Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-10-18
nm 0nEAr NAVAL ExrEnlrInn

THE GREAT NAVAL EXPEDITION.
One of the most extensive naval expeditions
IN which this country ever engaged is now in
preparauon' ana part OF 1t is already Ou the way
to common rendezvous.
The larger portion of this fleet has been fitted
out at this port, but several vessels have been
prepared at Boston and Philadelphia, all iuten-
ue0 FOR the same object. The fleet has been
iurnished with every necessary, yet all has been
conducted without hustle or confusion. Mer.
chants have offered their vessels, and they have
been accepted by the United States quarter
master with promptness. The transports have
been rapidly loaded at our wharVes, and then
hauled into the stream, or of the Battery wait
in the signal to start Large steamships. that
have won themselves renown as ocean palaces,
have been stripped of their gliding, loaded
heavily with cannon and death. dealing missiles.
and taken into the ranks Of transports and wnr
vessels.
The expedition, as it was composed in our
harbor few days since, presented somewhat
novel appearance. The Baltic, loaded nearly 70
her guards, the Atlantic, Vanderbilt, and other
ocean steamers, all bearing valuable freight, Law
III the stream with saucy gunboats, side wheel
and propellers, and even the dimnutive tug,
win new coat of black paint, laid proudly with
the war fleet
by the middle of last week this expedition was
so far advanced that people began to speculate
upon Its probable destination The yery curious
did not hesitate to take an early walk upon the
Battery and to devote an hour to the critical ex
animation Of the fleet, to see if any OF them had
lett during the night. The wonder lovers were
grained on Saturday by the departure of the
Coalzacoaloos, CahaWba, Roanoke, Empire City.
Parkersburg, Unadilla, and Atlanta. The Third
Rhode Island regiment was transferred from
Fort Hamilton to the Cahawba, and Col Serrlps
engineers were taken on another vessel
yesterday the Battery was thronged nearly all
uay by crowd Of people anxious 10 see the de-
partule Of more of the vessels During the dav
the Star Of the South, Ocean Queen, Daniel
webster, Ariel, Arago, Vanderbilt, Oriental, and
Rhode Island, left their several anchorages and
sped their way out Of port
The Wabash and several gunboats and traps-
ports remain in the harhor, but in all probability
will sail during the day
Ihree ferry boats were purchased on Satur.
Jay, the Ethan Allen, Commodore Perry. and
stepping Stone. These will be dispatched to-
morrow or Wednesday.
The entire fleet will have left this port by
WEDNESDAY, and probably by Saturday will have
received the troops who are to take part in the
expedition.
we commit no imprOpriety when we declare
that the frst destination of the vessels compoainp
the expedition is Hampton Roads and Annapolis.
The naval vessels will rendezvous at the former
place while the transports are engaged in taking
on board troops from Annapolis. It is stated,
with some semblance Of truth, that there were
dfteen thousand men sent TO Annapolis on Thurs
day. We also learn that the Continental Guard
Col Perry Washington Grsys, Col Moore, and
three other regiments have orders to Joint the
division at Annapolis. 1t is therefore probable
that an aggregate force Of twenty-five thousand
men will be sent off. These will be fully eauip-
ped, armed in the best manner, and supplied
with an abundance OF provisions.
The ultimate destination Of the expedition ia
known but to the Government and Gen. Scott :
and even when the fleet sails, the General in
command of the troops will probably receive
SCALED dispatches, which be will be instructed
10 open when in Il certain latitude.
The utmost care has been taken to ensure the
success Of this expedition, and we are safe in
asserting that when the blow is struck the effect
upon the South will be terrible