The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-08-12
NEWS FROM FORTRESS MONROE.
FORTRESS MONROE CORRESPONDENCE.

Arrival Of Derter from the Rebels-He Brings Startling
Iatetgence--Gcneral Magrlder Nth Seuea Thousand
Rebesd Eight Pieces Of artillery, Fortress Monroe
Their Desgns-Burning Of Hampton by the Reoe-G'and
C5naaga,ion and Total Destruction Of The Vtd9e-
The Oh Chrch-Erpectd Attack Newport Ne'os--
Arrival Of Flog Of Truce, dc, dc.
The calm that has experienced in this department
Tor the past week followed by tempest which star
tied us by its approach which has given rise to FORE
bodngs its future results 1hequet was first broken
by the appearance of from the Sixth Georgia
regiment by the Of Mathew, resident Of Bangor
Maine, who had been impressed into the rebel
service in Georgia, and who escaped its hated
bonds yesterday afternoon, while its ad-
vance towards this post Leaving his regiment this
side of Big Bethel, he made his way to Hampton creek
il, and presented himself outor pckets told
his story, and by them brought to General Butler
gave the startling Information that General Magruder
with force Of 900 men, including $50 cavalry and
battery of eight pieces among which were two or three
ri1ed guns of large calibre had left Yorktown Friday
last and, by short marches and frequent has, had adj
vanced far Newmarket Bridge about four miles from
Hampton The main body of the force still encamped
in a swamp this side of Big Bethel, while force consist
ing Of $500 men, with the cavalry and some artillery
wero at Newmarket The design of the movement he
said was to make fent Newport News, and, drawing
out, by flank movement get into the fort II possible,
but at any rate TO cut of the troops at Camp Hamilton Or
perhaps the plan ~ make an attack Newport News,
and take ii IL possible
or course this intelligence made it necessary for us to
be on guard, and tho camps quickly notified.
Scouts sent out but information conrmatory Of
the report had been received until nearly midnight when
the enemy suddenly came into the village OF Hampton,
with force consisting Of three companies Of cavalry and
two of infantry, and after giving but fifteen minutes
Nee TO the few remaining families IN that devoted village,
SET nre TO II in several places, and IN short time the
place was in flames. A portion Of the infantry came
down TO the bridge which had been for short space torn
up, and opened fire on the advanced picket
at that end Of the bridge, as well as the
main picket, who were stationed near the redoubt
at our end A hasty barricade of barrels, filled with
sand faced with pauks, which had been torn from the
bridge, served as protection from the enemy's bull
let's which few high but several instances low enough
20 pierce the panks and barrels The handful Of who
defended that end of the bri,ge returned the fire with
rapidly and oooness, ana after fusilade Of fifteen
minutes the enemy retired, losing have since
learned three four killed and several wounded Mean
while the fire, which had first burst three
houses had spread and wrapped others its destructive
folds From house to house it went until at about
O'Clock the whole village from end to end save perhaps
half dozen dwellings which were spared was in one
grand mass Of flames The at this time most
magnificent and most mpressvey grand. -Four or five
hundred dwellings, chuchss stores warehouses pub
lie buildings were in flames at once, lighting up the
heavens for miles around with its lurid glare.
The enemy had retired, and on side OF the creek
number of spectators, including negroes, who bitterly
cried the loss Of their ALL stood and watched the
the earth the once beautiful and aoarishing village
The work was complete at ten O'Clock in the morning,
and but I'VE or six dwellings stood where hundreds could
have been counted ten hours before The torch ap
piled by late residents Of the village, who with
Magruder We are not to blame for this act Of vandal
The enemy threaten to again come tonight and CON-
pete their labors, but it douful whether they will
again venture into town.
The object the rebels undoubtedly had in thus destroy
ing the village was to prevent occupation Of it next
winter Winter quarters for troops. In military
point they did perfectly right and probably saved the
trouble Of destroying 1t ourselves.
most regret the destruction Of that ancient church.
rho Oldest in America which lent charm OF antiquity TO
the place.
we had not boon called to furnish 80 many troops for
and preserved But is too late say what might have
We expect that Newport News will be visited by Ma
gruder tonight and an attempt be made to wipe Gene
raj Phelps and his brave command but do fear
flag of truce has just come down from Norfolk with
several gentlemen and lady the latter aniece or Gene
raj Scott, who 60 North tonight.
The weather is intensely hot The health Of the troops
worry good.
FORTRESS MONROE Va, August 0, 1851.
The Expected Attack Newport Ne,us-Mouements Of Gen.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS for an Attack on the Union
Foces-General Phelps Feels Satisfied Of his Safely
The Second Neo York Vounteers-Movements Of United
States Steamers, dc.
The attack which expected the rebels, under Gen.
Magruder, to make upon Newport News last night did
not come OF, although had made every preparation
give him the warmest of receptions He did
not march his force back to Yorktown again,
but remained in his old position, near Big
Bethel, and this side of New Market bridge
Yet are far from thinking that he has given up the
idea Of taking by assault intrenched camp the
banks Of the James river He not likely 60 back,
resting his claims for credit upon the burning of
deserted village; but he will attempt something that will
gain him the applause Of the whole South IL it succeeds
We alfbeieve that his eye is upon Newport News, and
that he will attempt to carry works there before
week out He has postponed for short period only the
time of carrying out his designs but he is far from
ahqushing them. From scouts which have come in
today learned at Newport News that the enemy were
four thousand strong within less than four miles Of our
fsdoubt. They had some with them Of the
heaviest calibre. They slowly creeping towards
us there, and may venture attack, but
not with that force. Captain White, Of the
Tenth regiment, who went out night before last
and returned last night gained much valuable information
or them. They were reinforced yesterday by three
thousand men, swelling their total force to about ten
thousand With this force they may feel able take
Us, or "gobbie us up, rs the soldiers say oil around
Tho frgate Savapnah went up last night and anchored
OF the camp 10 sweep all the approaches on our left
fank by grape, canister and shell. The gunboat Day.
light is also stationed there. These efficient
aid in case Of an attack Additional pieces OF artillery
under command Of Lieutenant Hook OF the lery
have also gone up in Of necessity thousand
sailors and marines from the squadron here with dozen
Aeld piecos could be sent up two hours fancy the
place will DO held General Phelps feels alarm about
the safety Of the place at ALL and e cannot Judge Of ts
Strength no one can.
visited Colonel Cars Ciew York Second regmcnt)
camp and was greatly pleased at It's appearance It laid
Out according to the army regulations and by the ability
and taste Of the commanding ocers has been handsome
ay graded ditched and beau0ed. is now as Dr. Cuyler
the medical director Of the department. correctly re-
ports tho most cleony and neat Of any camp in the
department The other regiments might with propriety
take it az model camp
Governor Morgan has made quite number Of promo
chem notice Capt. W. A. Olmstead promoted 70 The
Lieutenant Colonelcy in place Of Lieutenant Colonel Ken.
yon-an excellent appointment; Capt. Geo. H. OTIS as
Major. In place Of Major Bloes resigned; Lieut. T Had
dock q Captain In Company B, in place Of Captain Ohm
stead, promoted; Geo. " Boutee, Captain 10 place Of
Captain J: W. Armitage, resigned, Company A. / will
send full list at an early day.
The so0pof Dale sails tomorrow for acruse south
The Wabash leaves in day or two.
REBEL NEWS FROM YORKTOWN, VIRGINIA.
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