New-York daily tribune., 1861-05-14

to find them ont. 1t is clear that Col Dimmcks views
are not as sharp-set as those Of some others.
The Colonel is very active in experimenting the
works in and about the fort he entered the army in
1919, and consequently he must be nearly sixty-.ve
years Of age. Notwithstanding bis somewhat advanc-
ed years and arduous services in the early Indian and
Mexican wars bis physical constitution is vigorous aud
unimpared. In all these wars, he served with disnc-
ton. He went into Mexico Captain and cane out q
Brevet-Colonel, having been breveted twice during
that His heroism at the capture OF the City OF
Mexico especially commended, and few men in the
army have higher claim 10 bravery than Col. DIM
milk. He stationed at this post about year and
half ago. In stature COL D. is spare and about five
feet ten inches in hight. He has mild Eghtgray eye,
and prominent nose. He is member Of the Eplsco-
pal Church ard sincere Christian.
Nothing positive is known Of the movements Of the
rebels in this port of the country further than tht they
sre erecting forticatiopsa Norfolk Gospo and points
in the neghborhoOd Of those places. There is known
to be battery Craney leland at the mouth of Eliza
beth River, between eight end ten miles distant, and
near the mouth of james River and about four miles
from Norfolk. There is known to be battery at the
Naval Hospital, and others at various points between
Farhaven and Norfolk, 10 intercept the march Of tOols
designed operate against the latter place. To retake
the Navy Yard Norfolk troops must be debarBed at
FairbayeD, which il between II and Ii miles below
Norfolk nearly opposite Old Point. Several indena-
t0ns TO be crossed fortified and in view of the pro-
b,ble purpose to reakc the Navy Yard, and disprse
the rebels ut Norfolk, this particular section Of Vir
ginia becomes of importance. 1t has at various
times been referred to in former years. in reports On
tie subject of the defense Of the Navy Yard.
There srs likewise known TO be batteries at other
points on James River and on York River but Of the
precise ppoxiate number of rebel troops collected
nothing ID known at this post further than at Annapolis
it pretty well understood that there between four
and five thousand soldiers, beside large number OF
workmen, many Of them negroes.
The Cumberland and the Yankee maintain rigid
blockade. The rebels ae known to have placed heavy
armaments On the steamers Jamestown and Yorktown,
now up the river and the presumption il that they viii
undertake to run the blockade favorable night.
The Monticello now the Star is cruising in the river
and contributes much 10 maintain the police The
Harriet Lane is up the Chesapeake. The guns of the
Cumberland bring some vessel to nearly every day,
and several prizes are how anchored in Me cove uncer
the guus Of tie fort A quantity of cotton in bales
was captured few days since. Good use viii be
made OF It.
Old Point is now nearly cut Of from the outside
world. Formerly a fine line Of steamers Piled be-
tween Norfolk and hltimore, touching ut tLs place,
hut since the Rebellion broke out boats have gone
further than Old Point connecting with small boat
Norfolk; and even this communication has become
irregular and uncertain. Every few days Govern
ment steamer comes DOWN from Washington with Dis
patches TO the hae-olcer the commander OF this
ros. Transports Lave been arriving freely from the
North with provisions aud muni,icnr Of botn Of which
the fort baa a'ge quantities.
Great vigilance is observed by the oficers of the
garrison. Tie guards have been increased, and
every night the great gate Of the main entrance ia
elosei During the day Que is allowed to enter the
fort unlcas known TO be loyal, aid then not
without Il permit from the commanding officer.
The troops are drilled several hours each day, and
parade takes place every morning There an excel
len, band OF music connected with the post, and
hese 6na mornings the scene is highly aniuating.
The Massachusetts regiments lsboring hard end
with great willingness 10 perfect themselves in the arts
Of warfare. The advantages Of the regular service
the volunteer system are very apparent however.
The health Of the garrison is perfect runoTs to tie
contrary notwithstanding.
In view of the sad effects resulting from the burn
lDB Oh the Ollcers III GOrt ouuteI III
matter ofrecusr interest to know whether anything
of tie sort s lable to arise in Fortress Monroe. There
is not the least ground for apprehension on this score.
Although there probat, fifty buildings within the
walls Of the fort the burning Of them all, at the
time wopld scarcely inconvenience the garrison,
during an engagement. The wooden buildings will
probably be burned before long get them out Of tue
way. Fort Sumter covered ali area of about three
ceres and the buildings close TO the casemates
Fortress Monroe covers an area Of sixty five acres
ell the buildings are remote from the casemates. AL
apprehension on this may be dismissed.
Considering the extent of this forti6cation the pres
ent garrison is insufficient. There should be at least
900 regulars here. The volunteers at best bl,
nfa ry and know nothingof artillery practice. Hence,
in case of stack The defense would fall mainly on tie
regulars. Comparatively the garrison is no greater
for this post than that in Fort Sumter for Ea.. 1t
should be ecolected that Gen. Lee and ether rebel Off
GERS are perfectly familiar with this post and conse-
quently arc we'll aware that it Is nsuiacenty gsrri-
soned end it can never be said that a reasonable de-
gree Of vigilance has been exercised till material ad
dition hos been made to the garrison and the number
of regulars swelled 10 at least 600 men.
THE SITUATION.
1T7