...loaded with 250 tons of powder, was headed for the fort, and exploded on the night of the 23d. This explosion, however, proved harmless. Then, on the 24th, the fleet approached for bombardment. Colonel Lamb thus tells his experience under that fire:. The fleet, consisting of the Ironsides, four monitors and forty-five wooden steam frigates, commenced a terrific bombardment. . . . For five hours a tremen...