Secession movement at the South.
Secession movement in North Carolina.
A dispatch from Raleigh, N. C., dated January 1st, 1861, says:‘ New Year's day was inaugurated here by the most unusual excitement, caused by the arrival of a special train from Wilmington. N. C., containing a committee, who came on a most remarkable errand. This committee consisted of the Hon. W. S. Ashe, Captain E. D. Hall, and Messrs. Larriset and Hedick.
’ The business of the committee was to consult with Gov. Ellis upon the propriety of taking Fort Johnson, a revolutionary fortress situated on Cape Fear river, about two miles from its mouth, and near the town of Smithville.
Gov. Ellis did not advise the taking possession of the fort, but the committee returned home this evening, resolved upon taking care of the entire Cape Fear section.
The committee dined at the Kane House, with Speaker Clarke, of the Senate; John Spelman, editor of the State Journal; Capt. Hoke, a member of the House of Commons, from Lincoln county, and several others.
The course of President Buchanan is universally condemned here.
The revenue cutter William Aiken.
It has already been stated that Capt. Coste, of the United States revenue cutter William Aiken, at Charleston, had resigned his commission. It is now alleged that he subsequently swore in his crew as sailors of the independent State of South Carolina, and hoisting the Palmetto flag, proclaimed the vessel and her appurtenances the property of the said independent State. The officers under Captain Coste were--First Lieut. Underwood; second Lieut. H. O. Porter, (a son of the late Commodore Porter,) and third Lieut. H. J. Gambrill, of Md. It is stated that when Captain C. took possession of the brig in the name of South Carolina, they immediately retired to the city and notified the Department at Washington of Coste's act, themselves a waiting further orders from the General Government.
The U. S. Revenue cutter Harriet Lane.
The U. S. revenue cutter Harriet Lane, dispatched to Charleston, is a side wheel steamer. Her present armament consists of four 24-pound Dahlgren howitzers, and one 32-pound swivel gun, capable of throwing solid shot or shell. Her armament may be somewhat increased, to render her more formidable in resisting attack. List of officers of the Harriet Lane — John Faunce. Captain; D. C. Constable, first Lieut. and executive officer; D. D. Tompkins, second Lieut.; A. R. Abercrombie, third Lieut.; J. H. Thatcher, third Lieut.; J. R. Dryburgh, Chief Engineer; Walter Scott, Assistant Engineer; C. G. Dale, Assistant Engineer; F. H. Pulsifer, Assistant Engineer.
An important Rumor.
There was quite an excitement on Baltimore street yesterday, of a most pleasurable character, in relation to an anticipated harmonious settlement of the difficulties that threaten the peace and permanence of the Union. Rumor stated that a dispatch had just been received by a mercantile house on Hanover street from a member of the House Committee on the affairs of the nation, announcing that the Committee had come to a harmonious and satisfactory solution of the vexed question they have had under consideration. On inquiry, however, we ascertained that a private letter had been received, commenting on the action of the Committee, as published in the American of Monday, and expressing the opinion of the writer that it will be adopted as a basis of final settlement.--Balt. American.
