Mt. Vernon Democratic banner (Mount Vernon, Ohio : 1853), 1861-05-21

              I. VOLUME XXY. MOUNT VERNON, OHIO: TUESDAY-, MAY 21. 1861. NUMBER - i i i i VW S f LETTEBS FEOIT CAIIP DENNISOBV letter from Joan W, A. Gillespie. ' Camp Dexkiso, May 18Si. Via. nucm x - Dear Sir Since I last wrote to you, we bav beea experiencing Mine pretty tough times. The.weather, ontil wlthiii two days peat, has been Very disagreeable, and we hare had to. perform doty through rain and mud, which, under any other circumstances, would hare made ns shrink as if from some impending dangers ttet we have Come here to do oar doty, obey our officers, and aerv our country J and I think that there is not one among us but what will do so, even at the peril of hie life. , - Yesterday, was very nice day, and in the af-teraooa we had a wj fine drill for the first time-since we came here. We are now under strict military discipline," and hare to be very careful what we do, in order to keep within bounds.- Thus far we hare got along exceedingly welL A few times our officers hare had to bring us to ask fr ooo Attendance on duty, but as a genera thing U has been our ignorance in military tac .tiea. thai haa caused it. Our Captain is kind and e - obliging ia all things pertaining to our comfort. but stern and determined in every thing conrec ted with our dutfes. At present we have nothing to comnlain of. We iret plenty of bread, meat beans, rice, eugar'and coffee, end have oar meals all prepared in good style by oarown cook. We would be very much pleased to hare some of the -..lie Vernon folks come down, and board witht- m few days. If any shoo Id conclude to pay us a visit, I hope they will not forget to bring with them a few pounds of good butter.. A word here or the benefit of ths girls. Some of oar boy s rref-t unravelling the the mjst-Ties belonging tQ-xbe culinary department, and will Soon .b in .possession of sufficient knowMge to make ex-eetlewt ooeka. Look ou girl", for good husbands whru the boys Tetum to Old Knox. Oar force here are gradually increasing Sn number. Anoth-r regiment came "in to'dtiy. I hm not learned whatne it was. Seven regiments are now in camp. Taking into cooaidera. tion the state of the weather duriuir tee past -week, and the wuenber of men who hav hMn x posed, there is very little sickness in. Camp Pennison. I believe tberere tweoty five on the eick list, i the HospitaV None are dan jreronsly ill. A few of oar bojs are still a little unwell, but all are in fine spirits, aod looking for better day. v ; - ". ' . . ' ' v Th'ts morning our parade (trowid i being harrowed and rolled. It wiU soon be in excellent order for drilling purposes. At Camp Jackson, a Cnion prayer meeting was held nightly, under the supervision of some yong men from Shelby county. . Several of us participated in the exercises there, and are continuing th?ra here. Oar meetings are interesting and well attended At the close of our meeting on Taesdaj evening, Lieut. Cooper made a few re marks, ia the course of which he said, that he was not a member of any church nor a profeesor of religijo, but that nothing gave him more plea, sure than to aee young men engaged, in worshipping God. lie closed his remarks by requesting us to pray for him, which we will most certainly do, as well as for the Captain, and other officera. Captain Irvine's men, are generally well. Four or five are complaining with severe' colds. As yoe wish yoor eorrespondents to use brevity,. I will close for the present.' PJease send me lome papers, and oblige Yours truly, Johv W. A. Gillespie. Letter from William Welch. Cxr Dxssisos, liny 7th, 1861. ifc. E-lUor: You eeem to think we have a hard time here. I "em suited well, akhonrh our bedding was rough the first two eights. We slept on pi-je boardt, a blanket over as only. It rained incessantly both nights. Waking .up in the morning, wa found ourselves lajing in mod and water. Withal, bar spirts. were hieh. Nvt a man thought of the time past, but went to work and erected comfortable quarters, and now we are getting along charmingly. The exceedingly wet weather makes it disagreeable, but ur troops have the spirit of their revolutionary fires me what may,, we will not suffer toe colors riotie ladies' of Mt. Vernon presented our to be struck in tbe presence of a. rebel r a,Y mrm a nnilOB wimt '"Ji, mi ton wiiyconsent to have s fall, t tall we must. ...l.-. for it wiHlbe ia the. defence of our own dearljr bonrht liwtfiy. Camp DeVnieon is sttpated in a fine conntry, 1 6 miles Korth-east of dincinnati, about 300 yde. west of the Little Miami Railroad. There are 1509 acres of land in the camp. ' .Two R." Roads pass through the grounds Little If iami and Xf nta and Ciacia. The barracks are built upon a plana about half a mile wide, high hills upon the ast mad west. By ascending the hills oa east; we can risw Daniel Boone's bloody ground Eeatacky. There are about 7000 troops here, stnd some 23,000 more coming, making 30.000 concentrated at this point. One word about our regiment. It is on the extreme right of all. You understand we are quartered ax we-would bra in line of battle, and we hare the honor of being the best regiment in camp. Captain Granger, U. S, A. inspector said, wbea be passed war front, that it was the ber eompaay oa the ground.' Thus we have two hooeva. ? The third we have' fo win in.batlle. We will enter the list, and take it. We bare the beet eeetseaadsr. Colonel Loria Andrews. Every maa tidora him. He does s.!l any am could for hie covamand, yet strict to tie letter, and all must obey and do obey cheerfully. . Our Captaia J, C. Irvine, Is wile awake at all times, for our camp. Every maa of us I'.ks him. .'He a sea as well, end we are sUis'ed ; he is ao pleasant and cheerful ; still his I a'.Ies-are arduoup. Hi la al way here at his quarters, set like many others here living upon the rarities) of the land, and sCTarlsZ raea. to vzZa La tisur ebaia, m 1 r l a w I have b6e a told by the men themselves. None such are in this regiment, and I hops none Sn the camp. We are in meases, 17 men each, and each mess eat and steep together. Out rations Are drawn every day at 9 o'clock. We hare ham, fresh beef, pickled pork, whits) beans, yinegar, rice, coffe, salt and sugar, also soap All these, sire of good Quality; and 1 tell you the truth, that never in my life have I relished my victuals bet ter, and feel well all the' time, acd ready for my rations all the time, as the Saying ia, Calvin Glaze does. the cooking for oaf mess, and I think he can. excel all in .this line, I think he can beat any men, woman of-chi!d making coffee, and doing the other cooking. Be is nice and clean as polished Steel. We do our own washing and mending. Ton ask how we do it ? Well, ire do it the same as other Soldiers do, which is done in fioe stjle. : I most stop and go to drill. You will excuse this poor penmanship, as facilities for writing in camp are wretched. ' . Don't expect another letter till yon get it, as we are are on duty about 10 hours a day, leaving little time for writing. One word the soldiers can't get liqaor, as every grocery has sentinels posted around it. Yours truly, ; WiLLtiat Welch. Xetter from B. F. Warner. Cxr Dessisos, May 12th, 1851. - Nr. Harper : Will you allow me a place in your journal to give a true statement of affairs, as they now exist, in Camp Dennison ? I have had the privilege of perusine the Republican newspaper of your city, in which writers , from .; this CAfflp speak "of the comforts and conveniences the vol-, onteers enjoy ber. I wish to give, yon a flat denial to the assertion . that either comforts or conveniences have ever or will eve exist in this camp ' ' In . the first place, the site for par camp is, in my opinion, a very poor one. We are encamped on fields, surrounded by towering hills, which almost shut out the free air of heaven, and which in case of rain, pour steams of water in the midst of the camp. The quarters are poorly construc ted, and will not compare with any any thing of the kind I have ever seen, heard or read of, in this country. No tree or ah rub adorn the camp, but the whole valley is one unbroken sterile plain, save the miserable shanties erected for the troops upon it The ield upon which our reziment. parades m, the past season, a cultivated one, and when we are drawn out for dress parade f the officers truly remark we are a very short lepeed body of troopsr about six inches oi our understanding bein? buried in the mud. Our food is miserably poor, generally cocsist- isl of ft pickled pork, (very oMey,) stale bread, ten beans to the man for twenty-foot hours, and pea rut coffee, a teaspoonfiil to each man for 24 boars. We are allowed 10 ounces of meat, one pound ef bread, and one quart of miseable coffee-per day. This is no exareer&tion of the rations we daily receive. The fault ia not with out com. panv or regimental officers, all of whom are en deavorin to repair the defects to the utmost of their ability. Betier officers, (so Tar as principles ere concerned) never commanded a body of troops than our regimental officers. I never knew a man to whom I felt more kindly inclined than Colonel Lorin Ar.drews. He is etery inch a gentleman and a soldier. -1 would never be afraid to follow where be would lead. F cannot Sfjeak in too high terms of . the deportment of quartermaster Underwood, who is the man for the position. If any man in the brigade can make a change for oar benefit, ir'will be Major Underwood V 9 are all'pleaaed with Captain Irvine, Experience will make him a good soldier.' But you must know the man fully to appreciate him. ' All the companies in the regiment but oars are receiving provisions from their friends. Cancot the fair of Mt- Vernon do something for Com pa pany A, 4th Regiment 7 ' Any thing in the shape of food will be thankfully received. There now ia our company four soldiers who have not a shoe to their feet. We have received no clothing as yet, and some of our soldiers are almost in a state of nudity. When will these defects be remedied 7 Respecfnlly, B. F. Wabiteb, One of onr Printer Bor girem hit Expe-- risnee as a Soldier Maus.'V . : v Casif DaTmsoy, May 12, 1861. 2f. 27rper Dear Sir : Seated on my bunk of Government feathers, which is old rye straw having just got tbroutrh with; breakfast, which consisted of dry bread, coffee, fat pork and vinegar, I proceed to give you a fw particulars of our career since we left our dear old homes. We arrived here safely on last Thnrsdar evehiner. and we had to bunk out of doors the first night. During the night it poured down rain, and most most of us got wet through and through, and the next sight we bad to sleep on wet blankets and damp floors. In the morning we had to get up and carry boards across a big plowed field, about half a mile wide, ia mod boot top deep, and the way we eat our breakfast that morning was to carrv a board and come back mad take a nice of w . bread and meat, and then pick cp a board and kite across the field to the mud about ten or twelve steps ; then stop and take a bite of bread and meet. We worked hard all day buHJing our annas, and did not get them finished entirely, but we rigged them op so that wa could sleep ia them very comfortably, except oor blankets rere aKttledamp. . Oar bos are all well- with the exceptloa of two or three who avo had, colds; ,W are aH dWided into messes of 18 to 29 ia a bonk, and each bank has iu rations weighed oat to them aad each one take their rations aed cook for themselves. '.The Commissarr at Camn Javw attended so oooklej oor meals Jot aawbHsrihera, and we had pork ana m fbr breakfast, feans and pork for . dianer,' aad ' then ' pork and beans for supper aaia. Give my best reepeets 'to afi the boys ia the eSca. - Yours truly, IiETTER TROIX GEHV nAUOTSY. He Declares hie Deteirmlnatioa to Support i '' the Uaited States GoTerameatv: ; ; WasxusoTOir, Mayl, 1861. . Mr Dtia Sir: The report ot ray arrest at Harper's Ferry, by persona assuming to act nn-der authority of the Sute of Virginia, has bo doubt reached you. Gov. Letcher immediately directed my release, with assurances disavowing the act of his subordinates, and expressing regret at their mistake or abuse of his authority. The kind attention and civility received from him, from the escort that accompanied me, aad other distinguished citizens of Virginia and esteemed friends whom I there met, compensated for any personal trouble or annoyance ; yet I cannot but feel deep mortification and regret that our conn try should be in a condition to expose any one to snch an incident. It has furnished occasion for mistake or misrepresentation in respect to my views and sentiments, which a sense of duty requires to be promptly corrected. No better mode occurs to me than by a letter addressed to your self, as an esteemed personal friend. It has beeb represented through the publio Press that I was a willing prisoner to the State of Virginia; that I designed to resign my commission ia the United States Army, throw off my allegiance to the Federal Government, and join the forces of the Confederate States. Forty-two years I have been in the military service of the United States, and have followed during all that time but one flag the flag of our Union. I have seen it protecting our frontiers. and guarding our coast from Maine to Florida ; I have witnessed it in the smoke of battle, stained with the blood of gallant men, leading on to victory ; planted on the strongholds, and waiving in triumph over the Capital of a foreign foe. My eyes have beheld that flag affording protection to our States and Territories on the Pacific, and commanding reverence and respect from hostile fleet and equandrons, and from foreign Governments, never exhibited to any other banner on the globe. Twenty stars, each representing a State, bare been added to that banner during my service, and under its folds I have advanced from the rank of Lieutenant to that which I now bold. The Government whose hooors have been be stowed upon me, I shall serve the remainder of my days. The flag Whose glories I have wiU nessed, shall never be forsaken by me while 1 can strike a blow for its. defence. While I have breath, I shall be ready to serve the Government of the the United States, and be lit faithful, loyal soldier.;:; Without condemning, or in any dregree criti cising, the course other persons have deemed proper to pursue in the present juncture, my line of duty is plain to my own heart and judgment The course of events that have led to the deplor aHe condition in which our country now stands, has been watched by me with painful interest-Perceiving that many of my fellow-citizens in the Southern States were discontented with the Government, and desired some change to protect them from existing evils, my feelings have been strongly averse to coercion , and anxious for some compromise or arrangement that would restore peace and harmony. The provisions of the Federal Consti-ution, affjrded, in my jadgment, am pie means of redress through a Convention of all the States, which - might adopt amendments that would reconcile all differences, or if that could not ' be, accomplished, might provide for peaceful separation in a manner becoming friends and brethren.- So long as this hope of peaceful settlement of our troubles could be indulged, I have felt it to be the wise duty of the Federal Government to bear with patience outrages that no other Government could have endured, and to forbear any execution of force until the last hope departed. . ' - . . . ".- '' But when the Confederate States, with seven thousand men, under ,cover of strong fortifica tions or. impregnable batteries, assailed a starving garrison of seventy men in Fort Sumter, compelled the banner of the United 3tates to be lowered, aad boasted of its dishonor before the world, the state of the quettion was immediately changed. Instead of the Government coercing States demanding redress of grievances by con atitntional means, the case was presented of rev olcttonisU waging war against their government, seeking its overthrow by force of arms, assailing public property by overwhelming force, laboring to! destroy the lives of gallant officers and sol- , diers, and dishonoring the naliooal-flag. The question now before ns is, whether the Govern' ment of the United States, with its many blessings and past glories, shall be overthrowa by the military dicUtorship lately planted and now bearing sway in the Confederate States? My hand cannot aid ia that work- Finding ourselves in a state' of civil war, ac- n11 -riatinir or faat aDDroachinr. some of my brethren ia arms, citizens of secedrag StatffsTI and for whom I have the highest personal respect, have considered it their duty to throw ap their commissions and follow their States, ia that riewof duty I cannot concur. As an officer of the army and a citizen of the United States, I consider my primary allegiance to be due to the Federal Government, and subordinate to that is my aHegiaaco to the State. This, as yoo are aware, has beea the concurring epinioa of the most eminentJurists of this country. It was the Judgment of the Court of Appeals of South Car olina ia the ease of Hart, where the rnbject was discussed with matchlee ability. Ia that ease, the highest Court in Sotrth Carolina deliberately decided that tbe soldier' . aad . citizen' primary duty of anegiaaco ta dna to the .United States Goaernmtnt, and not to the Oovrnmentof Vn State: Of late it hae Deen ; fottendei that the allegiance doe by a citizen to ihoTeraJ Gor erament u dissolved when his State .seeoded from the Uaioa. Into that snare many tave fl-len. - Bat, 1a vtj judgment, there is smd1 cam be no such right as teceision of a State by ale own act- The Government of the Union caa only be disolred by the eosdarreaoo oi the States that bare entered' into the Federal compact. The doctrine of secession is destructive to all govern, ment, and leads to oatversal anarchy. But supposing States may secede and destroy the Government whenever the fancy takes those who are strong onongh to set up &j arbitrary power ia the : State. Ili&souri, the State of my ray residence, has sot , seceded, and secession would, ta mjr oplnidn, be her rdin. f ho Only special interest of Missouri, ia common with the Confederate States, is Slavery. Her interest in that institatioa.'ts now. protected' by tad Federal Const! tatioo. Bat, if Missouri secedes, that pro section is gone. Sarroonded on three sides by free States, which might soon become hostile, it would not bo long until a slave could not be found within her borders. What Interest could Mis' souri thea have, with the Cotton States, or a Con federacy founded on Slavery and Us extension 7 The protection of her slay property, if nothing els admonishes her to never give up the Union. Other interests of vast magnitude can only be preserved by a steadfast adherence and support of the United States Government, All hope of a Pacific Railroad, so deeply, interesting to St. Louis and the whole State, must vanish with the Federal Government. Great manufacturing and commercial interest with which the Cotton States have no sympathy, must perish in case of secessioo, and from her present proud condition of a powerful, thriving State, rapidly developing every element of wealth and social prosperity, Missouri would d windl to a mere appendage and convenience of the military aristocracy establish ed in the Cotton States. Many other considerations might be offered to show. that. secession wobld be ruin to Missouri. Aad I implore my fellow-citizens of that State not to be seduced by the designing men to become Instruments of their mad ambition, by plunging thsJ State into the vortex of revolution; Whether governed by feelings inspired by the banner under which I have served, or by my judgment of duty as a citizen, or by interest as a resident and property owner in Missouri, I feel bound to stand by the UnioBj and remaining in the Union, shall devote myself to the mainten ance of the Federal Government, and the perpetuation of iU blessing to posterity. . ' . - Tours truly, .- ' WM. S. HARNEY. Cot. Johs O. FAtr-cir, St. Louis. Treason Defined! . Judge Leavitt of the Uaited States Circuit Court, a few . days since ia his charge to the Grand Jury at Cincinnati, gave a full and distinct description of the crime of treason under the operation of our laws. We Copy the following por tion of the energe as embracing what Is most important to be known evey where and bj evirj-body: -. . Without atierriptidg id Spedlfy the numerous facts, fairly within the Scope of Words, gibinjj aid and comjbri to the enemy, I wilt refer to some, so unequivocal in their character as to1 be clear of doubt, acd which will illustrate tbe principle applicable to this -branch of the law of treason. To furnish arms or other munitions of war, or to provide boats, vessels, - railroad cars, br other means of transportation for those arrayed in bos-tile opposition against the Government, with a knowledge of the purpose for which they are to be used, are unquestionably acts involving ' the crime of treason. So, too, inciting, encouraging, or aiding others to engage in any of the treasonable acts, if the treasonable motive . appears, would be giving aid and comfort to the enemy, within the meaning of the law. It is equally certain that the - communication of intelligence to an eneray, by letter, telegraph, or otherwise, relating to the position, strength, movements or designs of any military force of tbe nation with the intention to impede or thwart any of its' operations, or to expose it to attack, Capture, or other injury, is an act of treason. And it is a practical question of great interest to the public, under what circumstances the vender of provisions, stores or necessaries is implicated in the crime, as one who gives aid and comfort to the enemy. Without discussing this question at any length, I may state, that it is obviously not every sale of property to be sent to a State or any place ia the possession of the eneray, that is within the penal ty of the law. The criminality of the act depend therefore, on this knowledge. If the- seller is apprised of the unlawful as to be mad of the property, the law applies a criminal motive, whether the sale is indeed by sympathy with the enemy, hostility to the Government, or the hop of gain. :" -- - ' . : ." The Heroei of Fort Sumtet. The Irish American, whose editor has personally visited Fort Hamilton and obtained some ioteresting details of ths .bombardment of Sumter, publishes a full list of lbs) garrlsda, as obtained from Major Anderson. Tbe following statement will be read with interest! The men, however do ttqt believe that no one was killed oa the side of the Secessionists. They say that Fort Moultrie, the Cummiegs Point aod floating batteries were so terribly battered that, crowded a they were with men, not protected by casemates as the garrison were, it was impossible they ould escape without loss. Ths statements of oar informants strip Mr. M'Iriskwaken Wigfall completely of the romance thrown round ' his eseapade by the newspaper correspondents, who most likely bad the account from the veracious lips f Wigfall himself That a maa whose brsrn is inflamed with habitual intoxication should be mad enoah to start off ia a boat for Fort Sumter when he saw the whit flag hung oat, and the ensign at half mast, is not surprising doebtless ths valiant Secessionist thought be wouU hare the honor cf receiving th immediate surrender of the Fort la person. Pat however that was; he qsid'y foaej tbe si U ua:Ion : Coo hot to be egTeeit!?, and sa' 'er,!y amerglcg from the smokef u nder one of tie em brasnrasf he begged for God's sake to be Ukea ia before he. was killed by th balls which his Southern friend continued to flower upon the flag of truce, Xhe Irish gunner inside to! J him he could not be admitted until be first surrendered bis sword, Tbe crest fallett Wigfall instantly com plied with this reqmisitlon and was forthwith hauled oat of danger by soma of the see against whom hebad so glibly uttered his wretched sneers a few week previously, ia hi place in the United State Senate. When brought to Major Anderson, instead of the "peremptory sammon to surrender which h atters, sa tie nanpapcri, he could only beg that th firing might cease, as blqod enough had been shed already. None of the" garrison had suffered p to this; so that it is probable Mr. Wigfall was --badly scared," or else he had seen "somebody hurt" on his own side. ' . .. TTnere the JLenels Get Their Arms-We leara that the foundries at tJasbjille and Memphis, Tennessee, at Florence, Alabama, at Savannah j Georgia, aad at New Orleans, ' are turning their attention to the casting of cannon, shell, ba!l,&c The Tredegar works at Richmond, Virginia which have beea working few hundred men, day and night, for the last six months, have now got a new foundry ia operation and employ one thousand men. A like . activity prevails at the foundries at Baltimore. By the blundering carelessness of the official who had charge of the destruction of tbe Gosport Navy Yard the rebels have acquired upwards of two thousand cannon of the heaviest calibre, and of the mosi ipproved pattern. A very large number of these are ni a and eleven inch Dahlgreen guns, from which the pikes have already been removed A number of heavy Colo mbaids are also among them. Light field pieces add carronades for boat service are there without number. Scores of the heaviest gaos have already been conveyed to the several harbor defences, and several hate been hipped to North Carolina and other points where they are much needed. Now; while all this satanic energy and activity ia being display, ed among our enemies, what is the North doing, or has it all ready enough of arms. " Pittsburgh with br forty foundries could turn out, on an emergency, more arms, rifled guns, cannon ball, shells, pistols, &c. than atj the above point put together. What is she doing, or has any single works but one received .any orders? Is even that one engaged to its full capacity? This matter should be pret"d home upon the proper author jties at once. Pitts. Chron. i . ) From St Louis. St. Lncis, May 13. An ofScial statement published this morning says the first firing at Camp Jackson, Friday evening, was some half dozen shots near the head of the -column of the first regiment, occasioned by a volley of stones and pistol shots froth the crowd. No one was hurt at this point. The seco-d firing occtf rred frdra the rear of the column guarding tbe1 prisoners. .The crowd here was large,- very abusive, and one man discharged iSree barf els of H revolver at Lieut SaiOn of the tegular service, many of the mob cheering him oh, drawing revolvers and firing at th troops. The man who eOmmeoced the attack then laid a pistol aC.NxJs his rm, and wa taking deliberate aim at Lieut Saxon, when he was thrust through with a bayonet and fired upon at the same time, and Was instantly killed. The column then moved on, having received orders .to march, the rear company being ai-saulted by the crowd aflJ several of them shot, they baited and fired, causing tbe deaths already reported. The order was then given by Capt. Lyon to cease firing, which was promptly obeyed. . The principal arms taken from Camp Jackson were f6ur large size howitzer, two 10 inch mor tars, and a large number nf 10 inch shells, ready charted, and some 5000 United States muskets, supposed to be a portion of thoae taken from the Baton Roofi-e; arsenal- Thousands of people left the city" yesterday afc ternoon in consequence of reports of insnbordi nation among ihe.Uerman troopa, anortbeir threats to burn and pack the city, but the appear ance of Gen. fjarnev's proclamation ia a , great measure restored confidence, a-d many p f those who left will probably return to-day. - v The citr is now qtiiet; and the highest hope's afe entertained that no further disturbance will OCCIlt. .-. . . "! Twenfv two tiefsohs itre known to have been killed at Camp Jackson, the. following elghteea of.wbom bave been identified: John oWeicK hardt . Casner rl. GlencOe. John Waters. Tboa. A. Havn, Wm. Jeenhower, J. J, Jones, P. Doane, E. Wrigh He hry Jungle, Jas. Medonslt, Wklt Milnl. Nicholas KoobloCk. Francis Wheelow, Job Carter, JaS. B'odsea.fcmma.Som- ers. Mrs. McAoliff. Three bf these were soldiers belonging to the southwest expedition, and were going as prisoners captured at Catflp Jack son, B'nrses for the. Army. ! Our ladies will be interested io the followicf , which we find ia the Columbus eorrospoadence of th e Ci o oi o a ati Com mercial. The wri ter a ay s that official notice was reeeived from Secretary of war that the services of Miss Doratbea L. Dix, the distinguished philanthropist, have beea accepted by the War Department, and it guarantees to her all necessary aid in. arranging Military Hospitals for wounded or sick soldiers, and aiding chief Surgeons by supplying narse aad relief for the sffrieg. She is fully authorised to receive, eon trol and disburse speeial aappSe given by individuals or aociatioos for soldier m all pa rts of the United States. Surgeon General Wood, U. S. A handsomely accepts the services of Miss Dix, and rrqnests all ladies offering their services for hospital duty to put themselves in communication with her before entering on their duties. Ladies are also requested to exert the'mMlve to their fullest extent ia preparing or supplying hospital shirts for the sick, and articles of diet and such delicacies as are needed for the suffering. Miss Dix's circular from Washington requests ladie offering their services' not to render themselves immediately at headquarters, hot to forward their an A ka. whether abova or below 30. and places of residence, indicating the time they will aerve; . Such service are to be tree. , ;. . U ... . .. -. .. . riS'erence titwten it Fort and Toxtxtts. ' There id but one fortress ia th United States ttfess Moaroe. "All the other fortified pla-. iea defending oar harbors ar called forts. The difference betwixt thessrtwo tarmsis very wide. AH fortresses r Torts, or fortiued places J out alt tort .are oot lonresaes. . au couejea re ohoolvt but schools are not all coUejres." Th relation of forts to fortresses is that of tsiaor to major. ' k. fortmayta simply stand fenced work, to protect the exicc-i.3 H&a or wall of a fjrtresa GeaeralTy, fortressis r extensive tnceules Ut th reception cf garrUo&s and buUvfor he piO. tectkm of eiti.' tn & Uaited States, ao' extensive ti&rijfct&y es'IOs lar-e garriaona, have beea' onstrotWd' for" t defence of cities. Tar- iifieations ta this' conntry have had reference principally to harbor defence. Fortres Monroe, with its capacity for a garrison, wa constructed for the defeaea of the Important navy yard of G o port and Norfolk, now la th poesessioa of Virginia or the Confederate State. Th con-strnctloaef th exteasive walls i of a fortress ia- volve the highest science of engineering. Not so with forts The former implies poldns, bastions, eartaina, glacis, covered ways, planks, scraps, and counter-scraps, ravelins, redoubts, aad the whole vocabulary of engineering science Add to this idea of a vast enceiente, or clrcumval latioo, to contain a large garrison of troops, and a fortress rires to its proportionate majesty. ZXilitary llattert at the Capitol. ' WASxnsoToir, May 12. Twenty-eight thousand men are garrisoned here, and ten thousand more are within from thirty to forty miles of this point. Three folj derman regiments fprd part of the army of pro tection. ? The Capitol is now surrounded by a circle of regimental encampments, tiompletely controlling all roads from Virginia and Maryland. The Government contemplates the erection of earth works at regular intervals along the Rail roads running from the North tl rough Maryland, Preliminary surveys are now making. I leara from the Navy Department that th ports of Charleston and( the mouth of the Mississippi will be blockaded within a week. In view of the events ia St. Louis, the Govern ment baa resolved upoq comprehensive' meas urea for the protection of the Union men, and the suppression of Secession movements in. Mis souri. A large body of Weatero troops twill doubtless be thrown into that Slate. A company from Cbillicothe that Could not be mustered into service, bas offered the Government a bonus of $4,500 Tor the privilege of serving during tbe wan ' . Forty-five West Point Cadets are now drilling volunteers. mmi ' ;- tSS" Two balloons have been sent to Wash ington by order of Gov. Sprague, of Rd. Island They are in charge of an experienced aerial vOy agerj and will be used when necessary, under the order of Gen; Scott. 3 A Washington dispatch of May 7th to the New-York Herald, say: Mr. Prentice, of the Louisville Journal, writes to bis brother in this city, expressing tbe opinion that Kentucky will go out of the Union. .-- gyA gentleman direct from Washington says that the . War Department is sorely tried in making appointments, because . -of traitors io the camp. Treason rears it head io places, of all others, that ought to be free from its presence. ii an ' gy Major Anderion has beea advanced to the rank of Colonel, and baa formally accepted th command of the Kentucky Brigade, which will be ordered East immediately. M ai (Ditto. PUBLISHED BT AUTHORITT. MILITARY LAWS. rSo, 108.1 AN ACT To provide for the rapid organisation tff the" militia . . . " m . 1 I sr. of Onto, anlutea unaer me requisiuoa i a rri-;4 at th TJaitsd States. Beetioa 1. Be it enacted by the Gantfral Assembly of tbe StSU ot Obk, That the companies ofmil-iti.olir-rteer- Raised ia IM State, under any reqai siUoa of tbe PfeSidewt of the United State, shall bave the same eentpaay and regimental organisauoa as the ana ef the Uaited 8tfce, and weeo ao organised ahaU imaedUtely proceed to elect their reg-imentC officers, exeSpt the regimental adjutant and ouartermaater, wh shall ba appointed by the colonel, - . . . . .i ti and regimenMU enrgeon, wn in-u - -yrvf", - hereinafter refjuirexl. . Sec 2.- The re g to fits ahaU be 'rgarused irite brigades and divuiens under the diree tions ef tbe UovSrnov, Who is hereby authorised te appoint from the citizens of this State, the major general or generals, and to appoint from the general officers ia commission, ia the militia ot this State the brigadiers general to command 'such diviaions and brigades respectively, also to appoint all surgeons and assistant surgeon to th regiments.Sec." S. Immediatfcfy ofl th paisag of this act the Governor shall appoint a' medical board, to-coosist of not less than three skilful suigeona, aad ao person shall receive the appointment of surgeon or asaisUot surgeon tfoless he shall have been examined and approved bv aaid board. Fa. 4. The Qoveraor shall further he authorized to appoint sdctt numte"rof aids-decainp as io bis judgment may bw necessary to enable him to discharge 'his duties acommander-in-chief. He shall also bave authority to appoint such assistant adjutants general and assistant quartermasters general as ttfay bo' Be"eesaary in his judgment ; said officers to rank as lieutenant colonels. - See. 5. Tbe mihUa accepted by tbe Uoveraor, and all. officer; thereof, and staff officers in actual al service shall be entitled to the pay and emoluments of the same grades of rank ia the United States Army, from the time of th acceptance of trooDS bv the .State, and from the time of the e lectio a aniLappoiutmeat of officer of the line, . . . . i , or tbe calling into actual service, ana oeceaaary for the defense of the Slate, and accepted by the ftoraar. Sec This act shall, be ia force from aad after its passage, and sections two and three of an act entitled An Act relating to tbe militia of Ohio, mustered into the service of the United State under any requisition of the President thereof." passed April 17, IBS I, ar hereby re- 1 ' ' ' p; niTciicocb:, Speaker pro' tern, of the House of Eepreseat- - v .. ; JAMES MONROE, - - - President pto tent, of h Seoata. Passed A prfl 23, 1 SSI. - 7 V ; Uelauog to the bones of eerie a cucers. Section 1. Be it enacted bv tbe General As semUfVcif the Sat cf Ohio,- That th quartermaster genera!, ooastaissary general, pay master genef&L nd all q-iartermaster-; eommiasarier, nA-rn.-.w,- r.4 mil., .cVbr1r!i- edrera. a such other per;: s having custody or control the public cionejs crciir pronertv In the mill tary serfk ef i-S LiaTeaV 't- Coveraor ma' from time to tl-a dr' bond with two or mctau--int snratiea; to w. aatiafatt im of the Cavernc?. eondu.oaed for tb due an fa'Htf.r discbare f their duties: io such form s r-sy be preacribed by the Governor: .Every dUi.-r.icg peer, ahl ever? oersoa Wring the r?;.Cv ana cor'r: 4 T h rrr-srt:;"r - cf f rrrf ! fa porta Hon orsnbsistenee of the forces tf tla L. ' sballrfrom time to time, make report ia f form, and to such department . as the Go may reqa-re) and all account of axpenj. in the service, with ths proper vouchers thr shall once io three months, be filed ia th t of the Auditor of the State, who shall aui'.t t determine the validity of th same. . ' Sec. 2. This act aha!! talra efTct -ft sage. P. HITCH CO C , , Speaker pro tern, of the Hoaaa of Ce-cz'.- ; tives. - - - ' - . I . n.onEHT c xnm, Presideet af tb &.-Passed ApHl S318S1. - . ' j KelIM - Alf AClf ; . To regulate Ulegraph companies. Section 1.- Be it enacted by the General Aft sembly of the State of Ohio, That ta Goverr... of tbe State be authorised, to cause to be adts! istered to. all telegraphic operators in this C:;'- ; an oath to support the Constitution of the Ut! States and of the State oC Ohio, and that tl-will not knowingly Use the telegraphie lines t.' this State, or-permit them to ba asd.fortlj purpose cf conveying any treasonable mess.; 3 or dispatch whatsoever. . .; ." Sec 2. That it shall not be lawfal fsr as telegraph operator to enlist in th militia of this State, or in the United States army, unless ti J permission 'of the Governor be first had aad ctn tained. ' Sec. 3. This act shall tak efTect from Ui passage. P. HITCHCOck, ? Speaker pro tern, of the House of Reprereila-tives. . " - feOBERT C KlRir, r Presldsatef th 8natV Passed April 94, 18G1- - . .. - ' j : -v - - AS ACT . '-:,.' To provide more effectually for the defeat: cl the State against invasion. Section I. He it enacted by the General Assembly Of the State of Ohio, That the Govern or be and he is hereby authorized is caa of iava sion of the State, or dangef thereof, to take measures to call nto active service such numbers cf the malitia of the State as in his rpinion may bet necessary to defend the State, and repel such la vasioo ; and when so called into active service tbe said militia shall serve at such place and places as in th judgment of the Governor may be adapted to fepel the invasion and defend the-State against the same, and shall be governed by tbe military laws of this State, aad th rale and articles of war of the United States, smd or ganize in accordance with the provisions of ths act entitled " An Act to provide for the rapid organization of the militia of Ohio, enlisted eadef the requisition -ot the Pridnt of tho United Stales," parsed April 23, ISf!.- ' . . - Sec; 2. That the Governor be aad be is here-' by authorized, if he shall deem it ezpedieati to continue in the' service of the State, for st term . not exceeding three months, the militia of thw State, who have volunteered under th requisition of th President of tbe "United States, and the) proclamation of the Governor, hot not exceeding' nine regirhente, in addition to tbe thirteen va-K ment called oat oa behalf of th Federal Government, and also accept not exceeding eigM companies to be Organized in part as cavalry and in part as batteries of artillery, ia such proportions as be may think expedient; Tbe regiments and companies continued ia service, shall bsf subject to be transferred to th sefvie f ths. United States at any time. . Sec. 3. ' In addition to the brigadlefc gea tfci provided for by tbe act entitled " An Act to pro-; vide for the rapid organization ef tbe militia of Ohio enlisted oader tbe requisition of the President of the United Sute," passed April 23, 1SS1 the governor may designate from among th geoeral officers tioW in commission, two additional brigadiers general, to tak such command as he may assign them. Sec 4. Alt contracts hereafter mad fqf thsJ subsistence of volunteer malitia shall be let to the lowest bidder after the Governor shall bar cafased notice of Inch leUingto be published l at least one paper of general circulation ia thsf " county whefe su'cb militia is to be subsisted, for not less than one day ; all bide tfball be in writing' and sealed, and shall be opened, aod the contracts awarded si sock time aad p'ace as haT be specified ia said notice, th contractor to givef aeciirity for the . performance ot th contract, tcf the satisfaction of the Governor. Sec. 5. For tbe purposes mentioned fa the first section of this act, there is hereby appropri-' ated tbe sum ef one million five hundred thousand dollars ; and for the payment of the ex- , penses that may be incurred under the aecoiM section the earn of five boodreci (bo-stand CoU Iaf. . . ' . Sec. 6. That to -provide money to mt tW appropriations contained ia this aet,th eommia-sioners of tbe sinking fond be and they are here- bv authorized and empowered to borrow oa tba' faith and credit of the State aueb sum and sums of money, not exceeding ia the aggregate two' millions of dollars, aa may be ascertained by the auditor of State, and by bin from! time to time' certified to them .to be necessary to meet tha' lores-id exrd iditures. And wbea it thtfll com aeoesaa-y to borrow any Su-S ot avroey aoder the anttfon'ty of this act, the com'm'isiir.n-ers of the sinking fond shall take Such m-aVu -, and give such pabH6 - notice by advertisemet't; or otherwise as in'tbeir judgment may be'oeedfut to enable them to obtain, the same jriibost mv'r rlecessary delay ; and for the moneys s'o'tTTrow-4 tbe 6mmissioners shall issue regisiefed certlu cates to the proper parties, payable at the TreaW dry of the State, or at the agency of the State in the city of New York, at inch; time aad t!ajar as they may deem proper", tfuY not longer -thauf seven y-ars from the first day of July. ISSXi" Tbe certifio-tes so issued shall bear a rate of in terest not exceeding six per ceaiom per aonumf and shall not be subject to any tax or a-sean'f levied under th anvhority of this State. TW interest on certificates payabte at th Tf99 tff of the State, shall be parable the fi-et .day of May,-and the first day of I'ovsraber in each y;V and the interest on certificates paWs in I'ewf York, shall be payable tbe first day of J uarj and the first day of July io each year. T-fa-penses of the commi--ioners io n.kiog the loarf hareia authorized shall be paid from the apf fJ priaSoa made by the fifth section of the act d , provide for the defense of the Stat, end fo tSe7 support of tbe retterai u-Teromt-bellion, passed April 18, ISS 1. .f , See. 7. In accepting il.ue volonlefr unuef h-.IL ao iar aa in ma T - meat ptaeicwe , . . r.'m. .. v ...t.t..t with ruvm IT aad efficient orgauiaation of the same, district e' hi acceptancea eqnally over all porUona of tLa ' i.:.. ! likm- into aceontt si & I v - state, iDoauon . . f sis f such distribution th d-tnbutioa a rt- mad of th thirtea regiments raiM ta f 1 1'-. wrairiUoa of h PresiieEt cf ti Uci'-fd C ' -x? ec fl. That th Governor is beret v ao.: cr zed ia e" any farther iulsU-a t- 1st:' ' by th Presldeat of the United ite poa U. S:at for trocpo, ta eaus ihe-volitswr t- -ioiborizeJ by tiis a-t, er any por.;a .t- to le mustered Into -th rvie . States! i rurrrtaac of sack rewUio. Cec E. This act ta lake p.c - , - . - ssge an3 b id f-re for e--r ? : i tfitZ er tf ti Car- ' "