The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-21
THE CHARLESTON FORTS.

THE CHARLESTON FORTS.
As oil information in regard to the fortifi-
cations at Charlottesville defenders Of which
are placed in such imminent peril by the
treachcry or weakness Of the administration
is Of momentous interest at the present
time, we copy ut length from the Charleston
correspondence Of the New York Tribune, q
description Of their position and strength:
"They are three in number, namely, Fort
Moultrie, Fort Sumter, and Castle Pinckney.
The first is on Sullivan's Island, which is
principally within the corporate limits OF
the city OF Charleston. This island is sepa-
rated from the main land by narrow chan
mel, which sometimes at low tide may be
forded, though it would bea very rnmilitary
thing for an attacking expedition to rely on
this method Of approach. 1t is precisely
here that the bridge spoken Of. as is now
clearly foreseen, will DO wanted. and 1t is
said that the means of supplying the want
are in considerable state Of forwardness,
though the results thus far have not been al.
together satisfactory. Fort Moultric is on
the seward side Of the island, ncar.y mile
distant from this channel, 50 that It's passage
would BE- measurably lin the face of an ene-
N.Y. and directly 80 should the commanding
officer erect batteries ut the point OF landing,
which, however, is not certain to BIO donc.-
Sulliyan's Island is quite thickly built up,
generally with wooden tencments, and u
horse railroad traverses the whole distance.
The fort itself is an extensive work, well
provided with every thing but men. Its
guns are, many Of them, of the largest and
best description, and nearly all the recent
improvements in explosives have been intro
duced, in the use OF which the men are well
drilled. Indeed. may state with confidence
that the officers and men ut Moultrie very
much excel in this particular. Recently
within the last ten days-a trench has been
dug around the entire fort, and without go
ing into minute detail, it will DO enough to
saw that every thing is being done necessary
to place the work in tho best possible condi.
tition of defense. Ii has recently received
six months provisions. What is wanting in
men will in q measure DO made up in disci-
pine and completeness of de bsi&eeh fsoqt
Moultrie and the city is about three miles.
Castle Pinckney stands in the harbOr, en-
tirely surrounded by water, which cannot be
brdgcd readily, between Moultrie and the
city, and can be operated on only by heavy
guns. 1t mounts large number OF heavy
guns, and has recently been very much
strengthened. In 1882, Gen. Scott did much
to strengthen this position, and most of the
works then added still remain. An ensin-
cering force OF limited number OF men has
for the last two weeks been engaged in rem
dcring the fertilization one of a really formi.
dable character. Like Fort Moultrie, it only
wants men.
Fort Sumpter rises out Of the water fur.
ther down the harbor, about three anda half
miles from the city, nearly abreast Of and
not over one mile from Moultrie. II not on
ly commands both the other forts, but. IL is
believed, the city could be eiiectually shellcd
from il. II is thoroughly appointed with all
the larger description OF guns. Outwardly
it resembles the round. yellow fort on Gov.
errors Island, though larger. II is thor
oughly bomb proof, and believed to be i'm.
prcsnable to any thing likely to be brought
to bear against it. Though out at sea, 1t
has fine well of fresh water. For some
time past upward of one hundred men. me.
chanics mostly, have been actively engaged
in placing the guns in order. The effect Of
Capt. Forbes efforts are plainly visible, even
to the unprofessional eye. There have been
heretofore no more soldiers than were neces-
sary to act us keepers. Moderately well
garrisoned, Sumpter would prove an ugly
customer to Charleston and its surroundings
should it ever come to that One would
suppose that it would not be difficult for men
when driven out Of Moultrie, II supplied
with boats, to pull over to Sumpter, and in
very brief space Of time make II hot work
for the captors in Moultrie.
The United States Arsenal is ut the west
side of the city of Charleston. In II are
stored upward Ct 10000 stands Of arms and
a corresponding amount Of ammunitions and
other appointments of war, excepting large
guns. Il is now guarded, nominally, by a
military corps OF Charleston, whose services
the government accepted to protect it from
the mob. Ii was an expert movement, u
peaceful capture. II will continue to be thus
Guarded till the time arrives for making use
of the extensive military store-housc against
the Federal Government, which in this, as in
many other things, has been outwitted by the
nullifers.
In order to show the aninw Of the people
Of Charleston, who thus very kindly guard
the United States Arsenal, l will relate SIN
Gle circumstance which see has lately been
revived and made the subject Of telegraph
ic dispatch from Washington. The com.
handing officer Of Fort Moultrie ordered
Capt. Seymour and squad Of soldiers, in
citizens dress, to proceed to the Arsenal for
several boxes Of light arms, and perhaps
some ammunition, which, though he could
do without. he deemed best to send for. The
military storekeeper at the Arsenal had is
sued an order for the articles called for, most
of them had been taken to the dock, and the
soldiers were engaged In placing them on
board Of the boat, when body Of citizens
appeared. commanded them to 'desist. took
from the boat what had been placed on
ho.xd mn rched tho IN ptaip aud ~. mas ho