Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1861-11-15
PHILADELPHIA. Nov. u

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. y.
The Inquirer has tie following from
Fort Monroe, derived from rebel sources:
In anticipation of the arrival of the great
naval expedition, the rebels had been en-
gagged in erecting batteries upon a point at
Hilton Head, and on che opposite neck of
land.
The principal fertilization on Hilton's
Head was dsnominated Fort Walker, stu
ated on low land, and partially concealed
by trees ind underbrush. Adjoining it
were other batteries Of smaller size, but so
connected as to prove formidable barri-
er to the entrance of vessels.
Fort Beaufort was of considerable i'm
portancs, having been mounted with heavy
guns. The garriscns are supposed to have
been South Carolina regiments, assisted by
additional regiments sent from Richmond.
The batteries at Bay Point, opposite Hill
ton Head, were equally formidable. In
side of Point Royal entrance, and be-
yond the batteries, lay the feet of Commo-
dore Tatnall, which consisted only of small
vessels, carrying a few heavy guns but
principally light ones. Tugs constituted
great portion of this feet. Many of these
remained outside tho mouth of the en-
trance till the arrival of our feet, when
they formed in mini allure line of battle,
in the position already stated, beyond the
guns of their own forts and across the en-
trance.
On the morning of Thursday last the
United States fleet, numbering forty-two
vessels, headed by the flag ship, approach
ed the mouth of Port Royal entrance
This was at half past nine o'clock. Several
of the transports remained eff the coast
Upon arriving at a suitable position, the
guns Of the feet opened continuous fire
upon Forts Walker and Beauregard, as
well as upon those of Bay Point.
Under cover of this fire an effort was
made to run the gauntlet of the batteries,
which they did. A number of the vessels
passed through the fire from the shore bat
teries, with very trifing injuries. At least
fifteen of them succeeded in passing US be-
yond reach Of the land batteries. As the
Union fleet sailed up, the mosquito feet Of
Tatnall opened fire, but seeing the impos-
sibility of making any resistance, soon dis
persed. Some were forced to run on
shore; others were driven up the inlets,
out of sight
Com. Tatnall went on shore with his
men to assist in working the batteries, and
use them against our vessels, which were
endeavoring to follow tie advance of the
others. The passage of the feet through
the channel was not accomplished until the
firing had continued from half past four in
the morning till nearly five in the evening.
One of the Union gun-boats is believed
to have been burned, and three s steamers
disabled
It is acknowledged by the enemy they
had twenty men killed in Fort Walker, but
it is impossible to state what their loss was
at the other batteries-doubtless very
great, as our fire is said to have been very
effective, and guns well aimed and of
heavy calibre.
Nc sooner did our vessels 90 by the bat
teries at Port Royal entrance and slide in
to what is termed Broad river, than they
made for the mouths of the inlets leading
to Beaufort, Savannah and Charleston -
These they Immediately blockaded, tho
not in time to prevent the escape of small
rebel vessels
New YORK, Nov 1.-THE Post SAYS
an expedition is prepared, if not already
sailed, which will seal the harbors of Sa-
vannah and Charleston against the exit OF
entrance of any further Theodoras OF
Nashvilles. Also fotilla of thirty vessels
is now in this port armed and manned,
ready to sail for the Gulf of Mexico. The
vessels are peculiarly fitted by size. draft of
water, and ornaments for harrassing the
coasts of Louisiana and Alabama.
Under the circumstances, the late action
at Belmont, Mo, is considered highly
creditable to our troops and the credit OF
brilliant movement is due Gen. Grant.
A dispatch from Western Virginia to-
day, says Gen. Rosecrans and command
are in fine condition and prepared to receive
the enemy, and is confident of success.
Gen. Heintzelman, from the left wing
of the army, confirms the report that the
rebel troops are leaving the Potomac, and
moving Southwark, seemingly to South
Carolina and Georgia, which is the looked
for effect of descent on the Southern
coast.
A GOOD HAUL OF PRECIOUS RAscALs,-
I