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see, the Brooklyn has accomplished what she was sent here for, viz.: the reinforcement of Fort Pickens, in spite of their General Bragg, their horde of murderous traitors, and the threats that oceans of blood would be spilled if even the attempt was made.
We have done it. It also proves that my views of the entire practicability of such a scheme were very correct.
On Tuesday, the 15th, we were delighted to see the splendid steamer Atlantic sailing into our midst, and we were completely overjoyed when it was ascertained that she was laden with troops, horses, batteries, ammunition, stores, &c., &c., for the fort.
The next day the frigate Powhattan arrived, and yesterday the Illinois came among us, laden the same as the Atlantic was; all the forces brought by these transports, together with the guns, ammunition, stores, &c., &c., have been safely transferred to the fort, giving it a thousand or more troops, and, together with the fleet outside, making it impregnable; in fact, with our present force, we think we can hold it against the entire South.
The number of rebels in this vicinity is about 6,000, and they are constantly at work erecting batteries along the beach, and fortifying their positions in every way they can. We expect to get some pretty hard knocks in case of an encounter, but may God protect them when our dogs of war are let loose, and are speeding their implements of death.
--N. Y. Tribune, April 25-29.