Upon receiving this note, the mayor immediately convened the select and common councils of the city, and a committee was appointed to "coöperate with "Our troops pushed rapidly forward the mayor in conferring with the Federal despite the heat of the day, and at five military commander, and assuring him o'clock reached the intrenched camp, that no resistance can or will be made to some two miles this side of Norfolk, the occupation of the city by the United which had been very strongly fortified States forces, but that the citizens expect with earthworks on which were mounted and claim protection to persons and twenty-nine pieces of artillery. No property during such occupation." troops were in the place, and our forces. passed through it on their way to the

NORFOLK SURRENDERED.

427

the city and asking protection for the the commanding general issued the folpersons and property of the citizens. lowing-General order No. 1. HeadGeneral Wool replied that his request quarters Department of Virginia, Norwas granted in advance--that the gov-folk, May 10, 1862. The city of Norfolk ernment of the United States had not the having been surrendered to the governslightest wish or thought of interfering ment of the United States, military poswith the rights of any peacable citizen, session of the same is taken in behalf of and that all should have full protection the national government by Major-Genagainst violence of every kind. The first eral John E. Wool. Brigadier-General thing he had done on setting out in the Viele is appointed military governor for morning had been to issue an order, pro- the time being. He will see that all cithibiting, under the severest penalties, izens are carefully protected in all their any interference whatever with the pri- rights and civil privileges, taking the utvate property or rights of any citizen, most care to preserve order and to see and this prohibition should be enforced that no soldier be permitted to enter the with the utmost rigor. He begged the city except by his order, or by the writ mayor to rest assured that everything he ten permission of the commanding officer had asked should be granted. A gen- of his brigade or regiment, and he will eral conversation then took place between punish summarily any American soldier the officials on each side, in which their who shall trespass upon the rights of any sentiments and opinions were freely in- of the inhabitants.' Immediately after terchanged. Special stress was laid by issuing this order General Wool, with the city representatives on the fact that his staff and Secretary Chase, withdrew, they had discountenanced, in every way and rode back in the carriage used only possible, all the propositions that had this morning by General Huger, across been made for the destruction of private the country to Ocean View, the place property, and the burning of the bridge of debarkation, which they reached at across Tanner's creek was characterized a little after eight o'clock. as an utterly useless and unauthorized Captain Cornick said that if the government had ordered the city to be burned, he should of course have submitted; but he had given public notice that if any member of any vigilance committee, or anybody else without full authority from the government, should attempt to set his house on fire, he would shoot him on the spot. The mayor concurred in these sentiments, and expressed the strongest determination to do everything in his power for the preservation of the public peace and of social order.

act.

"The party then broke up to go to the city hall for the formal inauguration of the new military authorities. The mayor invited General Wool and Secretary Chase to ride with him in his carriage, and they proceeded together, followed by the general's body guard and the troops. After entering the city hall

The only

report of the surrender of the city which preceded them was brought by a negro, who arrived about twenty minutes in advance, and said that he left Norfolk at half-past five o'clock, and that he then saw a body of our horsemen and one regiment of infantry inside the works. He had walked all the way, and his report was speedily confirmed by the appearance of the general in person, who at once went on board the steamboat Pioneer, and returned to Fortress Monroe-stopping on the way to announce the result to the flag-officer of the fleet on board the Susquehanna."* It was eleven o'clock at night when General Wool returned to Fortress Monroe. At midnight Secretary Stanton, who was there to greet him, in a dispatch to Washington, recapitulating the events

Editorial Correspondence New York Times Ocean

View, opposite Fortress Monroe, May 10, 1862.

of the day, announced to the country, 'Norfolk is ours.'

ant T. F. Eldridge from the Dragon, had landed with an armed crew and taken down the rebel flag. substituting the

of the crew. Captain Case immediately reported the fact to the President and secretary of war, who received the confirmation of the picket boats with great satisfaction.

"At the request of the President, Captain Case immediately proceeded to Craney island to ascertain if the works were evacuated, in company with the fleet, which was then advancing. Your correspondent and Captain Phillips were courteously invited by Captain Case to accompany him on the expedition, which was soon under way, and overtook and

These were the incidents of Saturday. On Sunday a striking catastro-stars and stripes' amid the hearty chcers phe crowned the busy drama of the week, which had commenced with the evacuation of Yorktown. About four o'clock in the morning a bright light was observed from Fortress Monroe in the direction of Craney island, which was supposed at first to be a signal of some description from the Merrimac. Precisely at half-past four o'clock, continues the report to the associated press, "an explosion took place which made the earth and water tremble for miles around. In the midst of the bright flame which shot up in the distance, the timbers and iron of the monster steamer could be seen fly-passed all the vessels of war that had ing through the air. No doubt was entertained that the veritable Merrimac had ceased to exist. Flag-Officer Goldsborough, on receiving this report, ordered two armed naval tugs, the Zouave and Dragon, to proceed toward Craney island on a reconnoissance, and ascertain the truth of the rumor. Immediately after they had turned the point, the Monitor and E. A. Stevens steamed up in the same direction, followed by the San Jacinto, Susquehanna, Mount Vernon, Seminole, and Dacotah. It was a most beautiful sight, and attracted throngs of spectators along the whole line of Old Point. Some were disposed to discredit the announcement that the Merrimac was destroyed, and as the vessels passed up to Craney island the excitement became intense. In the mean time, two tug-boats were seen coming on toward the fortress at full speed, each endeavoring to outvie the other, and when nearing the wharf, the radiant countenance of Captain Case, of the Minnesota, gave assurance that the news they brought was of a most gratifying character. The report was true; he had met parts of the floating wreck. All the earthworks at Craney island appeared to be abandoned, though the rebel flag was still flying. Lieuten

started in advance of us except the Monitor and Naugatuck, which were moving ahead on their way to Norfolk, having passed by Sewell's point and Craney island. As we neared Craney island we found this immense fortress apparently abandoned, though three rebel flags were floating from very tall staffs in different. parts of the works. Captain Case, when within half a mile of the shore, ordered a shot to be fired to test the fact of evacuation. The only sign of life that the shell produced was the appearance on the shore of two negro men. A boat was immediately lowered, and through the courteous attention of the commandant, I accompanied it to the shore to participate in the honor of lowering the rebel emblems, and substituting the 'pride of America' in its place. Commander Case was the first loyal man that pressed his foot on the soil of this treasonable stronghold. Without thought of torpedoes or infernal machines, the gallant commandant rushed to the flagstaff and halliards, and they being in good order, the old flag was soon given to the breeze.

"The forts on the island are in four or five separate sections. They are constructed with the best engineering skill, and most admirable workmanship, and

THE LAST OF THE MERRIMAC.

were left in excellent condition, as were also the extensive barracks, which had accommodated during the winter a garrison of over 2,000 men. Forty heavy guns were mounted in different parts of the works, on the main front of the island; the works commanding the approaches to the channel of the river. Nine of these casemates were finished, in each of which were 9 or 10-inch Dahlgrens, and the work of erecting five more casemates was in progress at the time of the evacuation, in one of which a gun was mounted. The fort at the head of the island was called the 'Citadel.' It was not casemated, but mounted five heavy guns. The whole number of guns mounted was thirty-nine, of which two were Parrotts, and a number rifled Dahlgrens. There were also about six guns in the works which had not been mountAfter spending an hour on the island we proceeded to Norfolk.

ed.

429

which are still in position, except those near the naval hospital. These are said to have been taken to Richmond during the past week. On the opposite bank of the river is another battery, with two or three other small works. On all the works the rebel flag has been lowered by the fleet, and the stars and stripes substituted. The amount of powder found in the magazines is estimated at 5,000 pounds, and the fixed ammunition taken can only be enumerated by the cargo. After cruising about for some time among the fleet, we landed at the wharf, and took a stroll through the city of Norfolk. It being Sunday, of course, all business places were closed, and the city presented a most quiet aspect. The wharfs were crowded with blacks, male and female, and a goodly number of white working people, with their wives and children, were strolling about. Soldiers were stationed on the wharfs and picketed through the city, while the flag of the Union floated triumphantly from the cupola of the custom house. The houses through the city were generally closed, especially those of the wealthier classes. Some of the females scowled at the hor

"Immediately at the upper end of the island we found a mass of blackened wreck floating on the water, some of it proceeding from the sunken portions of vessels. We had also passed large quantities of floating timber on our way up, all of which had been torn into splin-rible Yankees, and some almost attemptters. From the men found on the island we ascertained that the Merrimac had lain during Saturday at a point nearly a mile below the position from which the fragments were observed. During the night, however, she had been brought back and run ashore. Her entire officers and crew were landed on the island, and a slow match applied to her magazine. She was torn to fragments by the time the crew were out of reach of her. Negroes state that the officers and crew passed through the adjoining country on the main land about eight o'clock in the morning to the number of 200. They said they were on their way to Suffolk. "On the line of the river leading from Craney island to Norfolk there are not less than six heavy earthworks, mounting in all about sixty-nine cannon, all of

ed to spit upon them. But there was a subdued quiet among the middle classes, their countenances implying a desire to wait and watch for further developments. The secessionists talked boldly of the Southern Confederacy, declaring their intention to receive nothing but Confederate money, and saying they would have nothing to do with Lincoln shinplasters. They were fully confident that in twenty days Norfolk would be repossessed, and the Yankees driven out. President Lincoln, who had accompanied Commodore Goldsborough and General Wool in the steamer Baltimore, on a visit of observation to Elizabeth river, did not disembark, but remained on board for about an hour in front of the city, and then steamed back to the fortress. Secretary Chase returned with him, while Secretary Stan

ton remained until a late hour in consultation with the military governors Generals Viele and Wool. True to the spirit of secession, the fire, which threw a broad, red glare across the heavens on Saturday night, proceeded from the destruction of the Portsmouth navy yard, which was done by order of the rebel commandant, scarcely anything being left but black tall walls and tall chimneys. Even the immense stone dry dock was mined and damaged, and it is said the engine and pump belonging to it were removed to Richmond."

sota and Vanderbilt, which were anchored below Fortress Monroe, got under way and stood up to that point, apparently with the intention of joining their squadron in the Roads. Before, however, we got within gun shot, the enemy ceased firing, and retired with all speed, under the protection of the guns of the fortress, followed by the Virginia, until the shells from the Rip Raps passed over her." Commodore Goldsborough, as we learn from his report of this affair, had given orders to the Monitor, on the coming out of the Merrimac, to fall back into fair channel way, and only engage her seriously in such a position, that, together with the merchant vessels intended for the purpose, she would run her down. The Merrimac, he says, "did not engage the Monitor, nor did she place herself where she could have been assailed by our ram-vessels to any advantage, or where there was any prospect whatever of getting at her."

The policy or necessity of the destruction of the Merrimac or Virginia was much discussed at Richmond, and the affair was made the subject of investigation by a special court of inquiry ordered by the navy department. The official report of Commodore Tatnall, who was in command of the vessel at the time of her destruction, set forth that in the first week of May he had received orders from Richmond to ascend and protect the navigation of the James river; but that on the remonstrances of General Huger, at Norfolk, who entertained fears of the safety of his defences in that quarter, he was required to endeavour to afford protection to Norfolk as well as the James river, which, of course, kept him in his position at Craney island. Commodore Hollins was then sent from Richmond to consult with the naval and military officers, about Norfolk, concerning the best disposition to be made of the Merrimac, and the 8th of May was appointed for the conference. On that day the Monitor and other vessels, as already related, attacked the Sewell's Point battery, and the Merrimac left her station to defend it. "We found," says Commodore Tatnall, "six of the enemy's vessels, including the iron clad steamers, Monitor and Naugatuck, shelling the battery. We passed the battery, and stood directly for the enemy, for the purpose of engaging him, and I thought an action certain particularly as the Minne-sident of the United States. Flag Ship Minnesota, Hanip

The next day the conference was held, and it was determined that the Merrimac should remain to protect Norfolk, and afford time for the removal of the public property-the evacuation of the position being already decided upon. On the following day, the 10th, General Wool had landed, and was before Norfolk with his six thousand troops; there was a general flight from the land batteries, and the Confederate flag heretofore flying at Sewell's point was no longer to be seen from the deck of the Virginia. Commodore Tatnall dispatched a messenger to Craney island for information, who brought him back word that the Union troops were advancing, and that the Confederates were retreating. The messenger was then sent to Norfolk to confer with General Huger and Captain Lee, when he found that those officers had left by railroad, the navy yard in flames, and that the mayor was treating for the

* Commodore Goldsborough, to his Excellency the PreRoads, May 9, 1862.