Shelling of Sewall’s Point

BALTIMORE, May 9.

The special correspondent of the American sends the following relative to affairs in Hampton Roads and the Peninsula:

FORT MONROE, May 8.

This has been a most stirring and exciting day at Old Point, and all are anticipating the early fall of Norfolk.  At 11 o’clock the steamer Naugatuck was observed raising steam, and about 12 o’clock she moved out by the side of the Monitor, which vessel also cleared her decks for action, taking down her awning, and stood forth in full fighting trim.

11:30. – The gunboat Dacotah has just moved up on line of battle, together with the sloops of war Seminole and San Jacinto.  The flag ship Minnesota was also under steam.

12 o’clock. – The Naugatuck has moved up towards Elizabeth river, followed by the Monitor and Dacotah in line of battle.  The San Jacinto follows slowly.

Heavy firing can still be heard in the direction of James river, where, you have already been informed by telegraph, the Galena and other boats of gone.  The Susquehanna has just gone up in the meantime, the Dacotah, Monitor and Naugatuck have reached the channel and taken a position near Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fired a shot towards Craney Island.  A second shot from the Dacotah struck the beach at Sewall’s Point.

12:30 – The Susquehanna moves up and takes the lead of the San Jacinto and Seminole – no answer from either.  The Dacotah and Seminole are steaming up Elizabeth river.  The Naugatuck is lying off towards the mouth of the James River.

Presently, the Dacotah and Monitor approached Craney Island and Sewall’s Point.  The Dacotah fires every few minutes alternately at Sewall’s Point and Craney Island, the enemy making no reply, although the balls reached their intended destination. – The Monitor is taking the lead.  Meantime the Seminole and Susquehanna open upon Sewall’s point, and two shots are fired from the Point, the latter falling short of the Monitor, which is now a mile above the other vessels.

12:40. – The rebels are firing rapidly from Sewall’s Point, principally on the Monitor, while a succession of shells are being poured on the enemy from the Susquehanna, Dacotah, Seminole and San Jacinto, broadside after broadside.  The Rip Raps also threw occasional shells at Sewall’s Point.

12:50. – The Susquehanna, Dacotah, San Jacinto and Seminole are pouring shells and the Monitor threw her first two shells full a mile and a half from the Point.

FORT MONROE, May 8.

Shortly before noon to-day the Monitor, Naugatuck, Seminole, Susquehanna, Dacotah and San Jacinto, in the order in which they are named, steamed up toward Sewall’s Point – Capt. Lardner, of the Susquehanna, in command of the expedition.

As soon as within range, fire was opened with a shot and shell against Sewall’s Point.  Most of the shots were good ones.  It was nearly half an hour before a reply was made from the Point.

The Rip Raps next opened fire, and then the Naugatuck for the first time.  Several shots were fired from the single gun on the extremity of the Point, when one from the Monitor struck in the vicinity, doubtless disabling the gun, as it has not been fired since.  The position of the Monitor was far in advance of the rest of the fleet, and she continued in motion until within a mile or two of the Point where considerable execution must have been done by here accurate firing.

The Naugatuck kept in the back ground, the range of her Parrot gun enabling her to do so.  Sewall Point battery replied briskly.  The Rip Raps fired occasionally.  A continual fire was kept up from the gunboats.  On account of the distance, no details can be given.  Nothing occurred till two o’clock, when the firing was very feeble from the Point.  The Monitor about this time returned from her advanced position and joined the fleet.

At 2:15 a very dense smoke arose rapidly from the Point, caused probably by the burning of the rebel barracks and other buildings.  At about half past two o’clock, the Merrimac made her appearance, when the fleet returned with the exception of the Monitor.  The Merrimac is still (5 o’clock) off the Point.  The Monitor is ready to attack her.

1 P. M. – The Monitor is now within a mile of Sewall’s Point, moving slowly forward and firing.  The enemy are also firing briskly from Sewall’s Point at the Monitor and shells are falling thickly around her.  Craney Island is also joining in the fight, and has thrown shells at the Monitor, one of which exploded directly over her.  The Monitor moved steadily forward, and occasionally firing, and receiving shells and shot from the rebel battery with perfect indifference.

2 P. M. – The monitor has fallen back, and lays alongside of the Susquehanna, probably for the purpose of communicating with her.  The Naugatuck in the meantime has been throwing shells into Pig’s Point, and the fleet has also thrown a number of shells in the same direction.

2:15 P. M. – The Monitor and Dacotah are moving along again slowly up the mouth of the Elizabeth river, and dense black smoke has commenced to arise from Sewall’s Point, indicating that our incendiary shells thrown there have fired the barracks.  The Dacotah continues to throw her shells directly into the point.  The vessels by constantly changing position destroy the range of the rebel gunners, but they are, however, making quite a determined fight, their works giving us almost shell for shell, shot for shot.  The Monitor has laid out of action for nearly an hour, and is probably cooling her guns.  The Rip Raps battery has the range of Sewall’s Point perfectly.

2:45 P. M. – The Merrimac now makes her appearance on the scene.  She has just passed from behind Sewall’s Point, and is slowly running down toward the Federal fleet.  Simultaneously with the appearance of the Merrimac the Monitor started from behind the wooden vessels and moved up to meet the enemy.  The larger vessels have drawn aside and left.  The Monitor and Naugatuck are now in the approaching path of the Merrimac.  The vessels of the fleet had been lying quietly at anchor for the last half hour, when the signal from the flag ship ordered them all to return.  The Susquehanna leads the way, followed by the San Jacinto, Seminole, Dacotah and Monitor, being all apparently using the greatest speed towards the fort.  To the spectator, this seemed rather mortifying, but as they moved down in line the Monitor was seen to halt, and the San Jacinto and Dacotah also followed her example, leaving the Susquehanna and Seminole moving ahead.  The four steamers and the Monitor having taken their position the Merrimac also halted, and the vessels stood there not more than a mile and a half apart – the Merrimac apparently unwilling to come further down and the Monitor unwilling to go further up.  The Minnesota also steamed up in front of the fortress wharf, followed slowly by the Vanderbilt, when both stopped.  After laying in this position the Minnesota turned round and steamed back, and the Vanderbilt turning slowly backed water down the river.  Whilst this maneuvering was going on firing had entirely ceased from all points.

3:30. – The Merrimac now turns round and steams back toward Norfolk with her rebel flag flying.  The Dacotah again proceeds up towards the Merrimac and the Monitor starts toward the mouth of the Elizabeth river.  The Dacotah is now within easy range of Sewall’s Point, but the batteries there do not open on the shore.  The Monitor has stopped and the Merrimac is lying stationary about a mile from the Craney Island Battery.  Here commenced an important movement, which cannot be made public just yet.  The Vanderbilt and Arago have now steamed in front of the wharf.  The Merrimac has run back under the guns of Craney Island, and the Monitor is steaming off towards here at full speed.  The Minnesota is also coming up again at full speed, the effort being to draw the rebels again.  For the past two hours the fleet has been moving back and forwards, but the Merrimac still lies under the guns of Craney Island.  The Minnesota, Arago and Vanderbilt have gone back to their anchorage, and there is no prospect of a fight to-night.  The troops are going on board the transports, and the war vessels, including the Monitor, have all returned to their anchorage.

The President viewed the action from a tug-boat lying about a mile in rear of the fleet.  He has just returned, and as he passed up the wharf was vociferously cheered by the troops.

Our fleet have retired.  The Merrimac is again steaming up.  An officer of the Seminole states that the rebel staff on the Point was twice shot away during the bombardment.  The first time it fell, it was picked up and a rebel in a red shirt jumped on the ramparts with a stump of the staff and flag, and waved it, when a shell struck him killing him and it is supposed others near him.

Of the many shots fired at the fleet by the rebels, not one struck our vessels. – Some went over their masts, but most fell short.  The rebels could be distinctly seen from the vessels carrying all of their wounded and dead.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, May 6.

The flag of truce which went up James river yesterday morning to receive released prisoners, returned to-day, not having accomplished its object.  This is the third time Gen. Wool has been deceived about the release of these prisoners.

The Jamestown and Yorktown passed down the river, past the flag of truce, at half past one this morning, bound for Norfolk.

The gunboat Teaser came alongside yesterday P. M., to ascertain the object of the flag of truce.  The Teaser is armed with a 100-pounder Parrott gun.  All the officers of the Teaser, with one exception were drunk.

A dispatch was received here this morning from Newport News, that the Merrimac was in sight.  The Monitor, &c., all got ready but the Merrimac has not yet been seen here.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 1

The War News

Particulars of the Evacuation of Yorktown.

OUR FORCES IN PURSUIT O FTHE ENEMY.

Re-opening of Southern Ports

The Merrimac Out Again.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 1

The Merrimac makes her Appearance.

FORT MONORE, May 4.

The Merrimac made her appearance beyond Sewall’s Point at 1 o’clock to-day. – She stood off the Point, and up to 4 o’clock has not changed her location.  She is not attended by other gunboats.

BALTIMORE, May 5.

The regular news letter from Old Point is received.  The Merrimac remained out till 4 o’clock on the 4th inst. and then disappeared beyond Sewall’s Point.  Since her last appearance she has had a ram twenty feet in length added to her bow.

The French minister at Washington, Mr. Mercier, arrived at Yorktown on Sunday morning in a special boat form Washington.  The Gasendi was to go for him last night.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 1

From Fort Monroe

FORT MONROE, May 2.

A refugee from Norfolk left last night in a row boat, and arrived here this A. M.

Com. Tatnall received sealed orders on Monday, and sailed, but opening them in Elizabeth river, he found he was ordered to run the blockade and proceed to York River.  He therefore returned to Norfolk and immediately resigned his commission together with his chief officers.

There was a general expectation in Norfolk that the Merrimac would come out at once.

There are 6,000 or 7,000 rebel troops under Hugher [sic], between Pig Point and Norfolk.  Three companies in Portsmouth rebelled a few days since.  It is also reported that part of Gen. Magruder’s forces had mutinied at Williamsburg.

A torpedo has been constructed at Norfolk, calculated to be managed under water by one man, and be propelled by him under the vessel to be destroyed.  It is said to be five or six feet long.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

From Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 29.

Three thousand rebels, under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Stanton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville, is that there are only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.  Gen. Longstreet, with his command, has gone to Yorktown.  Should Johnson retire there he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner, of the 22d, says, in effect that the destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown.  If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscription act, arming and equipping a large army, and launching a fleet of Merrimacs; but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Southern News

FT. MONROE, April 29.

A flag of truce from Norfolk to-day brought down the wife and family of Parson Brownlow, and also the wife of Congressman Maynard.  The party, consisting of four ladies, two gents and six children, are all from Tennessee.  They bring the report that all the Union families of Tennessee have been ordered by proclamation to leave within 36 hours.  1,800 Union men left for Kentucky a week ago Friday.  Of a party of four hundred attempting to leave, one hundred had been killed.

There can be no doubt of the capture of New Orleans.  The Southern newspapers speak of it in the most dismal strain, and demand that the mystery of the surrender of the city shall be explained.

The Norfolk Day Book, in an editorial, says: “It is by far the most serious reverse of the war.  It suggests future privations to all classes of society; but most to be lamented of all, it threatens our army supplies.”  The raising of meat, and corn and wheat, instead of cotton and tobacco, is earnestly recommended by the disconsolate editor.

The Richmond Dispatch of yesterday, says when the enemy’s fleet arrived opposite the city and demanded its surrender, Gen. Lovell refused, and fell back to Camp Moore, after destroying all the cotton and stores.

The iron-clad vessel Mississippi was burnt to prevent falling into the hands of the enemy.  Nothing is said about the Louisiana, but it is supposed that she was scuttled. – It is rumored that she was sunk at first fire.

Camp Moore is 78 miles for New Orleans, on the Jackson Railroad.

The following are the latest dispatches in to-day’s papers:

MOBILE, April 27.

The Yankee Commodore, Farragut, promised the secretary of the Mayor of New Orleans, who visited the fleet by a flag of truce, to make a renewed demand for the surrender of the city, but he has not done so up to this hour, 5 o’clock.

Our ship, the McRae, came up from the forts under a flag of truce, with forty of our wounded.  She communicated with the Federal flag ship, but the result is unknown.  It is rumored that the Federals refused to let her return.

The rumor that Fort Pike has been evacuated and blown up is unreliable.

In a conference held with one of the Federal officers, after the correspondence between Mayor Monroe and Com. Farragut, the officer left, declaring that he would shoot down the flag on the City Hall if it was not hauled down, and he actually brought his ship within range, but has not fired thus far.

It is reported that French and English men-of-war are below, and will enter their protest against shelling the city; and it is believed the Yankee vessels are short of both provisions and ammunition.

The city is remarkably orderly, but the excitement is intense and the feeling of humiliation deep.

RICHMOND, April 28.

The following dispatch was received to-day by Adj. Gen. Cooper from Gen. Lovell:

CAMP MORE, April 27.

Forts Jackson and St. Phillip are still in good condition and in our hands.  The steamers Louisiana and McRae are safe. – The enemy’s fleet is at the city, but they have not forces enough to occupy it.  The inhabitants are staunchly loyal.

MOBILE, April 28.

The forts on Lake Pontchartrain were all evacuated on the 24th inst.  We have sustained considerable loss in supplies and dismounting, but not in destroying the guns.  At Fort Pike all the buildings were burnt, including the telegraph office.  The operator has gone to the limits of the city to open an office if possible.

All the gunboats on the lake have been burnt by our own people.  The Mobile boats, Whiteman, Brown and several others are running troops, stores and ordnance to Manchock, after which we fear they will be burned.

The Yankee fleet was returning again to Ship Island.

In a local paragraph, the Norfolk Day Book, under the head of markets, mentioned the very small supply of edibles exposed for sale, and says it becomes a question of great moment, as to where and how the people are to be fed.

The Death of Samuel B. Todd, brother of Mrs. Lincoln, is announced.  He died on the battlefield from the effects of the wounds he received at Shiloh, in the action of the 7th.

It is reported by the flag of truce that the Merrimac has steam up.  It was expected in Norfolk last night that she would come out to-day.  She has not made her appearance, however.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1

The Merrimac

The rebels seem now to be turning their wrath upon Commodore Tatnall for destroying the Merrimac.  The pilots, to whose deception he charged the necessity of destroying the ship, ask for a suspension of public opinion – and apparently with success.  And in the meantime the different rebel papers put in a proper light the consequences of the act of destruction.  One of them, the Petersburg Express asks, - “What hope can a people have when such an engine of warfare is wantonly destroyed?”

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, June 7, 1862, p. 2

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, Jan. 29 – Some negro deserters arrived here this morning from the opposite shore.  They were cooks in the Third Alabama Regiment, which is encamped in the vicinity.  They report that the last of the iron plates for the Merrimac were put on yesterday and that she was to be launched today.

A large steamer, reported to be the Merrimac, but probably erroneously so, made its appearance at Craney Island yesterday after noon.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

The Merrimac afloat at last -- Savannah to be attacked

FORT MONORE, Jan. 28. – The only incident of news yesterday, was the arrival of the boat containing fifteen contrabands from Norfolk.  They report that the Merrimac was floated out of the Dry Dock On Saturday, and was to make her trial trip on Sunday.  She mounted 10 inch rifle cannons, and the people were jubilant in the belief that she could sink the whole fleet in Hampton Roads.

Letters from Port Royal indicate an early attack on Savannah by General Sherman and Com. Dupont.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 1, 1862, p. 2

The Merrimac Out Again

From the Dubuque papers of Sunday we learn that the Merrimac, accompanied by six other gunboats, made her appearance on the 11th inst., and captured two brigs and a schooner, loaded with Uncle Sam’s provisions.  Where was the Monitor?

– Published in The Waterloo Courier, Waterloo, Iowa, Wednesday, April 16, 1862, p. 2

From Fortress Monroe

FORTRESS MONROE, April 5. – The Mobile Advertiser of the 4th has a special message from Memphis stating the Buell’s army reached Savannah, on the Tennessee river, and there had been brisk skirmishing, and great activity on both sides for the great struggle.

MOBILE, April 4. – Wednesday a Yankee force of 2,000 strong landed at Biloxi and cut the telegraph lines between Mobile and New Orleans.

There is authority from the War Department for saying that dispatches from Fortress Monroe, dated 3 P. M. Sunday had been received.

A reconnoissance had been made towards Yorktown.  The headquarters of our army are now about five miles from Yorktown.

There had been some cannonading, but with out injury on either side.

FORTRESS MONROE, April 5. – The latest intelligence received of the Virginia, otherwise Merrimac, is dated Norfolk, last night.  She was then coaling at the Navy Yard and was expected to come out to-day.  Capt. Pegram is still mentioned as likely to command her.

The Yorktown, Jamestown and Teazer and four other gunboats are at Norfolk.

A deserter who came in this morning reports the force on the Peninsula not so large as supposed.

Magruder’s headquarters are at Lee’s Mills.

Three tugs arrived from Newberne Thursday, bringing little news of interest.

Reports are current that Burnside has been ordered to evacuate Newberne within six days, and he replied that he would not.

The rebels at Goldsboro’, Raleigh and fort Macon still hold out.  Extensive preparations are being made for the reduction of the Fort. – A few shells had been already thrown at it.

FT. MONROE, April 7. – Nothing has been done in front, Yorktown except reconnoissance in that direction and some skirmishing.

A telegraph has been established at headquarters near Yorktown.

The Spaulding came in this morning from Shippings Point.  The rebel works abandoned there are quite formidable.  The rebels took off their guns.  Shippings Point is about eight miles from Yorktown, affording a fine base of operations.

A great crowd of Norfolk people assembled on the shore near Sewall’s Point on Sunday, including men, women and children, all eagerly engaged in watching the Yankees.

A Norfolk paper of this morning contains a dispatch from Mobile, dated the 6th inst., announcing the reception of news from Corinth that morning of a great battle – that the Confederates had taken Buell’s batteries, and a large number of prisoners.  It was expected that the whole Federal army would be swept away.  This is given as a specimen of the rebel mode of keeping up the spirits of the people, and the courage of the army.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

How the Virginia is to be Used Up

In the debate in the Senate, on the Stevens’ floating battery, Senator Pomeroy of Kansas expressed his opinion that it will soon be demonstrated that any wooden vessel, and large ocean steamer, for instance, can run down such a battery as the Virginia and sink her.  He said if he was captain of the Minnesota he would lighten her, except for the stem and put her at her highest speed, and run her upon the Virginia and sink her.  The Boston Commercial Bulletin says on the same subject:

“If the Minnesota, or any other vessel of the same size, should run bows on with a speed of twelve knots an hour, striking the Merrimac on her broadside, she would sink her.  As for instance, in 1839 the ship Columbian, 500 tons, lying a Damon’s wharf, Charlestown, parted her bow hawser, and swinging with the tide run bows on against Charlestown bridge and cut it through.  In 1841, the ship Eli Whitney, of 400 tons, coming up the harbor with her three topsails set, run three quarters of her length into the end of Long wharf.  In 1850, a ship going up to the Docks in Liverpool became unmanageable and ran into the stone pier head, moving the stones some twelve or thirteen feet, and doing but comparatively little damage to the ship.  We believe there is tact and skill enough in our navy to dispose of the Merrimac if she ventures out of Norfolk.”

These sagacious and prophetic hints are getting common, and since half the people hereabouts already know what the project to be tried in Hampton Roads is, and the rebels are unquestionably well informed on the subject, there can be no harm in printing the fact that the ocean steamers Vanderbilt and Arago have been armed with strong iron prows, and are now awaiting the appearance of the Virginia, to try upon her the experiment suggested.  It is also stated that their upper works are protected by a covering of cotton bales, which are more impervious to cannon balls than iron.  The experiment will be a novel and exciting one, and if it shall turn out that iron-clad vessels can thus be destroyed by vessels of superior speed and momentum, new and important elements will be introduced into the calculation of the value of mailed ships of war.  The Virginia is undoubtedly ready to come out, and if she does not soon appear it will indicate that the rebels have lost confidence in her impregnability.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

From Fortress Monroe

BALTIMORE, April 10. – The Old Point boat has arrived.  The news of the capture of Island No. 10 caused great rejoicing and enthusiasm. – The storm had somewhat abated toward evening.

Reports from the army represent our forces facing exposure undauntedly.  The enthusiasm and anxiety to meet the enemy was unabated and confidence in Gen. McClellan was undisturbed.  The time has not been lost, and the retreat of Magruder and is forces or their defeat is considered certain.

The present prospect of clearing up is looked for with anxiety at Old Point, in the belief that sunshine and the Merrimac come together.  All seem confident that she will be captured or sunk.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

From Fortress Monore

BALTIMORE, April 9. – The Old Point boat has arrived.  She left Ft. Monroe about eight o’clock last night.

The Merrimac is confidently expected with seven other gunboats on the first favorable day.

Weather cold and foggy.

The latest news from Yorktown by telegraph, 8th, is that everything is progressing satisfactorily.  A battle is not expected within a day or two.

The American’s special correspondence says:  The storm which arose on Monday afternoon and continued through to-day doubtless prevented the Merrimac coming out as she intended.  She is now looked for confidently as soon as the weather permits.

A gentleman who was on board the steamer Rancorous when she went up with a flag of truce on Monday, says the Merrimac was then lying off Craney Island.  The Yorktown, Jamestown, Teazer and four steam tugs were in company with her – all under steam.  No particular change in the appearance of the Merrimac was noticed.

It was the impression of those on onboard the Rancorous that the whole fleet were on their way down with the flag of truce appeared.

The storm must have been severely felt in the army now advancing up the Peninsula, deprived as they are to a great extent of shelter and tents, and exposed to a constant watchfulness in the face of the foe.  Their discipline, none too good before, will be brought to a poor condition and the public must not be impatient in expecting early results in this direction.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 3

Immense Projectiles

Eight solid cast iron balls were lately sent from Pittsburgh for the great 15-inch Rodman gun at Fortress Monroe.  It had been intended to use shells chiefly in this gun, to avoid undue strain upon it, but the solid shot are furnished to crush in the sides of the Merrimac should she attempt to pass out into the Chesapeake.  Such shot at 200 yards range, would crush all through the sides of the strongest iron clad frigate yet built.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 2

The center of our army across the Potomac . . .

. . . is now at Warrenton, and is pushing the enemy gradually backward.  The rebel army is now beyond the Rappahannock at that point, having resisted our advance only by occasional skirmishing, to cover their retreat.  The right wing, General Banks’ division, is at Strasburg, and Jackson’s force is supposed to be at Woodstock.  Our left wing, some 80,000 strong, which went down the Potomac, is supposed to be in the vicinity of fortress Monroe, and is likely soon to be heard from.  Watching for the iron plated battery Virginia is now the matter of absorbing interest at the Fortress.  It is understood that, in addition to the smart little Ericsson Monitor, other and novel means of assault on the rebel monster have been prepared, upon which great reliance is placed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Affairs at Fortress Monroe --- Artillery Practice

FORTRESS MONORE, March 29. – On Friday evening the rebels threw a ball from one of the rifled guns at Sewall’s Point, which came within about 300 yards of the shipping in the upper roadsteads.

The Lincoln gun has been mounted, and this morning was tested in order to test the range.  Only ten shots were fired.  The second shot was a splendid ricochet.  The immense ball, weighing 437 pounds, after making three plunges and renewed flights, finally sunk away off near  Sewall’s Point.  If the Merrimac can stand ten of these Lincoln pills, as they are called here, she is proof against all appliances of modern gunnery.

There were some signs of activity towards Norfolk this a. m.  A steam tug came down to Sewall’s Point, and the smoke from a large vessel could be seen off, above Craney Island apparently.  A gunboat also came down the James River, within about three miles of Newport News, after reconnoitering, returned up the river.

The present high wind and low water, however, forbid all expectation of the approach of the Merrimac until the storm is over.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

First Session -- 37th Congress

WASHINGTON, March 28. – HOUSE. – The House in Committee of the Whole, resumed the consideration of the Tax Bill.  Coal oil resulting from the manufacture of illuminating gas or its re-distillation to be exempt from duty.  The tax of 5 cents per gallon on crude coal oil and other bituminous substances, used in like purposes, and on crude petroleum and rock oil was stricken out.  Oil refined and produced by the distillation of coal exclusively is to be subject to a duty of 8 cents per gallon.

The next clause was modified so that spirits rectified and mixed with other materials or prepared in any way to be sold as whiskey, should pay a tax of 15 cents per gallon.  When sold as brandy, gin, wine, or any other name, it shall pay 20 cents per gallon, on the basis of first proof, and so on in proportion for greater strength.  The tax of 4 cents on vinegar from materials other than cider or wine were stricken out.  The tax on ground coffee and all preparations of which coffee forms a part, or which is prepared for sale as a substitute for coffee, is reduced from 1 cent to 3 mills per pound.  Ground mustard and sugar are exempt.  Sugar tax 1 cent per pound.  The Committee struck the tax of 3 cents per lb. on tobacco leaf or stem, manufactured, and increased the tax from 5 to 10 cents per pound of Cavendish tobacco, plug, twist and manufactured of all descriptions, not including snuff, cigars or prepared smoking tobacco.  The Committee increased the tax on prepared smoking tobacco to 5 cents and on snuff or tobacco ground, dry or damp, of all descriptions, except aromatic or medical snuff, to 8 cents per pound.  The tax on cigars remains as originally reported.  Gun powder and all explosive substances used for mining, blasting or shooting purposes, valued at exceeding 18 cents per pound, to pay a tax of 5 mills; not exceeding in value of 10 cents to pay a tax of 1 cent per pound, and when valued at over 30 cents to pay a tax of 6 cents per pound.  Oxide _____ and sulphate of basalt to pay a tax per pound, 25 cents on the former and 10 cents on the latter.

The clause in regard to printing ink and all other descriptions of ink, fixing the tax at 3 per cent ad valorem, was stricken out.  Corn brooms, wooden pails and buckets, straw and palm leaf, hats, caps and bonnets, hats and caps of fur, felt or wool, glossed Indian rubber, or silk, wholly or in part, steel hoops and skirts of metal or other material, all to pay a tax of 3 per cent ad valorem.

Amendments were made, fixing the tax on ready made clothing at 3 per cent. ad valorem and on umbrellas and parasols at 5 per cent.  The tax on iron was fixed at 50 cents to $1 per ton, excepting on condition of manufacture.

The Committee rose and the House adjourned.

WASHINGTON, March 31. – HOUSE. – The House passed the Senate bill removing the import duties on arms imported either by States or contractors.

Mr. BROWN, from the Committee on Elections, reported a resolution which was adopted declaring that S. F. Beach is not elected a member of the House from the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia.

The House then went into Committee of the Whole on the tax bill.

WASHINGTON, March 31. – HOUSE. – The leather clause of the bill was amended as follows: On patent or enameled leather 5 mills per lb.; on patent japanned strips for dash leather 4 mills per square foot; on patent or enameled skirting leather 1½ mills per square foot; on all rolled and rough or hammered leather, made from hides imported from east of Cape of Good Hope, and all damaged leather, 5 mills per lb.; on all other sole and rough leather, hemlock tanned, 8 mills per lb.,  on all sole or rough leather, tanned in whole or part, with oak, 1 cent per lb.; on all finished or cured upper leather, except calf skin, made from leather tanned in the interest of the parties finishing or cutting up leather not previously taxed in the rough, 1 cent per lb.; on band, bull and harness leather, 1½  cents per lb., on tanned calf skins 6 cents each; on morocco goat, kid or sheep skins, cured, manufactured or finished, 4 per cent. ad valorem, provided that the price at which such skins are usually sold shall determine the value; on buck skins, tanned or dressed, $2 per dozen; on doe skins, tanned or dressed, $1 per dozen; on deer skins, dressed and smoked, 6 cents a pound, on horse and hog skins, tanned and dressed, 4 per cent ad valorem; on American patent calf skins 5 per cent. ad valorem, on patent or enameled leather 3 per cent. ad valorem.

The following amendments were also agreed to:  On wine made of grapes 5 instead of 10 cents per gallon; on starch 5 per cent. ad valorem; on furs of all descriptions, not otherwise provided for, 5 per cent ad valorem.

Mr. SPAULDING offered the following:  Provided that no duty shall be contracted on furs until the expiration of the Reciprocity Treaty with Great Britain.  Mr. Spaulding took the occasion to say that we have lost thirteen millions of dollars by this treaty, owing to discriminating duties.

The Committee adopted Mr. Spaulding’s amendment.

The tax on diamonds, emeralds and other jewelry was put at 3 per cent ad valorem.

Mr. STEVENS opposed the tax on flour, which, after some debate relative to the bearing on the Tax bill that existed by the Reciprocity Treaty, was stricken out.

Mr. SPAULDING gave notice that he should introduce a resolution requesting the President to give the required notice for terminating the Reciprocity Treaty.  Cloth and all textile fabrics 3 per cent. ad valorem.

Mr. KELLOGG offered a new paragraph “on and after the 1st of May one cent per pound on all cotton held or owned by persons or corporations.”  Fourth clause relating to organs and melodeons altered, levying the tax from fifty cents to one dollar, according to value, and $6 to $70  for yachts.  Dogs taxed $1 each.

The section relating to slaughtered cattle was amended by adding, provided that commission of internal revenue may make other rules and regulations for ascertaining the accurate number of cattle held, shipped and slaughtered, and all cattle liable to taxation.  Committee rose and the House adjourned.

SENATE. – Vice President Hamlin absent. – Mr. Foster was chosen President pro tem.

Mr. WILLEY present a petition from the workmen in the late armory at Harper’s Ferry, asking for the re-establishment of the armory and for work.

Mr. KING presented several petitions for emancipating the slaves.

Mr. COLLAMER, from the Committee on Libraries, reported to the House a joint resolution to the House for the appointment of _____ Woolsey of Connecticut, Regent of the Smithsonian Institute, in place of Prof. Felton.  The resolution was passed.

Mr. NESMITH introduced a resolution asking for the Secretary of War to furnish the Senate a copy of the report of Brig. Gen. J. Mansfield in relation to the late engagement between the Monitor and the Merrimac.  The resolution was adopted.

Mr. LATHAM introduced a bill to create a bureau of transportation.  Referred.

On motion of Mr. CHANDLER, the bill for the appointment of Light House Inspectors was taken up.  The bill proposes to transfer the light house to the revenue service, putting them under the control of the Secretary of the Treasury.  After discussion the bill was postponed.

Mr. WADE introduced a bill to provide a territorial government for Arizona.

Mr. FESSENDEN presented a joint resolution from the Legislature of Main, in favor of extending pecuniary aid to the States for the emancipation of their slaves.  Also cordially approving the President’s message, declaring that Maine will cheerfully furnish her quota of the amount.  Also asking her Senators to vote for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

The bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia was then taken up, and Mr. SUMNER, of Mass., proceeded to speak in favor, after which the bill was postponed until to-morrow.

The Senate went into executive session and adjourned.

WASHINGTON, April 1. – HOUSE. – Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois, presented a memorial from the Illinois Constitutional Convention in favor of the early enlargement of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and gave notice that he should ask for an early consideration of the bill to that end, it being a matter of great national and military importance.  The memorial was referenced to the Committee on Military Affairs.

The consideration of the Pacific Railroad bill was further postponed till Tuesday.

The House then went into committee of the whole on the tax bill.

An amendment was adopted exempting from taxation under the Railroad routes and steamboats section all foreign emigrants travelling at a reduced fare into the interior of the country, a distance of over 100 miles from the sea coast.

Several amendments were made to the above section, including a tax of one and a half per cent on the gross receipts of bridge company repairers.

An amendment was adopted that trust companies be included with banks, saving institutions, &c., and that they pay three per cent. on their income.

A new section was added, providing that on and after May next, there shall be paid for every insurance policy which may be made, renewed, continued, or endorsed, a duty of 10 cents for every one hundred dollars insured for one year, &c.

Mr. COLFAX moved to strike out the section leaving a duty on advertisements.

Mr. WRIGHT thought that the press out to come up to the work.

Mr. COLFAX was of the same opinion but by this bill, without taxing Administration publications were taxed more than they ought to be. – The pay more than their proportion on the articles used, and for paper, telegraphic messages, gas light, &c.  They might as well impose a tax on all boarders at a hotel, on lawyers for every criminal or civil case.  He said those engaged in every branch of business, merchants, as we, as mechanics, were taxed less than newspapers!

Mr. STEVENS replied that in England a large income was received from the tax on advertisements, as well as the tax on stamps.  The Committee, he thought, had already made large concessions by reducing the tax on printing paper, and striking out that on ink.

Mr. COLFAX said that experience has shown that the English tax on newspapers and books was a tax on knowledge, and that the people demanded and secured a reform in this particular.

The committee disagreed to the motion of Mr. Colfax to strike out the above in the section.  The section was finally amended as follows, and then retained in the bill:

The tax on advertisements shall be assessed on the amounts received for them and not the amounts charged, and is reduced from five to three per cent.  Newspapers with less than 2,000 circulation or whose receipts are less than one thousand dollars per annum are exempted from any advertising tax.

The committee rose and the House adjourned.

SENATE. – Mr. DOOLITTLE presented a communication from the Secretary of the Interior relative to the Indians of Northern Mississippi.  Ordered to be printed.

Mr. SUMNER asked leave to introduce the following:

Whereas, Brig. Gen. Hooker, commanding the army of the United States, on the lower Potomac, Maryland, on the 26th day of March 1862 issued an order of which the following is a copy:

Headquarters of the Division,

Camp Baker, Lower Potomac

March 26th 1862.

To the Brigade and Regimental Commanders of this Division:

Messrs. Mally, Gray, Dunlington, Speak, Pierce, Posey and Cobey, citizens of Maryland, owning negroes supposed to be with some of the regimental camps, the Brigadier Genral Commanding, directs that they be permitted to visit all the camps of his command in search of their property, and if found that they be allowed to take possession of the same without any interference whatever; should any obstacle be thrown in the way by any officer or soldier in the division, they will be at once reported to these headquarters.

By order of Brigadier General Hooker.

(Signed.)

JOSEPH DICKENSON, A. A. G.

Therefore,

Resolved, That the Joint Select Committee on the conduct of the War be requested to inquire whether said order of Gen. Hooker is not a violation of the recent article of war passed by Congress, and approved by the President, concerning the action of the army in the return of fugitive slaves, and to report such a way as in the judgment of the committee will prevent the issue of similar orders, which, while they outrage the feelings of loyal men, necessarily tend to demoralized the army.

Mr. WICKLIFFE, before the reading was completed, objected to the introduction of the resolution.

Mr. SUMNER offered a resolution that the Committee on the Conduct of the War be instructed to collect evidence in regard to the barbarous treatment by the rebels at Manassas of the officers and soldiers of the United States killed in the battle there.  He said we have been disgusted and shocked by the reported treatment of the remains of soldiers by the rebels.  The skull of a brave Massachusetts officer has been made into a drinking cup for a Georgia rebel. – It is evident that we are in conflict with a people lower in the scale of civilization than ourselves, and he wanted record made for history.

Mr. HOWARD moved to enlarge the resolution so as to include an inquiry whether the rebels enticed the Indians who committed unheard of atrocious acts, and how this savage warfare was conducted.  If he was a commanding general he would make no prisoners serving  side by side with Indians.  The resolution thus amended was adopted.

Mr. HALE, offered a resolution that the Secretary of war be instructed to transmit to the Senate the correspondence of Gen. Wool with the War Department, relative to the movements on the part thereof since he has been in command of Fortress Monroe.

The Senate then took up the bill for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia.

Mr. WRIGHT, said he had hoped when he came here he might have given his attention to putting down the rebe3llion, and that these embarrassing questions would be avoided.  He was not going to look into the past to see why certain things were done, there was evil enough in every section of the country to excite alarm but he thought it was the duty of the politician and statesman to look on the bright side.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Special to New York Papers

NEW YORK, March 31. – No news in specials this morning.  The Times has the following:

Capt. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, has returned to-day from a visit to Fort Monroe.  He reports everything quiet there.  The population has increased lately at the Fort by persons drawn hither with a desire to witness the approaching duel between the Merrimac and Monitor, if the captain of the Merrimac will again venture a fight in Hampton Roads.

Instead of 3 mills per pound on printing paper, as proposed in the original Tax bill, the House agreed to a 3 per cent. ad valorem tax.

Water was yesterday let into the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, in its whole length.  Navigation will be immediately resumed.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4