Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-16
OCCUPATION OF NORFOLK.

transports are landing troops. They will
land on the shore opposite the Rip Raps, and
march directly on Norfolk The transports
aro gathering in the stream. They have on
board artillery, cavalry and infantry, and
will soon be prepared to start
The Rip Raps are pouring into Sewalps
Point. and light in the direction of Norfolk
leads to suppositiou at the work Of destruc-
ton has commenced. President Lincoln, as
Commander Of the army and navy. is
surperintonding the expedition hims elf
About two O'Clock he went across to the place
selected for the landing, which is about
milo below the Rip Raps.
il is said he was the first TO step on shore,
and after examining for himself the facilities
for landing, returned to the Point, where he
was received with enthusiastic cheers by the
troops who were embarking.
The Nerrimac still lies off Craney Island,
and the Monitor has resumed her usual posi-
ton. The feet are floating quietly at their
anchorage, ready at any moment for activity.
II is evident that the finale of the rebellion, 50
far as Norfolk is concerned, is rapidly APP
preaching.
FoRrREss MoNRoE, May 10
p o'clock midnight.
Norfolk is ours and also Portsmouth, and
the navy yard Gen. Wool having complet-
AN Ai1 lahuihk VI ulh ipIttb ~ w llouEug
Point, about 9 o'clock this morning. commence
ed his march on Norfolk with 5000 men,
Secretary Chase accompanied the General.
About five miles from the landing place
rebel battery was found on the opposite side
of the bridge, over Tanners Creek, and after
firing few discharges upon two companies
Of infantry that were in the advance, the reb-
els burned the bridge. This compelled our
forces to march around miles further
Al 3 O'Clock in the afternoon our forces
we're within short distance of Norfolk. and
were met by delegation of citizens
The city was formally surrendered Our
troops we're marched in, and now have
possession. General Veile now has com
mand as Military Governor The city and
navy yard were not burned The fires which
had been seen for some hours proved to be
woods on FIRE.
Norfolk, Nag 100 p d. Gen Wool has
lust entered the city in company with Mai.
Lamb and committee of the city government.
The last rebel troops left this morning, leaving
the city in the Of the Mayor.
On The approach of our troops the Mayor
went with flag of truce to the city line
and soon made an arrangement with Gen.
Wool The city was to be given up on the
promise that the private property should be
thiee regimental cavalry camps were found
deserted apparently only day or two since.
Gen. WebbeI's Goth N. Y regiment was adj
vanced, on landing, to reconnoter, and six
miles from the beach, found place prepared J.
With considerable care for a battle field. -
Trees and bushes had been felled, rife pits
built, and early in the morning several guns
placed in position. Here some recruits of
the 6lst Virginia regiment were captured
They reported that Sewall's Point was aban-
doncd on the preceding night by four COM
panies, which had garrisoned the place for
some weeks. negro was captured, and
the intention was made known to destroy
bridge over Tanners Creek, and evacuate
Norfolk.
part Of Wobbcrs regiment then pushed
forward on the road to the bridge, and the
enemy were found, about noon posted on the
opposite side of the Creek with three guns
The bridge had been set on fire, and was
still burning. Some six or eight shots we're
fired without effect Our msn being beyond
muskct range did not reply.
The Creek being about a quarter OF a mile
vide, our forces started on another road
considerably longer, and reported to be de-
Tended by strong battery. Not the slightest
opposition was made, and the Notifications,
which were a mile and half from Norfolk,
were extensive works, but were found evacu-
ated and the guns spiked. They were ex-
tensivo works, finely constructed. We ar
rived at Norfolk after tresomo march at
O'Clock, without firing gun.
Gen. Wool proceeded to the city Hall with
the Mayor, followed by large crowd, where
he issued the following proclamation
DEPARTMENT oP VIRGINIA,
Norfolk, May 10.
The city of Norfolk having been surrender
ed to the government of the L. s., military
possession of the same is taken, in behalf of
the National Government, by Major John f. 1
Wool. Brgadier Gen. Viele is appointed
military Governor for the time being -
lie will see that all citizens are carefully
protected in all their rights and civil privil-
eyes, taking the utmost care to preserve or
der, and TO see that no soldiers be allowed to
enter the city except by his order or by writ
ten permission OF the commandig officer of his
brigade OF regiment, and will punish, summa-
rily any American soldier who shall trespass
upon the rights of any inhabitant
(Signed) JOHN Il. WOOL, Maj. Gen
Gen. Viee Immediately appointed S. r. +
Davis his military Secretary.
After the departure of Gen. Wool several
thousand people assembled near the City
Hall to hear speech from the Mayor who
seems to be very popular.
He said that in his negotiations with Gen. I
Wool he had secured pledge for the protec-
ton of private property and the safe contin-
uance of all private business.
Gosport Navy Yard and the public proper
~ was burned by the enemy to-day, with
most OF the steamboats, and other vessels on
Elizabeth river. The flames made a brilliant
spectacle the entire evening. The people are
IN state OF great excitement With strong
police force igbt it is hoped that no acts Of
violence will be committed.
SUNDAY Morning, May H.
The navy yard was completely destryod
with large number Of steamboats, and other
vessels Numerous Union flags are floating
IN Portsmouth. The place is occupied by the
18th Massachusetts regiment.
Cen Niele has established his headquar-
tiers in the Custom house formerly occupied
by Gen. Huger. The national flag was rails
cd FOR the FIRST time at 10 o'clock this morn
ing, on the custom house. It was saluted by
the UuaYd and a. liz ohoar,d