, 1862-05-13

The Rebel Fort1t1cat1ona--.Ho the
the meFTfmac Was RloEgn uP--De-
dent Lincoln Paysa Visit up Eliza
beth River.
New YoRK, May 12.-Tne Times has the
following correspondence:
FORTRESS MONROE, MAr 11.-At 4 o'clock
this morning bright light was obsetyed
from Fortress Monroe In the direction of
Craney Island. Precisely at ha1f-pas four on
explosion took place which made the earth
aud water tremble for miles around. In the
midst Of the bright fame which shoot up in
the distance, the timber and iron Of steam
er could be seen flying through the air. No
doubt was entertained that the Merrimac had
ceased to exist. Flag officer Go1dsbora on
navel tugs, the Zouave and Dragon, to
proceed towards Craney Island on a
Reconnaissance and ascertaln the truth Of the
rumor. Immediately after theF had turned
the point, the Monitor and E. 4. Stevens
steamed up In the same direction, followed
BY the San Jacinto, Susquehauna, MI. Vernon,
Seminole and Dacotah. In the meantime the
tug boats we're seen coming on towards tho
Fortress at full speed, wien nearing the
wharf the radiant eountenance Of Capt. Case.
Of the Minnesota, gave ASSURANCE that the
news they brought WIS Of most gratifying
character. The report was true. An the ear th-
works st Craney island appeared to be aban-
doned, though The rebel hag was stfll fYIup,
Lieut. Eldridge, from the Dragon landed with
an armed crew, took down the rebel hag, and
substituted the Stars and Stripes amid hearty
ly reported the fact to the President and Sec
retary of War, who received the confirmation
OF the pfcket-boats with great satisfaction,
At the request Of The President, Capt. Case
Immediately proceeded to Crane5 Island to
ascertain II the works were evacuated, in COM
rfH1- $50 9<nfr frE5H$ $rt, nNf.1
As We nesred Crauy 1siaud We found this I'M
meuee fortress apparently abandoned, though
three rcbel flags we're floating from yery. tall
stats In different parts Of the work
Capt. Case Was the first loyal man that
pressed his foot on the soil Of this treasouanle
the breeze. The forts on the island are In
four or FIVE separate sections. They are con.
structed with the best engineering ekill. and
most admirable workmanship. The iorts were
left in excellent condition, IS were also the
extensive barracks, which had accommodated
during he TlnIer gsHison cf over ,ool
men. Forty heavy guns were mounted in diff
ferent points Of the works. On the main psr.
Of the Island the works commanded the ap
p1oaches and the channel Of the river. Tie
whole number Of guns mounted was SO, o1
| which two were fsnott's and = number o.
In the works which had not been mounted
After spending an hour on the Inland We pro
cfeded 10 Norfolk. -:
From men found On the leland We ascer
tanned that the MeE1fmae had laid during Sat
ur3ay at point nearly mile below tue hrai
OF the Island During The night she had beer
| brought bsck and IAN ashore. Her entfre Off
cers and crew weIe landed on the Island ani
| q eloF match appned to her magazine, ; 6h.
wxs torn to dagment4 hE the tine the cre1
ve,e out Of 1ehch Of her. Negroes stats tha
! the officers and crew passed through the ID
| Joining country On the fnsiu, lsnd, about |
t O'Clock IN tho morning, To the nnaabsf Of 200
They estd theY. were On the WY ID Norfolk.
on tue rme of tae ttfef leadi1g frdm Etaaa1!