From Charleston.
condition of our troops — defences of the city — the Lafayette Artillery--Fort Sumter, &c., &c.
[Special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Everywhere on the line of road I found the condition of our troops excellent and the health of but very few comparatively requiring the attention of the surgeons. In like manner, and arising no doubt from the same cause, (for health is the greatest invigorator of the mind and remedy of diseased imaginations.) I found all desirous of active service and willing to inaugurate a guerilla warfare, since the enemy seem determined to give them no opportunity to attack in force or to make any formidable movement on our lines of defence.--The misfortunes of their outposts have been accumulating upon them, the activity of Gen. Evans's troops having in several instances caused them the loss of men within a few yards of their pickets, and even strong regiments within short distance. So much has been done that they have finally abandoned Little Edisto Island, where a strong detachment had been posted, after having no doubt caused all the loss and injury that was in their power. Our forces, which until lately have been encamped along the line of railway, has been advanced from Pocotaligo, Coosawhatchie, and Hardeeville, their respective depots, to a point nearer the coast and in proximity to Bluffton, the scene of the foray attempted some weeks since, from which point any landing between Port Royal and Savannah river may be easily defended, and our forces concentrated to resist any more formidable attack. Indeed, the impression has gained strength here, as well as in Georgia, that the Yankees do not design any such movement, but threaten with the object solely of keeping our troops from being forwarded to points of vital importance either in Virginia or in Tennessee. The long service which our troops have seen here is at least fitting them for a more vigorous campaign when transferred to other localities; and South Carolina will, like Georgia, have a large number of regiments of State troops, or those organized for local defence, in a thorough state of discipline and equipment, ready, at the call of the Governor, to respond heartily. The State has done nobly in this cause, in which she has borne the first burst, and in which she has borne the first burst, and in which she and her people feel all their dearest interests centred. At present she has in the field thirty-one thousand men — soldiers who have proved their devotion to her by their courage and constancy in the field, and in the endurance of a winter campaign. No State can do more. Those who are left are not idle, but devote all their energies to promote the cause of their country. Arms are being manufactured, and saltpetre, so indispensable to the conduct of the war, is being provided by the establishment of plantations, which the increase of a few months will render prolific — Everything that can conduce to our success is being initiated, and the future will bring forth good fruit in the earnestness, strength, and devotion of the people of the State to the cause nearest their heart.
I have made a personal inspection of the lines of defence about being completed around the city, and have to report the almost gratification at the visit. In company with some officers, I made a circuit of a mile and a half of works, extending across the country from river to river, all being beautifully profiled and the slopes sodded, the redoubts and bastions strong and commanding, and even the sally-ports admirably built of brick; a work which should forever remain a monument of the perseverance of the people of Charleston, and a boulevard for their recreation. I have visited similar works of defence in different parts of the country — those about Norfolk especially deserve commendation; but none have been executed more skillfully, none have the same command, and, I may add, few had the same amount of difficulty to over come. The engineer who has carried out the work deserves great commendation for the result which he has produced. Should the enemy ever come near enough to see this frowning line of defence, I venture to say that his courage will fall him at the eventful moment, or he will be decimated in an assault.
On my return towards the city, I visited the camp of the Lafayette Artillery, Capt Kanapaux. A company which will, on the 25th, celebrate its second centennial anniversary whose organization has never passed into that of any other, and which formed during the war of 1862, now steps forward to contend for their rights in this the second war of independence. The company is in possession of a complete battery of beautiful guns and howitzers, and are now engaged in drilling their horses for the field. I had the pleasure of witnessing the inspection parade, and was much pleased at the efficiency which was manifested; a good test of the qualities of the officers, all of whom are men of steering worth, possessing the confidence of the men.
In company with 1st Lieut. O'Connor, I made an inspection of the quarters of the men, and after a half hour's intercourse, in which the enlivening glass passed frequently, I returned to the city much pleased with the visit.
Through the courtesy of friends in the garrison of Fort Sumter, and by the removal of the strict injunction against visitors by Gen. Ripley, I was enabled to visit the fort and view the great changes which the year has produced since he memorable bombardment, which we shall soon celebrate with becoming honors. Every part looks as well prepared for a strong defence as when Anderson defiantly held the post; the exterior appears as new as on the day before the fire opened upon it, the casemates are completed, the barracks rebuilt, and all evidences of the great flee, save in a portion of the officers' quarters not reconstructed, has entirely disappeared.--From the ramparts nothing can be seen of the once formidable batteries of Morris Island, which have been entirely levelled, and at Fort. Johnson only the shade of the floating battery remains, for its strength has been shorn from it, the guns being dismounted, and the iron stripped from its mailed front.
Following the horizon in my survey, I can readily distinguish the black hulls of five Lincoln blockaders, each commanding an important outlet over the bar; but, despite which, our gallant and adventurous sailors pass out without fear and without molestation. They have lately added a saucy little craft of light draft, which is found every morning close under Sullivan's Island, near the beach channel, and frequently runs close in on the bar, as if bidding defiance to us. --They know not how often they are laughed at within fifty yards of their guns, when the moon is veiled and a dark pall covers the face of the deep. Pursuing the survey, we come to Sullivan's Island and Fort Moultrie, which looks much more pleasantly then when watching with grim satisfaction the once beleaguered Sumter. Between lie the rafts which are designed to arrest the progress of any audacious gunboat, and bring it under the fire of the forts. Further in, appears above the water the long line of piles driven across the main channel, upon the verge of which, and within thirty yards of a passing ship, a new battery has been commenced upon a which will soon be able to give the Lincolnites additional cause of regret at having penetrated to our inner harbor, if they should ever be bol enough.
Of the movements for the construction of the gunboat, I shall not speak ti office it to say, that the work has been begun, and when it is completed will add greatly to the strength of the fortress which now commands the harbor.
The good news of the battle of Shiloh arrived here yesterday through the modest, brief, but comprehensive, dispatch of General Beauregard. All the city is gay with banners, the Mercury office has given to the breeze the flag of South Carolina, and all are exultant over a victory to which our Beauregard has so materially contributed. The devotion and love of our people for this distinguished officer is on the increase, and all look confidently to the good star which guides him to lead to yet greater honors.
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of the gallant Johnston, than whom no man deserved more the love and confidence of the people. But he fell where the noble prefer to die — on the battle-field which has secured the rights and liberties of his country. May the battle-field of Shiloh be a favorable omen of the coming of the deliverance of our people, as it is the name of the hope of the Jews of old Bethel Manassas, and Shiloh!--names which deserve to be engraved on every heart, and from which we can draw comfort; for on each field we won, by Almighty power, a signal and glorious victory. May Shiloh turn the tide, and cause our arms to pass from the borders of Mississippi to the banks of the Ohio.
