, 1863-12-05
FROM CHARLESTON,

CHARLESTON. HAnpoR, Tuesday, Dec. L.
The position Of affairs horo ia unchanged.
Gen. Gilmore continues to shell Sumter from
bis mortar batteries.
The west wall Of Sumter has been under
tho fort as fortified work is fast disappear.
ing.
The weather up to yesterday has been
stormy, and the navy in consequence inac-
tive.
Captain ]. II. Bradford has been appointed
Beet Captain, Vico Emmona rolleYcd
PHILADELPHIA, Doc. 4.-ThelUnitcd States
supply steamer MASSACHUSETTS, arrived at the
navy yard this morning, from: CT Chatloston bar
Tuesday P. m. ut o'clock.
Lieut.. West reports that Gen. Gilmore still
continued to throw ahells into Charleston ut
the rate Of twenty per day, and 1t was eyi,
dent that they Were doing considerable dam
age. ::
The shells we're seen to burst at night. AL
tho Inhabitants Of Charleston had moved to
the rear Of the city. The firing On Sumter
hsd ceased, and Gen Gilmore was turning hia
attention to the forts inside Of the harbor.
A terrific fire was kept up on Fort johnson.
On the reception Of the news Of Grants
victories on Tuesdny, our army and navy fred
grand salutes. Soon afterwards the rebel
batteries opened fire, which was vigorously
going On when the Massachusetts left.
The rebels had heretofore kept hospital
flag lying from the Moultrie House and Of
course our fires respected 1t and avoided firing
upon 1t. But few days ago tho rebels CON-
menced tearing down the Moultzie House aua
revealed to our forces O formidable battery
which had been erected behind it while it was
under tho protection Of the hospital flag. No
nag now floats over Sumpter, and only IN
occasional shot is fired from its ruins.
The Massachusetts brought back the Marine
battalion, comprising zoo men, and several
refugees from St Johns River, F1orida, who
represent that State to be in starving condl-
ton. She also brought one OF the rebel par
Kobt. Scott by name, and formerly Of New
NEw YonK, Dec. 4.-The Washington
special to the N. Z. Tribune says:
4 telegram from the front says the wound
ed viii be sent to the city tomorrow:
seen. Meade has not been superseded Jet,
and he may not be At all, though Generals
EcdgwIck and Hooker are most confidently
talked Of as his successors. Tho President Is
not well enough to give the subject bis at
tcnfion, and 1t Is probable there will be much
delay In tho decision.
There is nothing Of interest in the army.
But few rebel p1ckets hnye again appeared on
the Rapidan.
The He4a'dsArmy Of the Potomac dispatch
lit is likely that the army will retreat
towards the Potomac, where water Is con-
yenient and supplies more accessible for win
ter quarters. Centreville is spoken Of Us the
proper place"
BosToS, Dec. 4-The correspondent Of the
Boston Herald, in letter dated Oft Charles
ton, Nov. 28 says one OF two rebel batteries
on james lsland have been completely demo1-
ishcd by our Immense ahelts. Sumter re-
ccivcd IN awful pounding yesterday. One Of
our heavy shot struck inside Of the wall and
fent mn immense quantity into the sea below.
The walls are SO broken up now that We have
a fine view through them.
Last night Sergeant and ten privates OH
Georgia regiment stationed on James Island
made good their escape during the darkness
and surrendered themselves to our forces On
Tley state that the Ch.rlestonians and the
rebel troops arc almost in d panic. All kinds
Of eatables were scarce and enormously high.
They say the South cannot hold ont many
months longer. Tho poor people we're in a
state of starvation in Charleston and Sa-
vAnlNh,