Closing the Southern ports.
--I mentioned in a recent dispatch the fact that two or three old hulks had been purchased by the Government agents in Baltimore, with the design of sinking them at the mouths of certain Southern rivers, and at places on the Southern coast used by Southern privateers to run their prizes into. I now learn that the number of old vessels so purchased amounts to twenty-eight; that eight more are to be examined today, and will probably be bought; that twelve of the old hulls were towed down to Hawkins' Point yesterday and loaded with stones; and that they will be taken down to Old Point by the Commodore of the new blockading fleet, and sunk at the places which it is desirable to obstruct. This plan will, no doubt, prove of great assistance to the blockading squadron. But the opinion is entertained that this resort to such an unusual mode of conducting a blockade, will greatly complicate our already delicate relations with England. It is said that as there is no recognition, in the books on international law, of a blockade enforced by any other means than by the actual presence of a sufficient number of armed vessels, that the British Admiral, with his powerful fleet, will not stand idly by while the Southern ports are being closed in such a summary manner. This declaration comes from too high a source to be passed over in silence.-- Wash. Cor. Phila. Inquirer.
