The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-20
From, the Ne'g TorI; Herald.

FROM me ven York Herald
MoVEMENTS OF THE CHARLESTON FLEET
DETAILS OF THE PLAN REINFORCE sUMTER-wHy
1T FAILED.
The following highly interesting particulars CON
corning the movements of the feet off Charleston
the plan for reinforcing Fort Sumter and tbt
reasons why it failed, we derive from Mr.. Oliver
w. Capp, third officer of the Baltic, who for his
high qualifications, was selected for an important
part in the scheme for reinforcing the Fort He
is an old pilot, and well known in nautical circles
The Pawnee, Harriet Lane, Pocahontas and Bal
tic neared Charleston on Friday morning. The
firing on Fort Sumter was simultaneous with the
sending up of rockets for the concentration of the
fleet, at which time the Bulls Head light was put
out. Shortly after steamer hove in sight, which,
under the impression that it the Isabel the
Harriet Lane was ordered to chase. One shot
brought her to, when she proved to be the Nash
VILE On the return of the Pawnee, she took up
her position as near Swash Channel Bar rs posi-
Bile, followed by the Lane and the Pocahontas
The distance two and three-fourths miles from
Sumter, and two and one-fOurth from Morris
Island Battery. 1t was evident that an entrance
could not be effected, owing to shoal waters and
the great strength of the batteries. Added 70
this, three vessels had been anchored in the chan
mel, filled with all sorts of combustbes with the
intention of firing them to light up the harbor
and expose the movements of the fleet.
. About this time Boston schooner, loaded with
ice, undertook to enter. She was brought to By 8
shots, and verbal warning that if she persisted,
she would be sunk She was seized, and the men
placed on board the Pawnee. The plan was then
formed to place the soldiers and provisions on the
Baltic on board of her, with the view, at 10 o'clock
that night, of crowding all sail and running her
boldly up to Fort Sumter. To lead this hazardous
enterprise, Mr. Clapp was selected and prepared to
execute It, The confagration at the fort and the
SCTiosequent events, defeated the plan. That Mr.
S;S p bp would have given success to it, those who
lieved. Vi 'eieotinS MIN conndently De-
cot "a On sunday, one of the Pawnees boats was
hav;nn 49, " communicate with Fort Sumter. she
nes *; ceased firing. Lieut. Marcv of tbe b ane
Of "a Sisu o1afs crew, put off, and wban ~
D, anu ABOUT half mile from the Cn mnen IN range
Dh..ery were the objects of two sbnii ings folnt
.nat point but they fell short The bon. ured from
towards Cummings Point. When near t th went
re SUR running high several officers CANE sdore,
auu warned tne boat off, saying that Major uSwn
son nau surrendered Internationally. Anuer-
II am under flag of truce and wish 70 go
commanding officer. My purposes are n W. see ne
said Lieut.. Marcy. are PEACEFUL"
1--WE don't think they are," was the ren,, Oh
sequently the boat went round the port rvbep IL
was met by Gen. Simmons, between wbon, a., -
Lieut.. Marcy an interview took place after rh;oh
.ue boat returned to the Pawnee. No furtbou
movements took place the part of the aeat III
MAJOR Anderson came off ee' 'ii
Ill., me ships left in company; but the Pawnee.
comnan lane and Pocahontas subsequently parted
folL win the Baltic, and proceeded to Nor
dan' NJ Lney were expected to arrive on Thurs
''APp returned in the Baltic.