The Daily Dispatch: December 17, 1863., [Electronic resource]

The siege of Charleston.

‘ The enemy, in the action of Friday, upon the discovery of the fire in Sumter, opened, for the time it lasted, the heaviest fire upon the fort yet experienced, directing their shots upon the angle from which the flames were issuing. Two hundred and twenty-five rifled shots and mortar shells were fired, to all of which the brave garrison were unavoidably exposed in consequence of the dense smoke and great heat of the place. Notwithstanding this, the only casualty by the enemy's fire was that of Lieut.-Col. Elliott, who was slightly wounded by a Parrott shell knocking off some bricks, one of which struck him. The total number of casualties by deplorable occurrence was, we are inform eleven killed and forty wounded. We have been unable as yet to obtain a full list, the official report not having been received at head quarters up to eleven o'clock last night. The strength of the fort has not been diminished, and with the exception of some inconvenience in the way of quarters it is as good as before the fire.--The origin of the fire was purely accidental. Most of the casualties occurred from the explosion of a small magazine in the west angle, containing small arms and ammunition.

’ Since Friday the enemy has ceased fire altogether upon Sumter, and the firing between the batteries has been much less than usual Between eleven and twelve o'clock Saturday night the enemy opened spitefully from four Parrott guns, simultaneously, on the city. Twelve shells were thrown; several of them, it is reported, containing Greek fire, which burned for about ten minutes after the explosion of the shell. Very little damage was done, and no person injured. Sunday afternoon between two and three o'clock four more shells where thrown into the city, which did no damage whatever. Our batteries have kept up a steady reply to the enemy when shelling the city. Since the above report there has been no further firing between the parties up to the hour of closing the report.

Twelve Yankee prisoners, including two Acting Ensigns and one Acting Assistant Paymaster, belonging to the United States brig Perry, blockading off Georgetown, were brought to Charleston on Friday night. The prisoners, it appears, were out on a reconnoitering expedition, when they were encountered by a squadron of the 5th and 21st Georgia cavalry. A correspondent of the Courtier says:

‘ A brisk fight took place on Magnolia Beach, Murrell's Inlet, on Saturday, the 5th inst., resulting in the capture of thirteen Yankee naval prisoners, the killing of two, and the wounding of three of the Yankee party. One of the killed was recognized as s South Carolina rice-field negro.--The casualties on our side were one killed and two wounded. Among the captured were three commissioned officers.

’ Among the prisoners was George Anderson, Acting Ensign United States brig Perry, believed to be the same person who was tried in the United States District Court as concerned in the Ariel case for the murder of Capt. Ayres.

A correspondent of the Augusta Chronicle, writing from Secessionville December 10th, furnishes the following:

‘ For some days the broad wings of a sombre calm have drooped lazily over the waters of our bay, and our "starry cross" has almost ceased to glitter and shine amid the smoke of the battle. The rebellious city has been neglected — Sumter seems forgotten. Besides a few random shots at Sullivan's and James Islands, the Yankees have been doing but little in the shooting line. Old Gillmore rests his Parrotts, takes a breathing spell, changes tactics, plies the spade again! Several hundred blue coats can be seen enjoying the pastime of digging dirt and grabbling in the sand. They strengthen and extend Gregg and work upon Wagner.

’ Yesterday afternoon Gillmore woke up and pitched eight shells into the city. One rapped rather roughly at the Mills House, and without awaiting an answer went crashing through bricks and mortar in a terrible hurry. The others were scattered about to the immense amusement of the boys. Last night four were tumbled in, just to kick up a racket and wake folks — nothing else! Dahlgren has grown as peace-like and quiet as some "sleeping innocent" --hangs out his star-spangled striped rag — sends a monitor on picket now and then — that's all.

Yankee batteries on Black Island yesterday afternoon and this morning made a desperate effort to hit somebody at Secessionville. Infantile Parrotts skipped and hummed about at a merry rate; displaced some earth; splashed the mud and water — nothing more!

Two or three prisoners, recently captured, state that Gillmore has a force of forty thousand men. Don't believe a word of it. They also say he intends to make an "onward" soon, and will attack at three different points. Well, we are anxious to see the "here" who hurled Greek fire on Charleston. Let him come.