Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-04-12
Particulars of the Temperance of
the Iron Monster Merrimao.
A SCHOONER FROM WARRINGTON
AMONGST THE PRIZES.
A SECESH EXCURSION BOATCOMEs OUT
TO SEE THE ENGAGEMENT.
THE MERRIMAC RETREATS TO ELIZA.
BETH RIVER.

" "' hPih Little return OF pleasant weather
to-day brought the Merrimac, was generally
expected she had been seen three days ago un-
der steam at Craney Island, and az Yesterday
evening promised that the storm had exhausted
Itself, few were surprised this morning at the an
nouncement that she was in sight and coming
down. The alarm gun was fred at twenty min
utes past seven O'Clock, and soon az the ap.
pearance OF the Merrimac was generally known
the docks, beach, and the rampa,ts OF the for.
tfesS and other points commanding view were
crowded with spectators.
The Merrimsc, after showing herself beyond
sewal's Pc!nt, appeared to be heading this way
She did not long continue on this course how
ever, and turned towards James river, followed
by the sly other gunboats which had come around
tbs point in her company.
Of the latter, the Jamestown and Yorktown
were recognized. Among others were suppoted
- be the Raleigh and Teaser
Arriving at point about bali. way between
Sewall's Point and Newport News Point, and
near the place where the French vessels Of war
the CatiEet aud Gassendi, and the English steamer
Rindldo had placed themselves early In the
morning, the whole feet came to a stop: while
the Jamestown, followed at some distance by the
Yorktown and small tug, continued on her
course
ne intention OF lne Jamestown was not at first
perceived, but as she came around leaving New
port News on her LEFT, ii was seen that her object
was TO capture two brgs aud a schooner which
were anchored near shore, about two miles from
the Point. Tails was done without the slightest
d ticuiiy, aud the assistance Of the small tug
being rendered, the three prizes were taken of
under the reb-l flag.
The whole aHIir wa concluded in less than
half an hour, and the Jamestown having rejoinsd
the feet was ordered 20 tow The prizes to Craney
Island. Taking one-the brig-in tow, and the
others alongside, she moved slowly away
Slightly alarmed at this bold dash, quite a
number Of schooners in the upper ha,bor avsiled
themselves OF the favorable wind aud sailed.
Up to this time (noon) the rebel feet has re-
raain'd IN the position at which they first placed
themselves, and nothing more has been done
The Tide Is now out, and probably no new
movements will be made for some hours III the
Merrimac should ace at to pay US a visi, she will
be appropriately welcomed.
The names Of the two. briggs captured are the
Sabbao, Of Providence, r. l., and Marcus Of
Stockton, Ne The former was loaded with bav.
on private account, ard the latter was chart red
by Government, bu; had been unloaded. The
name Of the schooner has not been ascertained
The captains Of the two br % escaped to shore in
a small boat with four OF the crew CT the Marcus,
Two men were left on board the latter, and six on
board the sa5bao, who made no effort to lower a
boat TO escape. They were taken prisoners, to-
se'her with the crew Of The schooner. 1t 10 said
that The captured vessels were ordered last night
to move down tie barber for safety
The schooner Harmony, used as a water boat
by Mr.. Noyes, Government contractor, for snp-
plying water to the feet, happened to be along.
si 10 of ti,o
the Virginia (leErimac) made her appearance.
and was taken under the protection of the French
fagi thus escaping capture. Mr.. Moves has pre
vi"u>ly lost by capture, two schooners employed
as water boats by him.
The name Of the schooner captured was the
Ems, from Washington, with suffers stores.
4 passenger steamboat, filed with spectato,,
came out of Elizabeth river this r. m and a
number OF small sail boats could be seen through
TIE day Cd Sewali's Point
LATER-5 Pm
This Jamestown returned from Crancy leland at
O'Clock. Not shot was fred until 4 O'Clock,
when the MeITimac fred three shots In the direc
tIon Ct Hampton Greet.
Tic Eaugatack and the Octorors, which have
been stationed in that vicinity, replied with n
number CT shots, all Of which fell near the rebel
feet
The whole feet. led by the Merrmsc, then re.
turned 10 Elizabeth river.
tNoTE--from glance at the map fafter read.
Ing the above dciaiied and Interesting account of
the affair of yesterday in Hampton Roads, IL will
DC perceived that neither the Merrinac nor either
OF her conscrts OF iess draft Of water ventured
down to where tie Mon!icr or any other vessel of
oar fqnsdron Of considerable draft Of water could
maneuyer te sSsail her This accounts for the
fact that there was really no fight on the occa-
slcni the filing Of few guns on both sides at too
long range to hit anything, not amounting to an
engagement.-ED. SIAR.l