The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-07-26
Capture of Norfolk-Prcsideat LncoIn's Strategy

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
have read many "reminiscences and histories of
the late war, but have looked in vain for a true
account OF the part our lamented President Lincoln
took in the expedition that led TO the capture OF
Norfolk. Va.
The advance of General Mcclellan up the PENN
sula towards Richmond Va, in 1852, would have
been materially aided could he have been sup
ported by our gunboats on the James River. The
presence of the Merrimac at Norfolk kept them at
Fortress Monroe the watch for her, while they
were maintaining the blockade.
President Lincoln in favor of a movement
on Norfolk, 10 compel the Merrimac to fight or
surrender, and relieve the strain on McCiellans
communications. which the Confederate ram threat
ened.
On the 10th of May, 1862, after consultation
between President Lincoln and General Wool,
Gthe former being then al Fortress Monroe, with
number of his Cabinet,) the forces at Camp Hamil-
ton and our own regiment tthe Tenth New York;
We're put in motion. They consisted of the Tenth,
Twentieth and Ninety -nnth New York the Six
teenth Massachusetts, with portion of the New
York mounted rifles, and three batteries of light
artillery, under the command of Brigadier-Gen-
eral Max Weber The question with US was,
Where are we going?f Nobody knew but we ali
suspected that something was up for President Ian
coin was at the Fortress, and seemed determined
to infuse energy into US ALL We were embarked
on everything in the shape of a boat that could
float be propelled, and were kept on these
boats, in the broiiing sun, for nearly four hours,
when, at dark, to astonishment, were dis
embarked and marched back To our old quarters.
The next morning we were embarked again on
the same boats and propeliers. Company ii,
Captain Hopper ltny conpany,) was placed
propeller, and at noon all the boats commenced to
move. The President seemed TO be in complete
charge OF the expedition, and wherever he ap-
peared he was cheered His little propeller steamed
towards the boat we were on, and as soon as he APP
peared alongside, our boys started three cheers,
which was suddenly checked by a wave OF his
hand and his words of interrogation, Where's
the Captain?f Here, SIR was Immediately
| sponded. How much water does your vessel
drawn asked the President. Seven feet sir"
responded the Captain. "An right Captain" re-
piled the President. Then turning to us soldiers,
cns1 rRaIaa
! TO- which they did with patriotic vim. As his
boat moved away, the President with his stove
pipe hat in hand, stood bowling to the troops. we
Were landed in the rear of Norfolk, the canal
boats forming bridge out to deep water. The
| first man ashore was President Lincoln, Captain
Davis battery and the Twentieth New Nork State
volunteers following. The balance OF the force was
soon landed and hurried march followed.
The embarking and disembarking of the troops
at Fortress Monroe a trick of the President, to
hoodwlnk the people and force at Norfolk as to
strength. Seeing troops enbarking for two days,
/ they We're led TO believe that force double
what it WIS, and the Confederate General Huger,
In command there, was constrained to evacuate
the Entertainments in the rear of Norfolk, as well
as Norfolk itself. and the city of Portsmouth on
| the other side of the Elizabeth River.
/ Our forces, all were landed and ready
| began the march on Norfolk When we arrived
in front of the intrenehments we halted and formed
| In line Of battle. Up to this time General Wool
was not aware of the evacuation. We expected to
storm the place, which seemed almost impregna-
| bic. The Confederates had built intrenehments of
sand-bags, &c, in front of which they had cut
down the trees which, falling thlckIy together be-
fore the redoubts made terrible abatis to charge
| through
our scouts soon brought the intelligence of the
! retreat OF the Confederates, and we were marched
around and through the works. The boys were
very chary of touching shells and other destructive
missiles which were lying around, it having been
reported that there was a mine under the redoubts
| that would be sprung upon us.
General Wool now assumed direction of affairs,
and our regiment taking the advance retained it
until night. On the march we ran UP the stars and
stripes on flagstaff on fertilization near Sew
ellis Point. and the regiment saluted it with nine
cheers.
A committee of the common council of Norfolk,
headed by Mayor Lamb met General Wool, who
1 was accompanied by Secretary Chase and sur
rendered the city to them.
The Government buildings (custom-house, post
office &e.) were taken possession of and the Union
flag Hoated once more over the beautiful little city.
The colored people were very enthusiastic over u.s.
| They drew shouts Of laughter from the troops
while they were passing through the city, by their
ridiculous superstitious questions. Go long dar,
yer amt no Massa Linkum soldiers-whar's Yer
1 horns?''
They had been told we wore horns As for Presi-
dent Lincoln, he went back TO Fortress Monroe af-
ter the troops had landed The greatest disap
pontment met with was the blowing up of the
MerTifnac by the Confederates. for had hoped
to capture ii. General McClelanis communica.
tons were safe. The Merrimac was no longer
to be feared. A great many of the trophy hunters
Of the regiments made wooden hearts crosses, &c
out of the timber of the defunct Merrmac and
sent them home. While at Norfolk two young
men of company deserted under the following
circumstances: They were living in New York
when tie war broke out, their former home was
| Norfolk and, being carried away by the excite
ment of the times, enlisted in regiment, but as
soon as we reached Norfolk they went to their
home, where they Joined their mother and two sis
ters and learning from them thai their father and
a brother were III the Confederate army, made up
their minds 10 desert.
j. HOLLYWOOD,
Tenth New York National Zouaves
san FRANCISCO. Cal.