Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1862-04-17

prised this morning at the announcement
that she Was in sight coming down.
/ The alarm gun was fred at twenty min
utes past o'clock. aud as soon as the
appearance Of the Merrimac was generally
known. the docks, beach and ramparts of
the Fortress, and other points command
| ing view. were crowded with spectators
The Merrimac. after showing herself be-
yond SewalPs Point. appeared to be head
ing this way. She did not long continue
on the course, however, but turned toward
James river. followed by six other gun
her company. OF the latter, the James
town and Yorktown were recognized. The
others were supposed to be the Raleigh
and Treasurer. Arriving at point mid l.
way between Sewall's Point and Newport
News Point, and near the place where the
French war vessel Gascona.lie and Cabin
ct and the English steamer Rinaldo had
placed themselvea early in the morning.
the whole fleet come to stop, while the
jamestown, followed at some distance by
the Yorktown and small tug. continued
on her course. The intention of the
Jamestown was not at first perceived. As
she came around, leaving Newport News
on her left, it was seen that her object was
to capture two briggs and schooner.
which were anchored near the shore, about
two miles from the Point This was done
without the slightest difficulty: aud the
assistance of the small tug being rendered
the three prizes were taken off under the
rebel flag. .e
The whole affair was concluded in less
than half an hour. and the Jamestown
having rejoincd the fleet, was ordered TO
tow the prizes to Craney Island Taking
one brig in tow astern. and one on each
side. she moved slowly away. Slightly
alarmed at this bold dash. quite number
of schooners in the upper harbor availed
themselves of favorable wind and sailed
Up TO this time. the rebel feet has re
manned in the position in which they first
placed themselves. and nothing more has
probably no new movement will be made
for some hours. II the Merrimac should
then see fit 10 pay Us visit. she will be
appropriately welcomed.
The. names of the, briggs ctpturel are the
Laboa. of Providence. Rhode Island, and
the Marcus. of Stockton. The former was
loaddd with hay on private account. and
the latter was chartered by the Govern
ment. but had been unloaded. The name
of the schooner has not been ascertaine,l.
The Captains of the two briggs escaped
ashore in a small boat, with four of the
crew of the Marcus. Two men were left
on board the Marcus, aud six on board
the Laboa. They made no efforts to lower
a boat to escape. They were all taken
prisoners. together with the crew of the
schooner. 1t is said the captured vessels
were ordered last night 10 move down the
harbor for safety.
The schooner Harmony. used as water
boat by Dir. Noyes. Government contractor
for supplying water to the fleet. happened
to be alongside the French men, Of war
when the Mcrrimac male her appearance.
and was taken under protection of the
French flag. thus escaping capture.
Mr.. Noyes has previously lost by cap
ture. two schooners employed as water
boats by him.
LATER.
The jamestown returned from Gran ey
Island at o'clock. Not shot was fired
until four o'clock, when the Merrimac fred
three shots in the direction of Hampton
Creek The Naugatuck and Octorora.
which had been stationed in that vicinity.
replied with number of shots, oil oil
which fell near the rebel fleet. The whole
rebel fleet. led by the Merrimae, then re-
turned to the Elizabeth river.
The name of the schooner captured is the
Emily. She was from Washington with
suffers stcscs.
A passenger steamboat, filled with spec
tators. came out OF Eliz beth river this
afternoon. A number of small sail boats
could be seen throughout thu day off Sew
all's Point
WAsHISGToS, April IA dispatch
to the Secretary Of War from Gen Wool
Fortress Monroe. the 18th, says the Mer-
rimac has been stationary near Sewall's
Point all day. but in plain sight.
WAsmSGroS, April 13.-The last dis.
patch received from Gen. Wool. at S. 80
p. m. to Secretary Stanton. says:
The Merrimac has made her sppeara nee
to-day. l think her object is to prevent
interference with reinforcements from
Norfolk to Yorktown. Deserters from
rebel camps yesterday report constant re-
Inducements to the rebels from the direc-
ton of Richmond and Rappahannock.
(Signed) j. L. Wool.
BALTrNonE. April 13.-An Old Point
letter brings no later news. except it was
thought the Merrimac was aground near
Sewall's Point. This is only surmiSe.-
The other rebel vessels are moving
About SO clock p. m. the Merrimac's po-
sition was unchanged. and from the tide
being low and tugs about her; it looks
pretty certain she is aground.