Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1863-04-15

-peared in The Stono, and the enemy landsl-a
force of about six thousand men on Coles,
and Battery Island These facts, with other
indications, lead General Beaurcgard to count
upon an attack on Tuesday, and the exp, eta
tions Of that sagacious and ssTatchtul General
were realized.
The atmosphere early on Tuesday morning
was misty, but as the day advanced the haze
lightened, ard the Monitors and the lronsidrs
we're seen lying off Morris Island. Between
two and three o'clock in tho afternoon dis
patch from Col. Rhett, commandant of. Fort
Sumter, informed General Beauregard that
five Monitors and the Tronsides were ap-
preaching the Fort. The fleet we're seen
rounding the point of Morris Island, the ke-
okuk in the advance. When the double tur-
reted monster, the most formidable Of its
class, came within range. Fort Sumter opened
upon her with broadside. They kept on
their way and formed in line of battle eff
the Fort at distance of about two thousand
yards. $3.50"
At three p. m. the action was opened, by
Fort Mcultrie firing the first gun. Fort Sum-
ter oprned ten minutes later Battery Bee,
Forts Wagner and Beauregard and the bat
tery at Cummins' Point also opened, firing
by battery. The fleet fired With great rapid
ty /; our forts and batteries replied with spirit
and singular accuracy. The Iron>ides took
position to the left Of Fort Sumter. directing
all her guns at that fort, aud throwing shells
exclusively. e.t..g.---...
It was manifest that the lronsides was ap
pointed to test the strength of the fort, whose
reduction was the Inauguration Of the terrii-
lc contest now going on. Fort Sumter ac-
knowledged the compliment of the preference
by pouring the contents Of her biggest guns
into the aides of that pride of the Yankee
navy, and she was nottreatcd with contempt
by the other forts aud batteries. ai
About foi ty.Gee minutes after the engage
ment began, steam was seen issuing, in dense
volumes, from the lronsdes, and she with
drew from the action. taking position to the
south of Fort Sumter, but remaining silent
spectator Of the exciting scene. 1t is be-
lieyea she was seriously damaged.
The firing from our Forts became more
and more accurate as the engagement pro
ceeded. The shot and shell fell thickly in
the midst of the hostile fleet, and the smoke
stacks of every one Cf them were struck sew
eral times. Fort Sumter now appeared to be
the chef aim of all the enemy's ircnc!ads.
The keokuk, double turf cited ironclad,
and considered by the Yankees the most for
midable of their terrible monsters, received
\ large share of the attention from Cur gal
liant gunners. She occupied the post of hon
or. and in accordance with the custom Of war,
was made the post Of danger. She paid
dearly for Ter reputation, having been lit
several tunes. At about 5 o'clock, she follow
ed the example Of the Ironsides Ind With
drew, evidently seriously crippled.
The other Monitors continued the fight, till
corty.five minutes past five o'clock. when they
steamed away. and came TO anchor oil Nor
ris. Island.
During the battle drummer boy, named
Ahrens, wa; killed at Fort Sumter and five
men wounded, two severely in the Aead, the
others slightly. One man came to his death
frora the falling of the A'c.staft OF Fort
Moutrie. Two houses on Salliv ms Island.
on the back beach, were struck, one of which
was. demolished. A shot passed throug b Fort
Smnter's;hag.
Col. Rhett was in command of Fort Sum-
ter, Col. Butler Of Fort Moulric, Capt Sit
graves of Fort Desuregard, Lieut.. Col. SIM
kins Of Battery Bee, Nnj. Huger of Battery
Wagner and Lieut. Lesesnc, with detacl-
mcnt from Fort Sumter, OF the Battery on
Cunmins Point.
For. Sumter was hit thirty.four times, hut
received no damage.
We learn that SIX men belonging to Capt
Mathews artillery company, stationed at Bat
tery Wagner, were wounded. Two OF these
have since died. Two were very seriously
wounded, and it was Thought ore would die
before morning. The other two. including an
officer, was but slightly wounded.
The last gun was fired by the enemy at
half past five p. IN. :,
Three i.onclads, one supposed to be the
Keokuk, were seen about six o'clock ginS
South, apparently in tow Of large steamer.
The others were all outside the bar. The
Ironsides was struck in the stern by drilled
shot from Battery Wagner. ..-...
There was no ca,uaies at the Cummins'
Point Battery.
The practice was admirable and reflects
great credit upon officers and men. All who
took part in the battle performed their duties
with ardor, skill aud fidelity. Their behavior
and the accuracy with which they used their
guns assure us that they are sufficient for The
imp portant work assigned them, and furnish
us with strong grounds upon which to bottom
our hope Of decisive and glorious victory.
When they come again and nearer, the IRON
sheathei vessels will fare worse.
1t is expected the enemy will renew the at,
tack to-day.