Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1861-01-04

The FORTS IN CHARLESTON HARBoR.--AS q
matter of special interest to our readers at
the present time, we copy the following
description of the forts in Charleston harbor,
by correspondent of the N. Y. Tribune.
It represents the state of things previous to
the abandonment of Fort Moultrie by Major
Anderson
ain order to give the reader some idea Of
this fort Moultrie) aud the other forti6ca-
tions in the harbor, will state briefly their
location. They are three in number, namely
Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumpter, and Castle
Pinckney. The Fort is on Sullivan's Island,
which is principally within the corporate
limits of the city of Charleston. This island
is separated from the mainland by narrow
channel, which sometimes at low tide may
be forded, though it would be very unmil-
itary thing for an attacking expedition to
rely on this method of approach. 1t is pre-
c;sely here that the bridge spoken of, as is
now clearly forseen, will be wanted, and it
is said that the means of supplying the want
are in a considerable state Of forwardness,
though the results thus far haye not been
altogether satisfactory. Fort Moultrie is on
the seaward side of the Island, nearly mile
distant from this channel, so that its passage
would be measurably in the face of an
enemy,' and directly SO should the command
ing officer erect batteries at the point Of land
Ing. which, however, is not certain to be
done. Sullivans Island is quite thickly
built up, generally with wooden tenements,
and Il h0rse-railroad traverses the whole
distance. The Fort itself is an extensive
work, we'll provided with everything but
men. Its guns are, many Of them, Of the
largest and best description, and nearly all
the recent improvements in explosives have
been introduced, in the use of which the men
are we'll drilled Indeed, l may state with
confidence that the officers and men at
Moultrie very much excel in this particular.
Recently, trench has been dug around the
entire Fort, and, without going into minute
detail, it will be enough to say that every
thing is being done necessary to place the
work in the best possible condition of
defense. She has recently received six
months provisions. What is wanting in
men will in measure be made up by dis
cipline and completeness Of death dealing
appointments. The distance between Fort
Moultrie and the city is about three miles.
"Castle Pinckney stands in the harbor,
wholly surrounded by water, which cannot
be bridged 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 engineer
ing for.e of limited number Of men has for
several weeks past been engaged in rendering
the ratification one of q really formidable
character. Like Fort Moultrie, it only
wants men.
Fort Sumpter rises out of the water
further down the harbor, about three and a
half miles from the city, nearly abreast of
and not over one mile from Moultrie. 1t
not only commands both the other forts, but
it is believed the city could be effectually
sheled from it. 1t is thoroughly appointed
with guns ofthe larger description. Outward
" il resembles the round, yellow fort on Gov
errors Island, though larger. Tits thorough
" bomb>proof, and believed to be impreg-
nable to anything likely to be brought
to bear against it. Though out at sea, it
has fine we'll of fresh water. For some
tue past upward Of one hundaed men, most
Of them mechanics, have been actively en-
gagged in placing the guns in order. The
effect of Capt. FORBES efforts are plainly
visible, even to tho unprofessional eye
There have been hitherto no more soldiers
than were necessary to act as keepers =
well garrisoned, Sumpter would
provo an ugly customer to Charleston and I
should it ever come to that
One would suppose that it would not be diff.
icult for men when driven out Of Moultrie,
# supplied with boats, to pull over to Stump
er, and in very brief space of time make
t hot work for the captors in Moultrie.
The United States Arsenal is at the west
tide of the City Of Charleston. In it are
tored upward Of 10000 stands of arms and
. corresponding amount Of ammunition and
ther appointments OF war, excepting large
,uns. 1t is now guarded, nominally, BY q
military corps of Charleston, whose services
he Government accepted to protect it from
he mob. 1t was an expert movement,
eaceful capture. 1t will continne to be
hus guarded, till the time arrives for makingI
&c Of this expensive military store-house
cainst the Federal Government, which in
lis. az in many other things, has been out
tilted By the nullifers.' 81
The following is list Of the officers com
an6ine the forts: Major Robert Ander-
IN, Capt. Abner Doubleda, Capt. T. Ssy-
ore, Lieut. T. Talbot, Lieut, ]. G. Dsyh, !
ieut. N. J. Hall. al Of the First Rssimsnt
Artillery. Assistant eusgson, y w.
rawford, Capt. J. g. Forbes, Lieut. g. W {
lyder, Engineer Corps. The countsy, adds X
Q writer, may rely on thsn. 10