The fight at Charleston.
additional particulars.
The Charleston Courier (to which paper should have been credited the account published on Saturday) had some further particulars of the naval fight there.
The sinking of the Keokuk has already been published by telegraph.
The Courier says: ‘
The Keokuk was one of the most powerful of her class, and her loss will be a staggering blow to the enemy.
She was built last spring and summer, in accordance with plans furnished by Mr. Whitney, an iron merchant of New York, and was said to be impervious to the largest shot or shell capable of being thrown from the most formidable fortification.
Her armament consisted of two fifteen inch Dahlgren--one in each turret.
Thus ends one of the boasted invulnerable fleet, which, it has long been trumpeted forth, could not be sunk, but would demolish and wipe out everything that opposed their progress.
The result, so far, has elated our people, and given the highest satisfaction to our military commanders.
Whether it will prove as equally satisfactory to the enemy remains to be seen. ’
It is known that several others of the fleet, said to have been ten in number, that made the attack, were severely injured.
We learn from good authority that the distance of the Monitors from Fort Sumter, during the engagement, was not over eight hundred yards. The steamer Passable was the leader, and not the Keokuk as at first reported.
The latter is said to have been the last to come into line and the last going out.
Seven of the Monitors and the Ironsides were reported at headquarters as still inside the bar Wednesday morning. A later report in the afternoon stated, that these vessels had gone outside, and eight turreted Monitors were seen steaming South, apparently bound to Port Royal.
It was thought they remained inside during the night and following morning to render assistance to the Keokuk, but finding all their efforts to save her useless they abandoned her and left as above stated.
In the evening, however, the seven turreted monsters re-appeared, and it is believed they had merely gone round to Stono to avoid the heavy blow that prevailed at the bar during the afternoon.
The nondescript, or "Yankee Davis," for clearing the channel, was washed ashore on Morris's Island yesterday, and is now in our possession.--It is described as an old scow-like vessel, painted red, with a long protruding beak and jutting iron prongs or claws, intended for the removal and bursting of torpedoes.
It was attached to the Passale, the leading vessel, and managed by her during the engagement.
It is also reported that two of the small boats belonging to the Keokuk have been secured by our men on Morris's Island.
It is hardly probable that the enemy, after his injuries and experience received in the attack of Tuesday, will be ready for another trial very soon, if at all, especially in the same direction.
It is a curious incidence of war, that the commanders Gens. Beauregard and Ripley, Col. Rhest, Lieut.-Col. Yates, and nearly all the garrison of Fort Sumter, were the same men who were the chief actors in the bloodless reduction of Fort Sumter in April, 1861, and who have now so gloriously and successfully repelled a formidable attack upon this famous fortress while in their keeping.
No additional news was received from Stono.
The number of vessels reported inside was about thirty.
The heavy firing heard early in the morning and later in the afternoon is believed to have been practicing at the batteries.
The following notice appeared in the Charleston papers of Tuesday:
The General commanding having notified the Commissioners for the city of Charleston that it is extremely desirable that all non-combatants should be removed as speedily as possible in view of the threatened attack upon our city, notice is hereby given to all those who are not able to participate in the defence of the city that transportation will be furnished them at this office, under the provisions of the ordinance of the State.
Free tickets will be issued to those in indigent circumstances, and places of refuge assigned them in the interior.
It is earnestly enjoined upon the women and children of our city to comply without delay with this requirement, or otherwise they may be subjected to all the calamities of siege and assault by a brutal enemy.
Samuel Y. Tuppar, for Commissioners.
The Courier, of the 10th, says: ‘
Six Monitors and the Ironsides were still inside the bar up to Thursday evening--no material change having been made in their positions. ’
Another nondescript, or "Yankee Devil, No. 2" having the appearance of a large raft, about 150 feet long, with masts and rigging, came up to the bar last evening.
Nothing positive could be ascertained as to its real character.
The smoke stack of the Keokuk can be plainly seen from the city above the water, about a mile and a half from the beach.
Several articles of furniture and other effects from the wreck have been washed ashore, all more or less covered with blood.
They are in possession of our forces on Morris's Island.
It was also reported that the spy glass of the wrecked Monitor had been picked up, and is now in possession of Col. Graham, commanding on Morris's Island.
No special movements of the enemy were observable.
The following are official dispatches of General Beauregard, published in the Charleston papers:
Gen. Beauregard to the troops.
[General Orders, No. 55.] The Commanding General is gratified to have to announce to the troops the following joint resolutions, unanimously adopted by the Legislature of the State of South Carolina: "Resolved, That the General Assembly reposes unbounded confidence in the ability and skill of the Commanding General of this Department and the courage and patriotism of his brave soldiers, with the blessing of God, to defend our beloved city, and to beat back our vindictive foes. "Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor be instructed to communicate this resolution to Gen. Beauregard." Soldiers! the eyes of your countrymen are now turned upon you on the eve of the second anniversary of the 13th of April, 1861, when the sovereignty of the State of South Carolina was triumphantly vindicated within the harbor which we are now to defend. The happy issue of the action of the 7th inst.--the stranded riddled wreck of the iron mailed Keokuk — her baffled coadjutors, forced to retire beyond the range of our guns, have inspired confidence in the country that our ultimate success will be complete. An inestimably precious charge has been confided to your keeping, with every reliance on your manhood and enduring patriotism. By command of General Beauregard
(Signed) Thos. Jordan, Chief of Staff.
Official: John M. Otey, A. A. G.
(Signed) Thos. Jordan, Chief of Staff.
Official: John M. Otey, A. A. G.
Charleston, April 8, 10 A. M.
--Enemy has not come up to time; appears satisfied for present.
Charleston ladies seem to think city safe.
Never have seen so many before on Battery. 