Secession movement at the South.
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. 
