Alexandria Gazette

A FORMIDABLE FORTRESS—Fort Monroe. (Old Point Comfort, Va.) is now said to be rendered one of the most formidable fortresses in the country. Its armament has been improved in many respects, and looks truly formidable. The number of guns mounted is no less than two hundred and eighty-five, which throw twelve thousand four hundred and seventeen pounds of iron. There are, besides these, 5 mortars and 10 siege howitzers. The new fort, commonly known as the Rip Raps, will, when perfectly completed, have one hundred and eight-inch Columbiads, and fourteen forty-two guns, all casemated; and eight ten-inch Columbiads, and forty-six nine-inch ditto, all en barbette. Nothing that could be done to perfect the ensemble of the battery has been neglected.