Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-04-16

TIE ATTACK on CHARLEsTos.-
There seems to be no doubt that the
gress blow has been struck at The
point where the rebellion was frsI
hatehed. Two years ego Saturday
last, Ifth inst. Besuregard summoned
Major Anderson to evseuste Fort
Sumpter. but the gsllant commander
refused compliance. stating that hi.
"sense Of honor and bis obligations to
his Government" would prevent him
from doing 50. An hour after mid
nigh. second summons was made
Major A. replied, that. Il not supplied
with provisions. or otherwise ordered.
he would evacuste the fort on the 18th.
At half.past three O'Clock the same
morning. that Of the 18th April. he was
poti6ed that the bombsrdnent would
commence in an hour. and at the de-.
signated time Fort Moultrie opened Gre.
That act has to be avenged. and we
shall wait with great solicitsde the
arrival Of Official dispatches. In the
meantime the New York Post has .
few facts which we copy for the pur-
pose ofletting our readers understand
the preliminary position Of affairs.
First--A large part of the land
forces in the Department Of the South
was probably landed on Edisto and
Johns Islands BY last Saiurdav.-
These forces were OF course directly op-
posed to the rebel forces; our pisket
lines have been for two weeks in sight
Of the enemy's: and one or two in.
significant skirmishes between picket
guards have taken place. Such affairs
will co-tinue; they are easily magni6ed
BY rumor into important engagements;
but they have in reality nothing i'm.
poriant 10 them except this. that they
tell Of opposing forces within cannon
shot Of each other.
Secondly-Our iron-ciad feet was
probably, unless prevented BY q storm.
gathered together in the neighborhood
Of North Edisto, on Saturday last
From this base the operations against
Charleston will be conducted, and =
harbor Of refuge will be secured for the
Monitors and other parts OF the attack.
ing fleet. In case . storm should inter-
rupt their movements.
Third--The attack on Fort Meal.
lister was Of immense advantage, in
showing where the Monitors are strong
and where they needed to be better pro.
tected or further strengthened. In the
weeks that have elapsed since this trial
BY actual battle. our best mechanics
have been busy day and nigh,-not re.
pairing damages. for the damage done
was but slight-but making such
changes and Improvements in the
Monitor feet as were suggested or
shown to be necessary by the engage
ment with Fort McAllister. The net
results Of that battle were to give con-
fdence to the commanders and crews
of our iron clads. TO enable us TO make
the Monitors still less vulnerable than
they were before. and to send them
against the rebel works before Charles |
ton with every prospect OF success.
Lastly, the attack is likely to be an
affair OF some days. No decisive re-
suit is looked for on the first day; it /
may even he that in the first week Of
what, at his distance. looks like active
operations. nothing Of real moment
ill be accomplished. There may he
reconnoiiances to draw the enemy's
FIRE and discover the precise line Of
their works and the weight OF bis
metal. There may be delays on ac-
count OF the weather, though we hope
not. The public should then remain
tranquil. Il is useless to become ex-
cited at every rumor; we are sure that
the brave and tried men who will make
The attscs will do all that the Ameri.
can peope can ask OF their sailors; we
are sure nothing that skill, fore.
thought. or experience could provide
10 insure a successful result has been
We have many chances in our
favor; we have as Admiral the gallant
Dupont, who led the attack on Port
Royal, and by his genius made useless
!he preparations OF the rebels there
and he may teach the Charlestc q
rebels another new trick. And,
inally. We may add that the large
army reported to have been collected
1t Charleston BY Beauregard will Re Of
DO use 10 him. Ten thousand men
would serve his purpose as well rs the
fifty tbou,and men he is said to hsve on
hand. His soldiers cannot Withstand
,ur iron clsds; and the event will show
'lso. we believe. that his batteries must
!uccumb.