers. Gen. Jno. W. A. Sanford. —This distinguished civilian aud soldier, and gallant, noble-hearted gentleman has arrived in our city, says tbe Au gusta Sentinel, with tbe intention of joining the Baldwin Blues as a private. General Sanford now quite advanced in years but bale and hearty, whole-souled aud chivalrous, and when hiscouutry needs him, he -is always ready. He has seen ser vice before, as commander in the Cherokee nation, during Gov. Gilnrer’g term, snd has filled various offices of public trust. He had tbe confidence of Gen. Jackson, and was by him appointed Comrnis sioncr of Indian affairs. Many years ago Gen. San ford was elected member of Cougress, and has fre quently been proposed for Governor of the State. All honor to the patriot soldier. He should be, at least Colonel of tbe Regiment. The First Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers was mustered into service at Nashville on Friday last, and the following officers elected. Colonel, Geo. Mauey: Lieut, Colonel, T. F Sevier 5 Major! A. M, Looney. FROM PENSACOLA, A friend writes as follows: Camp Oolkthobpb, Fl*. > May Ist, 1861. ’ ( “I arrived here last Saturday in good health and fine spirits. Our trip all the way through j a pleasant one, with but few exceptions. From Gar land to Evergreen, we had to s age it aome twelve miles over ave y hilljrand sandy rood. The Railroad will be fiuished in a tew days, aud we c*n then get our large cannon and mortar through without any difticul ty. At Opelika, Ala., we met the Hon. Barnwell Rhett, of South Carolina, and were highly et.tertair.od with bis speeches all a'oog, as far as Montgomery. J stood once by his side whi'e speaking, with iny little Confederate Flag waiving over his head, amid the most deafening cheers of the multitude. Pensacola is a very old and dingy locking place, pe<e pled*pretty much by Spauuids. The houses are old and ditapida'e-i and hare the appearance of ail tea. port towns on” a sraa'l sca'e. The breakfast we got here was really a sp’endid affair, the best 1 have ever seen this side of New Yo.k. Ciabs, fish, aud ovsters may be had he-e at little expense and in great abuud aoce. Our stay at Peasaco a was very short, as all tb<* boys were exceedingly anxious to get duly icstal'.cd into the ranks of the company, to share its destine.— The Navy Yaid is rtallv a beautiful p'ace. The build dings and wa'ks cancot be surpassed in Ametica—verr level and well ornamented. Warring on is a small village, ii.c’udii g the Navy Yard, with only a shops aud nothing of any consequence to sell. En closed Vou will find a diagiam of the diffeteut Forts, which utay interest you. I visi ed the teach, which is about one mile from our camp, a d iy or two ag >, and with my telescope could easily see the men iu Pickens throwing up brea--. works, curs sting of sa-.d bags, Ac. They have alio about oue bundled head of horses grazing quietly on the Is’and, which are, undoubted y, intended for flVirg artillery. They have made Pickeus a very strot Fort, and if we take it the record will be, i u my jud • meut, a bloody one. Day before yesterday some two hundred men were de’ailed to go down to the beach to haul up four large cannon. While engaged at this work a heavy storm of thunder and lightning, including tain, came up and eve had a pretty severe time of it. I got thoroughly S'taked, but up to this time I do not feel any unpleas, ant effects from it. No one can ever know except bv bitter experieoce the toils, plications and sacrifices of a soldier’s life. We are deprived of a great many lib. erties, and our fate, as a general thing, except when we get boxes from home, consists off.ied bacon ami “slap jacks,” which is a decoction of flour and water. We are now living sumptuously and have more provisions than we can eat. The citizens of Augusta raised a liberal sum for our comfort.” For the Journal and Messenger. Departure of tbe Jlacon Cos. Volunteers. Oglethorpe, Ga., April 29th, 1861. Messrs. Editors: —The people of this county have recently been made forcibly to feel of’ the evils of the unnatural struggle now raging in our midst. On last Saturday the “ Macon Countv Vol unteers” left this place for the seat of war. Two or three hundred people assembled at the depot to witness their departure and bid them farewell. In that crowd there was but few whose cheeks was not moistened with tears. But while, in obedience to nature, those fathers and mothers and associates wept in having these dear friends lorn from their embrace to try the dread realities of the battle field, yet the sacrifice was freely made. Several short and appropriate speeches were made on tbe occasion, in which were expressed the sentiments of the people in the words, “ Go, and defend our homes, onr firesides and our altars!” And, Messts. Editors, permit us to say that we believe this brave band will lay their bodies upon their country’s altar, if need be, in obedience to this injunction. Many of them are young men of the first class men of exalted views and principles. They have responded to their country’s call, not from a love of novelty and excitement, nor from the less inno cent motive of evinciug military fame, but from a deep sense of duty. Under their gallant leader, Capt. Prothro, we expect no report of tbeir ac tions, but such as shall make us proud to claim them as citizens of our countv. Messrs. Editors, if you can give this humble communication a place in your columns you will, by so doing, much oblige Your ob’t serv’t, PHILOS. I3F - Attorcey-GeLetal Bates declares the retroc-exii* of Alexandria to Vitgicia is unconstitutional, and un der the decision, it isfgeoerally believed that Lincoln will occupy Alexandria on Monday as part of the Dis trict of Columbia. The inhabitants ate moving to the country in consequence. Surely tbe Governmeat at Washington was a long time in finding that Alexandria is not legally in Vir ginia. Col. Geo. X. Ward. Th : s gentleman, who declined at fitst to accept tbe appointment as Delegate to the Provisional Goveru meat to till the vacancy occasioned by the iasigo&t:on of Col. J. P. Ande son, conferred upon him by the al most uuaoimou-s vote ot the Convention on Ft iday, -J'ith ult., (he prefeniug not to separa'e himself from the military organization of the butte,) was, after several bailotiugs uu Saturday last, iuduced to wiihdraw bis resignation, aud to accept the apjiointment. Col. Ward left Tallahassee for Montgomery on Mon day last, whe-e we are muclt mistaken it his ability and energy does not secure for him a high position.—Flor idian. Col. Ward is one of the ablest men in Floiida, and we are glad to see him in the Southern Cougres.-. Barbarism in New York.—G. B. Lamar, Esq., President of the Bank of the Republic of New York, and for many years a resident of that city, lately resigned that office. Soon after resignation he was waited on by a Committee of the citizens, and ordered to leave the city by a specified short time. It was Mr. Lamar’s desire and intention to leave the citv, and his resignation was with reference to this, but the critical illness of his wife —a fact that must have been known to some of the mob —pre- vented an early removal. He informed the mob Committee that he could not and would not leave at their orders, and here the matter rested at our last accounts. What a commentary, remarks the Charleston Courier, on free speech, free action, and the abuse which have been lavished on the South by Phari saic New York ? Rev. John H. Harris. This devoted aud excellent minister of the Gos pel, and pastor of the M. E. Church in this place, says the Harris County Enterprise , having been elected to the Chaplaincy of the Ilrrris Guards, has accept ed, and declared his intention of casting his lot with .the fortunes of his company. Mr. Harris, though but a short time among us, has eodeared himself to our people, and while they regret to give him up, yet his devoted patriotism and fir® determination to do his duty even on tbe batfi* field, serves to reconcile us all to the loss. that Divine being whom he has served so fai thfully here, still hover over our beloved pastor and those with whom he has cast his lot and protect them from harm, is the prayer of all those who are left behind. Georgia State Agricultural Society* The Executive Committee of the Georgia State Agricultural Society, met in Atlanta on Monday, 29th ult., and after some discussion of the effect of the present condition of affairs, the following resolution was adopted : Resolved, That it is inexpedient for the Execu tive Committee now to determine the propriety of holding for the present year the Annual Fair; but should circumstances at auy time between this and the 15th day of July, justify ihe holding of a Fair, tbe President is in that case to call a meeting of the Executive Committee. Also resolutions appointing a committee to pre pare an address to the people, offering the tent cloths of the Association for the use of the troops, and every doilaar in the treasury and the proceeds of the sale of tbe silver ware on hand for tbe cause of the South. George Wilkea, editor of Wilkes’ Spirit, has left Now York to join Cassius M. Clay’s regime ai Washington,