Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1865-03-03

OF the C1iys 6ess Gc.
Our readers are slresdy familiar will
the principal facts connected with the oo
cupstion of Charleston by our forces. AL
viii, however, be greatly interested in tn
following very graphic and interesting &c
count of the scenes and incidents of tb,
capture, which We extract from the CORES
pOndence Of the New York Herald
Charleston was evacuated by Genera
Hardee's forces on the night of Friday
February 18th, and the morning of satur.
day the 18th, the troops withdrawing BY
the Northeastern railroad.
HOW THE OLD FLAG WAS UNFURIEp on
SUMTER.
Shortly after daylight it was discovered
Ihat there were no troops in and about
Sumter, or Moultrie, or in the works on
James Island. Lieutenant Colonel Ben
nett, OF the Twenty-frst United States
eolored troops, commanding Morris Island
immediately despatched Msior Hennessv.
OF the FItty-seeond Pennsylvania Volu1-
teerss to Fort Sumter, in q small host to
ascertain whether the fort was evacuated
Major Hennessy proceeded to Sumter. and
soon waved the old Stars and Stripes over
the battered bsttlements of the work. from
which they had been torn down in ApriI
1861, P-'''
A RACE BETWEEN THE ARMY AND NAVY.
d a pnthnr. hnni- in nhaneA 81 ries,saaa=.
dsekstt, OF the Third Rhola IsIe-,-I.--1;1
trls to take possession of that work, and
raise again the National colors upon its
parapet. The navy, anxious to share in
the honors Of the day, also launched boat
and strove 70 reach the beach of Sullivan's
Island before the army, and an exciting
race ensued between the two branches Of
the service. Each boats crew were urged
to the utmost by their respective com
msnderH, and every nerve and muscle was
strained to pull the boats to their utmost
speed. twas friendly but earnest trial
of endurance and skill. Every man felt
that the credit and honor of the service
rested on himself and redoubIed his exer-
tlons to attain success. The race was a
close one, the boats being evenly matched;
and when one fosged little ahead, it was
recognized by the cheers Of its friendswho
watched with intense interest the PROGRESS
Of the contest.
Finally, after hard pull and as fast
race as Charleston harbor ever witnessed
the army boat, under Lieutenant Hackett,
the shore in advance. As she
touched, the officer and crew sprang out on
the beach, through the surf, and rushed
for the goal Theparspet was soon gained
and the fsg given to the breeze, amid the
cheers Of the soldiers and sailors. who hsd
come up moment or two behind them.
The fort was found completely evacuated,
IS were all the works on the island. The
guns were all spiked and some Of the car
rlsges somewhat damaged. A large qusn-
tlty Of munitions was found in the maya
zines, which the enemy had not found time |
10 destroy.
rAE STARS AND STRIPES WAVE OVER THE |
HAoCURsED CITY,"
The hsg was next raised over Fort Rim /
ey and Castle Pinckney, and 9 bosrs crew,
lnder Lieutenant-Colonel Bennett, pullei /
but directly toward the CITY
where the Dag was raised immedistelv
mid the cheers and cries of joy of the
'roWd assembled about It. It was q Der
eet storm OF applause and outburst of un.
eigned JOY and satisfaction. The negroes.
With ali their impulsiveness, were eo1alled
y the whites in their exhibition Of salts
action and pleasure at the great event.
,hsy seized the hands of our men, and
Fept With an excess Of exultstion and
eight.
OIL. BENNETT AND NINE MEN OCCUPY THE
CTY-A COOL PROCEEDING.
On landing it was not deemed advisable
y Uol. Bennett to advance into the CITY, {
5 he was informed that rebel brigade
Ias still at the depot taking the cars, and
lat force of cavalry was securing the
lsy, and impressing men into the ranks ,
nd driving the negroes before them. As
Q had but nine men with him, he confined !
imself merely to sending to Mayor Mac
sth the following persmptory demand for /
le surrender of the city:
HEADQUARTERS U. S. FORCES, |
CHARLESTON, S. O, Feb. ls, 1865. ! '
fGyor ChGs Macbeth:
SR-In the name of the United States
demand the surrender of
le iof which you are the executive
ficer.
OAkAA ALAkA OAA1LB dll GlllG5UE Will ~ [
lain within their houses
have the honor to be, Mayor,
Very respiy, your ob't servt
A. G. BENNETT,
Lieut.-Col. CONG U. S. Forces.
MAYOR MAoBETH's SURRENDER
o the General Commanding the. Arnsy of
ths United States at Norris Island:
SIB-The military authorities of the
confederate States have evacuated this city.
have remained to enforce law and pre-
srve order until you take such steps as you
nay think best.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
CHARLES MACBETH, Msyor.
After brief interview, in which the Al
srmen informed colonel Bennett that the
ity had been fred by the rebels in various
laces, and that the town was threatened
Y q total destruction, as the fremen we're
Il seeretsd, in consequence of the opera ]
ons of the rebel cavalry, who were i'm
ressing them and driving them from the
1wn whenever found, and they desired
rejection from the rebels, in order that
le fremen might perform their duty with.
ut fear of being seized. To this spplica-
on Colonel Bennett returned to the Mayor
le following communication: I
UNITED STATES Forces /
.- CHARLEsToN HARBoR,
Eesr Atlantic Wharf, Feb. 18, 1865.
favor Charles Macbeth:
1 have the honor to acknowledge the re-
sipt Of your communication Of this date.
/ have in reply thereto to state that the ,
oops under my command will render
very possible assistance to your we'll dis
osed citizens In extinguishing the fires now
1rning.
/ have the honor to be, Mayor, very re-
&c, A. G. BENNET,
ieutenant Colonel commanding United I
States forces, Charleston.