August 17th.—No news, except that the bombardment at Charleston is getting hotter—but the casualties are few.
The chief ordnance officer of Gen. Lee’s army writes that the ammunition from Richmond has always to be tested before they can venture to use it. The shells for the Parrott guns are often too large—and of course would be useless in the hour of battle!
The Examiner to-day has an attack on the President for removing A. C. Myers, the Quartermaster-General.
August 18th.—There is heavy firing, day and night, on Wagner’s battery and Fort Sumter. The enemy use 15-inch guns; but Sumter is 4000 yards distant, and it may be hoped will not be reduced.
After all, the enemy did not, durst not, shave the head of Gen. Morgan, and otherwise maltreat him, as was reported.
The Secretary of War is, I believe, really in earnest in his determination to prevent future blockade-running on private account; and is resolved to send out cotton, tobacco, etc. by every steamer, so that funds and credit may be always available in Europe. The steamers go and come every week, in spite of the cruisers, and they bring munitions of war, equipments, provisions, iron, etc. etc. So long as this continues, the war can be maintained; and of late very few captures have been made by the enemy.
There are rumors of some manœuvres of Gen. Lee, which may indicate an approaching battle.
August 19th.—A scout, from Washington, has reported to Major Norris, signal corps, that 10,000 New York troops have recently left Meade’s army, their term of service having expired; and that 30,000 men have been sent from his army against Charleston. This accounts for the falling back of Meade—and the detachment never would have been made without.
This intelligence has been in the possession of the government four days; and if Charleston should fall now for want of men or material, there will be great culpability somewhere.
All the non-combatants have been requested to leave Charleston—and none are allowed to enter the city.