We are all well, and "doing a pretty fair pursued her course unmolested, and on July 3d business," having made nine captures in twenty-overhauled a vessel bearing Spanish colors, and six days. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. SEMMES. The following letter from a passenger or sailor on the Sumter gives a sketch of her voyage and summary of its results: PORTO CABELLO, NEW GRANADA, July 26, 1861. DEAR ANDY: After nearly one month's sailing around the West India Islands and the Spanish Main, we have at length arrived at this ancient dilapidated city. As you doubtless remember, the Sumter went into commission on June 5. Her trial trip took place on the 12th, and she left New Orleans on the 18th for the forts, between which (Forts St. Philip and Jack son) she lay at anchor for eleven days, and ran the blockade on June 30. Before this event occurred, however, I should have mentioned that an unsuccessful attempt was made to run the gauntlet of the hostile fleet; and also that a party from the Sumter landed at the lighthouse at Pass-a-l'Outre and destroyed all the Government property there. As I said before, the Sumter ran the blockade on June 30. The day was a most beautiful one. It reminded me very much of one described in "Lord Tom Noddy's Ride to the Execution"-a poem I read a number of years ago: "Sweetly, sweetly, the morning breaks with roseate streaks, Like the first faint blush on a maiden's checks." soon afterward chased and captured the American ship Golden Rocket. After removing from her all her extra sails, a portion of her provisions, and all of her treasure and her officers and crew, the torch was applied to her, and in a few minutes the fire began to spread, and the flames leaped wild and high. First the fire ascended the mizzenmast and foremast. I have seen many beautiful sights, ran along the deck to the main, and then to the but this burning vessel was the most sublimely, grand sight my eyes ever witnessed. On the following day, the once-glorious Fourth of July, we captured two brigantines; on the 5th, two more of the same sort; on the 6th, two barks and a brig-making eight captures, including the one destroyed. As the Sumter had only one hundred and six men in all, after she had put her prize crews on board, her own crew was considerably diminished, so that it was absolutely necessary for her to put into some port in order to dispose of the aforesaid captured vessels. Accordingly, the vessel's prow was turned in the direction of Cienfuegos, Island of Cuba, where we arrived on the 6th. Six of the prizes were left at this place in the hands of a prize agent, with Government protections. The 7th, the schooner Cuba, has not, up to this time, been heard from. She may have been recaptured by some Yankee cruiser, or possibly may have been overpowered by her original crew, which was not transferred to the Sumter. Early on the morning of the 30th-two Left Cienfuegos on the 7th, and on the 9th o'clock-the steamer Empire Parish came saw the high hills of the Island of Jamaica. On alongside of the Sunter, and delivered two July 16 arrived off St. Anne, Island of Curahundred barrels of coal, and then dropped down çon; on the following day steamed inside and the river to reconnoitre. In a few hours she came to anchor, where we remained for one returned and reported the coast clear. Imme-week. Our intercourse with the citizens of this diately the Sumter tripped her anchor and got under way; she lay then at the head of the Passes. All was bustle and activity on board. In about one hour we were at the bar of the Mississippi, and very soon after we crossed it the Brooklyn hove in sight, and then the chase began, which lasted for more than three hours -as beautiful a regatta as ever was witnessed. It was a pleasant sight to see the Brooklyn crowding on canvas, and all to no purpose. It is not surprising that she made such strenuous exertions to capture the Sumter, for she is a beautiful little craft, with her tall, raking masts and long tender spars-in fact, she looked as charming as a belle decked for a ball or a bride arrayed for the marriage ceremony; and it must have been particularly disagreeable to her commander to give up the pursuit. When it was observed that the Brooklyn had given up the chase, Captain Semmes ordered all hands below on deck, and offered three cheers for the Southern Confederacy, and from the quarterdeck to the forecastle, alow and aloft, a shout rent the heavens that would have gladdened the heart of any Southron. The Sumter then place was very pleasant, and we left it with regret. On the 25th we captured the schooner Abby Bradford, of Boston, and towed her into Porto Cabello, New Granada. The prize-a valuable one-cannot be disposed of here, nor will the authorities permit any intercourse. Thus have I attempted to give you an outline of our transactions from the time we left up to the present writing, and I assure you that any thing else but a masterly inactivity characterized our actions. Yours truly, FRANK DRAKE. " has This will be handed you by Mr. William May, who goes as navigator of the prize Abby Bradford, sent in charge of a prize crew to New Orleans, by way of Berwick's Bay. Doc. 39. COLONEL JACKSON'S CALL TO THE YOUNG MEN OF KENTUCKY. By the authority, and for the service of the Government of the United States, I propose to organize in Kentucky a regiment of cavalry, to serve three years or during the war, to consist of ten companies, each company to contain not less than eighty-four nor more than one hundred and four rank and file. Volunteers owning good horses can have them appraised, mustered into the service, and paid for by the mustering officer. The captains and lieutenants are to be elected by the companies respectively. Captains of companies will report to me at the Galt House, in Louisville, as soon as practicable. No company must be removed from its point of organization until ordered into camp. Transportation to the point of rendezvous will be furnished. None but active, vigorous men, and men of steady habits, will be received. Capt. Richard W. Johnson, of the regular army, has been detailed to act as lieutenant-colonel. I intend to make this regiment in all respects equal to the best drilled and disciplined corps in the regular army. I know this call will be patriotically answered. The soil of Kentucky has been wantonly invaded. J. S. JACKSON. LOUISVILLE, September 6, 1861. We invite attention to the Military Call we publish. No word of ours can lend force to the simple but kindling appeal. It will stir the hearts of the loyal youth of our commonwealth like the soaring notes of a bugle. The magnitude and grandeur of the cause at stake, the exciting and peculiar solemnity of the present juncture in the mighty struggle, the sudden and unprovoked invasion of Kentucky by the Confederate forces, and the capacity and courage, the glorious manhood, and the lofty and spotless honor of the leader who here summons his youthful compatriots to the field, conspire to invest the call with a resistless charm. Young men of Kentucky! read the call, and answer it. Rally under the flag of your country for the protection of your State. -Louisville Journal, Sept. 7. Doc. 39. CAPTURES AT HATTERAS INLET. OFFICIAL REPORT OF COM. ROWAN. } U. S. STEAMER PAWNEE, HATTERAS INLET, September 10, 1861. SIR: I have to state, for the information of the Department, that I have taken a valuable prize this morning, now called the Susan Jane, of Nevis, West Indies. This schooner was called the Charles McCees when she cleared at Newbern, (N. C.,) two days before the blockade went into effect on this coast. She took a cargo of spirits of turpentine to the West Indies, and at Charleston, Nevis's Island, obtained an English register, but without a bill of sale or endorsement of any kind on the part of the master or agent, and without any other paper required under English law. She sailed from Nevis to Halifax, (N. S.,) and there took on board an as sorted cargo, consisting of blankets, cloth, iron, steel, brogans, axes, &c., all of which were purchased in New York and Boston, as is shown by bills of lading from different leading houses in those cities. I send the prize to Philadelphia or New York, at the discretion of the prize-master, Lieutenant Crosby, so that he may be authorized to enter the port most accessible at this stormy period of the year. I send all the papers found on board the prize, in charge of Lieut. Crosby, to be handed to the proper admiralty officer, also Capt. Ireland and four of the crew. I shall detain for the present two passengers, believed to be supercargoes; also the mate. When this duty is completed, Í have to request that Lieut. Crosby may be permitted to return to his important duties at this post, as post captain, under the orders of Gen. Wool. I send Capt. Crosby on board of the prize because he is the important witness of what occurred after we boarded the schooner. This vessel, like the three already captured, stood in under the belief that the forts were still in the hands of the enemy, (the Pawnee, showing no colors, was taken for an English cruiser,) and were not boarded until they were inside the bar. on the southwestern side of the entrance, where We are beginning to see signs of the enemy it is believed a picket guard frequents to watch our movements. I enclose a letter found among the papers of the so-called Susan Jane, which may give the Department some idea of the policy in Nova Scotia. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. ROWAN, Commander U. S. Navy. GIDEON WELLES, Sec. Navy, Washington. Doc. 40. SENATOR WHITAKER'S RESOLUTIONS, OFFERED IN THE KENTUCKY SENATE, SEPT. 9, 1861. Resolved, That Kentucky's peace and neutrality have been wantonly violated, her soil has been invaded, the rights of her citizens have been grossly infringed by the so-called Southern Confederate forces. This has been done without cause; therefore Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, That the Governor be requested to call out the military force of the State to expel and drive out the invaders. Resolved, That the United States be invoked to give aid and assistance, that protection to invasion which is granted to each one of the States by the 4th section of the 4th article of the Constitution of the United States. Resolved, That Gen. Robert Anderson be, and he is hereby, requested to enter immediately upon the active discharge of his duties in this military district. Resolved, That we appeal to the people of Kentucky by the ties of patriotism and honor, by the ties of common interest and common defence, by the remembrances of the past, and by the hopes of future national existence, to assist in repelling and driving out the wanton violators of our peace and neutrality, the lawless invaders of our soil. LEONIDAS POLK'S DESPATCHES TO GOV- EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Represent- I have received the following despatches by telegraph from General Leonidas Polk, which I deem proper to lay before you. Gor. B. Magoffin: B. MAGOFFIN. COLUMBUS, KY., Sept. 9, 1861. A military necessity having required me to occupy this town, I have taken possession of it by the forces under my command. The circumstances leading to this act were reported promptly to the President of the Confederate States. His reply was, the necessity justified the action. A copy of my proclamation I have the honor to transmit you by mail. Respectfully, LEONIDAS POLK, Major-General Commanding. Gor. B. Magoffin, Frankfort, Ky.: simultaneously, with a guarantee, which I will give reciprocally for the Confederate Government, that the Federals shall not be allowed to enter or occupy any point of Kentucky in the future. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, respectfully, LEONIDAS POLK, Major-General Commanding. Doc. 41. BOSTON RESOLUTIONS, ADOPTED AT A MEETING HELD IN FANEUIL HALL, THE resolutions were presented by Wm. C. Resolved, That, in the noble words of Joseph Holt of Kentucky, "What we now need is a patriotism, which, obliterating all party lines and entombing all party issues, says to the President of the United States: Here are our lives and our estates, use them freely, use them boldly, but use them successfully; for looking upon the graves of our fathers, and upon the cradles of our children, we have sworn that though all things else should perish, this country and this UNION shall stand." Resolved, That in the language of our own General Butler, in this crisis, "there must be no compromise, no yielding; nothing but the strong arm, until the glorious flag of the Union floats over every inch of territory that ever belonged to the United States of America. We must have the whole of this country under one government, and we have but one duty-to pour out blood and treasure, the first like water, the last like sand, until that is accomplished. Resolved, In the words of Archbishop Hughes: "It only remains to see whether the Government is what it calls itself, the Government of the United States, or merely the Government of a fraction thereof, and that fraction measured out to us by Southern Commissioners, who could not show a legitimate title to the commission which they propose to execute." I should have despatched you immediately as the troops under my comm ind took possession of this position, the very few words I addressed to the people here; but my duties since that time have so pressed me, that I have but now the first leisure time to communicate with you. It will be sufficient for me to inform you, which my short address here will do, that I had information, on which I could rely, that the Federal forces intended and were preparing to seize Columbus. I need not describe the danger resulting to West Tennessee from such success. Realizing my responsibility, I could not permit them quietly to lose, through the command Resolred, That the sentiment of every true man intrusted to me, so important a position. In is the sentiment of Daniel Webster: "When the evidence of the information I possessed, I will standard of the Union is raised and waved over state, as the Confederate forces occupied this my head, the standard which Washington plantplace, the Federal troops were formed in for- ed on the ramparts of the Constitution, God formidable numbers in position upon the opposite bid that I should inquire whom the people have bank, with their cannon turned upon Columbus; commissioned to unfurl it and bear it up. I the citizens of the town had fled with terror, only ask in what manner, as an humble indiand not a word of assurance of safety or protec-vidual, I can best discharge my duty in defendtion had been addressed to them. ing it." The following communications were read at the meeting. Since I have taken possession of this place, I Resolved, In the words of Andrew Jackson: have been informed by highly responsible citi-"The Federal Union must and shall be prezens of your State, that certain representatives served.” of the Federal Government are setting up complaints of my act of occupying it, and are making it a pretence for seizing other positions. Upon this course of proceeding I have no comment to make, but I am prepared to say that I will agree to withdraw the Confederate troops from Kentucky provided she will agree that the troops of the Federal Government be withdrawn LETTER FROM GEN. BUTLER. LOWELL, September 9, 1861. Dear Sir: I am most unexpectedly called away by public duties, so that I cannot participate, as I had intended, in the meeting at Fan euil Hall. The great regret at not being permitted to unite with my fellow-citizens on that occasion is softened by the reflection that the loss is wholly mine. Personal presence could only have added one to the vast throng which will crowd the hall in support of the Union, good government, and the enforcement of the laws. That I go for a vigorous prosecution of the war is best shown from the fact that I am gone. Believe me, most truly yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER. To Hon. H. F. French and others, Committee. LETTER FROM HON. ROBERT C. WINTHROP. BEVERLY, September 9, 1861. Gentlemen: Your communication of the 6th inst., inviting me to act as one of the vice-presidents of the Union meeting at Faneuil Hall this evening, reached me at a late hour, and I have but a moment for replying to it. Absence from the city will prevent me from being present on this occasion, but my name is at your service wherever you may be pleased to place it. I should be sorry, indeed, to render myself responsible for the resolutions which I have not seen, or for speeches which I may not hear. The temper of the times gives utterance to many hard words, which might be better exchanged for hard blows. But to the general spirit in which your meeting has been called, I respond with my whole heart; and it would have given me peculiar pleasure to unite with you in welcoming the gallant Butler from the scene of an exploit which has done so much to revive the spirit of the people. We may differ as to many things in the past. We may differ as to many things in the future. But we must act for the present. And for the present, there is but one course for us all. Our misguided brethren of the South have left us no alternative but to fight. Our Capital must be defended. Our flag must be sustained. The authority of the Government must be vindicated. The great experiment must be fairly and fully tried, of restoring the Union upon its old constitutional basis. And whatever is necessary for the accomplishment of these ends must be promptly and thoroughly done. We should not dare to enter Faneuil Hall again, and stand face to face with the portraits which adorn its walls, if we were to allow the old Union of our fathers to be dashed madly to pieces, without a struggle to save it. LETTER FROM HON. EMORY WASHBURN. CAMBRIDGE, Sept. 9, 1861. Gentlemen: You have entire permission to make any use of my name you may think proper in promoting the objects of the proposed meeting in Faneuil Hall this evening. I hope, besides, to be personally present. May we not hope that it will be followed by similar meetings by the people all over our Commonwealth and all over our common country? If the mere election of our national rulers, the last autumn, was an occasion of sufficient importance to call out our citizens in frequent popular gatherings to aid and encourage the success of a party, how much higher is the appeal to them now, when it is not a party, but our country itself, with all its interests and hopes, that is at stake! If any one is ready to charge upon our rulers mistakes in details of the policy of the Government, it is worse than folly to make these the grounds of weakening its support or embarrassing it in its struggle to maintain the integ rity of the Union or the honor of the flag of our country. With a past before us, let us wait till the noble ship is safely moored before wasting time in cavilling about doubtful points of seamanship, or, by refusing to lend a hand, suffering her to drift upon the shoals and breakers that surround her. Not doubting that old Faneuil Hall will again ring to-night with eloquence worthy of the grave ovation which calls the people together, and hoping to share with others the pleasure of listening to the distinguished gentlemen who are to address them, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EMORY WASHBURN, Hon. Thomas Russell, Hon. Newell A. Thompson, Hon. Henry F. French. Doc. 42. THE BATTLE OF LEWINSVILLE, VA. REPORT OF LIEUT.-COLONEL SHALER. HEAD-QUARTERS FIRST UNITED STATES CHASSEURS, CAMP ADVANCE, September 11, 1861. Colonel Stevens, Assistant Adjutant-General, commanding detachment for special service : SIR: I have the honor to report that in compliance with special orders from head-quarters, I reported myself at your quarters, with four companies of the First regiment United States God grant that the struggle may be success-Chasseurs, at a quarter of six o'clock this mornful, and that the rights of the North and the South may once more be found compatible with that condition of "unity, peace, and concord," which belongs to us as a Christian people. I thank you, gentlemen, for remembering me so kindly on this occasion, and remain respectfully and truly your friend and servant, ROBERT C. WINTHROP Hon. Thomas Russell, Col. N. A. Thompson, H. F. French, Esq., Committee. ing, and was placed by you in command of a reserve, composed of the Seventy-ninth regiment and four companies of the Chasseurs regiment. Shortly afterward this reserve was reported to General Smith, at his head-quarters, and assigned a position in the column to be moved toward Lewinsville. On arriving there we took up a position and threw out pickets under your direction. At two o'clock P. M., on the recall being of Captain John Falconer, the enemy fired on us, killing one, private John Downie, of the eighth company. At the same time the right wing captured a prisoner, who was wounded, and who had on when captured a Major's shoulder straps. His name is Hobbs, of Colonel Stewart's Cavalry regiment. Having successfully accomplished the mission we were ordered on-the prevention of the pickets at Lewinsville being reinforced—and the enemy having retreated, and the alarm being sounded in all the enemy's camps in the neighborhood, we left our position, and arrived in A. M. The lowest estimate of the enemy's loss is four killed, two wounded, and one prisoner. Much of the success of the expedition is owing to the exertions of our guide, Mr. Sage. sounded, our pickets retired and were formed in | direction of Lewinsville, and a body of cavalry line. The battalion of Chasseurs and Seventy-came from the direction of Fall's Church, and ninth were countermarched by the right flank, when endeavoring to pass where we were poston the ground they respectively occupied, ed our men were ordered to fire, which they which brought the Seventy-ninth in the rear. did, causing the enemy to retreat. Previous to Line of battle was formed, faced to the front, their retreating, which was caused by a welland while in this position, waiting for the col-directed fire from the left wing, under command umn then in the rear to move forward to the right, a deadly fire of shell from the enemy's guns was opened upon us, the first bursting in the road, near the right of the line. This surprise created, as a matter of course, considerable excitement, but the cover furnished by the fence on the roadside and the coolly exercised authority of the company officers, effectually prevented the men from becoming seriously alarmed, notwithstanding a rapid fire was continued for half an hour before Griffin's battery could be got in position to bear on the enemy. By your command the detachment was moved forward until they took position on a promi-camp by way of Langley at half-past ten o'clock nence on the left of the road; and by your command the Seventy-ninth was detailed to protect them, while the battalion of Chasseurs was ordered to advance and protect a section of Griffin's battery, which had taken position a little in advance and on the right of the road. From this the battalion was ordered further down the road to protect another section, and again, by General Smith's command, moved on to the rear of a section stationed at Langley's tavern. The guns of the enemy having been silenced, we were directed to proceed homeward, which we did. We were joined at the head-quarters of General Smith by the Seventyninth, and returned to quarters at about halfpast five P. M., without the loss of a single man. The conduct of the officers and men of the Seventy-ninth while under my command was in the highest degree praiseworthy. They gave undoubted evidence of their bravery and resoGreat credit is also due to the young and in-ed there several hours, and completed the exexperienced officers and soldiers of the Chasseur amination of the ground. battalion. Considering that this was the first fire to which they were ever exposed, their conduct was surprisingly cool and deliberate. I commend them, therefore, to your favorable notice in connection with the noble Highlanders. With high regard, &c., I have the honor to subscribe myself your very obedient servant, ALEXANDER SHALER, Lieut. Col. First regiment United States Chasseurs. ADJUTANT IRELAND'S REPORT. luteness. CAMP ADVANCE, Va.. Sept. 11, 1861. The Seventy-ninth regiment of Highlanders, New York State Militia, ordered on the special reconnoissance in the direction of Fall's Church, left camp at one o'clock A. M., Sept. 10, and proceeded to the place designated, through the various by-paths, without disturbing the enemy's pickets, and arrived there at day break. The command was divided into two wings to guard the approach of the enemy. Soon after the men had been posted firing was heard in the Lieutenant Alexander Graham, of the eighth company, was conspicuous for his coolness and bravery during the engagement. Mr. Hazard Stevens, volunteer, distinguished himself in the expedition for his usefulness and his bravery during the engagement. With these remarks I beg to submit the above report. Yours, obediently, DAVID IRELAND, Adjutant Seventy-ninth regiment. GEN. MCCLELLAN'S DESPATCH. To Simon Cameron, Secretary of War: When the work was completed and the command had started back, the enemy opened fire with shell, killing two men and wounding three. Griffin's battery silenced the enemy's battery. Our men then came back in perfect order and excellent spirits. The men behaved most admirably under fire. NATIONAL ACCOUNT. In accordance with orders from General McClellan, early on Wednesday morning General Smith, commanding the advance brigade on the south side of the Potomac near the Chain Bridge, directed a topographical reconnoissance in force to be made in the direction of Lewinsville. The reconnoitring party consisted of battalions from the Seventy-ninth New York Volunteers, Third Vermont Volunteers, the Nineteenth Indiana Volunteers, the First United States Chasseurs, four pieces of the West Point battery, Captain Griffin; one company of |