, 1862-04-14
THE REAPPEARANeE or THE
MERRIMAe. I:
HER OPERATIONS In HAMPTON
ROADS.
She Captures Three Federal Prizes.
FORTRESS MorRoE, April 11th, 81. Il.

FORTRESS MGNtGEt AF01 24lAt Z. u.
The return Of pleasant weather to-day
brought the Mer1imae, as was generally antc-
ipated. She had been seen three days ago un- |
der steam at Craney Island. and az tie evening
Of yesterday promised that the storm had ex-
h1usted ITSELF few were surprised this morn
ing at the announcement that she was in sight |
coming down.
The alarm gun WIS fired at twenty minutes
past o'clock, and as soon as the appearance
Of the Mcrrimac YVES generally known, the
docks. beach and ranparts Of the Fortress,
and other points commanding a view, we're
crowded with spectators.
The Merrinac, after showing herself be-
yond sewall,s Point, appeared to be heading
this Way. She did not long continue On the
course, however, but turned towards James
River, followed BY si1 other gunboats, which
Of Of the % latter, % Tie W jamestown o n and nd YorEtoWn
were recognized. The Others were supposed
to be the Raleigh and Treasurer: Arriving at
point midway between 6ewelTs Point and
Newport News Point, and near the place
where the French Wit vessels Gasconadie and
Cabinet and the English steamer Rina1do had
placed themselves early in the morning, the
whole feet came to stop, while the james
town, followed at some distance by the York
town and email tug, continued On her
course. The intention Of the jamestown
around, leaving Newport News on her left, it
was seen that her object was to capture two
bries and schooner, which were anchored
near The shore, about two miles from the
Point. This was done without the slightest
difficulty; and the assistance Of the sulall tug
being rendered, the three prizes were taken
of under the rebel flag.
The whole affair Was concluded il less than
half an hour, and the jamestown having re-
| joined the feet, WIS ordered to tor the prizes
| to Craney Island. Taking one brig 10 tow
| astern, and one on each side, she moved
| slowly away. Slightly alarmed at this hold
| dash, quite number of schooners tn the
upper harbor availed themselves Of d fayora-
Bile wind and sailed.
| Vp to this time, the rebel feet has remained
| in tie position inswhich they frsIp1aced them
selves, and nothing more has been done The
| tide is DOW out, aud probably no new move
ment will be made for some hours. If the
Merrin1ae should then see 6t to pay us visit,
! she will be appropriately welcome.
The names Of the brfgs captured are tho
Laboa, Of Providence, Rhode Island, and the
Marcus, Of Stockton. The former was loaded
with hay on private account, aud the latter
was chartered by the Government, but had
been un1oaded. The name of the schooner
has not been ascertained. The captainB Of the
Two brigs escaped ashore in small boat, with
four of the crew Of the Marcus. Tive men
were left on board the Marcus and six or
board the Laboa. They u1ade no efforts tc
lower boat to escape: They were all taker =
schooner. It Is said the captured vessels vert
ordered last night to move down the harbol
| for safety,
The schooner Harmony, used as q waite
boat! by Mr.. Noyes, Government contracto
be a1onside the French men-of-var when tn
) Merrimac made her appearance, and Was takel
under protection Of the French Tag, thus es
Gaping capture.
M. Noyes has previously lost by captur
, two schooners employed as water boats b
, him.
The Jamestown returned from Craney Il
land at three o'clock. Not shot Was fire
} until four o'clock, when the Merrimac fire
! three shots in the direction of Hampto
| Greek. The Naugatuck and 0ctorora, Whic
had been stationed in that vicinity, reptile
: with q number OF shots, all Of which fe
? near the rebel fleet. The whole rebel flee
: led by the Mer1imec, then returned to tt
Elizabeth river.
e The name Of the schooner captured is th
Emily. She Was from Washington with su
q 1ers' stores.
: tors, came out Of Elizabeth river this afte
> noon. A number OF small sail boats coul
be seen throughout the day off SeWall
:, Point.
= WASHINGTON, April IA dispatch to Il
y Secretary Of War from Gen. Wool, FortreI
e Monroe, the 12th, says the Merrimas b
Z, been stationary near 4eWall's Point all da
Il but in plain sight.
WASHINGTON, April 13-The last dispate
received from Gen. Wool, at $50 p. m,
, Secretary Stanton, says:
IS The Merrimae has not made her appearan,
h to-day. think her object is to prevent /
4 reference with feinforcements from Norfo
~ to Yorktown. Deserters from rebel cam]
yesterday report constant reinforcement
8 to the rebels from the direction Of Richmo1
Ia and Rappahannock.
~ (signed1 j. E. Wool.
. BALTIMORE, April 13.-An Old Point lett
[6 brings no later news, except it was thong
re the MeHimac was aground near sewan
le Point. This is only suTnise. The other reh
- vessels are moving Abont 5 o'clock p. !
~ the Meuimac's position was unchanged, al
= from the tide being low and tugs about ht
es it looks pretty certain she is aground