The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-05-16
HIGHLY IMPORTANT.
NORFOLK EVACUATED.
GEN. WOOL IN POSSESSION


has Just entered the city in company with
the Mayor, W. w. Lamb, and committee
of the City Government. The last of the
rebel troops left this A. N. and the city was
left in the care of the Mayor as the repre-
sentative of the civil power.
On the approach of our troops the May
or went with a flag of truce to the city
limits und an arrangement was soon made
between the Mayor and General Wool
that the city should be given up on the
promise of General Wool that property
should be respected.
During the march on Norfolk three regi-
mental cavalry camps were found deserted
apparently only day or two since.
General Webber's regiment, the New
York Goth, was advanced, on landing, to
reconnoitre the beach at the half way house
so called-and found place which had
been prepared for battle field. Trees and
bushes had been felled, and rifle pits built,
and early on the morning, as was ascertain>
ed, several guns were planted in position:
At this point some recruits of the 4lst
Virginia regiment were captured. They re.
ported Sewall's Point evacuated on the pre-
ceding night by companies which had gar
risoned the place for some weeks past. A
negro was also captured who stated that it
was the intention of the enemy to destroy
the bridge over Lanner Greek and then
evacuate Norfolk.
Part of Max Weber's regiment was
pushed forward on the roads, spiking guns
There were extensive works, finely construc.
ted, and they arrived at Norfolk after a
lonesome march at five o'clock, without
firing gun, and found the whole rebel
force gone, the last leaving this morning.
Mayor Lamb, with company of city
government authorities for the purpose, met
General Wool with flag OF truce, at the
city limits, and after a brief consultation,
the city was surrendered to the United
States forces.
General Wool then proceeded to the City
Hall, with the Mayor, followed by large
crowd, and there he issued the follow ing
proclamation
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF VA.,l
NORFOLK, May 10, 1862.
The city of Norfolk having been surren.
dered to the Government of the United
States, military possession of the same is
taken in behalf of the National Govern
ment. Major General John E. Wool, Brig.
adler General, is appointed Military Gov.
ernor for the time being.
He will see that all citizens are carefully
protected in all their rights and civil privi-
leges, taking the utmost care to preserve
order and to see that no soldiers be permit
ted to enter the city except by his orders
or by the written permission of the com,
handing officer of, his brigade or regim ent
and he will punish summarily any Ameri-
can soldiers who shall infringe upon the
right of any of the inhabitants.
(Signed) JOHN E. WOOL,
Major General.
1t is believed that General Wool will be
Immediately made full Major General
The Norfolk Navy Yard will be oficered
Immediately.
BALTIMORE, May 1.-THE Old Point
boat states that our troops crossed to the
Virginia shore on Friday night, whilst the
Rip Raps shelled Sewall's Point.
The landing was made at Wiloughby's
Point, the spot selected by President Lin
coin on the previous day. He was among
the first that stepped ashore
The rebels fled at the advance of our
troops.
At last advices General Weber was
within three miles of Norfolk.
The Merrimac remained all day off Graz
ney Island
WASHINGTON, May 1.-THE Navy De-
partment received the following this morn
ing:
FoRTREss MONROE, May 10, IL o'clock.
Norfolk is ours, also Portsmouth and Ma
W Yard. General Wool completed land.
ing troops this morning. and commenced
his march on Norfolk with 5000 men.
Secretary Chase accompanied the expe.
dition five miles from the landing.
A rebel battery was stationed on the on,
posite side OF the bridge over Tanners
Greek. After few dozen discharges the
rebels burnt the bride, which compelled US
to march around five miles further.
At 5 P. NJ our forces were within short
distance of Norfolk, and were met by a
delegation of citizens, and the city formally
surrendered.
Our troops marched in and now have
possession.
Viele commands as military Governor.
The city and navy yard were burnt.
Gen Huger Withdrew his forces without
fight.
Commodore Rogers expedition was
heard from this morning descending James
river.
Reports from Mcclellan are favorable,
MERRIMAC BLOWN UP.
Fort REss MONROE, May Ito J. d.
Waterson, Assistant Secretary of War:
The Merrimac was blown up by the reb~
els about O'Clock this morning. The Mon.
itor, Naugutuck and gunboats have gone
towards Norfolk.
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