Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1863-11-05
THE SIEGE OF CHARLESTON.
THE SECOND COMMANDMENT.

letter to the New York Times dated at Morris Island
the Both ulmo, states that the firing by Gen. Gilmore
upon Fort Sumter and other rebel works had been
tnued day and night since its the 26th
utmo OF its effect the writer says:
Sumter is being rapidly subjected to condition that
will make it totally useless for defensive purPoses-s
power for operating Extensively having been knocked from
it weeks ago. The sea-face wall liz completely demolished
exposing open view large portion Of the interior of the
fort small body of men are occasionally seen running
round the base of the southwest in order to shield
themselves from the flying missiles. The rebel flag was
shot away Tuesday but replaced shortly aterwad 1t
flying this morning from It's usual position the southwest
corner.
From time to time four monitors have participated in
the assault Yesterday afternoon steady fire was main
tanned by two monitors The Ironsdes has not engaged
asyet
]" The three shells that were thrown into Charleston
Monday morning have not been followed by others 1t
designed to open regular bombardment the city
ing the afternoon OF the day. but for the
orders were countermanded.
!" Our guns directed mostly on Sumter, although
Moutrle, johnson, and Simkins receive attention
The enemy replies irregulary, and apparently with
siderable reluctance few shells have been picked up
which bear marks Of not being week from the foun
dry The enemy has not done particle injury either
IN the way Of woundiDg our men or damaging bat
teres.
"At this moment Friday, 10 A. M the firing on our
part is heavy and rapid With such continuous shower
of metal raining upon it, it does not possible that
Sumter afford even nook for shelter. Whatever re
pairs the enemy may have made within the past two
three weeks it is evident the work is swallowed up
in the common ruin.
The length Of time the bombardmentis to be continued
and other important facts relating to future movements
are not dvuged by the commanding officers The primary
object OF the firing was to prevent the enemy mounting
in Bumter it having been reported by deserters and
ugtves that no was about to doso on the channel 'front.'
The Times, referring sditorially to the prospect at
Charleston, speaks as follows:
ave have private advices from Morris Island of q ma
ture improper for publication but which inspire the very
highest hopes of the of the attack Charles
ton The nature OF the distractions is thoroughly
understood. Our ignorance this point has hitherto
been the main difficulty The obstrucons are not of
character to prove any very formidable obstacle against
vigorous attack by the ron-clads 1t is of pos
sbe that may lose two of these vessels n the
attempt but there very little doubt of its success Gen
Gillmores bombsrdment of Fort Sumter take to be
merely preliminary 1t is of the highest Importance that
we should obtain possession of Sumter Cor at least the
island which Sumter is bu) previously to sending in
the roncads in of the disabling Of any of
vessels, this would afford convenient refuge We have
not hitherto taken very ubant view Of the prospects
before Charleston but the facts in possession
make them much brighter than they have thus far ap
peared."
letter published in the New York Commercial Adver-
tiser dated board the gunboat Paul JONES' off Ediso
on the 4th Of October dvuges the and the time
OF the expected attack the city of Charleston 1t says
The grand attack Charleston is to commence ON the
I'd OF next month, when Gen. Gilmore will open his new
batteries namely Gregg and Wagner, consolidated into
one ana some sand batteries along the middle of Morris
Island, together with 300pOunder rifle in place of
the old Swamp Angel As soon Gilmore opens on
the rebel forts the monitors to make the attempt
go straight up to Charleston without noticing the forts
and if they succeed the wooden boats will all follow them
And then How are you General Beauregard7' We ex-
pect to be around about that time and to have plain talk
with Johnny Reb'"
If any such assault took place at the time stated ts re-
| suits will be knewn in day or two