offered to ransom the schooner and cargo for $12,000, U. S. currency. This Olavarria declined to do. She lay here quietly until this morning, at six o'clock, when the Jos. Maxwell hove in sight, two or three miles distant. She at once started with her prize in pursuit, and shortly overtook and captured her; we could see the whole affair plainly; after putting a prize crew on board, she steamed back again to the port and sent an officer on shore to offer to ransom her for $10,000, which offer was refused, and after an interview with the authorities, the officer again returned on board with the communication that it was considered the vessel was taken within Venezuelan waters, and consequently she ought to be brought in and be adjudicated by a Court of Admiralty, as to whether she was a lawful prize or not, to which the commander has paid no attention, and has landed Capt. Davis with his wife and family, and threatens to burn or destroy the Jos. Maxwell. They are still off the harbor, in sight. The Sumter is a well-equipped war-steamer, officered by officers who say this time last year they were of the navy of the United States. Mrs. Davis told me they treated her with all civility, and allowed them to take off all their personal effects. The captain and crew of the Bradford have been landed also. The Sumter is a dangerous neighbor, and likely to do much harin to the North American commerce in the Caribbean seas. In capturing vessels, the steamer has generally used the English colors. She is quite a pretty boat, and steams well. Her burden is five hundred tons, carries six guns, and about one hundred and thirty men. The officers appear to be well educated, and of accommodating manners. They say, with the Maxwell, they have captured ten prizes, which have been sent to Carthagena. When she returned in the port, the fort was prepared to give her a few shots, for having taken the Joseph Maxwell in Venezuelan waters, but after some reflection it was thought that the steamer might escape, and then she would destroy all the Venezuelan war vessels she might find cruising on the coast. I would state that the Amy Bradford was captured about seventy miles to the N. E. of this port, at eight o'clock A. M., on the morning of the 25th. SALZA. belong also to citizens of the United States, who have shipped it on consignment to a house in Puerto Cabello. Should any claims be given, however, for the cargo, or any part of it, the question of ownership can only be decided by the prize courts of the Confederate States. In the mean time, I have the honor to request that your Excellency will permit me to leave this prize vessel, with her cargo, in the port of Puerto Cabello until the question of prize can be adjudicated by the proper tribunals of my country. This will be a convenience to all parties, as well to any citizens of Venezuela, who may have an interest in the cargo, as to the captors, who have also valuable interests to protect. In making this request, I do not propose that the Venezuelan Government shall depart from a strict neutrality between the belligerents, as the same rule it applies to us it can give the other party the benefit of also. In other words, with the most scrupulous regard for her neutrality, she may admit both belligerents to bring their prizes into her waters; and of this neither belligerent can complain, since whatever favor is extended to its enemy is extended also to itself. I have also an additional and cogent reason for making this request, and that is that the rule of exclusion, although it might be applied in terms to both belligerents, would not operate equally and justly upon them both. It is well known to your Excellency that the Northern States, are now making an aggressive and unjust war upon the Confederate States," denying to the latter the right of self-government, (which is fundamental in all republics,) and invading their territories for the purpose of subjugating our manufacturing and commercial States, whilst the Confederate States have been thus far agricultural and planting States; and that, as a consequence of this difference of pursuits, the former States had in their possession, at the commencement of this war, almost all the naval forces of the old Government, which they have not hesitated to seize and appropriate to their own use, although a large proportion of it belonged of right to the "Confederate States," which had been taxed to create it. By means of this naval force, dishonestly seized as aforesaid, the enemy has been enabled to blockade all the important ports of the "Con The following is a copy of the letter sent to federate States." This blockade necessarily the Governor by the rebel commander: shuts out the cruisers of the "Confederate CONFEDERATE STATES STEAMER SUMTER, States" from their own ports; and if foreign PUERTO CABELLO, July 26, 1861. powers shut them out also, they can make no SIR: I have the honor to inform your Ex- other use of prizes than to destroy them. Thus cellency of my arrival at this port in this ship, your Excellency sees that, under the rule of under my command, and with the prize exclusion, the enemy would enjoy his right of schooner Amy Bradford, captured by me about capture to its full extent, his own ports being seventy miles to the northward and eastward. all open to him; whilst the cruisers of the The Amy Bradford is the property of citi-"Confederate States" would enjoy it "sub mozens of the United States, with which States, as your Excellency is aware, the Confederate States, which I have the honor to represent, are at war; and the cargo would appear to do" only-that is, for the purpose of destruction. A rule which would produce such effects as this is not an equal or a just rule, (although it might in terms be extended to both parties;) and as equality and justice are of the essence | Confederate flag at the fore topgallant-mast, of neutrality, I take it for granted that Venezuela will not adopt it. With reference to the present case, as the cargo consists chiefly of provisions, which are perishable, I would ask leave to sell them at public auction, for the benefit of whom it may concern; depositing the proceeds with a suitable prize agent, until the decision of the Court can be known. and fired a gun as a signal for a pilot, Three attempts were made to get into the harbor, On the other hand, the rule admitting both but it was found they could not weather it. parties alike, with their prizes, into your ports, The people on shore kept a light burning for until the Prize Courts of their respective coun-them, as was afterward discovered, but which tries can have time to adjudicate the cases as the privateers did not observe or were unable they arrive, would work equal and exact justice to see. The vessel kept working up to windto both; and this is no more than the "Confed-ward through the night, and at daylight they erate States" demand. discovered themselves ten miles from the bar. The flag was again hoisted, and a pilot was observed coming toward the brig and giving the usual signals. In attempting to cross the bar, however, the brig grounded on the North Breakers. This was about half-past six o'clock Sunday morning, the 17th inst. A small boat was sent ashore with Dr. Babcock and Lieut. Baya, and the prisoners landed. The officers and crews of the privateer then went ashore, and were greeted with the most enthusiastic demonstrations by the inhabitants. half-past nine, two light boats went off to the brig, along with Capt. Coxetter and other officers. The starboard guns were thrown overboard to lighten the vessel, in order to clear her decks of water, and save as much as possible of the supplies on board the brig. Every effort was made to save every thing then on board, but it was supposed that the guns thrown overboard stove her in and caused her With regard to the vessel, I request that she remain in the custody of the same agent, until condemned and sold. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, RAPHAEL SEMMES, Commander. His excellency the Governor and Military Commander of Puerto Cabello. Doc. 10. THE PRIVATEER "JEFF. DAVIS." THE Richmond Enquirer of August 29th, contains the following account of the adventures and fate of the privateer "Jeff Davis." Mr. F. C. Dutneux, one of the crew of the privateer, has furnished the Enquirer with a graphic account of the career of that "pirate," from which we extract the following: When about eight hundred miles east of Cape Florida they came in contact with the ship John Crawford, Captain Edge, from Philadelphia, bound to Key West, with arms and coal for the United States forces. She was found to draw twenty-two feet of water and could not possibly be brought in. The officers and crew, numbering in all twenty-two persons, were taken on board the privateer, the vessel fired and holes bored in her sides and bottom. This was about four o'clock in the morning and by good daylight the ship was wrapped in flames, going down shortly afterward. It was found impossible to secure any of the arms, as they were stowed under the coal. They then turned their course with a light wind, for St. Augustine, Florida. Upon nearing the coast, the wind increased, until finally it blew a perfect gale. The vessel had crossed the gulf safely, and on Friday night, the 15th, they hove to, and found themselves in sixteen fathoms water. At daylight land was discovered and a clear coast. They were then about ten miles south of Matanzas. Squared away and made for San Augustine bar. Found the tide too low upon their arrival, and stood off. The captain hoisted the About to bilge. The light boats, however, were filled and finally succeeded in saving all the smallwith a large amount of provisions and baggage, arins on board. About two o'clock all hands had left, and were conveyed to St. Augustine. The ladies threw open their houses and they were received with cheers upon cheers. Cheers were given for the Jeff. Davis, for the Southern Confederacy, and the utmost hilarity and rejoicing for the safe arrival of the privateer were manifested. While there, they were sumptuously provided for, and furnished with every comfort that could possibly be devised. They learned afterward that there had been considerable excitement in the town on the appearance of the Jeff. Davis, it having been suspected that she was a Yankee cruiser in disguise, and had hoisted the Confederate flag to deceive or decoy some of the vessels from the shore. The prisoners were also treated very kindly and supplied with every thing comfortable. Before our informant left, Capt. Coxetter had again returned to the wreck and succeeded in saving an additional amount of provisions and some of the sails. Every effort was made by Capt. Coxetter to secure as much as possible for the stockholders. The brig is a total loss. But a small piece of her bow was remaining on Thursday morning, when our informant left, and it was then thought that she would go to pieces before daylight. The crew of the privateer left there for this city on Monday last, but lost the connecting boat at Toccoa and were delayed at Fernandina. It is thought they will arrive here this evening. We are glad to learn that there will soon be another Jeff. Davis afloat, and that the same brave crew are anxious to again go forth to avenge the death of Amiel, and make up for any short-comings of their first adventures. Doc. 11. INTELLIGENCE TO THE ENEMY. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, August 26, 1861. By the fifty-seventh article of the act of Congress entitled "An act for establishing rules and articles for the government of the armies of the United States, approved April 10, 1806, holding correspondence with or giving intelligence to the enemy, either directly or indirectly," is made punishable by death, or such other punishment as shall be ordered by the sentence of a court-martial. Public safety requires strict enforcement of this article. It is therefore ordered that all correspondence and communication, verbally or by writing, printing, or telegraphing, respecting operations of the army, or military movements on land or water, or respecting the troops, camps, arsenals, intrenchments, or military affairs, within the several military districts, by which intelligence shall be, directly or indirectly, given to the enemy, without the authority and sanction of the General in command, be, and the same are, absolutely prohibited, and from and after the date of this order persons violating the same will be proceeded against under the fifty-seventh Article of War. By order, L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General. Doc. 12. Doc. 13. KENTUCKY'S NEUTRALITY. CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GOV. MAGOFFIN AND PRESIDENT LINCOLN. COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, EXECUTIVE DEPT., FRANKFORT, August 19, 1861. To his Excellency, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: SIR: From the commencement of the unhappy hostilities now pending in this country the people of Kentucky have indicated an earnest desire and purpose, as far as lay in their power, while maintaining their original political status, to do nothing by which to involve themselves in the war. Up to this time they have succeeded in securing to themselves and to the State peace and tranquillity as the fruits of the policy they adopted. My single object now is to promote the continuance of these blessings to the people of this State. Until within a brief period the people of Kentucky were quiet and tranquil, free from domestic strife, and undisturbed by internal commotion. They have resisted no law, rebelled against no authority, engaged in no revolution, but constantly proclaimed their firm determination to pursue their peaceful avocations, earnestly hoping that their own soil would be spared the presence of armed troops, and that the scene of conflict would be kept removed beyond the border of their State. By thus avoiding all occasions for the introduction of bodies of armed soldiers, and offering no provocation for the presence of military force, the people of Kentucky have sincerely striven to preserve in their State domestic peace, and avert the calamities of sanguinary engagements. Recently a large body of soldiers have been enlisted in the United States army and collected in military camps in the central portion of Kentucky. This movement was preceded by CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE SOUTH. the active organization of companies, regi POST OFFICE DEPARRMENT, THE President of the United States directs that his proclamation of the 16th instant, interdicting commercial intercourse with the socalled Confederate States, shall be applied to correspondence with these States, and has devolved upon this Department the enforcement of so much of its interdict as relates to such correspondence. The officers and agents of this Department will, therefore, without further instructions, lose no time in putting an end to written intercourse with these States, by causing the arrest of any express agent or other persons, who shall, after the promulgation of this order, receive letters to be carried to or from these States, and will seize all such letters and forward them to this Department. M. BLAIR, Postmaster-General. ments, &c., consisting of men sworn into the United States service, under officers holding commissions from yourself. Ordnance, arms, munitions, and supplies of war are being transported into the State, and placed in large quantities in these camps. In a word, an army is State, supplied with all the appliances of war, now being organized and quartered within the without the consent or advice of the authorities of the State, and without consultation with those most prominently known and recognized as loyal citizens. This movement from the beginning of our pending difficulties now imperils that peace and tranquillity which have been the paramount desire of this people, and which, up to this time, they have so secured to the State. Within Kentucky there has been, and is likely to be, no occasion for the presence of military force. The people are quiet and tranquil, feeling no apprehension of any occasion arising to invoke protection from the Federal arm. They have asked that their territory be left free from military occupation, and the present tranquillity of their communication left uninvaded by soldiers. They do not desire that Kentucky shall be required to supply the battle-field for the contending armies, or become the theatre of the war. I most cordially sympathize with your Excellency in the wish to preserve the peace of my own native State, Kentucky. It is with regret I search, and cannot find, in your not very short letter, any declaration or intimation that you entertain any desire for the preservation of the Federal Union. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN. FIN AND JEFFERSON DAVIS. COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, EXECUTIVE DEPT., FRANKFORT, August 19, 1861. To Hon. Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States: Now, therefore, as Governor of the State of Kentucky and in the name of the people, I have CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GOV. MAGOFthe honor to represent, and with the single and earnest desire to avert from their peaceful homes the horrors of war, I urge the removal from the limits of Kentucky of the military force now organized and in camp within the State. If such action as is hereby urged be promptly taken, SIR: This is to accredit to you Geo. W. JohnI firmly believe the peace of the people of Ken- son, Esq., as a Commissioner from the State of tucky will be preserved, and the horrors of a Kentucky. Mr. Johnson is the bearer of a combloody war will be averted from a people now|munication which will fully explain the object peaceful and tranquil. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. MAGOFFIN. REPLY OF THE PRESIDENT. WASHINGTON, August 24, 1861. To his Excellency B. Magoffin, Governor of the State of Kentucky: SIR: Your letter of the 19th instant, in which you "urge the removal from the limits of Kentucky of the military force now organized and in camp, within that State," is received. I may not possess full and precisely accurate knowledge upon this subject: but I believe it is true that there is a military force in camp within Kentucky, acting by authority of the United States, which force is not very large, and is not now being augmented. I also believe that some arms have been furnished to this force by the United States. I also believe this force consists exclusively of Kentuckians, having their camp in the immediate vicinity of their own homes, and not assailing or menacing any of the good people of Kentucky. In all I have done in the premises I have acted upon the urgent solicitation of many Kentuckians, and in accordance with what I believed, and still believe, to be the wish of a majority of all the Union-loving people of Kentucky. While I have conversed on this subject with many eminent men of Kentucky, including a large majority of her members of Congress, I do not remember that any one of them, or any other person, except your Excellency and the bearers of your Excellency's letter, has urged me to remove the military force from Kentucky or to disband it. One other very worthy citizen of Kentucky did solicit me to have the augmenting of the force suspended for a time. Taking all the means within my reach to form a judgment, I do not believe it is the popular wish of Kentucky that this force shall be removed beyond her limits; and, with this impression, I must respectfully decline to so remove it. of his mission. I take pleasure in commending to your consideration Mr. Johnson as a gentleman well advised of the existing posture of public affairs in Kentucky. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. MAGOFFIN. FRANKFORT, Ky., September 3, 1861. His Excellency B. Magoffin, Governor of Kentucky: SIR: In conformity with your request, I proceeded to Richmond, and presented to Hon. Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, the communication intrusted to me. His response is embodied in a letter which I have the honor herewith to hand you. I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant, GEORGE W. JOHNSON. COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, EXECUTIVE Hon. Jefferson Davis, Richmond, Va.: SIR: Since the commencement of the unhappy difficulties pending in the country, the people of Kentucky have indicated a steadfast desire and purpose to maintain a position of strict neutrality between the belligerent parties. They have earnestly striven, by their policy, to avert from themselves the calamity of war, and protect their own soil from the presence of contending armies. Up to this period they have enjoyed comparative tranquillity and entire domestic peace. Recently a military force has been enlisted and quartered by the United States authorities within this State. I have on this day addressed a communication and despatched Commissioners to the President of the United States, urging the removal of these troops from the soil of Kentucky, and thus exerting myself to carry out the will of the people in the maintenance of a neutral position. The people of this State desire to be free from the presence of the soldiers of either belligerent, and to that end my efforts are now directed. Although I have no reason to presume that the Government of the Confederate States contemplate or have ever proposed any violation of the neutral attitude thus assumed by Ken- Very respectfully, your obedient servant, for the purpose of giving an advantage to those who violate its neutrality and disregard its rights, over others who respect them both. In conclusion, I tender to your Excellency the assurance of my high consideration and regard, and am, sir, very respectfully, yours, &c., JEFF. DAVIS. Doc. 14. ATTACK ON SECESSIONISTS, AT WAYNE COURT HOUSE, VA., August, 1861. PERHAPS nowhere in Western Virginia has there been a viler nest of secessionists than at RICHMOND, August 28, 1861. Wayne Court House, the county town of the To Hon. B. Magoffin, Gov. of Kentucky, &c.: county, lying on the Kentucky line. Their SIR: I have received your letter informing leader, Ferguson, was some six weeks ago taken me that, since the commencement of the un- by Colonel Zeigler, of Camp Pierpont, and sent happy difficulties yet pending in the country, to Columbus, Ohio. This, however, did not the people of Kentucky have indicated a stead- abate in the least their acts of tyranny and opfast desire and purpose to maintain a position pression. We are glad now to report that the of strict neutrality between the belligerent par- gang has been broken up and their leaders taken ties." In the same communication you express prisoners. On Saturday last, 24th of August, your desire to elicit "an authoritative assur-Captain Smith was detailed with fifty-three ance that the Government of the Confederate States will continue to respect and observe the neutral position of Kentucky." In reply to this request, I lose no time in assuring you that the Government of the Confederate States of America neither intends nor desires to disturb the neutrality of Kentucky. The assemblage of troops in Tennessee to which you refer, had no other object than to repel the lawless invasion of that State by the forces of the United States, should their Government seek to approach it through Kentucky, without respect for its position of neutrality. That such apprehensions were not groundless, has been proved by the course of that Government in the States of Maryland and Missouri, and more recently in Kentucky itself, in which, as you inform me, a military force has been enlisted and quartered by the United States authorities." The Government of the Confederate States has not only respected most scrupulously the neutrality of Kentucky, but has continued to maintain the friendly relations of trade and intercourse which it has suspended with the United States generally. In view of the history of the past, it can scarcely be necessary to assure your Excellency that the Government of the Confederate States will continue to respect the neutrality of Kentucky so long as her people will maintain it themselves. But neutrality, to be entitled to respect, must be strictly maintained between both parties; or, if the door be opened on the one side for the aggressions of one of the belligerent parties! upon the other, it ought not to be shut to the assailed, when they seek to enter it for purposes of self-defence. I do not, however, for a moment believe that your gallant State will suffer its soil to be used VOL. III.-Doc. 11 men from Camp Pierpont, which is at Ceredo, in Wayne County, now under command of Colonel Zeigler. Captain Smith and his men reached the Court House, a distance of twenty miles, about daylight on Sunday morning, and took possession of the place. Some of the troops went to the Court House and rang the bell, which appeared to be the signal for the rebels to rally. Eight of them answered to the call, running immediately to the Court House, when they were taken prisonersamong them Hurston Spurlock, their chief, also Jesse Spurlock, and Stephen Strother, who are leaders among the rebels. Captain Smith despatched a messenger for reinforcements on Sunday. Major Ralph Ormstead, with Captain McFadden's company, and a part of Captain Kirk's, with a portion of the cavalry, numbering in all ninety-eight men, went up as a reinforcement, arriving on Monday. Scouts were then sent out, and encountered the rebels about a mile from the Court House. Our cavalry heard the firing, and went to their assistance. When the rebels saw the cavalry they made a quick retreat. In the skirmish which took place our troops received no injury. Four rebels are supposed to be killed; wounded not known. On Tuesday morning the rebels renewed the attack, and kept it up until five o'clock in the evening, when they endeavored to retake the town. Our boys, however, returned their fire so thick and fast that they were repulsed, and glad to retreat. In their retreat they encountered Lieutenant-Colonel Calvin, who was advancing with supplies from Camp Pierpont, and were again repulsed. Rev. John C. Johnson was one of the prisoners taken, and we here remark that he has been one of the most violent in his efforts to incite this rebellion in our region, forgetting altogether that if he is a follower of his meck and |