New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-01-13
TIE TESTOFOIR RON.CLADS At SEA.
THE EXPERIMENT A PERFECT SUCCESS.
The Passait and Montauk Safe at Beaufort
THE psssAIc wEA1HERs A TERRIFIC GALE.


,ircles here. dispatch from the Richmond papers
announcing the arrival at Beaufort, in disabled
condition, of the iron-clad battery Passaic-which
appeared in The TRIBUNE, was circulated among
naval people, and arriving 80 quickly after the Monl
tor disaster. caused the most dismal feelings. The
fact of Now-Bedford paper having previously
published a correspondents letter giving thrilling
account Of the dangerous condition OF the iror-cad
in the gale off attcras lent al air OF probability to
the story which almost neutraized the sbSurdity OF
tho cauard abou. the turret being lost.
The public having gea. interest in the matter,
inquiries were made, by telegraph, Of well.
informed person in Washington, known to be in the
confidence Of the Navy Department. His reply is
subjoined, as are two subsequent kilograms:
FIRST DISPATCH.
WAsHISGroS, Monday Jan. 10. 1862
The Navy Department has been advised Of the
safe arrival at Beaufort of the Passaic. The Rebel
story is hoax
SECOND DISPATCH.
WAsHNGros, Monday-5 p. m.
The Passaic and Montauk are at Beaufort all well.
The former was not disabled. She went safely
through one Of the most terrific gales recently expe-
rieuced of Ha.eras. An officer Of the vessel writing
to friend here, says, that the superstions OF the
sailors and of some of the officers was one OF the
greatest difficulties to be overcome. Several oil them
gave up all for lost at every dash Of the sea- and the
deck being almost constantly immersed, the appear
ance Of things in measure, justified their fears.
Professional men, however, are highly pleased with
the seaQoing qualities Of the new Monitors and see
nothing 20 be improved upon save further strength
enng OF the sections.
THIRD DISPATCH.
WAsHiSGToS. Monday, Jan i2-ii ?. u.
Cant. Worden of the Montank has reported his AZ
rival Mt his destination to the Navy Department.
The Passac was in port, al WELL and noby braved
n terrific storm off Cape Hatteras, the same which
wrecked the Monitor. Capt. Drayton Of tho Passaic
has written to NewYork for the only things needed
in Lis vessel velvet cushion and come glars affairs.
OFFICIAL TRIP OF THE wEEHAwkES-
The iron-cad battery Weehawken, Capt Rodgers,
left the Nsvy.Yard on Saturday TO make her official
trial trip under the auspices Of the Government
She steamed up the river as far as the Palisades,
making over seven knots on the way. When she
arrived at the berth from which the ordnance expert.
ments of the Passaic and Montauk were made, the
engines were stopped and the guns loaded. Nine
shots were fired which demonstrated the entirs sue
cess Of the entire aTaDgements-a success which 10
said to be the most gratifying yet experienced.
A new addition has been made to the gun appa-
ratus. which enables the to work it with still
greater facility. Through the negligence of subor-
diuate in not oiliug iron clasp OF some kind, be-
longing to the machinery, few pipes or rods broke,
which compelled Capt. Rodgers to remain below un-
I'll Sunday forenoon, when he brought his vessel
again to the Navy-Yard. She will sail this evening
or tomorrow morning in company with the Nahant
and conveys, to join the other portion Of the fleet.