The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1862-05-21
Occupation Of Norfolk-De-
struction of NAVY Yard.

NORFOLK, Va, May l0-6 p. NJ -
General Wool has entered the city in
company with Mayor W. W. Lamb, and
q committee of the City Government
The last of the rebel troops left this
m orDing, and the city was left in the care
of the Mayor as the representative of the
civil power.
On the approach of our troops the
Mayor went with flag of truce TO the
city limits, and an arrangements was soon
made between the Mayor and General
Wool that the city should be given up on
the promise of Gen. Wool that private
property should be respected during the
march on Norfolk.
Three regimental cavalry camps were
found deserted, apparently day or two
since.
Genera! Weber's Regiment, the New
York Twentieth, was advanced, ,son land
ing, to reconnoiter, and some six miles
from the beach, at the halt. way house $50
called), found place which had been
prepared for battle field.
Trees and bushes had been felled, and
rifle pits built, and early in the moraing
it was ascertainsd several gunboats were
placed in position.
At this point some recruits Of the
Forty-Grst Virginia regiment were cap
tured, They reported Sewall's Point
abandoned on the preceding night by
four companies which had garrisoned the
place for some weeks past. A negro was
also captured at this place, who stated it
was the intention of the enemy to destroy
the bridges over Tanners Greek, and then
evacuate Norfolk.
A part of Max Weber's regiment was
pushed forward on the road to the bridge,
and the enemy was found, about noon,
posted on the opposite side of Tanner s
Greek with three guns. The bridge had
been set on fire, and was still burning at
that time. Some six or eight shots were
fired without effect, and our men, being
beyond musket range, did not reply.
Ehe creek being about one fourth of a
mile wide, our force was Withdrawn and
started on another road, considerably
longer, and reported to be defcuded by a
strong battery.
Not the slightest opposition was made,
however, to our advance, and the fortif-
cations, which were mile and half
from Norfolk, were found to have been
evacuated after spikiDg the guns They
were extensive works and firmly construct.
ed.
They arrived at Norfolk, after tire
some march, at ive O'Clock, without firing
gun. and found the whole rebel force
gone, the last leaving this morning.
Mayor Lamb, with a committee of the
city government, authorized for the pur-
pose, met General Wool with flag of
truce at the city limits, and, after brief
consultation, the city was surrendered to
the United States forces.
General Wool then proceeded to the
City Hall with the Mayor, followed by a
large crowd.
Here he issued the following procla
mation:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF Va, |
NORFOLK. May 10. 1862
The city of Norfolk having been sur
rendered to the Government of the Uni.
ted States, military possession of the same
i, taken in behalf of the National Gov
ernment, by Major General Johr E.
Wool.
"Brigader General Viele is appointed
Military Governor fo- the time being. He
will see that all citizens are carefully pro-
tt cted in all their rights ard civil privi-
leges, taking the utmes: care to preserve
order, and to see that no soldiers are per
mitted to enter the city, except by his or
der, or by the written permission of the
commanding officer of his brigade or reg.
and he will punish summarily any Ameri-
can soldier.
1Signedl JOHN E WOOL,
Major General"
General Viels arriving, appointed Mr..
F D. Davis his military Secretary. The
very first parties who entered the city
were newspaper correspondents.
General Wool returns to camp, outside
the city, and probably Fortress Monroe.
to. night. After the departure of Gen.
Wool, several thousand persons assem-
bled near the City Hall to hear speech
from Mayor Lamb.
The Mayor seemed to be very popular
He said, in subtunce, that in his negotia-
tons with General Wool, he had received
q pledge for the protection of private
p operty and the safe continuance of all
private business.
Tue peope are in a state of great ex-
citemeut. asd strong police is out to-
night 1t is hoped 40 violence will be
commi ted, aud confidence in the Gov
erument will doubtless soon be estab
Iished.
NoRF9LK, Sunday Morning The Ma
w Yard has been completely destroyed,
together with very large number of
steamboats, aud other vessels Numerous
Union flags are flying is Portsmouth
The place is occupied by the Sixteenth
regiment. Gen. Viele has