The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-02-02
From Fortress Monroe.


FORTRESS MONROE, January 3l.-The recent
action of Congress in relation to the Norfolk
Navy Yard, Is creating no little aAxety in the
minds of the citizens of both Norfolk and Ports
mouth and more particularly the officers and
workmen connected with the Naval Depot.
Remonstrances and petitions are pouring into
Washington against the policy of closing its
gates, and several meetings on the subject have
been held in both towns. There are at present
employed in the Yard over six hundred men, in
different capacities, and these are almost con-
stantly employed in erecting and repairing build
iDgs destroyed and damaged by the Rebel forces
at the outbreak of the war. Scarcely a build
ing had been lett untouched by the flames,
which consumed so much Government pro-
perty, and the blackened walls for q long
tiunewere painfal ~vitness of the rrst fruits of
the Rebellion. The United States Government
since then has spent vast amount in order TO
place it in its former condition, but the work is
vet unfinished, and it will take years to com
pletely replace it. ...,.. ... g-a
Colonel Brady, the Naval storekeeper of the
Yard, accompanied by several other officers
acting in the interests of the white employees,
accompanied by representative of the colored
workmen, have recently returned from visit
W " w tuC Navy DtphTllueuV,r anu
speak encOuragingly of the prospects of the CON
tinuance OF the Yard. meeting has also been
held, and the Postmaster of Portsmouth ap-
pointed to make an additional visit to Wash
lngton. rfrn ID ...... .,..... ........- ..If-. ID.
The loss of work in the Yard would be sorely
felt by the mechanics and Others in both Ports
mouth and Norfolk, and the most strenuous
exertions are being used to prevent the accom-
plishment OF this design on the part ofcertain
members o. Congress. The pay of the men in
the Yard has been reduced over twenty per
cent, yet only in accordance with the rates
paid at all other yards.
The gunboat Yantic has recently been over
hauled, new fans put in, and thoroughly
painted, etc. She is now'Dearly ready for sea,
and only awaits her officers before gong into
commission. # |a ..gnd .r.Hs t.la... \.
The gunboat Tacony has also been extensively
repaired, being dooked and strengthened for
two years 'cruse. The Confederate rams Albe-
marie and Texas, captured during the war, are
land up remaining probably useless to the
Government and mere monuments of the event
full Rebellion. The following vessels are also at
the Yard:-The gunboat Seneca, repairing, and
the Columbia and Periwinkle, in ordinary. The
picket boat No. 4, in use by the employees, and
also the gunboat snowdrop and wrecking
steamer Jean Sands. The gunboats Wlnnepec
and Don are both repairing. Theold frigate
81. Lawrence is used as marine quarters. ..
The following gunboats are laid up in ordi-
nary;-Harcourt, May Flower Standish, and
Dale. .. .rn.. .au.I lr.a.#E ... ..
large number of Workmen, employed by the
contractors, Messrs. Brown, Matby & Co., are
at work on the old frigate BrandyWine de.
stroyed by fire year since, endeavoring to
raise the huge hulk. The Brandywne was at
that time used as a receiving ship. sla-s w,a..I