The New York Herald Newspaper, May 12, 1862, Page 1

. WHOLE NO. 9375. NORFOLK OURS! Highly Important Despatch from : Secretary Stanton. Norfolk and Portsmouth Cap- tured by General Wool. TE MERRIMAC BLOWN UP. That Great Bugbear Out of the Way. President Lincoln and Secre- tary Chase in the Field. important Night Reconnoissance by the President to Willoughby Point. GENERAL VIELE IN OCCUPATION. THE NAVY YARD SAFE. Retreat of the Rebel General Huger. Reported Capture of the Yorktown and Jamestown. Sketches of Norfolk, the Navy Ward and the Merrimac, &e., &e., NORFOLK OURS! ‘Wasnincton , May 11, 1862. ‘The following was received at the War Department this morning:— SECRETARY STANTON’S BULLETIN. s a May 10, 1973} Pesca Oe Tdee ata” f Norfolk is ours, and aleo Portsmouth and the Navy ‘Yard. General Wool, having completed the landing of his forces at Willoughby Point about ning o’clock this morn- fog, commenced his march on Norfolk with 6 ,000 men. Secretary Chase accompanied the General, About five miles from the landing place a rebel battery ‘wae found on the opposite side of the bridge over Tan- @or's creck, and, after a few discharges upon two'com, panies of infantry that were in the advance, the rebela Durned the bridge. ‘This compelled our forzes to march around five miles ‘arther. At five o’clock In the afternoon our forces wore within Wshort distance of Norfolk, nd were mot by a delogation of citizens. ‘The city wag formally surrendered. Our troops were marched in and now have possession, General Piolo is in command as Military Governor. The city and Navy Yard were not burned. The fires which haye been seen for some hours proved woods on ‘Bre. Genoral Woot, with Secretary Chase, returned about ‘leven o'clock ‘to-niyht. General Huger withdrew his force without a battle, ‘The Merritaac is still off Sewall’s Point. Commander Rogers’ expedition was heard from this af- ternoon, ascending the James river. Reports from General McClellan are favorable. EDWIN M. STANTON, THE PRESS DESPATCH. Barrimore, May 11, 1862. ‘The Md Point boat bas arrived. Our troops crossed to the Virginia shore during Friday Might, while tne Rip Raps shelled the rebel works at Bewa!!’s Point. A landing was effected at {Willoughby Point at a spot Belected the previous day by President Lincoln himself, who was among the first who stopped ashore. ‘Tho rebels flod as our troops advanced. At last advices General Max Weber was within three giles of Norfolk, ‘The Merrimac remained stationary all day of Craney ‘Ueland. 5 THE MERRIMAC DESTROYED. Fortress Monnom, May 11, 1862. ‘Qo Hon. J. H. Watson, Assistant Secretary of War :— The Merrimac was blown up by the rebels at two mi- utes before five o'clock this morning. She was set fire ‘Go about three o'clock. ‘The explosion took place at tho time stated. Itis Stated to have been a granu sight by those who saw it. ‘Ihe Monitor, E. A. Stevens (Nangatuck) aud the gun- oats have gone up towards Norfolk. THE PRELIMINARIES OF THE CAPTURE, &e, Oar Fortress Monroe Correspondence, Forragss MoxRos, May 7, 1862, Phe President's Visit to the Vandertilt—Mis Opinion of the Ship—He Thinks tha Vandlartilt Alone is Able to Destroy the Merrimac—Conyidence of Captain Lefecre in the Success of Hitt Project, dte., be. ‘This morning, abont six o'clock, a ge Bleamer @ntored the harbor, After steaming around the Vandor- Dilt, hailed hor, stating that the President, with Secre Caries Stunton and Chase, wae on board, and would visit @ho Vanderbilt. After a few moments tho President @amo alonside and was received at the gangway by Captain Lefevre. When the President and his party Bad beon shown all through the ship by Captain Lefevro, they expressed themseives well satisfied ‘with tho preparations made on board to destroy the Merrimac. It is not permitted at present to make known what these preparations are, but the President felt con- Hdent that the Vanderbilt alane was able to destroy the Borrimec. The President, Secretaries Stanton and Chase, expressed a hope that rome future day they would De able to take @ voyage to Kurope and back in the Vanderbilt. It will be recotiocted at the commencement @f tho war (bat Commodore Vanderbilt offered his entire Moet of steamers to the governinent at the governinent’s wn valuation, and alao his best stoxmor, the Van- @orbilt, as a free gilt to capture privateers an our const; but Secretary Welles did not deem it @visoble to receive this offer, from the faet that She outside agents of the Secretary could not reeaive the @wo.wd « half por cont, or any amount of money, in the Shape of a bribe trom Commodore Vanderbilt. It was with fo groatest difficulty that he could gota charter Mor hiedips, on account of not paying aay bribe muney othe chartering agonts; but after the fret app tof the Merryinae in Hampton Roads, Commodore Vander Bilt, seoing tee threatened danger, ropuired at ones to Wosbington ang bad a private interview with President Lincon, which resulted in the Commodoro again Presenting ihe Vanderbilt a free gift to Oho qovernment, which wae acoepted by the ~ NEW YORK, MONDAY, MAY 12, 1862, PRICE TWO CENTS. NORFOLK IS OURS! Scene of President Lincoln’s First Military and Naval Operation---Its Great Success. )DAvs POINT NS BAY N CAT LAKES 'E'SHOAL IGHT HOUSE y Ui a President personally, The Vanderbilt ia now under | the control of the President and Secretary of War, Cum. modore Vanderbilt declining all interviews or ¢orres- pondence on the subject with the Secretary of the Navy. The Navy Department bas not now any control of his ship; but Commodore Vanderbilt has placed his well known and popular commander, Captain P, R. Lefevre, in full charge, aud the War Department has allowey Captain L, to act according to his own discretion. All Captain Lefevre hopes for is that the Merrimac will come out, so that he can sink her before he returns to New York. Captain L. has been in command of the V. for a number of years, in the European trade, and has made the shortest passage on record across the Atlautic. He has all confidence tn the succossful performance of the duty assigued to his ship on this occasion. ‘The other officers on board of the Y. have also been Attached to her in the European trade for a number of years, and all anxiously expressed their desire that tho Morrimae will make her appearance in the Roads, 80 that they may have the pleasure of participating in the honore of sinking her. The naval and military officers at this place soem to have more confidence in tho Vander. bilt for this important undertaking than any other ship of the fleot, on account of hor commander having discre- tionary power. ‘The following is the list of officers attached to the Vanderbilt:— Captain—P. F. Lefevre. Chief Officer—T. Ki Secon Officer—D. Chiof Engineer—J. Germain, First Assis mn. Second Assistant—H, Miles, Chief Steward—J. McHenry. Boats wain—D. Hines. Government Pilot—0. Cavalier. Also, a crew of 100 men, Fortress Moynor , May 8, 186: The Revel Stermer Yorktoron—Arrival of the J. A. White— Panic Among the Citizens of Norfolk—The Bombardment of Sewall’s Point—The Merrimac Shows Herself’, but There is no Fight—The President and Secretaries Stan- ton and Chase Present at the Engagement—Feeling in Regord to Non-Combat with the Merrimac, de. ‘This morning the rebel steamer Yorktown started up the James river to join her consort, the Jamestown. A littie while afterwards the steamtug J. A. White came down the river and delivered herself up to our forces at Newport's Nows, when rho was immodiately despatched to the fort. Part of the intelligence she brought was, that since the enemy's retreat from Yorktown a panic has taken possession of the inhabitants of Norfolk, and that both treops and citizens are now evacuating tho place, Commodore Gollsborough immediately despatch: ed the Galena, Octorara and another gunboat up the James river in pnrsuit of the Yorktown, In about two honrs heavy capnovading was heard in the direction o» Day's Point, some fiftoen miles from Newport's News, | where it gaged war supported that our veesels were en with the enemy's batteries and ficet, It is how nine welock, Nothing has been heard from them since. The Commorore then signatized the fleet to pre- pare for action, and despatched tugs to the “rams” also to be prepared he was about to engage Sewall’s Point batteries, in hopas to draw the Merrimac down from her hole, The Seminole immediately got under way for th, Point, followed by the San Jacinto, Susquehanna ang Wachussett, and took a position abreast of the Point, when they opened fire, which wae not replied to unti some five or #ix shots were fired. When the ball was fairly opened the Monitor started and took a position in advance of our fl between the Rip Raps and Sewail’s Point, In the meantime General Wool ordered a body of troops—a portion of Geveral Max Weber's division—to hold themselves in readiness to embark at a moment's notice , as ft was the intention to land them and take pos session of the works as soon as the navy had Prepared sheway. Ahoavy and continuous fire was kept up on Pig and Sewall’s Points for about four hours. Abutit two k ® heavy black column of smoko was observed to arise from Sewall’e Point. At first it was suppored the enemy bad fired their works and were retreating, a8 the battery had not fired for some Little time previous; but our fund hopes were soon dis. polled when a jet of white smoke acre and a whoil wan sent in the direction of the Monitor. About four o'clock the Merrimac mate ber appearance, when our yessels cota meneet to fall back from their positions, in hopes that she wold follow them up; but she thought ‘discretion was tho bettor part of valor,’t and did not follow. The Rip Naps opened upon her untit who put back cowards Craney JeMnd, Some of the shois went cloar beyond her—one hit her. During the engagement the onomy’s flag was shot away, when one of their men went to take itup, anda shell sent him to his long home. President Lincoln, with Secretaries Stanton and Chase, were on the Rip Rape during the engagement. ‘Thus ended this day y work. Tonight it is tho intention to land a body of troops at Lind Haven Pay, and to-morrow the curtain will again rise, when, it is earnestly wished and “hoped, it will not descend until Norfolk 18 fn our possession, and that pest, (he Merri, mac, destroyed; for it will be @ disgrace to tho nation if she is not. Here we have the representa- tives of threo European Powers in these Roads iu the pre- eonce of the English, French and Norwegian men-of-war, It isa burning shame to have them look upon this fing flect, and see one solitary vessel keop thom all at bay. The Monitor is her equal, if not her superior, so it is re- presentod; if so, sho having such a flect to a-sist her, why is it that the Merrimac ix such @ terror, and why hag she not been destroye’ before, so that part of tho vessels can be relieved from this point, and sent to other places that stand in need of their assistance—to Charleston, for instance ? Fonrress Mownor, May 9, 1862 The Sewall’s Point Bombardment—What is Thoug't of It at the Furt—The Merrimac and Monitor—Recomnoissance Of the Latter Veisel—The Departure of Gunboats Up James River—Sharp Firing om the Rebel Balteriet—The President and Secretary Chase at the Pori—A Reconnns sance by the Former, dc., ce. After the splendid (!) cannonade or bombardment of the rebel works at Sewall’s Point yesterday, in which nobody was killed and nobody was wounded, our veesels returned to their respective anchorages unscathed. The appearance of the rebel craft Merrimac, as she steamed down the Elizabeth river, hastened, and in fact termi- nated, the affair, This morning I learn that Flag Officer Geldeborough gave orders to the vessels of the fleet to engage the rebel batteries at long range. Had a contrary system beon pursued thera is no doubt but that our fleet could have brought tho rebels to surrendering terms. ‘Tho officers on our fleet, than whom there are no braver in the service, felt much chagrined at not be and capture their guns. Flag Officer Goldsborough took no part in the engagement, but remained quietly enjoy ing the scone on board his ship—the Minnesota—four | miles from the scene of action. His orders wore convoy - ed from time to time, as the engagement proceed means of small steam propellers, of which he emplo; half a dozen or more. ‘Tho Merrimac, after she came out as far into Hampton Roads as the prudence of her traitor ofcors would pe mit, looked at the Monitor as a lion watches fts prey and thon steamed back to the north end of Craney Isla where che is now keeping watch and ward over Norfolk and its vicinity. At ten o'clock this forenoon the Flag Officer sent or- dore to the Monitor to slip anchor and make a reconnois- eance in the direction of Sewall’s Point, and fool the ene- my’s works, and to ascertain, if possible, whether or not the robels had evacuated them, as had been reported by tho refugees who escaped from Norfolk the day pre vious, In @ few minutes the Monitor was under full steam and heading to execute the ordors of the Flag Officer. The day was exceedingly fine, the sky an azure blue aud clear, and tho waters in the Roads of glassy smoothness. The Monitor glided from her moorings with ease, and as she made the various turns in the tortuous channel leading to the Elizaboth river sho answered hey heim with apparent ease. Thora was another object tu view by moving tho Monitor in the direction of Klizabeth river, AsI mentioned in my letter of yerterday, the battery Galoua and the gunboats Port Royal, com- manded by the gallant Lieutenant Morris, of Cum- dorland fame, and the Areostook, which wers sont up the James River on 4 reconnoissance, were expected toreturn at noon tolay. From the me: @ position of the Merrimac it was thought she might essay to at tack our vessela as they returned to Hampton Roads, ‘To obviate this the Monitor took @ position in the chan- nel, to frustrate this apparout design. At twenty-fvo | minutes past ton the Merrimac was observed sieaming | slowly down the river towards the Monitor, but she hut | proveedad bat a few lengths when she apparent brought up on aeand bar, as it was but“ halt ebb tite atthe time, Ax soon as rhe stopped the heavy olny of stoam issuing from her steam pipe indicated that s had a good bead or force of kteam on. About tite tims | TANNERS POINTARHI ng permitted to close in ow the rebels | diy | dupe | commande Leavy cauponading was beard, coming from the dire /) fF ORTRES DS on ‘OMFORT ‘ FORT. WOOL RIP RAPS S WANS BARTEES,@ Ai ead "ORS 0, tion of James river ; it was supposed to havo been from the Galena and her consorts, engaging tho rebol batto- ries at Day’s Point and vicinity, which, Iam informed by Assistant Seoretary of War Tucker, they passed suc- cessfully yosterday, under a terrific cannonade from the enemy. Atten minutes past eleven o’clock A. M. the Monitor ‘had attained a position about four miles from her perma nent anchorage, equi-distant from the fortrossand Craney stand and where the Merrimac lay. She steamed slowly, as if to chatlenge her much vauntet antagonist tocombat. Tho rebel craft did not scem inclined to ao- cept the invitation, but sought more congenial grounds, under the cover of thu rebel batteries at Sowall’s Pojat and Craney Island, The Monitor then turned her prow towards Sowail’s Point, and steamed up to within a mile of the rebel works, where a good Inspection of thei was had. Several guns were seun in position; the rebsl fag was flaunting deflantly to the breeze, yet but fow rebel soldiers wore seen. At five minutes of elevea o’clock the Union batiery at Fort Wool, Rip Rapa, opened | fire on Sewall’s Pojut. The very first shell went directly into the rebel camp, {ts arrival being denoted by a loud report and the rising of a dense colwnn of smoke from woods in the vicinity. Tho first shot was but tho pre. cursor of many others, and for upwards of two hours there wore fifty shells thrown at the rebels, with an ac- curacy of range, aim and offectiveness not to be surpass ed. Atone time the woods at Sewall’s Point were fired iu several places, but the wet and sappy nature of the trees prevented its spreading toany great extent. Of course I could not learn to what extent the rebels suffered by this bombardmont, if at ali; but it seems to me tho sharp reports of our bursting shells must have been unpleasant to their auricular senses. At six minates past eleven A.M. the Monitor attained ‘fg Position within three-fourths of a mile of tho rebel bat tery; from my point of observation 1 noticed the firing of tho gum by tho flash and rapid movement of a dense column of white Smoke, expanding as it rarifed out into thin air; a few Seconds elapsed, and the report reached my ears, and Almost simultancously the splashes in the water, throw. ing up a thin column of spray, indicated the direction of the ball as ft richochettea into the rebel works. The aim of the eleven inch shell, for such it was, was very aconrate, When the sholl strock, which was in about ten seconds after it left the muzzle of the gun, it burst with a loud report. At twenty minutes past even o'clock the signal officer in tho fort reported the Mer. rimac moving down the Elizabeth river, having, it wag thought, extrieatod herself from her position on the sandbar, on which sho ran in the early part of the fore noon. The alarm gun in the esplanade of tho fortress was fred, the guns on the ranparts were manned by our woll-dixeiplined cannoniers, and everything was got ig readiness for action. At twenty-seven minutes past eleven o'clock the Moni tor fired a second shot at the rebel battery. The report of the gin was like a clap of thunder, and tho explosion of the w in the enemy's ranks must have occasioned some mischief. At half-past eleven o'clock the Mer mac was observed uuder way again down tho river, but after moving a short distance brought up again suddenly on a sand bar, where she remained until four PM. Her side swung round, by the actiog of the t to present a broadside to the face of the channel armor was covered with a thick coat of grease and black Joad, which, ag the sun reflected on it, gave it a brilliants giassy appearance. The Movitor continued to steam about the Roads, between this point and Newport's News, exlibiting ber sailing qualities with much rati factic At five P. M. she returned to hor anchora, Prosidont Lincoln and Secretaries Chase and Stanton still remain here; the business of the goverumont pro fenpore appears to have been transferred here. The Prevident has himeell, by his personal orders, stirred tp the Flog OMicor of the naval fleet, who has a reputation for masterly Inactiy I bave learned of mea. sures that the President and his secretaries have now ander consideration, which will be put into practical operation ere the lapsoof many days. The President and General Wool, and Captain J. MU ward, Tr. ide an iuportant ant dangerous reconnoisancs toulay in Miami. The measure mas instituted by the President, and carried ont under hit personat He has thus shown himself, not onty a catm, te, honest statesman, but a maral and military T shall te the venenwe steamer of no mean pretvisions apoak of the nature of this recounoisem Phe President aubeequent!y p weeded on # brief MONROE | rotk At the proper | New ¥ GHRYS POINT JONES GRD CREAT BRIDGE Lo | f~ excursion in the Roads, visiting the naval vessels and communicating orders. For tho past week yolunteor surgeons and nurses have arrived in great numbers, Their services are available at a most opportune time, when the wounded are reach- ing this point from the Army of the Potomac. There are also numerous wealthy gentlemen and philanthropists, who, from a sense of their duty to the country, now visit this inilitary department to aid, personally and pe- cunlarily, the sick and destit soldiers. Among these gentlemen, whose Liberal acts entitle them to honorable inention, is Dr. Cloment B. Barclay, of Philadelphia, He i indefatigable tn measures for the relief and comfort of the sick. A few days ago, while going bis rounds in the hospital, be sras suddenly accosted by a friend, who said, “Why, sir, Iam glad to seo you, I understood that you wero looking after the sick and wounded of Philadel. phia.” Mr. B. replied, after passing the time of day, “Tam a citizen of Pennsylvania, but I came here to help the soldiers of the whole Union; I recognize no Stato Lines in the present crisis”—a sentiment well and patri- otically said. ‘Tho fact that the citizens of Norfolk did not rush with very great cagerness to the support of Joff. Davis, would appear to be proven from the following: — {Correspondence of the Petersburg Express, ¥ Nonvorx, May 1, i Another importation of unarmed militia re sched here yesterday, aud were seen making their way through the stroots. A “subctitute"? was purchqsed here yesterday Tor $1,200. Fortress Moxxor, May 9—Fvening. Old Point this evening presonts # most stirring spec- taclo. About @ dozen steam transports are loading troops. They will land on the shore opposite the Rip Raps, aud march direct on Norfolk. At the time I commence writing (nino P. M.), the moon shises so brightly that I am sitting in the open air, in an elevated position, writing by moonlight. The transports are gathering in the stream. They have on board artillery, cavalry, infantry, and will soon be prepared to start. ‘The Rip Raps are pouring shot and shell into Sewail’s Point, and @ bright light in the direction of Norfoik yeads to the supposition that the work of destruction has commenced, President Lincoln, ag Commander-in Chief of the Army and Navy, ig suporintending the expedition himself. About tix o'clock he went across to the place selected for the land ing, which is bout a mile Uelow the Rip Raps, It is said he was the firs! to step on shore, and, after exrmining for himself the facilities for landing, returned to the Point, where he was received with enthusiastic cheering by the troops who were embarking. It is evident that the finale of the rebellion, as far as Norfolk is concerned, is rapidly approaching. The geno- ral expectation is that the troops now embarking will have possession of the city before to-morrow night. Tey P. ‘The expedition bas not yet started, the delay being caused by the time required for staking the horses and cannon on the Adelaide, Tho batteries at the Rip Rays have stopped throwing shells, and all is quiet. The acene in the roads, of the transports steaming about, ia most beautiful, presenting a panoramic view seldom wit- nessed. Puavew P.M. ‘Tho veesols have not yet sailed, The Merrimac exhibits abdright light. It 9 said the Seminole will go up the James river in the course of the night. Wirowowiy Pow, May 10,1862. The troops loft during the might, and at daylight could be seen landing at Willoughby Point, @ short distance from the Rip Raps. ‘Through the influence of Secretary Stanton I obtained this morning @ permit to accompany General Wool and Goneral Mansfield aud staffs to Willoughby Point, on board the steainer Kansas, and here I am on ‘“‘eacrod soil,” within eight mtlos of Norfolk. The point at which we landed is known as Point Pleasant, one of the favorite drives from Norfolk. ‘Tho first regiment Ianded was the Twontieth New York, known as Max Weber's regiment, which pushed on {inmediately, under commend of Gen, Weber, and were, at eight A, M., picketed within five miles of Nor. ihe First Delaware, Colonel Andrews, was pushed forward at nine o'clock, accompanied by Genorals Mai field and Viele and ataff. They were soon followed by the Sixteenth Massachusetts, Colonel Wyman, The balance the expedition consists of the Tenth vt, Colonel Bandix; the Forty eighth Pennaylvania Cole ned Bs he Nynetyeninth Now York (const guard) Major Podge’s battalion of {mounted rifles, and ‘last Follett’s Company D, rth regular artillery. Gen, Wool and staif remained to superintend the landing of the balance of tho force, ail of whom were landed and off before noon, The President, accompanied by Secretary Stanton, ac. companied Gon. Wool and staff to the wharf,and then took a tug and proceeded to the Minnesota, where he ‘was received with a national salute. It is gouerally admitted that the President and Secre" tory Stanton have infused new vigor into both the naval and military operations here, and that the country wil) have no cause for further eomplaint. ‘The iron-clad gunboat Galena, accompanied by the Port Royal and Aroostook, went up the James river om Wednosday night, and although I have becn unableto obtain any positive information from them siuce she silenced the forts on the lower part of the river, it is un- derstood that the President has received despatches from Goneral McClellan to the effect that they have given him most valuable aid in driving the enemy to the wall. It is even stated to-day that the Galeua not only captured the Yorktown and Jamestown, but has put crews on board and ran thom up to within shelling distance of the river defences of Richmond. Of the truth of this, bow- ever,I cannot vouch, as Old Point is becoming famous for fabulous rumors. SKETCEES OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH, Sketch of Norfolk. Norfolk is a city and port of entry of Norfolk county? Virginia, and is situated on the right or north bank of Elizabeth river. It is distant about eizht miles from Hampton Koads, thirty-two miles from the sen, one hum dred and sixty miles by water from Richmond, or one hundred and six miles in a direct southeast line, It is situated in latitude 36 51 north, longitude 76 19 west of Greenwich, or forty-five dezrees east of Washington. ‘The river, which is seven-cighths of a mile wide, sepa- rates itfrom Portsmouth. Next to Richmond, Norfolk was the most popttlous city in Virginia previous to the rebellion, and had more foreign commerce than any other place in the Stato. It bad also been, in connection with Portsmouth, the most important naval station in the United States, and the harbor was large, safe and easily accessible, admitting vessels of the largost clase to come to the wharves. The site of tho city is almost a dead lovel, the plan is somewhat irregular, the streots are wide, mostly we!) built with brick or stone houses and lighted with gas, The most conspicuous public builiins 4s the Cily Hall, which has a granite front, a cupola (ne hundred and ten feet high, and “a portico of six Tuscan coluwns, Its dimensions are eighty feet by sixty. The Nor- folk Military Academy is a five Doricstructure, ninety-one feet by forty-seven, with a portico of six columns at each end, The Mechanics’ Hall, a Gothic building, ninety fect by sixty; Ashland Hall, and a Boptist church, with a eeple over two hundred fect in height, are also promi- nent buildings. A new Custom House was in the course of erection by the United States governmont at the com, mencement of the rebellion, which would have cost the sum of one hundred and forty thousand dollars. The city contained fourteen churches, nine seminaries, hospital, an orphan asylum, three banks and two read~ {ng rooms, Five newspapers wore but recently pubs jished at Norfolk. The trade of Norfolk was greatly faci- litated by the Dismal Swamp Canal, which opens a water communication between Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound, and by the Seaboard and Roshoke Railroad, which connected it with the towns of North ind South Caro- lina, ‘There are many ovber items of interest connected with the city which we would like to give, but our space is at present too limited. Sketch of Portsmou Portsmouth is a seaport and important naval depot of the United States, and capital of Norfolk connty, Va. It is situated on tho loft bank of Elizabeth river, opposite the city of Norfolk. The harbor is similar to that of Norfolk, and the general government had at Gosport—a suburb of Portsmouth—a large aud costly dry docks which was capable of admitting the largest ships, More than a thousand hands were sometimes employed in the construction of vessels at the Navy Yard. This Navy Yard was partially destroyed by fire about twelve months since, was seized by tho rebols, and has but now eon retaken by the United States troops. Besides the United States Naval Hospital in the vicinity—a large and showy building of stuccced brick—Portemouth contained court houte, six ehurches, a branch of the Bank of Virginia, and the Virginia Literary, Sciontile and Mili” tary Academy. The town is situated on level ground, immediately bolow the junction of the south and cast branches of tho river. The streets are strait and rcetane gular. Portsmouth is the terminus of the Seaboard and Roancke Railroad, the construction of which has increas. ed considerably the business and population of the town. Ferry boate ply constantly from Portemovth to Norfolk,and a daily line of steamboats connecting with Richmond. Five newspapers were jublished there bet fore the rebellion. It was founded in 1762, and at last returns had @ population of 8,626, NORFOLK BEFORE ITS CAPTURE. Despotism Under the Rebel Regime= Rebel Troops Stationed There, &ec- As Norfolk bas shared the fate of New Orleans, wo give below a statement, £0 far as we can learn, of the rebel troops that were posted im that vicinity, Ag our readers are aware, the approaches to that city were guarded by the famous ram Merrimac, the steam gun+ boats Yorktown and Jamestown, and others of smaller capacity, on the water, and the batteries at Sowall’e. Point, Craney Island, Pig Point, on tho sides of Elizabeth river, and Fort Norfolk, the nearest fortification to the city proper, about one mile tothe north. Gosport and Ports» mouth (the former of which comé.ns the Navy Yardy are on tho westerly side of tho » opposite the eity. ‘The eity and vicinage were, for many months past, under martial law, Major General Benjamin F. Hager commands ing, with Major 8. 8, Anderson as Assistant Adjutang Goueral. The Provost Marshal of Norfolk was W. A, Parham; of Portsmouth, A. B. Butt. ‘The following advertisements will tend to throw some light on the condition of things in the city undor the rebel regime: — [From the Norfolk Day Book , May 2.) Diernuct oF NonroLx, May 1, 1862. Tho following aiditiznal rules are adopted for the marketé af Noevolk and Portemouth:— 1. The privil — a to the market is from May 1 to Juuo L. oieine din the market are allowed, under the control of the clerk, to purchase pork before ten o'clock. IIL. The law will not be so construed as to prevent @ man living im the country from bringing his neighbor's to market. a W. A. PARITAM, Provost Marshal, Orne PRovoeT Manstan, Cory ov Nonvoux, March 20, 1862. On and after the Ist day of April next, all huckstering will be absvlutely prohibited within Chis military district, fund no person will Uhoreaiter be allowed, under auy pres tence, to parehase any articles on their way to the mare kets of Norfulk and Portsmouth, or within the said dis¢ trict, for the purpose of welling the sane again hore oF alzewhere. ‘The privilege of selling poultry, eggs, game, fish, tors, vegetables and fruit will be restricted to those wi raid or catch the same, or thoge in their immediate ployment. ; Persons violating, of attempting to evade this orders will be dealt ja the most summary mann Tho clerka ct th 6; Norfolk aad Portsmouth, the 18, are hereby instructed to use diligence vt Aa ry. y: “PARHAM ” evasions of this enoveas areal, GENERAL ae Haran areas, Tearanwext OF Norrorx, Nonreax, ve. April 2, 1902, Le Persons hoiding authority from the Secretary ot to raise ce pattalions or companies will not be pormiited to interfere with the present organization this department of the army. ‘Commanders of posts or eompanies will repent es song tampering with and offering inducements to @n| mon to join new companies, to those headquarters, persons visiting posts for this purpose will be arreate@ and the (act reported. Major General HUGER, By command of hawt AM m 8. 8, Axnenson, Asst. Ad). . The ne ossity no longer existing, the orders requiring stores and other places of CE ee ema, PM, are hereby reseinde yD. — WR Hesnquarters, Dreartrst or Norronk, Nowrork, Va., Mach 18, 1862. No person will ba allowed to proceed from Norfolk ve Fort Monroe after this date, “ hy command of Major General HUGER. Bans, Hugen, Je., Asst, Adj. General, 2 Rebel Troops Lately Stationed In Nore folk City. Besites the troops mentioned below, there were a a (CONTINUED ON FIGHT PAGE)