The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-05-12

lion Of James river II supposed TO have been from
the Galena and her consors engaging tho rebel batto
rios Days Point and vicinity, which, am informed
by Assistant Secretary of War Tucker they passed sue
cessfully yesterday, under terrific cannonade from
the enemy.
Al ten minutes past eleven O'Clock A. NJ. the Monitor
had attained position about four miles from her porma
nent anchorage from the fortress and Craney
Island and where the Morrrnac lay. she steamed
slowly "a II 10 challenge her much vauntef antagonist
to combat Tho rebel craft did inclined to
cept the Invitation, but sought more congeni grounds
under tho cover OF rebel batteries at Sowas Pont
and Craney Island. The Monitor turned her prov
towards Sowalls Point and steamed up to within mile
OF rebel works where good inspection OF them was
had. Several guns were sean in position tho reoa nag
was Haunting dehanty the breeze yet but few rebel
solders wore At iyo minutes OF eleven O'Clock
the Union battery at Fort Wool, Rip Raps, opened
fire sewalls Point The very first shell went directly
into the rebel camp s arrival being denoted by loud
report and the rising OF dense coamn OF smoke from
woods in the vicinity. Tho first shot but the pre-
cursor Of many Others and for upwards Of two hours
there y shells thrown at the rebels, with
curacy range aim and effectiveness to be supass
cd AT one time the woods at scwas Point fred
IN several places, but the wet and sappy nature Of Tho
prevented ia spreading great extent Ocouse
could not learn TO what extent tho rebels suffered by
this bombardmon, IL at ALI but to me tho sharp
reports bursting shells have been unpleasant
10 their aurcuar senses.
AT six minutes past eleven A. NJ the Monitor attained
position within threeourths Of mile OF tho rebel bat
,ery; from my point OF observation / noticed the
firing Of the gun by tho lash aud rapid
movement OF dense column OF white
smoke, expanding rariGed thin sir; few
seconds ELAPSED and tho report reached my ears and
almost smut aneously the splashcs in tho water throw
ing up thin column or spray indicated the direction OF
the ball as II richochotied into the rebel works The
aim OF the eleven inch shell FOR such IL was. very
accurate. when the shell struck. which IN about
ten seconds after left the muzze Of tho gun, burst
with lond report. Az twsnty minutes past eiovcn
O'Clock ths signal officer in tho fort reported the Mcr
rirnac moving down the Elizabeth river, having, was
thought, extricatsd herself from her position the
sandbar which she in tho early part Of the foro
noon The alarm gun IN the espianado Of tho fortress
was fred the guns the ranparts manned by our
wediscplinod cannoniers, and everything got Ia
readiness for action.
At twenty seven minutes past eleven clock the M,ni
tor fred second shot at the rebel battery Tho report
OF the gun was like clap of thunder and tho explosion
Of the missile the enemy ranks must have occasioned
some mischief At half-rast eleven O'Clock the Merr
mac was observed under way again down tho river
but after moving q short distance brought up again
suddenly on SAND par wnefe sne remained uutl TOUR
Pm.
Her side swung round by the actco Of the tide so as
10 present broadsde TO the face Of the channel Hor
armor covered with thick coat OF grease and black
load which, the reflected on II gave brilliant,
CLASSY appearance The Monitor continued 70 steam
about the Roads, between this point and Ncwports
News exhibiting her sailing qualities with much ssts-
faction. Az Eve r. NJ. she returned 10 hcr anchorage
President Lincoln and Secretaries Chase and stanton
sl remain here the business Of tho government pro
teepoe appears 20 have been transferred here. The
President has himself By his personal orders stirred IN
the Flag Officer Of tho naval feet who has reputation
FOR mastery inactivity. | have learned OF mca.
surcs that tho President and his secretaries have
under consideration, which will be put into practical
operation the Lapse Of many days. The President
and General Woo and Cip,ain r. .Np0trd, IT., made
al iRro,ian and dangerous reconnaissance to-day IN
N. reretue Steamer Miami The fnsifuisd
Lg me President, and carried ou under MS personal
dirtcifon. ne has TIA, shorn himself NOT only calm
d,}osSo.ote, honest salesman, bUi Hari aud military
commander of Iyd tstoas shall speak fur.
Hcr o The nature or s II tho pro- Or
time. The TTIsIdelt suDseguanily proceeded BIZ or