Intelligence received here this evening from Richmond, states that most strenuous efforts are being made to pass the secession ordinance. The Union men have thus far been able to hold their own, but should the administration continue to concentrate more troops at Fort Monroe, and at other points in the border States, and attempt to reinforce Fort Pickens, there are several Union men in the Convention that will go over to the secession party, giving them a majority.
A gentleman, who has just arrived from Richmond, makes this statement. He communicated these facts to Mr. Lincoln this evening.
The continued presence of Major Ben McCullough in Richmond, Va., viewed in connection with the call for a Secession Convention there on the 16th inst., excites much interest in Washington, especially in army circles.
An unfounded report was afloat here this morning that one of the newly appointed mail agents for Eastern Virginia had been violently dealt with by a secession mob. It originated in the fact that a notice had been served some days ago on a Mr. Bruce, who runs on the Alexandria and Orange road. Mr. Bruce has been assured by the Union men along his route that they were ready to put down any demonstration against him, and he Is now fearlessly and safely discharging bit duties.
The New York Herald, New York, NY