Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1862-05-22
THE DEFENCEs OF NORFOLK.

The forifcatons around Norfolk are found
to be of most formidable character, and its
evacuation must have been determined on only
in consequence of the cutting off of its supplies
BY the loss of the line of James river and by
Burnside's army in North Carolina, the rebel
garrison, as well as the crew of the Merrmac,
200 in number. having gone to Suffolk, upon
which it was supposed Burnside was ready to
move. Suffolk is IS miles from Norfolk.
The works at Craney Island are described as
being nearly as strong as Fortress Monroe.
The forts on this island are in four or tve sep
crate sections, and constructed with the best
engineering skill and most admirable work
manship.
They are of polygonal shape, extei ding
over an area of about fifty acres, with outworks
and redans, adapted to command all the prom
nent water and channel approaches The
works were twelve feet thick and from fifteen
to twenty feet in height, and revetted or coated
outside with green sod. The main portion of
the work was casemated, over which was a
bombproof roof. In it were eight nIne-inch
columbiads. The parapet guns numbered
thirtv-ni1e of superior calibres. Fhe rebel
occupants we're scrupulously clean, as the quar-
ters were as fresh and neat as country larnl-
house. The enemy had moved all their avail
able personal effects therelrom few old
muskets and swords we're all the small arms
left behind.
On moving up the Elizabeth river from Cra-
ney Island, the driftwood of the exploded Mer-
rimac was met in large quantities. net work
of sples was found across the river, with only
single opening wide enough for one ship tc
pass at time. The spile-driving machines
one of which was operated by steam. were still
there. which showed that the rebels had no,
completed their work. The San Jacinto ran or
number of submerged spies, and, the tide
falling at the time, she remained there tor sew
era hours.
At Lowrys Point on the west side of the
river, was another strong battery mounting 81,
guns.
Opposite Lowry's Point, and near the mouti
of the western branch of the Elizabeth river
was an other fort, designed for fourteen guns
II has a single aiallel earthwork On th,
other point of the mouth of the western branci
was hunette, bomb-proof and casemated work
revetted with green sod, and mounting twelv
guns. This was superior work, and display
the great tact and skill of its designer Oi
Hospital Point, near the United States Nava
Hospital at Portsmouth, was another huge opel
fortitication, pierced for twelve guns. This
like the others, was covered with grass sward
Directly opposite this, and on the Norfolk SIDE
Is Olu Tufl NOlIOlk lNlS has olA Sc ""i
bette guns mounted, and several smaller gun
in the auxiliary works attached to the mai
work. All the guns were spiked before tn
rebels retreated.
Besides these were the outer batteries o.
Sewall's Point and Pig Point.
The Navy Yard was most effectually destroy
ed, scarcely anything being left but tall blac
walls and tall chimneys. Even the immens
stone dry dock was seriously damaged. and
is said the engine and pump belonging o
were removed TO Richmond.
The great Eastern and Western ship-house'
the marine barracks, officers quarters, smlth'
shops, en- inc houses, &c., were all consumed
The rebels had built and launched two iron YES
sells, mounting four guns each and built
water tight compartments, so as to be raised
sunk at pleasure These were not Intended
6 be propelled, but to be used as stationary bal
teries for harbor defence, or else to be towe
out to operate against our wooden vessel
They were burned, but not so seriously lnJure
as to be entirely useless. A number OF sma
vessels ard schooners were also burned