The defences of Mobile.
The Mobile
Register, in speaking of the defences for the protection of that city, and in referring to Fort Powell, which was bombarded by the enemy some days ago, holds the following language:
‘
All the military and naval officers we have conversed with are of the opinion that this little work — that is, little in the
Island ground it occupies — came out of the ordeal to which the
Yankee fleet subjected it, not only unscathed, but in such style as gives them increased confidence in its ability to defy the enemy's fire.
The work itself was not grazed, and nothing but the officers' quarters, built of wood, was damaged.
At the distance at which the enemy delivered his fire, Fort Powell is deemed impregnable, and it has a garrison that will bold it and give the
Yankee some of their
Charleston experience.
If the fleet comes to closer quarters somebody will "be hurt." And there I no running past in this case, for the fort has to be reduced, and the channel dug out, before the
Yankees can enter the bay of
Mobile that way. Some have thought they could land on
Dauphin Island and establish a battery there against
Powell.
But the distance is too considerable for an effective battering fire, besides which our own gunboats can command the beach where they would creet a battery.
’
Sand has already played an important part as a material for defensive fortifications.
Gen. Beauregard brought out its virtues at
Charleston, and
Powell is writing a new chapter in honor of it.
There has been no firing on the fort since the first day's bombardment.
A strong north wind has blown the water out of the shallow sound; and the Yanks have had to haut off eight miles for water to float.
The bob was so sudden that several of their vessels got aground before they were aware of it.
On the where, the little fort and its garrison have behaved nobly so far, and with the experience of
Wagner and
Sabine Pass before the eyes of its brave defenders, they have in their grasp a goitrous and successful defence, that will cover them with honor and confer a lasting benefit on the cause and country.
The Mobile
Tribune, on the same subject, says:
‘
Whenever Fort Powell, which commands
Grant's Pass, is captured,
Forts Morgan and
Gaines can avail nothing.
The city is then accessible without danger from these two massive fortifications.
Fort Powell is constructed after the man her of
Fort Wagner it is bomb proof; the garrison small, and conscious, no doubt, that the fate of
Mobile depends upon their endurance and hereinto.
If this fort be captured, there is an iron clad ram in
Mobile bay which will dispose of any seagoing vessel.
’
