The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-12

pdrddcptctn. In the centre of the latter is the fur
for heating shot, Around the foot of the scarp
wall is breakwater, about twelve feet in width,
horizontally, which has its Western side extended
in tangent direction to the South, to form the
landing. The landing is protected by the fire Of
several guns sweeping its length. The armament
OF this castle consists of about twenty-five pieces
"a and 32-pounders, a few sea-coast mortars and
six columbiads-the latter not being mounted. In
the magazine is a sufficiency of ammunition, in
Guiding shot and loaded shell. This work has been,
of late, put in thorough repair as possible. Ow-
ing to the want of ventilation, and the reverbera-
ton OF the sound In engagement, the lower tier
of guns would soon become useless and the occu-
pants would be obliged to resort entirely to the
barbette guns and mOrtars. In this case the expo-
sure to the enemys direct shot would not be great
Tor the parapet is higher than the hulks of most
ships, and much higher than the adjoining shore.
As to its Importance, although if we possessed forts
sumter and Moultrie, it would be of comparatively
little USE yet if an enemy possessed it, its proxim-
lty to the city would enable the garrison to damage
Charleston seriously.
THE IRON FLOATING BATTERY
Thissis novel machine designed for harbor
operations, and is at present anchored near Castle
Plnckney. 1t is constructed of palmetto logs
sheathed with plate ron and is supposed to be i'm
pregnable against shot. 1t is embrasured for and
mounts four guns of heavy calibre. 1t requires
sixty men to operate it. The first impression on
seeing this machine is that of immense solidity-
The outer gun-side is covered with six plates of
iron-two of them of the railroad pattern, placed
the other. in the strongest manner, and running
vertically. The wall of the gun side is full four feet
thick, constructed of that peculiar palmetto wood
full of fbrous material that sixty four Founders
cannot pierce it. The main deck is wide and
roomy. In nineteen open chambers, on the port
side OF the deck, we found profuson of shot
thirty-four pounders-while just beyond them is an
immense pile of sand bags, which protect an over.
hanging roof, under which is to be placed the hos
pital. This also protects the magazines (three in
number), under which is the hold proper There
are six entrances to the hold, which will contain,
if necessary, over three hundred men, When
moored it is kept in place by four heavy wedges,
driven down by species of ram, which will hold it
fast, and prevent any swaying around by the tide.
OTHER WORKS.
There are other works at Hadris Point, Mount
Pleasant, Stono, Morris Island, and fronting the
entrance of Charleston harbor, which are con-
structed of palmetto logs and sand. They are all
fully manned for action with large garrisons and
guns of heavy calibre.
THE EXACT DISTANCES os THE FORTS
Fort Sumter is three and three-eighths miles from
Charleston, one and oneeighth mile from Fort
Moutrie, three-fourtbs of mile from Cummings
Point, one and three-eighths mile from Fort John
son, and two and five-eighths miles from Castle
Pinckney. The city of Charleston is entirely out
OF the range ct the gans of Fort Sumter.
Stono Point is q portion of Norris Island, facing
the sea coast. Stono Inlet is about two leagues
from the south channel of Charleston. Between
them lie two islands, viz: Morris Island on which
Inlet there are nine or ten feet of water at low
tide but it not much frequented until Charles
ton was blockaded in l775, when it visited by
British vessels In strategetical point of view,
the landing of United States troops at Stono Point
would appear to be for the purpose of getting in
the rear of the Morris Island batteries, which now
guard the sea approaches to Charleston. On Nor
rls Island the Confederate States forces pretty
numerous and if an attempt to land troops is made
by the United States forces, the conflict will be
short and bloody. At our last accounts in regard
to Stono Point, General Beauregard had ordered
immense battery to be erected at the very place
where it is alleged the United States troops will
attempt to land. subsequent report stated that
several large guns were in transitu from Castle
Pinckney to that Point.
From the Euening Post, of Wednes6ayl
HOW FORT SUMTER is TO BE RELIEVED AND REINFORCED.
WASHINGTON, April 10.-It is now certain that
the Government has fully determined to reinforce
Major Andersons command at all hazards | learn
on competent authority, that the plan adopted for
the relief of Fort Sumter is substantially as fol-
lows:
In case of necessity supplies are to be thrown
into Fort Sumter by means of a number of smaI
boats, which, presenting smaller and scatterl
ed marks for the cannon of the rebels. will, per-
haps, save unnecessary bloodsbod.
The Government has chartered a number of
small schooners and other craft, which have been
filled with sand-bags. That these form part of the
Charleston expedition appears probable, from the
fact that the charter does not bind them to 90 far
ther South that Savannah.
Ihese schooners, filled with sand-bags, will sail
in. bearing boats the side which is towards
Fort Sumter. These boats WILL of course, be en-
tirely protected from the guns of the rebels by
the wa-like sides and solid contents of the larger
vessels
This plan will be adopted only in the event that
the Charlestonians fire upon the small steamer
loaded with provisions which will be first sent in.
In that case, of course, the fort will not only re-
ceive provisions but men, and the plan above de-
tailed is admirable one, by which to throw any
requisite force into the fort without probability Of
serious loss.
The men-of-war are to steam in and hold them
selves in readiness to check any attempt to inter-
cept the boats and schooners by armed VESSELS as
well as to keep the neighborhood of Sumter clear
of possible assaulting parties, who can be easily
dealt with by shells from the steamers, thus leaving
Major Anderson and his men at leisure to receive
reinforcements, and, if need be, deal with Forts
Moultrie and johnson, which he can silence with
out much loss of time
The plan has been thoroughly considered, ard as
all the leaders men of skill and courage success
is certain, without much, if any, loss of life
1t is quite possible that unforeseen contingencies
may cause an alteration of the programme, but it
is certain that the plan above detailed has received
commendation in high quarters, and it appears to
be feasible.