Up to the very last moment it had been believed that the separation of the two sections would be peaceably effected; and now the necessary works had to be hastily carried out by civilian workmen, under the direction of a department, itself as yet but provisionally and most imperfectly organized.
Sorely tried by the delays consequent upon this condition of affairs, Captain Semmes commences his Diary as follows:-- "_New Orleans, May 24th_ .-- A month has elapsed since I began the preparation of the Sumter for sea, and yet we are not ready.

Leeds and Co.

have not given us our tanks, and we only received the carriage of the 8-inch gun to-day.

The officers are all present, and the crew has been shipped, and all are impatient to be off.

The river is not yet blockaded, but expected to be to-morrow.