The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-08-28
tery over which Aoated the pirate flag. being

terry over which Hoated the pirate flag. being
distinctly visible. Between Elizabeth River
and Sewall's Point are seen other batteries
The church steeples of Norfolk could be seen
towering far up above the trees. Norfolk l.
situated six miles from the mouth OF Elizabeth
River. and twelve miles from Fortress Monroe
ON Craney Island, commanding approaches to
Elizabeth River, is a heavy rebel battery OF 80
guns. Pig Point is three miles above Craney |
Island and here also is another battery. All
along James River. as far as the eye could
reach, could be seen the scattered tents OF the
rebels. There is no doubt but what with the
cannon stolen from the Gosport Navy Yard, the
rebels have completed a chain of batteries eX-
tending from Norfolk to Richmond.
| arrived at Newport News at IL NJ Iyerily
expected to behold fright smart" little viii
lage, but, instead, only few low, dirty. miser-
able huts appeared; huts unfit for the habta-
tons of even Fejee Islanders, but should judge
peculiarly adapted to the taste OF the great +.
F.V.s of the Old Dominion. Three regiments
are stationed at Newport News. being the Troy.
Second New York, and Hawkins Zouaves.
Strong Entertainments have been thrown up
rendering the place perfectly tenable agains,
the assault of ten thousand rebels. Large can
non are planted at different points, ready 10
pour shower of compliments upon any advan-
cling foe; heavy riied columbads command
the channel of the river.
The country Immediately about Newport
News is open and not very fertile. but farther
off densely wooded. The soldiers were all in
excellent spirits and enjoying almost perfect
health This is due to the fact that they are
cooled by the fresh ocean breeze. and have eX-
cellent water to drink. The water is taken
from cool springs on the bank OF the river.
The most remarkable cleanliness and order
were observable in the different camps. The
officers and men are all anxious for a brush
with the rebels, and they will defend this i'm
portant position. even if it cost the destruction
of the whole force.
| There can be 10 Bull Run stampede, for if
the rebels come down upon them in oyerwheim-
ing numbers, they will die at their guns. fall
back into James River, or surrender. Judging
from the looks and expressions of the troops, |
am inclined to believe they will neither swim
nor surrender, but will die FIRST. Yorktown is
north of Newport News, 20 miles; Bethel, II.
Across the roads leading to these places the
Federal troops have felled the trees, thus ensu-
ring their Notifications against surprise.
After eating a hearty dinner with the polite
surgeon OF the Troy reg ment, FASTENED aboard
| the steamer ard back we went to the Fortress.
distant eight miles Arrived at the Fortress at
Ia P. NJ. 1t now lacked two hours before the
steamer would start for Washington. spent
| this time visiting the large war steamers, ard
paving my respects to the celebrated Floyd and
Union guns The Flag Ships Minnesota and Wa
| bash were anchored in the channel between the
Fortress and Sewalfs Point. Several briss
mounting from to 20 guns swung l,ziy from
their moorings The Union Gun is mounted on
large gun carriage on the south of the Fortress
Those who have never seen this monster gun,
NAV form some idea of its size, from brief de
| scrip,ion. II two men, feet in height, should
stand on opposite sides of the gun at the breach
| they could not see each other; it is Is feet in
length, ard three soldiers comfortably quarter
| in its huge bore. For a single discharge so
pounds OF powder and 400 pound bali are re-
quired. Ii is intended to use this formidable
piece of ordinance against the batteries on Sew
all Point. 1t will undoubtedly have very disper-
sve feet on the rebels. At 6 p. II. the steamer
Adelaide LETT for " ashington. Nothing of re-
cullar importance transpired on the "honeward
bound" passage. 4 heavy rain came on during
the night, the wind arose and the boat rocked
but nevertheless the heat in INV state room was
just as insufferable and the engine gave vent 10
the same unearthly noise. Arrived in Baltimore
at o'clock Monday morning and Immediately
took the train for Washington. l must say that
never enjoyed myselfmore completely, although
so effectuay soaked for two whole nights. OF
those places, now so important, l shall ever re-
tain the most vivid recollections
II this communication affords any information
my object in penning it will have been fully &C
compli-hed. l shall not consider myself respon
siblc for any imperfectous, since want Of time
has rendered it absolutely impossible for me to
round up the sentences in strictly rhetorical
or literary manner.
Anxious for the welfare of our beloved, but
unhappy country, 1 hasten to subscribe my self,
Yours for the Union, now and forever.
T. G. RUSSELL