The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-23
IMPORTANT FROM FORTRESS MoNROE.

FORTRESS MONROE, Dec. 81 1891.
From most reliable source have been enabled TO ob-
tain very important. Information OF the operations Of the
rebels at Norfolk and expose Of somo OF their intended
movements.
An expedition on large scale is being fitted out 10
proceed against ateras Inlet and retakc what was cap
tured from them by Commodore Sirngham The feet
will consist OF eleven large side wheel steamboats, and
propelers, and number OF ships launches taken from
the Norfolk Navy Yard expected to rendezvous a.
Roanoke Island aud when joined By the gunooa,s now
fitting cut at the Navy Yard and iron Norfolk,
will at once proceed 10 the coast OF North Carolina
Commodore Lynch OF Dead Sea exploration nosoriety
now commands The rebel naval force nfesng the waters
Of Virginia and North Carolina The expedition against
Haeras Inlet is to Be- in command Of Arthur Sinclair late
ofthe United States Navy, and resident Of Norfolk
Captain Patrick Mcsrcick late Captain OF tho passenger
boats Coffee and Northampton OF the Bay line between
Baltimore and Norfolk, be attached 10 the feet as
sailing master. Captain NcCaryick is a natve OF Ireland
and master Of the Colse wuso at the time she
was run ashore White cndeavoriug 10 asis. the French
corvette Proney, which was lest the North Carolina
coast in November IN hat exploit McCarrick set Are 10
the Winslow ami came losing his lilo.
All The sick, disabled, badly shod and clothed soldiers
have been removed from Roanoke Island to Norfolk eay
ing bnt = very smai! force az the former place.
lal'y eleven hundred men are now employed at the
Norfolk Navy Yard, large portion Of them bong en-
gagged in rfing old and new guns number Of the old
guns which had been removed 10 Hardys farm back Of
s. Helena, directly opposite the Navy Yard arc being
unmaskod and returned TO The yard riaca and dsribut
ed The mechanical direction OF the yard is under ,hs
supervision OF William T. Williamson a resident OF Nor.
fc and fo many years an engineer il the United States
Navy lie has been many years sea- but owing 10 his
habitua laziness he has done much service while
al sea. The practical working Of this department
is an Engshman named Carr and he has now a recent
importation Of large number OF his own counrvmen
with him, who are engaged in making prosctlcs sDd
rfed guns after recent English patterns.
When the yard was lett By our forces an immense
quantity Of timber was stored in the sheds no,
Of which has been removed from the wet or ,pd docs
The wages Of tho men employed in the yard are on an
average, about ono dollar and eighty cents per dav
which is pad only nioccasionay, and then in shin
plsstefs Az fast as the money is paid to tho hands
rush is made 10 get rid OF IT. This is owing to an
henson Of an attack by our forces, and such case
these n'en dread 70 have any OF the Southern currency
found on their persons. This state or affairs is partly
what causes so much suffering among the laboring
classes 'hs period between pay days beirg SO long
Ny Informant assures me soemnly that the n1aor;t
OF the people beg and pray for speedy advance OF the
Union troops, and as the Stars and Stripes are
unfurled the points opposite Fortress Monroe we wi,
receive such assistance would drive the enemy before
us like sheep.
The United States steam transport Ericsson arrived
las; evening from Port Royal She brings no later no,vs
than that by the Atlantic except that portion Of the
stone feet had arrived a Charleston was being sunk
outside TO more effect uaily obstruct the charnel