New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-02-12
EoAyCKE IsLAND-THE
WAR NEWS.

FIR nevys "A is now felt to learn Iuo iu'i 'iu''
4. A.. ,;ctorv Of our arms on Roanoke
Island Victory we call it, for OF this single
,,..,I foct there can be no doubt Our news,
ao,,,;,c through rebel channels, cannot hide 1t.
We feel quite certain that our troops have
taken the Island, after two or three days OF
fighting, and probably of hard fighting. We
believe that We have captured or destroyed pill
The enemys gunboats. We are confident that
a direful panic has seized upon the people OF
Norfolk. Portsmouth, and the region round
about. We moreover look with faith 10 see
the successful and speedy prosecution of the
plan in the execution OF which the fret steps
have been so brilliantly taken. But We are in
almost painful ignorance Of the details of the
action which probably terminated on Sunday in
the capture of the Island, and cannot form
even conjecture as to the number OF the
killed on either side.
Roanoke Island, as represented on the ex.
celleat map we publish this morning, is thirty
miles north of Hatteras Inlet, and lies between
the two sounds connecting Albemarle aud Pam
leo Sounds. On the east is Roanoke Sound
(about two miles broad), between the island
and the narrow strip of sand which skirts the
length OF that coast; this sound is not nayiga-
bic by vessels of large size. On the west OF
the island, and between it and the mainland,
lies Crcatan Sound, about four miles broad,
and nayicable for vessels. On both the main
land and the island strong batteries have been
erected and the design was that our fleet
should 60 TO this sound and attack those de-
lenses. while the army landed, if possible, on
the southern part of the island, and cooPerated
with them. Here it is, probably, that the fight
took place. The island itself is about seven
miles long and three broad, has good natural
defenses and is now strongly fortified
The rebels have thrown up on 1t five
forts, an intrenched camp in the center
and the whole garrisoned with 5000 troops.
On the main land, opposite, also, there are e1-
teusiye works, provided with heavy ordnance
and powerfully manned Altogether, ii is q
very formidable position, and our troops neces-
&arily attack it at some disadvantage, more es-
pecially on account of the opportunity given
OF the expedition. Tho capture Of the leland
mill shut off the water communication between
the t~v sOuude aud tho carrying of supplies -
Norfolk by that means. From its position it
] also commands Currituck Sound, q strip Of water
: fifty miles long, ten miles wide, aud na'lgabo
for vessels drawing ten feet, ruaning parallel
to the North Carolina coast and opening into
Albemare Sound From it, as basic also, a
movement is possible which will flank the rebel
position at Norfolk, and render that uhtcnable.
The course across Abemarle Sound north
ward to the point where the Pasquotank and
North Rivers empty is plain and unobstrueted.
There are two routes from ths to Norfolk
One by tho Pasquotonk River. the Dismal
Swamp Canal and south branch Of Elizabeth
= River, and the other by the North River o
70 Albemare and Pamlco Canal, Currituck Sound
}. the North River Of Currituck, the upper Gu
of the Albemarlc and Pamlco Canal, and tn
r. Elizabeth River.
r. The route first mentioned il pas:able durin
= the freshet season, or the Winter months, 10
vessels drawing trihe over six feet Tn
latter route, it is said, can be taken by yes
g sells drawing eight feet during the same season
b Taking the Dismal Swamp Canal route VI
c enter the Pasquotank River, which is tire,
4 miles wide at its mouth, gradually narrOwin,
until at Elizabeth City it is only 300 yard
wide.
BY giving the points wide berth, and fol
: lowing the cove the ealing is plain. The banhi
on the east side are about ten feet high, OF
, the west considerably higher.
From Fort Henry we have important news,
which gives reason to believe that before thit
time a second decisive battle has been fought
= in Tennessee. The enemy at Fort Donel.
son is said TO have been reinforced, and
to have numbered on Sunday nearly
5000. They declared that they could hold the
place against the whole Union force. A gang
Of negroes was at work telling trees for ten
miles around the fort. Gen. Pillow was in
command there-a fact which does not promise
highly for the rebel cGuse-and he was said to
have with him some Of the best artillerists from
Columbus. Gen. Grant with his army and
seven batteries of artillery had surrounded the
place, and intended to shell il on Tuesday unless
the rebels iorestalled him by surrendering. Tho
fight which has occurred before Fort DOnelsoo,
or which will take place there, will be most
severe.
detachment of cavalry, go strong, had an
engagement with some rebels on Sunday. seven
miles east Of Fort Henry. Five rebels were
killed and 30 prisoners and so horses captured.
One UGion soldier was wounded
! A ruinOr comes to us to the effect that the