Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-08-20
Progressing without trouble.
is PROGREsSIsG FAVORABLY.
Capture of the City Regarded as
Certain,


August 16.
Since Monday evenig there have been
rather monotOnOus, we have been exchang-
ing shell and shot with the rebels night
and day, probably with but little damage
to either side. The enemy's object was to
retard Gen. Gilmore's seige works, but they
have all been perfected for several days
The intention to open on the 18th was
abandoned on account of some difficulty as
to the quality of army ammunition, and ow-
| ing to serious indispOsitiOn of General Gill
more. He is however much better, and the
opening of heavy seige work will COM
mence at daylight tomorrow, the shore
batteries in getting range Ofguns yester-
day and the day before, knocked three
holes in the walls of Sumter.
A general impression prevails that the
rebels are evacuating Sumter, and will
blow it up as soon as the assault commen-
ces, out of nearly thirty guns on the Par
apets ten days ago, but six now remain,
and most of these in casemates had prev
iOusly disappeared. -
The rebels have erected line of earth
works mile long on James Island, from
! Fort johnson to Secessionville. Although
| there have been but few guns mounted, yet
| it was supposed to be the destination Of
Sumter's guns. All our picket boats
around Sumter report great activity every
night with schoOners, steamers, Sc.
The weather is fine, with very calm
sea, and most favorable for operations.
| The sun is hot, but good sea breeze and
occasional thunder showers prevail.
Everything is now in readiness on sea
IrL5 \ l.. l.,
the work Of tomorrow. 1t is certain of
success. Reinforcements continue to ar
rive daily, and quite large army is now
on the Islands. o.
On Wednesday night the rebels fred on
our works with grape and canister On
information received from two suffers,
who deserted from the enemy, we lost two
killed and two wounded. The MoHitors
went up in the night, and opened on Wsg-
ner, and the rebel guns were soon silenced.
The Admiral went on board the Patap-
SEQ, joining her under the guns Of Wagner,
and came near being taken off by ten
inch shot. f Ef
Indications are that the rebels will de-
pend principally on the distractions and
interior line of defeRses in the attack oi
tomorrow. The IrOnsides will engage
Wagner, and keep her silent, while the
Monitors and shore batteries engage Sum.
ter.
The wooden feet and mortar sehoonerl
will engage Moultrie. It will be grand
affair.
The rebel works on James Island indi-
cate an attempt Un the part of rebels tt
drive Gilmore off James Island, or to 81
annoy him as 10 interfere with his siegt
of Sumter.
New York, August 19.
The very latest from Charleston rs w
to the 18th at P. N.
The rebels have piled sand bags on tht
wharf against the rear wall Of Sumter
forty feet high, completely protecting thu
magazines from Gilmore's shore batteries
But few shots were fred during Sunday
1t was generally understood the assault
would be made tomorrow.
The weather promises favorable for Op
erstions.
General Gilmore's health is much better
The press is indebted to C. c. Fulton
editor of the Baltimore American, for tn
above dispatch.
A private note dated off Morris Island
P. NJ, on the Iotn, says that we VIII nav
Sumter tomorrow, for certain.
WAsH1NeTOE, August 10.
Government has received dispatch from
Charleston, via Fortress Monroe, this morn
ing, to the effect that Friday and Saturda,
the bombardment was terrific. The actiol
of the sea on Sunday, prevented the gun
boats from working, but expect to join il
the attack on Mondsy.
The dispatch says there was repor
that Gilmore has succeeded in reaching
Charleston with one Of his longe rang
guns and had thrown shot into the city {,
such an extent as to call forth flag o
truce from Beauregard. There is no off
cial confirmation of this nor is it be
lieved. -.s