The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1863-05-18

The Yankees, it seems, are again active
around Charleston. The Mercury, of the 18th,
says:
While the Northern journals console their
readers for the late disappointments by telling
them that another expedition is preparing for
the capture of Charleston, there are undOubfed
signs Of activity ON the sea islands in posses.
sion of the enemy. Within the last two days
and nights very large and formidable battery
to bear upon the southern portion of Morris
Island, and in full view of Fort Sumter the
Yankee sentinel is seen steadily pacing to and
fro on his post. An entrenched camp has
been made lower down on Folly Island. and
unmistakable preparations are evidently pro.
gressing The abandonment Of Coles Island
spring before last, and the difficulties OF access
on our part, enable the foe to proceed. At
Ssabrook's Island, North Edisto, there are also
indications of earnest efforts to make eafe
basis. A force of several regiments has been
and ID now At work, while five iron. clad gun
boats and q number of transports lie in the
stream. Some seventy transports are still
waiting in Broad river, and the outposts OF
the enemy in Gen. Walkers District have re.
Gently been doubled in strength.
In view of these appearances 1t becomes NJ
to prepare vigorously to resist another demon.
stratiOn before the heated term puts an end to
active operations. The 10th June, 1862, saw the
bold and desperate assault upon Secessi0nville.
We have not yet reached the middle Of May.
Under all the circumstances, to assume that
the enemy will not attack again before fall
would be the mcst reckless faulty.
1t may be presumed, however, from the fol-
lowing item from the Now York World, taken
in connection with the fact that the Passaic,
one of their most formidable iron-clads, is un'
dsrgoing extensive repairs, that the antici-
pated attack will not take place at least for
several weeks to come. Meantime, We trust
few Of "Brooks's" guns, the size Of the bow
gun Of the Richmond, may be added, if prac-
tieable, to the defence of the city:
A partial revolution has been effected in the
ordnance bureau of the Navy Department, In
consequence Of the failure of the attack on
Charleston, and new instructions have been
issued respecting the armament OF the iron
clads MT only those at Port Royal, bat those
now building, and also respecting naval ord
nance generally. The Dahlgren guns are to
be removed, and an entirely new l3- nch gun,
capable of using IS pounds Of pow .er at q
load, il to be substituted. This 10 to be done
before the attack on Charleston il renewed
By this change q single effective shot may DO
effectively bombarded at q much greater dis
tsnce than by Dahlgren guns. The nav guns
are now in process Of construction, but It 10
believed several weeks will e!apse before they
can be put in q suffi cient number OF Monitors
TO permit renewal Of the attack on Charles
ton.
twas rumored at one time that Mr.. E.ies-
f, sou protested against sending bis iron. ciaos
! into collision with the forts OF Charleston
| with no better armament than they carried; .,
least, the necessity Of . change 10 admitted
and acted upon at the Navy Department.