Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-03-14

FROM WASHING TON AND VICINITY.
The steam gunboat Alabama has arrived
from Fernando bringing Capt, Davis, late
flag officer Of the South Atlantic Squadron
and bearer Of dispatches from Commodore
Dupont to the Navy Department announ-
cling the capture Of Fernandina and Bruns-
wick by the feet under his command.
We are indebted 10 Capt Davis for an out
line of the operations Of the fleet since it left
Port Royal, about the LIST Of March The
first point approached was Brunswick, Ga
The enemy abandoned their works and pre-
ciptately flying at the approach Of the gun
boats. The place was taken possession of
and the gunboats left in charge.
This gives the government control Of the
whole coast Of Georgia from South Carolina
to Florida The feet moved twenty miles
further 20 the Cumberland Sound. the entrance
to the Harbor Of Fornandna, Fla.
When the expedition came in sight Of Fort
Clinch, the rebels were discovered making a
hasty flight and fred two or three cannon
shots from the barbette guns of the fort. The
shells Of the feet, howeveE, caused hasty
evacuation, and Fort Clinch was Immediately
taken possession of and the flag Of the Union
raised on the old staff which has been so
long desecrated by the rebel colors.
Gen. Hooker reports that all the encmy's
batteries in front of his lines are entirely a.
bandoned, and their guns spiked. Some of
the guns Of which we have taken possession
seem to be valuable pieces. This is virtually
opening the Potomac, and raising the so-called
blockade.
1t is now ascertained beyond doubt that
Winchester has been evacuated by the rebels.
-,
the light cavalry have been sent in pursuit to
hurrass and track the rebel retreat IL is
supposed to be their design to fall back-frst
upon Frederieksburgh and then upon Rich
mond. Our troops occupied Centreville aud
Fairfax Court House Tuesday. Two COM
panies, under Major Hatfield, were ordered.
Monday morning, to go to Fairfax Court
House, by the old Braddock road When
within a mile of the place they overlook the
enemy retresting before them. At FIVE o'clock
last evening they entered the Court House
followed by "a full regiment The two COM
panies under Major Hatfield were then order.
ed back to Balls Cross Roads, where they
met the body of the regiment and byouacked
for the nigh. At noon Tuesday Hatfield
companies went within sight of the village,
and found that it had been evacuated in the
night, leaving tents and other property be-
hind in large quantities. Lieut. Alexander,
of the Lincoln Cavalry, arrived soon after
with detachment of men and pressed on as
far as Cubs Run, three miles above Center
vile, where they discovered vast number Of
tents left standing. The enemy had retreated
ed towards Gardensyille.
Our troops have poaceable possession Of
Manassas.
Great excitement exists here over the news
of the evacuation of Manassas. No details
Of the occupation Of the place by the federals
has, as yet, been received The rebels had
all precipitately fed before our forces took
possession. All their Notifications were
abandoned, as were those at Centreville and
on the Lower Potomac The rebel army is
in lnll reireaf tnwards Richmnnd