Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-04-04
POS II SCRIPT


have iocked within the lines Of the Union
army at various p iuts, is troubling the wisest
Of the abolitionsts in Congress.
The naval committee and other members
Of Congress and their friends returned to-day
| from Fortress Monroe, where, they had a
pleasant and interesting visit. They report
that preparations for taking care Of the Uer-
rimac, should she come out, are Of the most
complete aud formidable character.
| Tho Times Washington dispatch SAYS that
prisoners taken in the recent reconnaissance
TO the Rappahannock state that the rebel force
in that vicinity consists Of eight regiments Of
infantry, two Of cavalry and six pieces Of ar
tllery. Gen. Ewell, Of Drainsyille notorie-
| ty is in command
On the return Of our forces 10 Warrenton
Junction. several soldiers who. in disobedi-
ence Of strict orders. left the main column
aud wandered beyond the line, we're captured
/ by the rebel scouts following in our rear Be
ing we'll acquainted with every by-path and
in many instances disguised ms farmers, the
rebels hover around the outskirts of our army,
and frequently succeed in picking up small
parties Of our men, who, contrary to com
mand, go out on foolhardy foragng expcdi-
tons.
Information has Just been received from
Lower Potomac that contrabands from Fred
ericksburgh report that the town ia now oc-
cupied by thirty regiments Of the enemy, the
main part of which have arrived there within
the last three days. They report the steamer
-. Nicholas and one other, which lormy piled
to different points the Rappahannock. as
being held in readiness to transport rebel
troops down the Rappahannook to some point.
Other rebel troops are reported as having gone
down the York river to reinforce the enemys
position at the mouth, where the bebel bat
teries are small. Detachments Of rebel caval-
ry still occupy Aqua Creek, as far up as
Dumfrios Another magazine has been found
at Shipping Point, containing large quantity
of shells.
The YriJtmo's dispatch states that the Sen
ate military committee, dissenting from the
rule that volunteer officers must be selected
for promotion in their own branch Of service
only, will practically give effect to their view
that vancancies in the regular army should
be filed by experienced men from the volun-
teer regiments in preference to civilians
Mr.. Ames, Of the Chcopee manuactary
has preseted Flag Officer Foote with sword,
and Lieut. Worden with a cutlass.
The steamer bermuda, from England, ar
rived at Hamilton, Bermuda on the 29th ult.
1t is reported that she had so tons of powder
on board, and that Slidell was one Of the pas
sengers. She would leave soon.
WooDsrocK Va, April |
Gen. Banks advanced from Strasburgh this
morning towards this point. When approach
ing the town Ashbys cavalry, infantry and
battery di puted the passage. We passed
through the town, the rebels frequently
throwing shells, to which we responded with
effect
Gen. Banks pursued them to Edinburgh,
five miles south. Ashby burning two turn
pike and one railroad bridge All the rail-
road bridges between here and Strasburgh
bad been previously burned. One killed in
the 29th Pennsylvania regiment, and one of
the 81 Massachusetts, regiment, received a
rife ball in his beltplate, though it was harm
less.
April rs A. NJ.
Our guns and musketry drove the enemy
from Stony Creek, near Edinburgh at o.
clock this morning. They were in line of
battle, within range, probably, Of none but
Ashby'r command. Our forces will build
bridge over the Creek to-day. All was quiet
during the night. II is not known if Jack
sons forces were engaged yesterday.
FORTRESS MONROE, April |.
Inc gunOoat seminole has arrived with
Port Royal dates Of Saturday last.
Fort Pulaski had been thoroughly invested
for so days, and was momentarily expected
10 surrender. II was said that there were
about 500 rebels in the Fort and they had
offered to 70 out with honors Of war, bat
Gen. Sherman demanded their unconditional
surrender, and would, on the LIST day of
April, open upon the Fort if they still refused
The rebels have withdrawn all their forces
from the coast Of Georgia, and had abandon
ed their works at Thunderbolt, taking all
their guns to Savannah. The Seminole landed
force and destroyed Thunderbolt Fort.
which is within five miles of Savannah, over
good she'll road.
Refugees from Savannah say that friends of
the troops in Fort Pulaski have offered $780,
600 to any one who would rescue them.
refugee from Charleston represents that
there is a great panic there since the capture
OF Newbern Woman and children are lesy-
ing, and it is the general expectation that a
terrible blow would be struck.
From Florida the intelligence is most graf
flying. A Union sentiment was strongly de-
veloped.
A dispatch from Augusta, dated the 3lst
ult., says Charleston papers Of that day con-
tain dispatch dated New Orleans the goth,
stating that two federal gunboats, on the
2Sth commenced an attack on Fort Jackson,
at the mouth of the Mississippi. Up to that
time nobody was hurt.