Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-12-27
HEAD QuAHrRRs 3d Reg't. VI. Vols
Camp Griffin. Va, Dec. l3.
LATEST FROM TIE SOUTH.

WAsuEN0ToN. Dec 30.
The Navy Department has received dis
patches from Port Royal, including one from
COMMANDER Drayton, dated Dec. 8. He
gives the particulars of his recent cruise on
the Pawnee, with the Unadilla. Isaac Smith
and Vixen, in the exploration Of Ashepoor
River. Among other things, he states that
on our approach TO Musgouts Creek he saw
picket of s, ldiers, who took to their horses
on his approach, and were hastened in their
flight by a shot or two being thrown at them.
On landing at Hutchinson's Island, it was
ascertained that two days before all the negro
houses, ovorseers' houses and outbuidiugs,
together with all the picked cotton had been
burned. An attempt had at the same time
been made to drive off the negroes, but many
escaped, although some Of their number, they
said. had besn shot in attempting to do so.
The scene that presented itself was one of
complete desolaton. The smoking ruins and
covering figures of the negroes who still
instinctivly cung to their Learthstopes, al
though there was no longer shelter for their
heads, presented most melancholy sight The
impression was made stronger by the piteous
walls of the poor creatures large portion
of whom were old and decrepid. About l40
negroes, the most of them in very destitute
condition, had collected at Otter Island
Commender Drayton had given directions to
supply them with food until some disposition
could be made OF them.
Unusual depression is reported throughout
the South, and New Orleans is particularly
despondent. A great negro insurrection is
reported in Mississippi, an immense amount
of property destroyed, $3.50, 900 worth on
the Quitman estate alone.
The Philadelphia Bulletin says its Union
refugees informant must be mistaken about
the Merrimdc sticking on the stocks at Nor
folk. Another informant says the Werrimdc
was in the dry dock, that her upper works
were cut down so as to bring her water line
almost on level with the water, and that
she was covered with heavy timber, sheathed
in iron. 1t is probable that taking her out
of the dry dock her weight was so great that
she would not float, and sunk, and never can
be raised
Gen. Stevens brigade, 1000 men, now oo-
cupies Beaufort, Lady island, St. Helena and
Bay Point. Gen. Nieles' expedition has been
abandoned. Gen. Sherman has issued orders
for all reporters to leave Port Royal imme-
diately. The number OF troops at Port Roy
al is 10000. Four hundred thousand lbs Of
cotton have been secured, and will be ship
ped by the next steamer.
Port Royal letters mention the capture OF
the British ship admiral. while attempting
to run the blockade at Savannah. Also the
schooner Leader, engaged in the samo at
tempt.
The steamer Atldntic, from Port Royal the
17'h, has arrived. She brings 10000 lbs.
Of sea island cotton gathered by negroes, un-
der the direction Of government agents She
passed the VanderbM off lIatteras steering
south, ond soon after another steamer bound
south.
CHARLESTON, Dec. 10.
The Mercury says The federals occupy
Beaufort and Port Royal Island with force
supposed to be 5000 They have erected a
battery near Port Royal Ferry, of 2 Founders
Parrott guns, and are throwing up an en-
trenchment on Port Royal Island. 1t report
ed that launch was fred into by our troops,
and seven Yankees killed. Gen. Evans ar
rived here yesterday The English news
gives great JOY here.
The Nashvilie Gazette is informed that
twenty eight Federal soldiers entered the
line OF Gen. zolicoder's army, stating that
after reading Lincoln's message they could nc
longer bear arms against the South, and were
ready to fight against the Abolition tyranny
,
, Rev. Phineas Bailey Of Albany, much re-
spected minister of the gospel, died very sud
a L.. all IN