The national Republican., 1862-04-02
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We have conversed viii gentleman who
went down 10 Fortress Monroe with the party
who left here lest Saturday and returned yester
day, and we will give the principal incidents Of
the trip as related to us:
The party consisted OF Vice President Ham.
lin, with his wife and daughter; Senator Hale
Chairman Of the Naval Committee, with hit
vile and daughter; Senators Wilkinson, Sher
man, and Anthony; Representatives Train Z
Massachusetts,, vsrree Of Pennsylvania, Porter
Of Indiana, Eoglish Of Connecticut, wadswortb
Of Kentucky. Ex-Governor Seymour Of New
York, Hawthorn, the author, and others.
The party embarked on the steamer King
Philip on Saturday nooA about 10 O'Clock, and
quietly steamed down the river. About II
o'clock they came to anchor and lay awhile,
owing To the darkness aud certain impedimens
In the river. Started again early next morn.
Ing, and arrived at the Fortress about 4 O'Clock
Pm.
A member ofGeneral Wool's staff came Out
10 meet them, and took the whole party into
the Fort, aud Introduced them all 10 General
Wool, who escorted them about the rampar's
of that famous stronghold.
They then returned 10 the vessel aud slept
all night.
The next morning the Vice President and
Senators breakfa,ted with Gen. Wool in the
Fortress.
The whole party then visited Newport New'
where they were received and presented 10
Gen. Mansfield. Spent most interesting hall
hour there, during which Gen raj Manifold
showed the party how narrow an escape he
had during the recent naval battle. A large
she'll came through the aide of his headqusr.
ters, and knocked an inkstaud, which be had
Just placed on the mantel, to The wall. Had
he b, en- moment later In bis movement bie
own head would have met the fate Of the ink
stand!
Al this place the party were reinforced by
COL BendiI with his stat and fue regiment
al band, which discoursed delightful music
during the stay amid these interesting scenep.
Prince De Joinville also Joined the party
here.
Not long after this party left Newport Naws,
some OF th, rebel tugs which were lurking
around In eight began to fire into the iortiiica
ton.
The party then went on board the far famed
Monitor, and were shown all parts Of that noble
sea monster, with all her admirable powers iol
destruction. They also went on board the Min
nesota, a vessel possessing historical interest a
this time.
They saw the ruins Of the Congress and Cum
berland. The remnant Ct the STARS and strips
are still waving over the former vessel, whil'
the winds are whistling their sad requiem owe
the brave men who sleep beneath these sa'
ruins.
At all these different points the Vice Pics
dents salute OF seventeen guns were fred O.
the appearance and presentation Of the party
The weather on Saturday and Sunday, II wi
be recollected, was somewhat inclement, bt
, Monday and yesterday the party enjoyed the
y return trip with clearer weather. The occasio
was one Of those delightful incidents Of III
/. long 10 be remembered.
The entire party express their pleasure an
# enjoyment Of the trip, with great deal Of er
thusiasm, and no doubt the Congressional de
), egation obtained valuable insight into arm
and naval mattsrs.