New-York daily tribune., 1862-05-13
DESTRUCTION Of THE MERAIMAC.
DETAILS OF THE EVENT.
The Evacuation of Craney Island
DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK
OVER 100 GUNS LEFT IN POSITION.
FORTRESS MONROE. May II. I
Via RAIrfxanp Mondny Nav II l&2

VIE DALTiAoBbs monohJ, Hay -, i"N' y
The Merrimac is blown up. At 4 o'clock this
morning bright light was observed from Fortress
Monroe in the direction Of Cransy Island, which
was supposed at first to be signal of some descrip
ton from the Merrimac. Precisely at half past
O'Clock an explosion took place which made the earth
and water tremble for miles around
In the midst Of the bright flame which shot up in
The distance, the timbers and iron of the monster
steamer could be seen flying through the air. No
doubt was entertained that the veritable Merrimac
had ceased to exist hg.Oficer Godsborough, Oh
receiving this report, ordered two armed naval tugs
the Zouave and Dragon to proceed toward Craney
Island on a reconnaissance and ascertain the truth
of the rumor.
Monitor and +. A. Stevens steamed up in the Same
direction, followed by the San Jacinto, Susquehau.
ma, Mount Vernon, Seminole, and Dacotsh.
1t was most beautiful sight and attracted throngs
Of spectators along the whole line Of Old Point.
Some were disposed TO dscredit the announcement
that the Merrmac destroyed, and as the vessels
passed up 70 Craney Island the excitement became
intense.
In the mean time, two tug-boats were seen coming
on toward the fortress at full speed each endeavor-
ing 10 outvie the other and, when nearing the
wharf the radiant countensnce of Capt. Case Of the
Minnesota gave assurance that the news they
brought was of q most gratifying character. The
report was true; he had met parts Of the floating
wreck
All tho earthworks at Craney Island appeared to
be abandoned, though the Rebel flag was still flying
| Lieut.. T. +. Eldridge from the Dragon, had
IL 81 and okau h0yrr n
Rebel flag substituting the Stars and Stripes amid
the hearty cheers of the crew. Capt. Case immedi-
arey reported the fact to the resident and Secretary
Of War who received the confirmation Of the picket
boats with great satisfaction.
At the request Of the President, Capt. Case i'm
mediaely proceeded to Craney Island to ascertain If
the works were evacuated in company with the heet
which was then advancing. Your correspondent and
Cart. Phillips were cour.eously invited by Capt.
Case 10 accompany him on the expedition, which
was soon under way and overlook and passed all
the vessels of war that had started in advance OF rs
except the Monitor aud Nsugaiuck, which were
moving ahead on their way to Norfolk, having passed
by sawalIs Point and Craney Islaud.
As we neared Craney Island we found this i'm
mense fortress apparently abandoned, though three
Rebel flags were floating from very tall stais in diff
terent parts of the works. Captain Case when
within half mile Of the shore, ordered shot TO be
fired to test the fact of evacuation. Tho only sign
of life that the shell produced was the appearance
Oh the shore Of two negro men, boat was imme-
d. ely lowered and through the courteous attention
of the commandant l accompanied it TO the shore TO
participate in the honor Of lowering the Rebel EN-
blems, and substituting the pride Of America" in
its place.
Commander Case was the 6rst loyal man that
pressed bis foot on the soil Of this reasonable strong
hold. Without thought Of torpedoes or internal
machines the gallant commandant rushed to the flag.
staff and hallisrds, and, they being in good order,
the old Flag was soon given to the breeze.
The Forts on the Island in four or five separate
sections They are constructed with the best engi-
neering skill, and most admirable workmanship.
The Forts were left in excellent condition, rs were
also the extensive barracks, which had accommoda-
ted during the Winter garrison OF over 2,OoO men.
Fortv heavy guns were mounted in different parts of
the works, on the main front Of the island the
works commanding the approaches to the channel OF
the river.
Nine Of these casemates were finished, in each Of
which were nine or ten.inch Dahlgreps, and the
work Of erecting FIVE more casemates was IN prog
ress at the time Of the evacuation, in one OF which
4 gun was mounted. The fort vt the head of the
leland was called the Citadel" 1t was not case
mated, but mounted FIVE heavy guns. Tho whole
number Of guns mounted was 80, of which two
were PARROTS, and number riaed Dahlgrens
There were also about six guns in the works which
had not been mounted. After spending an hour on
the island We proceeded to Norfolk.
Immediately at the upper end Of the island we
found mass of bIackened wreck floating on the
water, some Of it proceeding from the sunken Por-
tons of vessels. We had also passed large quant-
ties of floating timber our way up, ell Of which
had been torn into splinters.
From the men found on the island we ascertained
that the Merrimac had lain during Saturday at a
point nearly mile below the position from which
the fragments were observed. During the night
however, she had been brought back and run ashore
Her entire officers and crew were landed on the
island, and slow match applied to her magazine.
She was torn to fragments by the time the crew were
out of reach of her. Negroes state that the officers
and crew passed through the adjoining country on
the main land about o'clock in the morning to the
number Of 200. They said they were on their way
TO Suffolk.
| On the line of the river leading from Craney
Island to Norfolk there are not less than six heavy
earthworks mounting in oil about 60 cannon all Of
which are still in position except those near tho
Naval Hospital. These are said to have been taken
to Richmond during tho past week.
On the opposite bank of the river is another bat
terry, with two or three other small works.
| On all the works the Rebel flag has been lowered
by the feet. and tho Stars and Stripes substituted
The Amount Of noxdas fonnd In thA maQazines