Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-16
THE MERRIMAC BLOWN UP.


FoRTREss MONROE, May IL.
At 3 o'clock this morning a bright light
was observed in the direction of Craney Is
land.
At precisely half past o'clock an explo-
sion took place that made the earth and the
water tremble for miles
In the midst Of bright flames which shot up
in the distance, the TENDERS and iron Of the
monster Merimac could be seen flying thro'
the air. No doubt is entertained that the
veritable Merrimac had ceased to exist
Flag Officer Goldsboro on receiving this re-
port, ordered two armed naval tugs-tho Zou-
ave and the Dragon,--;o proceed toward
, Crancy Island on reconnaissance, and ascer-
tain the truth OF the rumor.
Immediately after they had turned the point,
the Monitor and f. A. Stevens steamed up
IN the same direction, followed by the San
Jacinto, Susquehannah, Mt. Vernon, Seminole
and Decotah. 1t was a most beautiful
sight. and attracted throngs of spectators
along the whole line of Old Point. Some
were disposed to discredit the announcement
that the Merrimae had been destroyed, and
as the vessels passed up to Craney Island
the excitement became intense.
la the mean time the two tug boats we're
seen coming on towards the Fortress, at full
speed, each opponent endeavoring to outvie
the other and when nearing the wharf. the ra.
diant countenance of Capt. Case, of the Min
nesota, gave assurance that the news they
brought was of most gratifying character
The report was true. lie had met parts OF
the floating wreck
All the earthworks at Craney Island APP
peared to be abandoned, though the flag was
still flying.
r..
landed with an armed crew and taken down
the rebel flag, substituting the stars and
stripes, amid the cheers of the crew. Capt.
Chase Immediately reported the facts to the
President and Secretary of War, who re-
ceived Information of the picket boats with
great satisfaction. At the request Of the
President, Capt. Case Immediately proceeded
to Craney Island to ascertain if the works
were evacuated, in company with the feet,
which was advancing.
Commander Rogers expedition was heard
from this afternoon, ascending the James
river. The iron-clad steamer Galena had
sunk the rebel steamer Yorktown and cap
tured the jamestown.
From GEN HALLECKS ARMY
special dispatch from Cairo to the
Tunes, says that arrivals Friday from
Pittsburgh say that the rebels were attacked
by Gen. Grant on Wednesday, few miles
west Of Corinth. Their line was constantly
falling back, though in perfect ORDER
he result nf this engagement appears in
the very rapid movement of the rebels
/ night hank to the southeast, thus surrender
ing the Inc of the Memphis and Charleston
railroad, and taking up position in force on
the Mobile n Ohio r. r south Of Corinth.
This movement, together with the reports of
deserters, indicates that the whole force will
be withdrawn as rapidly as possible to Column
bus, 30 miles south of Corinth At this
point the Contederates have extensive works
for the manufacture of arms, and ordnance.
The steamer Poe, from Pittsburgh Landing
Saturday afternoon, has arrived, and reports
that 100 of our cavalry, while accommodating
on the left wing on Thursday night, were sur
prised by superior force of rebels The
rebels were repulsed with the loss of one
man, who is a refugee from Memphis He
states that large number of troops had ar
rived in that city from Arkansas and Texas,
and who were Immediately sent to Corinth -
The Provost Marshal commenced burning
cotton early last week, Most of the sugar
and molasses was thrown into the river
The rebel government have seized a large
amount Of property and sent it to Columbus,
Miss, and promised to pay for it in three
mo this after the treaty with the United
States. A number Of citizens Of Memphis had
been imprisoned for expressing doubts as TO
the success Of the rebellion, Most of the
citizens and number OF rebel sympathizers
are leaving for the interior in anticipation of
the arrival Of the federal feet
PIrrsBURGH LANDING. MAJ II.
The following has Just been received at the
headquarters Of the army of the Mississippi
NEAR FARMINGToN, May o, p. Nj.
To Maior- General Haii,ck:
The enemy, 10000 strong, drove in our
pickers beyond Pennington and advanced up
on the brigade occupying the further side of
the creek in front Of my camp. The brigade
held on five hours until finding themselves
heavily pressed in front and on the flank, and
that could not sustain them without passing
The creek with my whole force, which would
nave been contrary TO our orders and would
nave brought on general engagement, J
withdrew them TO this side in good order.
The conduct Of the troops was excellent, and
the withdrawal was made 10y them very re-
luctantiy. The enemy made demonstration
TO cross but abandoned the movement
Our loss is considerable though / cannot
yet tell how great. The enemy being much
exposed, suffered severely. one of his batteries
being completely disabled aud his infantry
line were driven back several times Ny com I
mand are eager for The advance
Signed JOHN PORE. Mai General. ]