The New York herald., 1863-04-11

og structure and wrought guard tho after part This
little veel carried hundred men all told, ana mao
capacity 10 her magazines for two hundred eleven
inch shot. one hundred and afly elevennch shell, with
snrapnsl and canister small ammunition and powder IN
proportion She appeared admirably calculated Tor river
work her light draught and guidance by means ctwo
propecre, fitting especially for intricate naveathn
Her builder confident that though in some respects
novel in construction sho would be found a. shotproo
and servceabe as any and the care and completeness
with which he applied every precaution, and multiplied
means for offence and defence, gave hopes of most
efficient boat Mr. Whitney was one OF the earliest 70
urge tho proprety Of building shosproof feet and his
studies In the question: we'll a. his knowledge Of the
qualities Of iron, gave his opinions weight.
The ventilation Of the vessel had been carefully attend
ed 70, and the accommodations for the officers and crew
Of an excellent character.
In many points the details Of this vessel were new and
interesting For instance tho entire lower portion Of the
sides of the ures could bo thrown open 70 admit light
and air. and OF course 70 effect the expulsion OF foul air
and there being passage on each side OF tho vessel
communicating from turret to the other constant
circulation Of air kept up without artificial means
although Hch means provided and which would, In
the opinion Of many have rendered the vessel point Of
ventilation, second 10 none.
THE COMMANDER OF THE KEoKUK.
| Lieutenant Commander Alexander c. Rhnd, the COM
mander f the Keokuk, is native OF the state Of New
York, but was appointed from Alabama, and is now
citizen OF Minnesota He entered the United States naval
service on the Sd Of September 1888. He received his
present commission the 10th OF July, 1862 He has
been attached 70 Admiral Duponts squadron since Ito
organization. and 10 pre- cminently Of fight His
courage bravery and judgment very marked, ana
the Keokuk is really disabled win feel the blow
deeply than be- His service amounts 10 nearly
sixteen years He was unemployed years, and on
shore duty about two years, giving him total OF
| twenty.four years In the service.
| THE REBEL IRON-CLADS AT CHARLESTON.
Charleston has in ts harbor ronc clad gunsoats
rams-the Palmetto State and the Chcora The Palmetto
State 10 the larger Of them mounting five heavy gums
two in each broadsde and at tho bow. The Chicora
much smaller and only carries three gunsone in each
broadside and the These two vessels the
ones which made raid blockadng 1eet of Charles
the 3lst Of January crppng the Keystone State
and Mercedita; but on that occasion neither OF them
| showed any extraordinary powers ram. They
ssmble the Merrmac, which seems 70 have been the
pattern vessel Of the Confederate navy The
Of these vessels FIRST class and OF heavy calibre
but proposed the part Of the rebel Navy De-
partment they should attack vessels but aid n
the defence Of the harbor Their light draught win
BILE them 60 ehoa spots and take advantageous
positions annoy wooden vessels at the time
OF offensive operations II has been sad that they
are simply huge floating barns. covered with thin armor
but We do discredt any abilities which may be due 10
O vessel bearing the OF iron-cad but are conf
dent that they match for Ericsson batteries
The following is the list Of officers Of their two iron.
/ C0NfEDRRArE STATES IRoN-oLAD PALMETTO STATE.
EJ1g OGoer-D n Ingraham, commanding squadron
Lieutenani Conspdnder-Jobn Rutedge.
/ ~ par Ir lin x.