The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-02-04

Our thanks are que 10 mr. D. r0ruuhtus put6eT, ior
Che prompt delivery OF our packages.
Mr.. Oscar G. Sawyer's Despatch.
HILroS HEAD, s. O., Jan. 81, 1864.
THE SITUATION
has not materially changed since my last communica-
zion. Tho enemy quiescent, so far offensive
operations concerned They have fred very few shots
within the past two three weeks, although have
steadily maintained fire the city. Even when our
shells thrown into Beauregard, Moultre, Smpkius,
or any their batteries they do not deign notice
movements, but preserve a silence that suggests new
plans They have for tho most part been exceedingly
lavish In their expenditure OF ammunition. but with
meagre results. On Thursday last however, there
change in the programme. At daylight lookout at
Cummings Point observed the rebels the southwest
angle Of Fort Sumter busily at work. piling up the
debris the shattered parapet in the form OF battery
Our guns were Immediately opened upon them, and
FORT SUMTER AGAIN BoMBARDED.
The rebels for some time continued to labor in spite or
bursting shells. But finally, several shells having
poded rapid succession in that part Of the fort knock
fog down the debris they had piled up they disappeared
and renquished their design Our guns continued to re
at intervals during the day and following night, and
leveed parapct with the debris.
Our fire doubtless occasioued casualties, the fol-
lowing day two three corpses foated ashore at Battery
Gregg, probably from Fort Sumter.
THE SMELLING OF THE CITY.
From Information derived from variety Of sources We
learn that fire upon Charleston is doing considerable
damage both TO persons and buildings Shell drop in
and explode at intervals Of five minutes, day and night,
10 that portion of the city to which the residents about
town. The place OF refuge has ceased 70 be regarded
perfectly safe. People who moved thoir worldly
and fondy imagined that they were secure
from all visitations from Yankee shells, have long
tain terribly shattered and perforated by
shells and rendered untenab!e SO another hegira
CURED and people now live IN tents. slab shant,es,
barns stables houses clear in the outskirts OF the
city, and are by means comfortable they could
desire The way Of the ransgresscr is hard and espe
caly 80 With tho hardened Sinners OF Charleston They
have only received the ghtest portion OF their chasise
ment as Jet. Meanwhile they may remain on the high
stool Of repentance and await whatever punishment
outraged nation NAV award them.
DESERTERs.
Within the ten days large number OF deserters
and refugees have entered our lines from Georgia and
Florida. One boatoad OF soldiers from the savannah
Grsys came IN three or tour days ago They were
cd Their story differs in no particular from
tina, told US by every one who has come within
lines during the past six mouths IL Is the old story
OF aud III treatment OF universal suffering aud dis.
content Provisions fabuously high scarce and
rebel currency abundant and comparatively worthless
They represent that strong Union feeling apparent
even GU the surface OF society in savannah People are
cess. and sign for peace at any price The military are
ruling with an iron hand and stning the voice OF tho
murmurers but not In entirety Will out, 10 spite OF
their efforts to keep down. Twothirds of the soldiers
desire to escape further service under rebel ban
and are watching chance to como into lines.
These reports confirmed by refugees OF whom there
are nearly one hundred-nen, women and chidren-in
charge OF Provost Marshal General Hail. They In an
exceedingly destitute condition. Their clothing Is thin
and shabby. and entirely unsuited for climate like
What position is 20 be made &C these unfortunate
people is problem not readily solved. They have no
money, they for time to come earn liveIi-
hood To send them North at this season would be cruel
ana barbarous. Until comes they will
cared for as we'll as may be. But in the
matter Of furnishing them with suitable clothing
or ali kinds Of which they stand in pressing need the
thores cannot aid them l would therefore appeal TO
che charitable Of the North TO send hein care Of Lieu
.tenant Colonel Hall, Provost Marshal General Hilton
Head, who will see that the supplies properly dis
trbuted-clothng OF any kind for men, women and chill
dren they Union people, and have suffered for their
attachment TO the old flag, in person and property Let
those whose philanthropy can embrace poor whites as
vol hearty blacks extend TO these poor people
aiding hand Their gifts will be misplaced Bequests
20 be effective, should be sent at an early day.