Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1861-01-03

that it holds. In conclusion, we take oc.
casion to allude to one point Of especial
beautJ-the construction of the arohes-of
which there are nearly every variety-the
"Fdll Centre" th2 "Segment," the "Groin-
ed," the "Askew," and the "Rampant"-
and to add that the walls at their base are
IL feet thick, and at the top 81 feet thick.
FORT JoHNsoN.-The position of this
old fort, which is of the utmost Importance
as a connecting point in the defence of the
Harbor, has been considered by the high
est military authority, as the key to all the
defensive works in the Harbor. Against
the attack of forces by land, or boat at
tack by the Stono River, it must be con-
sidered an essential element of Defense
So soon, then, as the State of South Caro-
lima assumes the control of the Harbor for
ti6cations, no time should be lost before a
permanent forti6cation is commenced here,
if time does not admit of substantial work
being built, 6eld-work of earth and tim.
Der to mount sixty guns, could be erected
in very short time, which would offer a
respectable defense against any probable
land.attack, and furnish at the same time a
heavy battery against shipping.
The INNER DEFENoEs OF Our HAR,
BoR.-Castle Pinckney is a small work,
situated on the southern extremity Of
"Shute's Folly Island" between the Hog
and Folly Channels. Though in itself not
very considerable military work, yet from
its position, commanding as it does the
whole line of our eastern wharves, it be.
comes Of the utmost Importance for it to be
held by the State authorities. It is, in
fact, the immediate outwork of the city,
useful to annoy an invading feet should il
pass the outer forts, and to render theil
landing very difficult, if not impossible.
In its plan it presents to the South q
semi-circular face; the eastern and western
faces are formed by the line of rampant
following the direction of the tangent tt
the circular arc at its extremity, and for 6
distance Of twenty yards; the northern side
is plane; at both the northeastern ano
northwestern angles are semi.circular bas
tions, the outer extremities of the arcs be-
ing tangent respectively to the eastern and
western sides of the fort. There are two
rows of guns-the lower being in classmates
(bomb proof) the embrasures for which
are about seven feet above low water mark
and the upper being en- barbette. Tht
height of the rampant is twenty, and the
width thirty-two feet; the width of tht
outer wall and of the parapet is six feet
the depth Of the casemates is twenty feet
height ten; the diameter (east and west
of the Castle is ITO feet.
The entrance is on the northern side =; OF
either side of which are the officers ant
privates' quarters, mess room, &c. Th'
ascent to the barbette is made in the north
eastern and northwestern corners Of tn
terre.parade.plein. In the centre Of tn
latter is the furnace for heating shot.
Around the foot of the scarp wall is
break-water, about twelve feet in width
horizontally, which has its western side ex
tended in a tangent direction to the south
to form the landing. The landing is pro
tected by the fire of several guns sweepin!
its length.
The armament of this Castle consists 0
about twenty-five pieces, "a and 80 poun
ders; few sea coast mortars, and six Col
umbiads-the latter not being mounted
In the magazine is suficieucy of ammuni
tion, including shot and loaded shell.
This work has been Of late put in a
thorough repair as possible. Owing to tn
want Of ventilation and the reverberatiol
of the sound, in an engagement, the lowe
tier of guns would soon become useless
and the occupants would be obliged to re
sort entirely to the barbette guns and NOR
tars. In this case, the exposure to th'
enemies direct shot would not be great
for the parapet is higher than the hulks o
most ships, and much higher than the ad
joining shore. AS to its Importance, al
though if we possessed Forts Sumter anc
Moultrie, it would be of comparatively lit
tie use; yet if an enemy possessed it, it
proximity to the city would enable the gar
rison to damage Charleston seriously.
SHUTE's FOLLY IsLAND.-In consider
ing the subject of still further defences fol
the inner harbor of Charleston, it has seem
ed to us that "Shute's Folly Island" upor
the south point of which Castle Pinckney
now stands, is susceptible of being greatly
improved without much engineering skill
Earthern batteries for so or more guns
could be erected along the shore, and be
completely protected. by the Castle. ThiE
would entirely prevent any passage by small
craft through Hog Island Channel into
Cooper River.
HADDR1L's Po1NT.-Though not indis
pensable, a small battery of say 10 or Il
guns, at some we'll selected point of the
Haddrill's Point shore, would be valua
BILE auxiliary to the other important de-
fences of the harbor.
The EAST BAY BATTERY SEA WALL
Behind the new stone sea wall on the
East Bay Battery there is ample space 70,
so or more guns in barbette, which could
be promptly mounted on timber platforms
From this strong point large circle of the
inner harbor could be protected, including
the entrance to the Ashley River.
We ARE OUT OF THE UNIoN.-And we
thank God and South Carolina for it. We
are no longer under the dominion of the
North. The step which South Carolina has
so boldly and gallantly taken, is fraught
L