The New York herald., 1862-02-15
THE PICKET.
THE FLOATING BATTERIES.

In addition TO the gunboats ntioned above there
IN the expedition Ave floating bateres constructed
Of the strongest hus that could be procured for the par
pose They have been firmly braced, &c 10 resist the
effect Of shot, and have been divided water
tight compartments While they In action tho bur
warks will be covered with large bales OF hay
ing apertures at convenient distances for the handling
the guns. This soaked hay affords splendid protection
70 the gunners from rife and musket balls leaving
only the larger shot to fear. The boats themselves lie
very low in the water and present but poor marx a.
targets. When brought the field Of action they
will be placed in position and anchored
The following are the names and description a the
batteries They under the command Of Masters'
Mates Edward Staples and James Lake.
THE snRAPNRL.
The shrapne ID, che may be callod, the flagship OF
the batteries. She carries armament d three
guns, twelve pound Wizard steel rfed, aud eghteen
to man them. Her officers
Commander-Edward Staples.
First Officer Riley.
THE ROCKET.
Tho Rocket is the the Shrapnsl, carry
ing the number OF guns, three Of Wards steel
ried cannon, and sufficient number Of experienced
work them. The second officer in command or
this small fotilla commands this vessel Her principal
officers are:-
COmmander-James Lake.
Firn Ofacer-J. A. Wilson.
THE GRENADE.
The Grenade also carries three Of Wards steel guns
twelve Founders EACH and eighteen gun
She Of the strongest the batteries -
commanded by Commander W. B. Avery.
THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.
The Medical Department Of the expedition under the
superintendsncs Of Major william A. Church, n. D., Of
General Burnsdss STAFF by tho brigade and reg
mental geons When the troops left Annapolis the
lignant Of sekness-whch may say passana
comparatively few-were left behind in tho general
hospital shore, while those convalescng laborng
under diseases Of mild type transferred 70 the
HOSPITAL SHIP RECRUIT,
vessel whose is peculiarly and curiousy appro.
PIRATE her present purpose She under tho command
Of Captain George Coggssha Tho hospital arrangements
are under the management Of the medical stan-Dr
Samuel F. Green, Of the Twenty fourth Massachusetts,;
Dr. Theron Temple Of tho Twenty fifth Massachusetts:
DR.. Strong, OF tho Twenty third Massachusetts,; DR..
Dodge Of theNex York Fifty -nrst and medical cadet
Samuel Applegate. ~
THE PONTOON BRIDGE.
newly patented BRIDGE Of the kind exhibited some
time ago the City Hall Park, il Of the numerou,
| appliances taken along with the expedition.
Whom the water IL Is divided ints sections
IVfty icet III fshkth, anu cntHOy CompVvS0 VI WoOa
The weight OF entire section $40 lbs, and
bs made ready for launching by experienced engineers In
the space hve The chief point Of excellence
pertaining TO the bridge b the adopted for sup
porting IT, which consist Of wire trussss, about two
inches In circumference ineracine another they
When placed psrpondculariy along the bottom thai
degree Of strength cannot be arrived a which the inter
laced trusses guarantee.
trial Of the bridge made In The harbor u Anpapo
before the sailing Of the feet from that point and
| suited In the-most satisfactory manner.
In addition 70 the pontoon bridges there are ais
number of 6at bottomed and very buoyant seows
or rather skins, accompanying the expedition, In
tended for the purpose Of assisting in tho crossing
small rivers. creeks and shallow streams They are ar
ranged with portion Of their sides straight and parallel
instead OF the usual curve that when placed side BY
side, and connected. they form sclid and unsway ra
foundation which panks may be laid transversly FOR
the safe transport Of troops They also conrvsd for
the adjustment Of wheels thus rendering their ranspor
| tatiou on land comparatively easy.