The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-10-25

Holden. Major Csdy, the CommandaAt Of Govor'
nnr's Island, attended Governor Floyd and suite
through the Inspection. After reviewing thu
troops In line and inspecting them By comps
nies, the Secretary visited in succession the
Hospital, and the music boys quarters at the South
Battery, where about one hundred boys were Assem-
bled, closely inspecting their mess room, kitchen
and school room. From thence he proceeded TO
Fort Columbus, the principal fertilization on the
island. In this fort the quarters of the rank and
file, the band, and portion of the officers quarters
are situated. The rooms of the men-in each of
which twenty-five are quartered-were exceedingly
clean and neat. The men were drawn up round the
rooms, each one beside his own iron bedstead,
and the Secretary entered all came to an "attsn
room was visited, including the library, where
goodly array Of books and newspapers testified to
tho care bestowed upon the intellectual comforts of
the garrison. Captain Jones assured the Governor
that large attendance of the men in the library
was quite common, and that they were permitted to
take some Of the books to their quarters to read at
leisure. Every room is under the supervision Of
sergeant, who answered all the questions put to him
regarding the comforts Of the men under his charge
The kitchens and mess rooms of the soldiers receiv
Cd careful scrutiny by the Secretary. He looked into
the soup boilers and examined the ovens The quality
Of the soup, which was in course Of preparation,
good and nutritious; and the bread was as sweet
light and fine as any one need wish to eat, and SO
Gov Floyd pronounced it. A ration Of pork-which,
to Judge from its appetsing odor, must be very pala
table-with plenty of vegetables, bread and bean
soup, is served out to each man for dinner. Four
times week fresh beef is supplied in place of pork
The Secretary put several questions to the cooks and
bakers relative to the quality of the articles under
their hands, as well as infinitely examining the same,
and seemed quite satisfied tina. the men were well
taken care of.
The Governor then paid brief visit to the officers
quarters where he partook of slight refreshment;
and proceeded to inspect the armament of Fort Co
lumbus. four Fashioned field work, with ditch and
counterscarp, and covered way leading to the old
fort called Castle William, the most conspicuous for
LITIGATION on the island.
Castle william, better known to our citizens as
" The Fort" standing on the corner of the island
facing the Battery the ugest looking structure, ex
ternaly perhaps, in the world-from the wretched
taste displayed in coloring il dingy yelow-was
built in 1907 It is, however, a strong defence, COM
manding the bay completely.
II mounts 78 guns. On the lower tier the guns are
"A Founders; on the second tier "a Founders; and on
the top "a Founders. The third tier Is occupied now
as soldiers quarters Gov. Floyd, upon surveying
the extent of water absolutely commanded by the
gums Of this fort, remarked that its value as de-
fence was at once obvious; but he thought that
some improvements might be made in its construc.
ton. Gen. Totten said that much more effective
fort could be constructed now for the same sum
which Castle William cost at the time it erected,
and mentioned several improvements contemplated
In the guns which were about to be mounted on the
top Of the fort.
After inspecting this fertilization the duties Of
the day were concluded, when the Governor, and the
large STAFF of officers who accompanied him, pro-
ceeded to the quarters of the commandant, Major
Cady. The dsy was exceedingly unpropitious, the
rain falling heavily and continuously In conse-
quence of this, as well as the length Of time oc ,u
pied in inspecting the works on Governors Island,
the Secretary's visit to Bedloe's Island was post
poned till to morrow. All the arrangements,
whether OF the Notifications, the barracks or the
discipline on Governors Island seem complies, and
reflect much credit on the commandant and the
officers under his command. The Secretary OF War
appeared TO view the whole with much satisfaction
Our reporter avails himself gladly Of the oppor-
tnity to express his full sense of the courtesy aud
kindness of the officers OF the garrison, which were
extended to him throughout the day.
Bedoe's Island and Fort Schuyler remain yet 70
be visited, when it Is presumable Governor Floyd 8
labors in this city will be completed.