The Siege of Charleston.
The Charleston papers give an account of last weeks operations against the works defending that city. The bombardment of Monday was one of unprecedented severity. Sunday night had been comparatively quiet, but early in the morning the Ironsides, with the fleet of monitors and gunboats, opened on Forts Wagner and Gregg; and about 7 o'clock the Parrott guns of the Yankee land batteries opened on Fort Sumter. The firing was fast and furious — all of our own land batteries entering into the contest. Between 10 and 11 o'clock A. M., the Ironsides, six monitors and six gunboats rounded the point of Morris Island, and engaged Fort Sumter. The result of this portion of the day's operations was most encouraging indeed. Eye-witnesses assert that the Ironsides and the monitors were repeatedly struck by shells from Sumter and Gregg. At last, after an engagement of nearly three hours, the fleet drew off discomfited. In retreating, the Ironsides was observed to make a signal, and immediately afterwards the whole squadron displayed their flags at half mast — a proof, it is thought, that some officer of high rank had fallen on board of the Ironsides. In the afternoon the fleet again renewed their bombardment of Wagner, which, under a heavy fire of shell, still replied with vigor. At the same time the Parrott guns, which had not ceased their fire even upon the repulse of the ships, continued to play upon Sumter. To these our land batteries and among them some new ones, it is reported, that had not before been opened, replied for the fort. The firing did not slacken until late in the afternoon. On Tuesday the bombardment was continued with unabated vigor. It was continued Wednesday night with undiminished ardor, the enemy keeping up a rapid and heavy fire on Fort Sumter from their battery of Parrott guns. It is estimated that the enemy in the past four days from this battery have thrown from one thousand to fifteen hundred solid shots and shell per day at Fort Sumter, a large proportion of them striking the Southern face of the fort and inflicting some damage. On our side, batteries Gregg and Wagner on Morris Island, and batteries Simkins, Cheves, and Haskell, on James Island, responded vigorously and with good effect throughout Wednesday night and all day Thursday. Fort Sumter fired an occasional shot Thursday. About half-past 10 A. M., the Ironsides and two wooden gunboats came up and commenced a heavy fire on Battery Wagner, the latter replying with great spirit, assisted occasionally by Battery Gregg. The vessels ceased firing and moved off again a little before eleven o'clock. The Ironsides, however. re- newed the bombardment of Battery Wagner about half-past 1 o'clock; and continued it until half-past 3 in the afternoon, when she ceased firing. There was no abatement of the firing between the land batteries Thursday night up to a late hour, the enemy's battery still playing upon Fort Sumter, and the litter making no response. No casualties are reported in Fort Sumter Thursday. The fleet inside the bar Thursday consisted of the Ironsides, six monitors, ten gunboats, three frigates, two brigs and four mortar hulks, and one or two supply vessels. There were also some twenty-four vessels in Stono, besides the usual number of blockaders outside. We find the following order from Gen. Beauregard relative to the observation of fast day:The 21st day of August, 1863, having been designated by the President of the Confederate States as a day on which it was meet that our people should bow in humble submission under the chastening hand of the Almighty, and with reverent prayer beseech the favor of our Heavenly Father for our country in this day of supreme trial; therefore, it is ordered that all military duties in this department shall be suspended between the hours of 10 A. M. and 1 P. M. on that day, except such as are necessary for the defence of the positions entrusted to the keeping of the officers and soldiers of this command. Commanding officers are requested to provide suitable divine service for their respective commands, and officers and soldiers under the fire of the enemy, most of all, will humbly and devoutly recognize their reliance on the overruling Providence of Him through whom cometh the humiliations of defeat, as well as the blessings that may attend a decisive victory. Beneath the flags of our beleaguered works let their silent but heartfelt prayers go up to the Lord of Hosts.
