Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-05-29
FROM NEW ORLEANS.

The steamer Mantanzas, from New Orleans,
has arrived.
On the mi. night Of the Sth, our mortar
fleet, assisted by the iron-clad Essex, and
the sloop-ofwar Richmond, commenced an
other bombardmeht Of the lower batteries at
Port Hudson. 1t was kept up for an hour,
the enemy not responding.
On the 9th, trial was made to secure an
accurate range, and at 10 o'clock at night
another bombardment was made, which con-
tinued an hour without response
At A. NJ, the batteries were again bonn
barded, and continued to 4.3O, when the en-
emy replied. The firing became rapid on
both sides. The Essex was struck, out not
injured. The Richmond, with a full broad
side, silenced the enemys guns. None of
our vessels were injured
The Eras correspondent from from whom
the above was taken, intimates that good news
will fill his next letter.
All places Of public resort in New Orleans,
except churches, have been ordered to display
the National flag, and all amusements to com
mence and close their entertainments with
national ar.
The Navy Department has received the
following
MISSISSIPPI Sar,pRoN, FLAG sHIr GEN, PRicr.
Grand Gulf, May 10.
10 lion. Gideon Feiics, Secretary Of Nary:
SR:-l have the honor TO inform you from Al
eNandria OF the capture of this place and the forts
defending the approaches to the city by the naval
forces under my command. Twentv-four hours
after arrived the advance guard of United
States troops came into the city Gen. Banks ar
irving after | turned the place over to his
keeping. The water beginning to fall, deemed
it prudent to return with the largest vessels TO the
t.t,tL, ,,f taI / a, T..
DeRussey with the Benton and undertook to des-
troy these works. | only succeeded, however, TO
destroy casemates commanding the channel and
a small water battery OF two guns. Six numbered
yards below destroyed, by bursting heavy
32-pounder and some gun carriages left in the hur
ry of the enemy
The main fort on the hill some 800 yards from
the water | was unable to attend to. 1t is quite
an extensive work. new and incomplete. but built
with much labor and skill. 1t will take two or
three vessels to pull it to pieces. ! have not the
powder TO spare to blow it up. The vessels will
be ordered to work on it occasionally, and it will
be soon DESTROYED In this last mentioned fort
mounted the ll-nch gun which am led to be
lieve lies in the middle of the river near
the fort, the rebels throwing it over in their
panic at the approach of our boats. The raft
which lay at the entrance, ] have sawed in
two, and presented to the poor in The neighbor
hood. have sent Commander Woodward in the
Ilttt WIN lut lliNbulHu 10 nidht u FttOnnOie-
sance, and he destroyed large amount of stores
valued at $500 900, consisting of salt, sugar,
rum, molasses, tobacco, and bacon,
(Signed) DAVID d. PORTER
The New Orleans correspondent of the
World, dating the 10Th says it is generally
known that Port Hudson is to be attacked
this week, aud it is beliyed that men might
have been landed from the gunboats during
the late attack by them, and carried the place.
There is no doubt but Port Hudson is eyac-
uated by all but the artillery
1t is expected that Gen. Banks by tonight,
the 18th inst, or tomorrow will reach Bayou
Sara with his forces from Alexandra, via
Red River and will land there Gen. bud.
ley 10 ready to march from Baton Rouge, and
Faragut's and Porler's fleet are above and be-
low Port Hudson.
There seems to be no doubt Of an easy oc-
capation of Port Hudson by Gen Banks
rnUm 1HE ARMY or THE POIOMAC.
The frbune's correspondent with the army
of the Potomac writing under date Of the
2lst states that deserters say the rebel army
ia in excellent condition and a movement is
on foot either to cross the river aud give
us battle near this point, or else cross at
Kelley's ford and Rappahannock Station,
towards Washington, and thus compel our
army to change its base.
They state that Lee feels able to crush
our army in its present condition, and can
easily drive IL into the defenoes around Wash
ington or destroy and capture il.
The railroad TO Richmond is reported to be
in running order.
Our river pickets report that the enemy
were busy digging last night on the opposite
bank. where the lower bridges were thrown
over at the late crossing; also, that the rebel
pickets have been strengthened on the river.
The Tribune Washington dispatch says
the headquarters ofthe Army of the Potomac
mac were moved yesterday. They are now
in beautiful wood close to good water, A
letter from the Army OF the potomsc, dated
the goth says all is quiet and there has been
no great change in affairs there.
Senator Wilson has lust returned from Fal-
mouth and expresses surprise at the high
sn,r's and fehtirg condition Of tho army.