Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-04-11

and there al e large qualities OF shot, shells aud
other munitions OF war, aud also great quantities
Of provisions. Four steamers afoat have fallen
into cur hands, aud two others, with The Rebel
gun hoat GTdmpus are sunk but will be easily
raised.
The floating battery of sixteen heavy guns,
turned adrift by the Rebels, is said TO be lying
on the Missouri shore, below New Madrid.
The enemy upon the mainland appeared to
have lied with great precipitation after dark last
night, leaving In many cases have prepared
meals in their quarters. There seems TO have
been no concert of action between the Rebels
upon the Island and those occupying the shore,
but the latter fled. leaving the former to their
fate.
These works, erected with the highest eugi-
neering skill, are Of great strength, and with
their natural advantages, would have been i'm
pregnab0, If defended by men fighting in better
cause.
A combined attack by the naval aud land
forces would have taken place this afternoon, or
Tomorrow morning, had not the Rebels 80 hastily
abandoned this stronghold 10 mature these
plans Of attack, has absolutely required the
the twenty three days Of preparation.
General Pope is m0mentnTlly expected tn
arrive with his army ut this point, he having
successfully crossed the river yesterday under
heavy fire, which no doubt led to the hasty aban-
donment of the works last night.
am unOtficaly informed that the two gun
boats which so gallantly ran the fire Of the Rebel
batteries few nights since, yesterday attacked
and reduced a fort Of The enemy opposite, dis
mounting eight heavy guns.
The following is copy Of the order of General
Nlaball ON assuming the command of the Rebel
forces the 9th inst -
"sOldiers--we are strangers Tbs cdmman-
der to the commanded, and each TO the other
Let me tell you who am.
An
General selected by Generals Beautegard aud
Bragg Tor this command, when they knew it was
in peril They have known me for twenty years.
| Together we have stOuh in the field of Mexico.
Give them your confidence. Give 1t to Inc when
have earned it.
"Soldierr, tho Mississippi valley is entrusted
to your courage, TO yonr discipline, to your
patience. Exhibit the vigilance and ooolness Of
last night and holdit.
"wM. D. MAKALl,
"Brigadier- General Commanding"
regret that the painful condition of my foot,
still requiring me to use crutehes prevented me
from making a personal examination Of the
works was, therefore, compelled TO delegate
Lieut Com. 3. Phelps, OF the Flag Ship Benton.
A. a. FooTE, Flag Officer,
Commanding the Naval Forces
CONGRATULATIONS OF fhE NAVY
DEPARTMENT.
ans iOlluHihK tWhkihthlh'uIy lelteF WAS SEM
to Flag Officer Fuote, by teegtaph;-
NAVY DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON, April 9, 1862.
Flag Oficer A. IL. FuolE, Commanding the Gun
boats On the Western Waters,
A Nations thanks are due you aud the brave
officers and men of the lolila the Mississippi
whose labors and gAllantry at Island No. 10
which surrendered to you yesterday, have fol
weeks been watched with intense interest
Your triumph is no. the less appreciated he
cause il was protructed and finally bloodless.
To that Being who has protected you through
so many perils, and carried you onward to sue
cessive victories, be all praise for His continued
goodness to our country, aud especially for The
last success Of our arms.
Let the congratulations TO yourself and yOui
command he also extended to the officers ant
soldiers who co-operated with you
(Signed), GIDEON WELLEs,
Secretary of the Navy.
THE CANAL ACROSS TIRE PENINSULA
General Pope's official report says:-
+ 'lhe canal cut Across the peninsula, at New
Madrid, through which the steamers and seVera
barges we've taken, is twelve miles long, through
heavy timber which had TO be sawed off by hand
tour feet under water. The idea of this labori
our undertaking originated with General Schuy
Ter Hamilton, and the work performed by Col
3issel's, Missouri Engineer Regiment"