Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-14
Night Dispatches.
From Fortress. monroe.

FoRrREss MONROE, April III, p. M.-The re-
turn OF pleasant weather TO day brought the
Merrimac as was anticipated. She had been seen
three days ago under steam at Craney Island and
the evening of yesterday promised that the
storm had exhausted itself, few were surprised
this morning at the announcement that she was in
sight coming down.
The alarm gun was fired at 20 minutes past
O'Clock, and soon as the appearance of the
Merrimac was generally known the docks. beach
and ramparts of the Fortress and other points
commanding a view were crowded with specta-
tors
The Merrimac after showing herself beyond
Sewall's Point appeared to be leading this way.
She did not long continue this course, how
ever. but turned towards James river followed
by six gunboats which had come round the point
in her company. OF the latter the jamestown
and yorktown were recognized. The others
were supposed 10 be the Raleigh and Treasurer
Arriving as a point midway between Sewalls
Point and Newport News Point and near the
place where the French war vessels Gassentie and
Castnet aud the English steamer Rualdo had
placed themselves early in the morning, the whole
fleet came stop, while the jamestown, fol
lowed al some distance 10y the Yorktown and
small tug continued on her course.
The intention of the jamestown was not at
first perceived. As she came round, leaving New
port News on the lett, il seen that her OBJ
ject to capture two brigs and schooner
- which were anchored near the shore about two
miles from the Point.
This was done without the slightest difficulty,
and with the assistance of the small tug the three
prizes were taken off under the rebel flag.
The whole affair was concluded in less than half
an hour. and the jamestown having regained the
feet 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 num-
Der of schooners in the upper harbor avaed
themselves of a favorable wind and sailed.
Up to this time the rebel feet has remained in
the position in which they first placed themselves
and nothing more has been done.
The tide is now out, and probably no new
movement will be made for some hours. If the
Merrmac should see fit to pay VISIT she will
be appropriately welcomed.
The names of the two briggs captured are the
Sabas, of Providence, Rhode Island, and the
Marcus of Stockton The former was loaded
with hay on private account, and the latter
chartered by the government, but had been I'M
loaded. The name of the schooner has not been
ascertained
The captains of the two briggs escaped ashore
in small boat, with four of the of the
Marcus Two men were left on board the Mar
Gus. and six on board the Sabas. They made
efforts to lower boat to escape. They were all
taken PRISONERS, together Win Tue crew vi Tue
schooner
1t is said that the captured vessels were order
ed last night to move down the harbor for safety
The schooner Harmony, used a water boat
by Mr. Moves, Government contractor for sup
plying water to the fleet, happened to be along
side of the French man of war when the Merri-
mac made her appearance, and was taken under
protection of the French flag, thus escaping cap
ture.
Mr.. Noyes has previously lost by capture two
schooners employed as water boats by him.
The jamestown returned from Craney Island
at three O'Clock. Not shot was fired until four
O'clock when the Merrimac fired three shots in
the direction of Hampton Creek. The Manga
tuck and OctOroon, which had been stationed in
that vicinity, replied with number of shots, all
of which fell near the rebel feet. The whole
rebel fleet, led by the Merrimac, then returned to
the Elizabeth River.
The name of the schooner captured is the
Emily She was from Washington with suffers
stores.
A passenger steamboat, filled with spectators,
came out of Elizabeth river this afternoon. A
number uf small sail-boats could be seen through
the day off Sewell's Point.