Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-02-21
FROM WASHiNGTONA AND VICINITY
The following official dispatches have been
received at the Departments at Washington

The following official dispatches have been
received at the Departments at Washington |
U. s. FLAG sHir 81 LOUIS, |
Near Fort Donelson, via Paducah. ! |
TO Hon. Gideon iVeis, Sec'g 81 ho Nary
made attack Fort Donelson yesterday, at o.
clock, Z. NJ with four iron clad gun boats and two wood
ones, and after hour and quarter severe fighting
the latter part Of the day within less than hundred
yards Of the Fort the wheel Of this vessel aud the uller
chains Of the L0bsriNe shot away rendering the
two boats unmanageabe. They then drioed down the
river. THE remaining boats also greatly dam
aged between wind and water. This vessel alone recciv
ed y nine Shots aud the others about half that plumber
each There were hhy-iour killed and wou99ea ~ ,nls
attack which have TO suppose would IN ht2en
minutes more, could the action have been continued
have resulted in the capture Of the Fort bearing upon us
As the enemy was running from his batteries when the
two gun boats drilled hepessy down the river from dis
nblcd steering apparatus as the relieving tackle could not
steer the vessels In strong current. when the fleeing
enemy returned to the river battery guns from which
they had been DRIVEN they again hoy poured fire upon
us The enemy have brought over 20 guns 10 bear
upon boats from the water battery, and the middle
fort upon the hill, while only could return the FIRE
with twelve bow guns from the four boats One rifed
gun aboard the CaroHdet burst during the action. The
officer aud men in this hoty contested but unequal fght
behaved with the greatest gallantry and determination
All depore the accident which rendered two OF our gun
boats suddenly helpless in the narrow river and sW cur
rent On consultation with Gen. Grant and my own oh-
my services here, until we can rspnr damages
by bringing up competent force from Cairo 20 attack
the fort less required than they are A. Cairo,
shall proceed that place have sent the Tyler TO the
Tennessee river render the railroad bridge impossible
Flag oacer Com. the Navy forces Western Division;
CAtno, Feb. 10.
The Union flag floats over Fort Donelson.
The Cayondeiei. Capt Walker, brings The glorious in
tellFcncc. The Fort surrendered o. O'Clock sunday
morning. Gems A. Sidney johnson aud Buckner TO-
600 prisoners aud large amount Of material Of war are
the trophies NJ the victory Loss heavy both sides
Floyd. Ue dicf stole away during the night previous
with SO men, and is denounced by the rebels as trail
am happy to inform you that Flas uHicer Fooie
though suffering with his foot with the noble character
istc Of our navy, notwithstanding his disability, will
take up Immediately gunbonts, and with the mortar
boats which he will oyertake, will make an immediate
attack On GAINESVILLE Il the state Of The weather viii per-
init We Hre now frug national salute from Fort Ca
irn, Gen Grants last fort u honor of OBJ glorious A.
eheyement signed GEO, Sg ~ I.. VI,
The Times special Washington dispatch
states that military men believe that Manas-
sas will be evacusted.
II is believed that the recent message from
the rebels was proposition for foreign al BIZ
tration, with design of getting such fact
published in our papers, but the government
proposes to sottl, the rebellion in more sum
mary manner
Russell, Of the London Times was amazed
yesterday at being informed that Secretary
Stanton was too busy to see him.
The HraiFs Washington dispatch says
that number Of the clerks in the War De-
partment have been notified that their SER
vices were no longer needed. and prohibited
from visiting the Department
We are informed that fighting has been
going ON near Savannah, and that city is prob
ably captured.
The TriJnc's Washington dispatch says
the Harriet lane has safely passed all the
Potomac batteries How many shots were
fred at her Gen, Hooker's telegram does not
state One shot struck the top Of her wheel
house, inlicting a trivial damage.
Gen. Sedgewick has been appointed to the
command of Stone s division.
The Times Washington dispatch states
that it is reported from Gen. Banks head
quarters to Gen. Mcclellan that within the
past week numbers of virginaus have got
through our lines, reaced Frederick and pre-
scented themselves as desiring to be enrolled
in the service Of the United States.
There is reason to believe that Col. Scott, I
the Assistant Secretary of War will retire
from the War Department very soon after his .
return from his western tour.
The heavy firing by the confederate bate I
iies on the Potomac is at passing vessels, but
none are struck. Thursday our pickets near
Mount Vernon saw two men leave the Vir-
ginia shore aud go on board a small sloop
which was anchored in the stream. The fact
was reported to the officers of the day, and
detachment was Immediately sent out to
board the sloop. This was done and num-
Der Of letters were discovered to and from
parties in Dixie, and among them ten Of a
reasonable character. One is said to contain
a very complete description of our lines Of
defense on the Potomac. The two men were
arrested
The Tribunc's dispatch says it was report
ed Monday night upon the authority of
telegram from Gen. Banks, that Mr.. Faulk-
ner has, within few days, made a speech at
Martinsburgh in which he expressed the
opinion that the rebellion failure, and
advised his hearers to make the best terms
possible for themselves with the United
States.
The HeralGs Washington dispatch says
when Gen Mcclellan was asked Tuesday by a
cabinet official if he had any news of the cap
ture of Gainesville, replied, Nothing let
the army have one days rest, and we will
give you all the news you want"
The Secretary Of War has referred the case
of Gen. Stone to Gen. Mcclellan, and the lat
ter has ordered court martial, but the court
has not yet been organized, and it is ques-
ton whether it will be during the active ope-
rations.
The Times Washington dispatch says that
Andy Johnson proceeds to Nashville, as soon
as Gen Buells army is in possession, to as
sist in organizing provisional government
A full delegation will probably be sent &c
Congress
The railroad between Louisville and Nash
willie will be in working order in a fortnight
Commodore Dupont writes to this city that
in few days from the date of his writing q
most brilliant victory may be expected from
his expedition
private letter from New Orleans, dated
Feb. 10, says there exists strong Unior
sentiment, and the people are beginning t.
express their opinions pretty freely. Their
is no doubt that on the approach of the fed
erals, the city will be surrendered withou
any fighting.
The Times Washington dispatch says tina
the military board of inspectors condemne'
$4,000 infantry coats on their first days la
Dor. These coats cost tho government Sl67,
600. The prospects are that this board will
-.sGasGssaIy hold Eessinns for Q. long time,,
FROM KENTUCKY
Monday mornings CINCINNATI Commercial
has the following special dispatch son learn
ing that the rebels we're evacuaiing Bowling