The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-06-21
From Charleston.
WASHINGTON, June ]

A special to the New York Post says:
Mr.. Pierce, Government Superintendent OF
the cotton lands in South Carolina, arrived
here this morning. He left Charleston har-
Dor on Tuesday. and brings the latest intel
ligence from the Federal Expedition under
Gen. Benbam. Our forces had occupied
James Island under the protection of our
gunboats. The Confederate force in Charles
eston had been greatly augmented. Desert
ers stated that $4,000 men from Beaure-
CARDS Corinthian army had reached there
within a few days. and that every prepare
ton was making for a stubborn defence OF
the city. When Mr.. Pierce left it was the
opinion of Com. Dupont that our attack
could not safely proceed until we had a
stronger force. There was heavy firing from
the enemy during part Tuesday, bat no
apprehension of danger from an attack upon
our troops.
A special to the New York Tribune says:
Edward s. Pierce, agent of the Treasury
Department at Port Royal, arrived here to-
day. His report of the agricultural condi-
ton of the Islands cultivated by free negro
labor is encouraging. Some $4,000 acres
are planted, nearly half in cotton. and the
crops are forward and well cared for.
The Massachusetts stopped several hours
off Stone Inlet, and there picked up some
vague rumors touching the position ofthings
on James Island, where Gen. Hunters army
had landed and found itself confronted BY
an unexpectedly large rebel force, believed
to have been increased by heavy reinforce
ment from the late Corintb army. Some
said that Beauregard himself was there, and
not less than $4,000 rebels were opposite
Gen. Hunter on the island.
Some fighting had taken place, in which
the 18th Highland regiment, and the Massa
chusetts Cavalry had particularly disrin-
guished them selves. but the Massachusetts
28th had not done itself credit.
Several batteries had been carried by
storm, and general engagement was
thought to be imminent.
Firing in that direction for half an hour,
was heard by the passengers of the Massa-
chusetts, as she was lying off Charleston bar
in plain view of Fort Sumter.
The British Consul had, it was reported,
sent word to the captain Of British man
of-war, lying off the harbor, that there
would be fight on James Island, within "a
hours.
It was understood that our forces which
went within three or four miles of Charles
ton were to be the attacking party.
Eight vessels were blockadiDg CHARLES
ton, and Mr.. Pierce is surprised to hear the
report that arms have been smuggled in there
within week.
The Dacotah which arrived at Fort Mon
roe yesterday. brings dispatch from Flag
Officer Farragut, who was at New Orleans
when she left. June 2. He went to Vicks-
burg in the Richmond. but returned with
out attacking the place. leaving number of
gunboats as blockading squadron.
The town was under their guns, but lies
rather high above the river for assault. It
will, however. be captured before many
days. On his way down the stream he was
fred at several times By musketry from the
banks of the river. and he expresses the
opinion that the war on the Mississippi will
hsnceforth be of this shape. New Orleans
was quiet.