Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-05-02


gone to South Mills to repel an advance he
might make.
Contrabands also state the new PROV Of tn,
Herrimac is twelve feet long, of wrought iror
and steel pointed.
II is rumored that Tatnall has been remov
ed from the command of the Merrimac
FROM WASHlNGTONAND VIOINTTY
The news from New Orleans, which hal
come through several rebel sources, is deem
ed here to be of the utmost importance 49,
What Old England failed to do with all her
power, has been handsomely accomplished by
New England
The manner in which the success at Forts
jackson and st. Phillip was followed up, is
highly commended. In thirty hours our
brave men contaminated their victory and
appeared before the greatest city of the south.
west to receive its submission. This is but a
foretaste of Southwestern operations. No
mention is made by the rebel papers of their
iron-clad Turtle and rams that were to ami
hilate the Yankee fleet, which leads to a SUI
spicion that the common estimate Of the rebel
motive power, from their own misrepresenta-
tions, has been mistake. 1t lie pretty clear
that on this occasion they could not stop to
conceal the truth.
The board Of commissioners under the act
for the abolition of slavery in the District of
Columbia, will commence their public sessions
at the City Hall on Tuesday.
The Fredericksburgh correspondent of the
Herald, under the date of the Odd, states that
the city is now occupied by Gen. McDowell's
force. The troops are in excellent health,
only IS being on the sick list, including the
wounded. The hotilla succeeded in clearing
the Rappahannock of distractions, and reach
ed Fredericksburgh on Saturday. Work has
commenced on the Aqua Creek & Fredercks-
burgh Railroad, which will soon be in run
ming order. The railroad bridge over the
Rappahannock will of course be Immediately
rebuilt. Much valuable information relative
to the course and condition of the roads
south of us has been obtained from contra
bands and residents.
An immense amount of -four remains in
Fredericksburgh. Over 1000 bushels of corn
are now being ground for the use of the
troops. The cotton factory in Falmouth con-
tinues to be run as usual.
Conirabands are focking in by Scores
They state that the enemy had a regiment of
mounted negroes, armed with sabres, at Ma
nassas, and that the regiment is still in SER
vice near Gordonsville.
The reports OF barbarities at Bull Run
have not been exaggerated. The rebels dug
up the remains Of our soldiers, made spurs Of
the jaw bones, and cut up the skeletons into
every conceivable form, and sent the trinkets
home to their families
The rebel army is reported to be greatly
demoralized by the Union Victories the news
of which the rebel authorities vainly endoavor-
ed TO suppress. The rebels quartered in Fred
ericksburgh last week moved off towards
Gordonsyille, and it is believed they are en-
camped but short distance from this place.
The Secretary Of War, in n communication
to the House, states that the President de-
clines to furnish the reasons for the evacua-
ton of Jacksonville, Fla, as incompatible
with the public interest
A letter from Nashville says that compen-
stated emancipation is new idea among the
border state men, and in that city it is alrea-
dy great topic for discussion. Men are taxi
ing sides. Shrewd Shareholders begin to see
that it is time for them to sell out They
know that the inevitable march of events will
lead, sooner or latter, to emancipation, and
like sensible men they are bound to make the
most Of it.
The rebels captured at Fort Pulaski say
that ma GRITTY of their number were Impress
ed into the service. and had no heart in the
fight, most of them finally refusing to work
the guns in its defense. They were mostly
Irish and German citizens of Savannah.
Flag Officer Foot, owing to the wound re-
ceived in the battle Of Fort Henry, has asked
to be released from the command of the
western fleet But the Department has, il is
understood, ordered Capt. Chas. II. Davis to
repair to the squadron as his second in com
mand, thus relieving him from much Of the
physical labor of his responsible position.
The Presidents visit to the French frigate
Gassendi Saturday p. M, was an event Of his
torcal importance. 1t was the first time a
Preaident Of the United States ever went on
board ola foreign vessel Of war that ever came
To Washington. He was received with all
the honors OF crowned head, being the same
as usually shown to the Emperor. The yards
were manned, the ship was dressed with flags,
ana the American national ensign floated at
the main and the French at the fore mizzen
and peak. A national salute was fred on
his arrival and again on his departure. Adj
miral keynaud received him at the foot OF the
ladder, and the seamen seven times shouted
A" Vve ie President r. on bis arrival and leav
ing Capt Gaudier entertained him hospia.
bly, in his cabin and presented the officers Of
tho ship.
The President was attended at the landing
by full guard Of marines and the band who
played the national airs. Capt. Dahlgreen
and the other officers Of the Navy Yard re-
ceiyed him in body.
The President was accompanied on board
by the Sec'y of State and Capt Dahlgreen.
The French Minister was on board to receive
him aud present his countrymen.
The reception was gratifying one to the
Pr sident, and the affair passed of to mutual
sRli'iarion, and was deemed happy augury
f'r The ln'ufe amieablo relations Of the two
countries