Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1862-05-16
Correspondence of the New York Times.l
THE EXPLOSION OF THE aERRIMAc
FORTRESS MONROE, May II.

IeClseiy AZ Hdll pdSG lOur au explosion
took place which made the earth aud
water tremble for miles around. In
the midst Of the bright fame which
shot up in the distance, the timbers and
iron Of a steamer could be seen flying
through the air; no doubt was enter
tanned that the Merrimac had ceased to
exist Flag Officer Goldsboro, on re
ceiving the report, ordered two armed
naval tugs-the Zouave and Dragoon-
to proceed toward Craney Island on
Reconnaissance, and ascertain the truth
of the rumor.
Immediately after they had turned
the point, the Monitor and f A. Ste
vens steamed in the same direction, fol-
lowed by the San Jacinto, Susquehanna
Mount Vernon, Seminole and Dacotah
In the meantime, the tug boats were
seen coming on toward the Fortress at
full speed, and when nearing the wharf,
the radian countenance Of Captain Case,
of the Minnesota, gave assurance that
the news they brought was of most
gratifying character. The report WAS
true-all the earthworks at Craney
Island appeared to be abandoned, though
the rebel flag was still flying. Lieut.
Eldridge, from the Dragon. landed
with an armed crew, took down the
rebel flag and hoisted the stars and
stripes, amid cheering by the crew
Captain C,se Immediately reported the
fact to the President &, :. Secretary of
War, who received the confirm alton of
,ol-a -,
At the request Of the President, Captain
Case Immediately proceeded to Craney
Island, to ascertain if the works were
evacuated in company with the feet
which was then advancing. As we
neared Craney Island we found this I'M
mense fortress apparently abandoned,
though three rebel flags were floating
from very tall stats in different parts
of the works. Captain Case was the
first loyal man that pressed his foot on
the soil of this reasonable stronghold,
and the old flag was soon given to the
breeze. The forts on the Island are in
four or five separate sections. They are
constructed with the best engineering
skill and most admirable workmanship.
The forts were left in excellent condi-
| ton, as were also the extensive barracks
which had accommodated, during the
winter garrison of over 1000 men,
Forty heavy guns were mounted in diff
ferent parts of the works. On the main
part of the Island the works commanded
| the approaches to the channel of the
river. The whole number of guns
TO-
| rotts, and number of rifed Dahlgrens.
There were about 6 guns in the work
which had not been mounted.
After spending an hour in the island
we proceeded TO Norfolk From men
found on the Island we ascertained that
the Merrinac had laid during Sa turday
at point nearly a mile below the head
Of the Island. During the night 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 frag-
ments by the time the crew were out OF
reach of her. Negroes state that the
officers anL crew passed through the ad
joining county on the main Island
about s 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 all sixty
nine cannon, all of which are still in po
sition.
The amount of powder found IN the
magazines is estimated at five thousand
pounds. and the fixed ammunition tax en-
can only be enumerated by the cargo
We landed at the wharf, and took d
stroll through Norfolk. 1t being Sun
day, of course all the places of business
were closed, and the city presented a
most quiet appearance The wharves
were crowded with blacks, male and fe-
male, and a goodly number of white
working people, with their wives and
children, were strolling about. Soldiers
were stationed on the wharves and
picketed through the city, while the flag
of the Union foated triumphantly from
the cupola of the Custom HOUSE The
houses through the city were generally
closed-especially those of the wealthier
class
The seeessionists talked boldly of the
Southern Confsderacy, declaring theil
intention to receive nothing but Con
federate money, and saying they would
have nothing to do with the Lincoln
shinplasters. They were fully confideu
that in twenty days Norfolk would be
repossessed and the Yankees driven out
The President laid off in the steamer
Baltimore about an hour in front of the
city, and then steamed back to the
fortress.
Secretary Chase returned with him
while Secretary Stanton remained till a
late hour in consultation with the Mill
tary Governors, Gems. Viele and Wool
True to the spirit Of Secession, the fire
as anticipated on Saturday, and which
threw a broad red glare across the heav
ems ON Saturday night. proceeded from
the destruction of the Navy Yard, which
was done by order of the rebel com
mandant, scarcely anything being lsf'
but black walls aud chimneys. Ever
the immense dry dock was ruined, anc
it is said the engine and pump belong
ing to it were removed to Richmond.
From the New York Times of Tuesday.l
| The Evacuation OF Yorktown.