Important Naval intelligence.
--The
United States revenue cutter
Harriet Lane is to be temporarily converted into a man-of-war.
She went on Wednesday to the
Brooklyn Navy-Yard to receive a new and formidable armament.
Four 33 cwt. guns, one 12 pound howitzer, and a quantity of shot and shell will be put on board.
It is said that a marine guard is to be detailed for her immediately.
In obedience to orders from
Washington, the
United States ship
Supply is not to be put out of commission, as was expected, but will be immediately filled with stores and provisions for the squadron now cruising off
Florida.
As every exertion is being made to expedite her outfit, she will be ready in a few days.
Letters for the
Brooklyn,
Macedonian, Wyandotte,
St. Louis and
Sabine will be forwarded by her.
The
United States steam gunboat
Mohawk, which arrived at
Brooklyn a few days since, has been hauled alongside the wharf at the
Navy-Yard, and will be overhauled at once.
Her present officers and crew, it is said, are not to be detached.
Those sailors and marines whom circumstances render it necessary to retain in the service beyond the specified limit of their time will receive one-fourth their usual pay, in addition to their present wages.
The act of Congress which provides for this expressly reserves, on the part of the
Government, the right to hold enlisted men as long as ‘"the interests of the country demand it,"’ on the condition aforesaid.
Matters are getting brisk at the
Norfolk Navy-Yard.
The
Portsmouth and
Germantown are being rapidly prepared for commission.
The premises are literally filled with coal.
The
United States steam frigate
Mississippi is now almost ready for sea, at
Boston.
Her condition has been reported to the authorities, and orders for her immediate outfit are said to be in contemplation.
Two small vessels have been filled with stores and provisions, at the
Brooklyn Navy-Yard, within the past few days, and are about having them transferred to ships that will convey them to the squadrons.
