The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-03-28
BENEATH DECK.

| Beneath deck toe Monitor Is as neat and
compact as above deck, and has been fitted
up with great deal of taste for the com
fort and convenience OF her officers and
crew. The ward room is very pleasant, and
the state rooms quite comfortable. The
engine rooms are large and well ventilated
AS to her propeller and rudder 1t is dill
cult to lind them when inside OF the vesse
or outside Of it, and l should judge from
the general silence on the subject that the
| peculiar character and locality OF these
important adjuncts of locomotion are
not to be made public at present. Suf'
lice it to say that they are not visible out
side of the vessnl, nor is it discernibe
which is her stem or which her stern, as she
moves with equal facility both ways, and
was assured that she can move at better
speed than her monster antagonist.
She has an immense flag flying from her
stern, and, with steam always putting away,
stands prepared for another encounter at
any moment.
THE SPEED OF THE MONITOR.
The information has gained ground that
the Merrimac is superior 10 speed to the
Monitor, and that if the former chose she
could run past her and get out to sea. This,
l Was assured, is an entire mistake. The
speed OF the Merrimac is not over five knots
an hour, whilst that of the Monitor is about
seven. On putting the question to one OF
her gunners as to their relative speed, and
the ability of the Merrimac to run away
from The Monitor, be replied, " We would
like to see her attempt it. She would then
be at cur mercy, and, by following close in
her wake, we could soon cripple if not de
strOy her rudder and propeller" A more
enthusiastic and confident set of men never
manned ship, and they all express an anx.
iety that they will soon have another OPP
portuuity to meet her.
WILL THE MERRIMAC COME OUT AGAIN
This is the question prOpounded by every
one you meet at Old Point. AS to her
coming out again think there is 30 doubt
her injuries, as learn from gentleman
from Norfolk, consist in the dlsmounting OF
one OF her guns, the breaking off OF her iron
snout, and the weakening of her forward
shield or covering. The iron in front was
splintered and broken, and two OF the MOni.
tors balls entered through the under timbers
Her hull was not injured to any serious ex>
tent, and she is being rapidly repaired and
strengthened without going into dock. She
was lying in her old position on "Wednesday
and large force of workmen were engaged
on her.
THE FRENCH FRIGATE GAssENDI.
There is but one of the French vessels of
war now lying at Fortress Monroe, the
Others having all lett. During the course
of the day l also had an opportunity OF visi
ting her, and had a very pleasant interview
with her officers. They had from their deck
a fine view of the grand naval engagement
of Sunday, and are most enthusiastic In
descriptions of the contest. They regard
the Monitor as invulnerable, and during the
day number of the officers visited her anG
we're received with all the honors by Com
mander Jefers. They went through the
vessel and had all its parts explained tt
them, >pronouncing it the last Yankee inven
ton, that is to astOnish the world and bring
about a new era in naval warfare and for
tihcatiOns.