The New York Herald Newspaper, January 24, 1862, Page 2

2 HEWS FROM PORT ROYAL Arrival of the United States Transport Atlantic. Fifteen Hundred and Eighty-Eight Bales of Cotton on Freight. Important Instructions to Mariners En- tering Port Royal Harbor. AFFAIRS AT TYBEE ISLAND. Resignation of the Rebel Com- modore Tatnall. THE BLOCKADE OF CHARLESTON HARBOR. Stone Laden Ships to Be Sunk in Maffit’s Channel, ke, key, &e. he United States transport Atlantic, Capt. O. El- ridge, from Port Royal,S. C., Jan. 20, at half-past ten o'clock P. M., arrived at this port yesterday morning» bringing mails and passengers and fifteen hundred and twenty-five bales of unginned and sixty-three bales of ginned cotton, one pianoforte, and one billiard table, con- signed to Hiram Barney, Collector of the Port. PASSENGERS BY THE ATLANTIC. Edwin Post, Fsq.,New York; Lieutenant Colonel Wm. H. Reynolds, Government Agent, Port Royal; Mrs. Major Baird, Brooklyn; G. Sandford, Esq., New York; H. T. Potter, 0. B. Ames, Massachusetts; Jonathan A. Saxton, Massachusetts; George Wright, Fsq., Massachusetts; Rev. Jas. R. Hosmer, Massachusetts; G. F. Smith, E. R. Newel, Curtis Wells, Lieutenant Mauss, Eighth Michigan: DW. Cornwall, E. Comstock, A. ‘Tremble, D.S. C. Smoot, United States Navy; Captain Bagley, ‘Lioutenant Tilton, Cay Dewey, S.'L. Longaker, J. Barstow, United States’ Navy; Lieutenant 0. E. Strick: land, Ninety-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers; Colonel Weish, Yorty-fifth Pennsylvania; Captain Neal, J. West, Jr., Philadelphia; Captain Elliott, M. K. Gray, M. Furman, Captain Jes. Craig, 3. Swasey, United states Captain Ward, Forty-eighth New York; J. Fot- Lieatenant Bates, Forty seventh New York; Lieute- ant Johnson, Forty-seventh New York; Lieutenant Stearnes, Forty-seventh New York; E. Douglass, Major Watson, Fighth Michigan; Dr. Shanks, Eighth Michigan; . Turner, Eighth Michigan—and 130 in steerage. Died on the passage, of consumption, David L. Sanburn, Com- pany H, Fourth New Hampshire Volunteers. VESSELS LEFT AT PORT ROYAL. Vessels in port:—Steamers Baltic, Comstock; Cabawba, Baker; Marion, Phillips; Star of the South, Carney; Pam ro, Vogie; Empire City, Baxter; ships Zenas Coffin, Riddle, Golden Fagle, Swift; Ocean Express, Will barks ' J. A. Bishop; Magnolia, Chas. King, Swan; Texas, Ayres; Fanny Ealer, Iecge; Drigs Belle of ‘the Bay, Dan Malony, naval stores: J. C. Elliot. Empire; schooners Mary Finlay, N. E. Martin, J. T. Williams, J’ J. Hill, Charles Neal, Yankeo Blade, Fanny Keating, Presto, Americus, Alexander Townoy, R. J. Mercer, 0. Ranger, E.C. Knight, Pacific, Spray, Virginia Price, Aid, S. Still, B. Pack, J.’W. Eldridge, R.'H. Shan- non, Blackbird, A: Loaverett, C.B. Warner, E. L. Wil- liams, United States, Princess, P. Boyce, Lewis, L. Davis, 3. Guynant, F. 3. Simpson, Helena. ‘ OUR HILTON HEAD CORRESPONDENCE. Hitrow Heap, 8. C., Jan. 20, 1862. Health of the Federal Troops at Port Royal—How the Rebel Steamer Isadel Ran the Blockade at Charleston— More Stone Laden Vessels to be Sunk Near Charleston— Presentation to the Caplain of the Steamer Atlantic— Colors Presented to the Forty-seventh and Portyeighth New York Volunteers, fc. Since my iast communication by the United States steamer Rhode Island, Commander Trenchard , nothing of @atartiing nature has transpired. We are moving along calmly and surely, making ourselves a8 comfortable and secure as possible, and preparing for operatious which will advance our cause and materially aid in quelling the rebellion. Our troops are in good health, and rapidly attaining a commendable degree of proficiency in drily and military knowledge. In the news line we are unpromisingly dry. We have ‘had no batties, no skirmishes, and even no view of the rebels. They continue to keep a safe distance from our forces, and do not venture to attack any of them, al- though somewhat widely aproad. Our naval operations furnish no items of news. Our vessela, however, maintain a strict blockade upon the coast from Cedar Keys to Charleston; and it is a most for- tunate vessel that succeeds in running the blockade. Indeed, but one’ has run it for several months, and that ‘one was tho Isabel, which took advantage of a thick fog, when objects could not be discerned half a ship's length, and ran int» Charleston through the Mafit channel. she happened there, at the time wheu there were unfortn nately ovly one steamer, the Mohican, and a sailing bark, the Gemsbok, off the bar, the other two steamers being unavoidably absent in coaling and repairing for a couple of days. As it was, the Isabel suffered conside- rable damage from the shot and shells of the Mohican, her stern being nearly carried away by a well directed shot from the sloop-of-war. The reports from the rebels of the Isabel's running in in fair weather unin, jured,and with no attempt by the blockading vessels to stop her, are totally faise, like the majority of other reports in relation to the blockade. The Isabel was loaded with coffee, and brought no arms. The arms still remain on board the Glaliator at Nassau, and are not 1 “ely to reach the rebels on this coast. Maffit’s channel, one of the rathotes to Charleston, anda more important one than we were led to suppose, is to suffer the same fate that be’ell the main ship channel. Tt is to be filled up with the old stone fleet, which is now here awaiting its doom. Maflit’s channel has deepened since the coast Starkey; sarvey was made, and now we have good rea- bel twelve to fifteen feet of wat in it, It is now by far the in the harbor, and Commodore Dupont eon Or sixteen old ships in it, at » Tun aship in the ittled. ‘This will to guard. The work of sini nev this week; but Flag Of it number of steamers t, whether the stone fleet etpoci ment be successful or not. It is the safer course. In @ previous letter I notice! the presentation of an cle. gant silver trumpet to Capt. Oliver Eldridge, of the Ai lantic, from t but at that tin the Third New Hampshir - had not the interesting corres. ors and Capt. Eldridge at band. square, after it had eppropriate to t! Cartan Finnincr—We are very happy to see you this afternoon. We highly appreciate your many good q ties of bead and heart, in proof of which I will read following resolations:— Knowin hood, moral worth, and all that denntiful developed only in ti daily reapo solicitations of a fellow ¥ measure upon us for that miortable, therefore, avived ridge, of the sieumstiip At i of nati. towar: tation and sue as a ep respect and & and ever aluling reme ef Resolves, Tat a8 words of commendation are cast oken biin for Captan EBliridge a silver 8 remembrancer of the high oticers of the Third re- NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1862, sented me, T accept it with feelings of pride and pleasure. T eae 5 conan tte tines of aslo and ricer leave them—an evidence that their father was doin; ‘about numbered; but when joyful ‘come, I shall indulge the hope that tele aoe decpalched to the hills and valleys of shall Tecan duty Mary! South Carolina. I trust that the heart of this rebellion ts are that New kindness is again restored to our a Peale ah a a EEE Commanding Stoamer Atlantic, Hitrom Hein, 8, C., Jan. 8, 1862. ‘The testimonial is well deserved, and it could be placed in no more worthy hands. No steamer is hailed with more delight than the Atlantic when she appears moving proudly up the harbor, and no gentleman is greeted more warmly (han the genial commander of that gallant ship. I trust that we may see them both often again. ‘Through Lieutenant Colonel Fraser a beautiful stand of colora was presented to the Forty-seventh New York Volunteers from Mr. Bennett, of Brooklyn, and the ladies of that city. The stand comprises a large regulation standard flag and two guide colors, all of elegant work- manship and beautiful rn. They are a credit to the worthy donors, and will be weil cared for by the Forty- seventh. Lieutenant Colonel Fraser made s very neat and happy presentation speech, which was greatly ap- plauded, The jolly Colonel is an-orator as well as a soldier. Colors have been presented to the Forty-eighth New York Volunteers, Colonel Perry; but I have not my notes at hand relative to the affair. The weather, which has Deen very disagreeablo, is again warm end pleasant. OUR PORT ROYAL CORRESPONDENCE. Oy Boarp SreAmmR Baxtic, Port Roya, Jan. 20, 1862. A Transport Fleet on Their Trip to Port Royal—Phe Baltic, Cahawba, Star of the South, Marion and Queen City— ‘They Meet with Stormy Weather—Incidents of the Voyage— The Baltic in a Dangerous Position—She Throws Over- board her Cargo—Pifteen Thousand Dollars Worth of Property Foolishly Wasted—What Owr Correspondent Says, de, de., de. We left New York on the morning of Monday,*Jan. 13, with a detachment of the First Massachusetts cavalry, the Star of the South having preceded us on the Saturday previous with a portion of the same regiment. The steamers Empire City, Cahawba and Marion were to fol- low us out, each of these transports conveying portions of the regimont, with forage, stores, &. The elegant and commodious forward cabins of the Baltic had been prepared with long rows of stalls for the horses; also the upper decks, a row of stalls occupying the hurricane deck alongside of the wheelhouses. We have on board Col. Robert Williams, the commandant of the regiment, with officers and men to the number of 270, with 264 horses, a full cargo of forage, hay, oats, provi- sions, and also a large number of carts, wagons, &c. In fact, the magniticent ship that had carried so many pleasant parties across the Atlantic resembled more a Tattersall establishment than anything else. Woe took our doyar- ture at six o’clock in the morning and went outside of Sandy Hook in fine style, and with a prospect of pleasant weather ; but alas! we were sadly disappointed. We had not been outside six hours before a miserable, dreary rain storm set in, which, during our whole trip» continued at intervals, varying from an occasional glimpse at a clear spot in the eky to fog, rain, wind,and, ‘as @ natural consequence, rough weather. In passing around Hatteras, that spot of a!l dreaded by mariners, we had a terrifically rough time, Noi...sustanding the admirable sailing qualiti.. «. our good ship, it seemed at times as if for certain some of our horses would roll over- voard, particularly those standing on tho upper or hurri- cane deck. Jt was a hard time for the fine animals, who suffered greatly from the motion of the ship; but so admirable was the arrangement of the aecommodations and the attention of the men in charge of thom that not one animal was injured or lost. One horse took it into his head one night to jump from his stail through an aperture of about four feet by six, and landed on the deck below,a distance of some ten feet, passing through a hatchway, without any injury to apy one. It wasa miraculous and beat any horse opera performance ever witnessed. The trip throughout was divested of any particular ine terest, except that we jonally got sight of some cf the other transport ships, but always at so great a dis- tance we could never distinctly make them out. On Wednesday, however, we discovered on our starboard bow a sail ring down for us, which served to break the monotony of t the first craft we had fell in with. quietly seated at dinner the booming of a gun was whieh proved to be from the strange ship that that time before been reported. Of course this created a great excitement th t the dining saloon. Svon an- Other gun was beara, and this time a shot was heard whizzing across our bows. Speculation was rife as to what was the matter; visions of tho Sumter, the De- vis and ali sorts of privateers flashed across the brain of the company at the dinner table; our engines were of" 2s , and o boat from the unknown craft approached ‘us. She proved to be the United States bark Fernandina, Acti Lieut. Geo. Brown commandant, on® cruise from New York three weeks since, on the blockading squadron. had on the sun. day previous taken as @ prize the secesh schooner Mount Vernon, off New Inlet, and seut her to New York with a prize crew, of which doubtless you will hear before this. Much indignation was expressed H those on board of the Baltic that, after firing a ik shot across our bows, and we showing the Stars and Stripes at our mizen, she should immediatoly send a solid shot across our bows. It struck me as being @ piece of arrogance, to call tt by aa mild aterm as possible; for ang nautical man, in the least acquainted with our marine, must have known the Baltic, or, if not, could our decks and fing that we wore a transport, as our decks were crowded with t |, horses, army wagons, &c. Captain Com. stock, with his usual genial, sailor and gentiemanly quali fications, furnished the officer who came off in the boat witha full file of the Heratp, for which he was greatly pleased, and wo paased on our course. On account of the heavy weather we did not arrive off Port Royal until Thursday morning, about ten o'clock, and then discovered in toward shore auother transport, which proved to be the Cahawba, bearing down toward the lightship Relief. As we bad not had an observation for two days, ‘Oli Sol’ being excluded from our view, the navigation of the ship was done by the record of the courses taken and the speed; and it speaks well for the seamanship of Capt. Comstock and bis officers that we made the lightship off Port Royal, dead ahead in our course, on the morning we arrived here. ‘The Cahawba being in shore and in advance of ns,a boat from the United States sloop-of-war Susquehanna, which was lying off this port on blockading service, put off to her, and from thence came to our vossel. ‘The officer in charge of the boat, hailing our ship, informed Capt. Comstock that there was no pilot outside, notwith- #tanding the government has a large number emp! at this point, but said, ‘Follow the Cahawt going in.” Capt. Comstoek informed him we wer ing twenty-three feet of water, and we immediately Started off. ‘The Cuhawba was ouly drawing sixteen feet, and passed in via the South channel, the Bultic following im her wake—Capt. Comstock supposing , from the answer he received from the United States officer after stating his draft of water, that a pilot was on board of the Oahawba, a matter of course, knew the draft of the Baitic. followed but a mile or so when we struck ou the sandbar, and at once signals were made to the Cabawba, but it appears she did not discover them. We worked away in backing and filling for a time—our signal set at haif-mast—when the Susquehanna came along down and anchored some mile or so from us. In a short time the United States transport Potomac, which is used for & pilot vessel, came out of Port Royal harbor. Hailing us tent on board pilot Brown, one of the most eflicient men in bis profession, who is ‘well known among nautical men. He at once took charge of the ship, supposing, from instructions he had left on board thé Potomac, sho would lay by and come to our as- sistance if require’. By the hardest kind of work—our flag flying at half-mast, a signal of distress to the two vessels lying off in sight of us—after working for an hour or more We got atloat, and backed down as far as possible out towards the sea. It was with the groatest difficulty wo could back astern, as the wind and current were against us, and it was almost impossible to manage the ship, to keop off shoal water. We finally managed to got into water sufficient to lay; but the wind springing up fresh after we had got in, and the tide receding, our ves- se] Soon commenced pounding on the sand, At about ten o'clock in the evening, the wind spring ing up fresh, the action of the ground swell, in connec tion with the receding tide, caused the Baltic, with a sudden jar, to strike the sand bottom starting all to their feet. Frotn that time until four o'clock in the morning it would take @ pen far more competent than mine to de- scribe the scenes. With nearly four hundred humao souls on board and two hundred and sixty-four horses, besides the immense quantity of valuable cargo, we iay srey of the winds and waves. For about two e continued at igtervals to strike occasionally, sooeding pound seeming to be harder than wie il the order was passed to lighten her, Then *cone—not of excitement; for | never saw so ness exhibited in any emergency as on this ve it one, a8 it svemed to all, for the safety of lives otty of all ag weil as the vessel, In the fir water tanks were emptied of their contents, the boilers blown off, After this they com: rowing overboard the cargo. Over 200 baies of busheis of oats, and some 200 barrels uf pork, provisions, if with twenty-one cart load and everything that could light were thrown overboard. Property to» the Joust $15,000 was thrown 0 Sometimes it wag thought that the ho to go. Included in this w was taken indiscriminate! With all this sacrifice the ne eight inches on an even keel. rock» ts were thrown up at intervals , it )attention of there on shore. The idea th lying but twelve miles from shore, wher vessels were in harbor, aud should he United States man-of-war Susquehanna, ort Potomac, in the government employ, the size and capacity of the Baltic was ouc- ross, and no vessel coming to the reseus, to'say the least of i1, inhuman. Had & four of less persons in it, been on the country, Lhe underwrites' association, © society, Would have had surf boats, sig: every other appliance o wo lay for sixtoen aves, with not a soul to wks, however, to the powers that rule, the gale and troubles, and, after sacri at of property I have specified, as the four o’olock in the morning, the dango four hundred souls breathed freer oa Af the tide rose in the morning afte* ander us any four o'clock, at seven A. M. we got under way and came into Port Royal at ten o'clock in the morning, to asccrtain that our rockets or signals had been seen from ships, but to learn that no report of our bemg outside had mate either to the War or Army department. Colonel Williams has, I am glad to know, made @ proper representation to Commodore Dupont, and also to General Sherman, of all the facts in the case, as well as Captain Comstock, and investigation is being made of the matter, woth the assurance that the gentlemen in dereliction of their duty shall be held responsible. I may, however, here state, from tho best authority, that the act of the Po: tomac in leaving us after putting on board the pilot, was the cause of a personal encounter on that ship betwoen the commandant and another pilot on board, the latter ing.sting they ought to come to our assistance, and the former refusing todoso. In all probability the com. mandant of the Potomac will be removed, or, if not, at least should be; but the powers that be here say he shall. Commodore Dupont will also make an in- vestigation into the matter, and doubtless the whole neglect of those in authority—for a gross noglect of duties it was—will be thoroughiy sifted, and dealt with accord- ingly. Iam satisfied, from conversation with the gontle- men connected with the departments here, that hereafter there will be an improvement in tho piloting arrange- ment ot this port. A printed circular of instructions to mariners as to the course to be observed in entering the port has been issued and sent to all points—of which you will get 8 copy by this mail. We have had great fears as to the ty of the Empire City, one of the transports conveying a portion of the First regiment Massachusetts cavalry; but last night she came into this port all right, having laid outside the bar for two days, or in the vicinity, as the captain reports, for safety, waiting to get a pilot, There was a general rejoic! last evening as she came in, escorted by the United States steam frigate Mohican. Notwithstanding their long , they did not lose a horse, as did not thé Baltic or the other transports, while ouly seven horgos were lost on the Cahawba. Companies A, Band C of the First Massachusett cay- alry regiment ‘are at Annapohs, aud it is oxpect- et the Baltic will return from here to bring them down. One battalion—companies E, F and G—have been sent to Beaufort, and are at present under command of Capt. Keith. The others have been sent to Skull creek, some tive miles trom Port Royal, where they wil form an encampment for drill and to recruit their horses. When the battalion arrives from Annapolis, it will also go to Skull creek, unless in the meantime {t should be ordered in another direction. The horses have thus far come off the transports in gs condition, and, take them with the men an‘ oilicers, + sachusetts has reason to be proud of them. That they will do good service in this vicinity everybody acknow- ledges, and themselves credit remains tg’ be seon—your correspondent says. ‘Thoy have a commandant who not only combines the gent!oman with a soldier, but also a capital surgeon, anda chaplain who can fight as well as pray, and both of the latter gentiemen can, with the as- sistance of the offlcers, do more to keep up a thorough organization—healthy , harmonious and efficient—than apy severe mcasures ever adopted, all by their genial good qualities. IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MARINERS VISIT- ING PORT ROYAL HARBOR, We are indebted to Mr. Joseph H. Sears, the United States Postmaster at Hilton Head, 8. C., for tho following important notice to commanders of vessels entering Mort Royal harbor:— SAILING DIRECTIONS FOR ENTERING THE HARBOR OF PORT ROYAL, 8. C. General Directions, A lightship has been moored in eight fathoms, off Maritn's pierear Shoal, at the entrance of the ha:bor. She is painted red, with the name “Relief” in white leiters on side. She carries two whke ite at @ height of forty two feet above the water, and will be visible thirteen miles in clear weather from a vessel's deck. She is in ‘North latitude, 32 deg. 05 min. 57 sec. Longitude W. from Greenwich 8) deg. 39emin. 22 sec. Beas From the lightship, large house on west end of Bay Point (east side Port Royal harbor) bears N.N.W.3gW., disiant ten and a haif miles, ‘Tybee lighthouse W. by 8. 3 8., distant fifteen miles. Entering buoy, south channel, W. by 8. 8., distant two aud one-eighth tiles, Entering buoy, southeast channel, N.N.E.%E., distant two and three eighth miles. Large black buoy on routheast ond Gaskin bank, S. W. by W, 4 W., distant three and one.third miles. Ailthe'tar buoys are en the Martin’s Industry side of the channels, There are four red buoys in the south cl to be left on the starboard hand entering, and two biack buoys in the southeaat channel, te be left on the port hand entering. ‘The best sailing line for ‘steamers is about a vessel's lengt from the buoys, on the side indicated by their color. A large biack buoy has been on the southeast wide of the Gaskin Bank, in five fathoms of water. Vessels coming trom or going to the southward should the westward of this buoy. ‘Nineteen and @ half feet at mean low water may be found in the south channel, and twenty-one feet in the south- anel. Mean rise and full of tide six and a haif feet. both channels are painted in perpen- ripes—Dlack and white, ‘That at the entrance of the toatheast channel basa staff and cross with the letters 5. E. upon it to distinguish itin thick. weather from the other, which has neither staff nor cross, ‘70 ENTER PORT ROYAL HARBOR BY TIE SOUTH CHANNEL. 1. From lightahip to entering buoy, W. by S. 8. two and . ent wy, We . ., two ant onc-cighth miles,” gine entering buoy to first red buoy, N.W. by N., one miles 3. From first red buoy to third red but N. by B., two and a balt miles, passing second red buoy midway on tile course. From third red ri} vo fourth or upper red buoy, north, to point of junction of south and southeast channels, one and three-quarter m: ). From upper red buoy to black buoy, on southeast end of Fishing Kip, N.N. “0 three miles, ‘This course will bring light abip over the stern, and the Igrgo house with platform on the roof, at weat end of Bay crt, ahead, 6. I! hound into Beaufort river, steer from bins Lad buoy N.W. one-half N. three miles, until house on Bay Point bears E.N-E., after which the chart will be the best guide up ‘the river, 7. If bound to Hilton Head, steer N. W. by W. from Fishing Rig Susy threncaies, aaeananee ce, the piers now erecting re. 70 ENTER PORT ROYAL HARBOR BY THE SOUTHEAST CHANNEL. ‘Vessels coming from the northward and steering for the Mgbtship will make the entering buoy of this channel on the starboard half miles the Keniship. On seeing the buoy, steer fori pusstey Ion ve tsi see! e buoy, for ton either hand, thence steer W. by N34 N. two and'a half wiles to the second or tuner Viack buoy, passing the first black buoy midway on this course.® From the inner black buoy, steer N. N. W. 3¢ W. five miles, {o Fishing Rip buoy, having the lightsbip ‘astern and the house on int abead, and passing the upper red buoy of the south fchannel at the junction of the two chaunels, two tntles on, the course. ,£rom Fishing Rip follow the directions given for the south channel. *One of the buoys in the South channel is on this range, but is not to be steered tor after coming up with the secon or inner black buoy, where th> course is changed as above rected, Nory.—All bearings here given are magnetic. The dis- tances are in mautical miles, Magnetic variaiion at Port Koyal in January, 1stz, three degrees cast, ‘Pou? Rovat. Hanson, 5. C., Jan. 12, 1862. The above proposed sailing directioi mitted to the Flag Otlicer for his ¢: by CHAS, 0. BOUTELLE, Ass’ Commending Survey tn Examined and approved. ‘ 8. F, DUPONT, Flag Officer, C4mmanding South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. INTERESTING FROM TYBEE ISLAND. OUR NAVAL CORRESPONDENCE. Ov Tyore IsLanp, Ga., Jan. 13, 1862. ‘The Blockaders Off Tybee—The Report of the Resignation of the Rebel Commander Tatnall well Authenticated —The Reasm Why He Did So—Reinforcement of Fort Pulas- kei—Large Force of Rebel Troops in Savannah—The River Defended by Fire Rafts—A Visit to Dalfuskie Island, de., de. But little has occarred to relieve the monotony of ou? every day existence since we have been stationed here; I forwarded you a letter by the Ben Deford, which lef for Port Royal a few days since—a short summary hastily thrown together, but which I thought might interest. The report of the resignation of Commodore Tatnall seoms to be well authenticated, and is generally believed here: He evidently feels the false position in which his devo- tion to his State, instead of his country, has placed him, ‘and was said to have assigned as a reason for the recent step he has taken that he could not, with his fleet, cope with the naval armament brought to bear against him by the Union government. Those who have seen him re- port that he seems broken in health and spirits, and sen- sible of the error that he has fallen into. A stray copy of the Hxanp of the 3d January ts tho latest intelligence that wo have received from New York. The news of the delivery of the rebel commissioners caused much inter- change of opinion with us; but it is generally conceded that Mr. Soward’s views of this nice question of the law of nations is the correct one. From Fort Pulaski we have reports down to twelve o'clock yesterday. Some two companies of infantry were landed at their pier, brought down by rebel steam- ers,afow days past. They have been exercising the men at the guns, with considerable precision tn firing, since that time, and yesterday suecesded in throwing o fuse shell within three hundred yards of the Pawnee. A contraband, who was picked up by the Connecticut Seveuth, and who had left Savannah, reported a consider. ab.e force of the rebel forces in and around that city, and stated that the river was defended by fire rafts to some extent, Yesterday, im company with several officers of the ship, | went on shore for a visit to Melrose, the planta: tion of Mr. Stoddard, of Savannah, situated on Dalfuskie Isiand, about five miles from the ai ‘The island ig in the custody of a Provost Murs! detachment of sappors aud miners are doing picket duty and keeping up a general surveil! communicating with the com- panies on Hilton Island ‘The mansion house is built in the Southern style, with capacious galleries, extonding around'the entire area of the building, with @ large hail, commodious rooms, and every possible appliance conducing to a ry. The outhouses are numer (or iwright's and black stabling, coach and wagon houses, mills, dairies, bakehouse and paint room. ‘The family carriage was housed, but “rusiy for want of use.”” The gardous are capacious and in good order, the walks bordere! by English hedg rows, carefully trimmed and of luxuiiant growth. Ca pomogranites, very variety of (uschia, cup» jessa- mines, and roses of all descriptions, grow io’ profusion in the 0,¢n air, while the hothouses aie filled with rare pot plants, evidencing a refined d lavish expenditure, Fhe laurel flourishes, attainin « great ho ght the species, under which we attention from its pec are deserted, with th ating a ver oe iru we been disise womiual jy 8. Coast Survey, mer Hibb. & the island of equal exten equally productive; but th cout greatness’ i a sad coi ed of Southern aristocracy. ‘The Connecticut storeship has come to anchor, bringing spe “gon oniary upon the much Lak SE ET 7, but giving us scarcely time to replen- beef and ice, however, have been Jaid in, and she has steamed away this afternoon to meet the wants of the vessels of the different squadrons be- tween here and Galveston, her destination. ‘This morn- ing a party from this vessel, whi'e dredging for oysters in an arm of the otto passage, fell in with Colonel Rosa, of the For h New York, and a number of bis men, engaged in a reconnoissance of the southern end of ‘Tybee. They reported no recent signs of rebel occupancy. OUR NAVAL CORRESPONDENCE. Porr Royat, 3. C., Jan. 15. 1862. Orwise of the Si. Lawrence—What She Has Done—Over- hauling of a Britssh Ship—Phe Port Royal Bombard- ment Heard at Sea Seventy Miles Distant—High Opinion of Commodore Dupont by Officers of the Squadron, de. We have at last got into atill water again, and where we can obtain news from the land of liberty once ina while, besides obtaining a few of tho necessaries of life, Tassure you that it isa decidedly pleasant chango; for we have, for -ver two months, been ontirely cut off from the world, not one of us having, during that time, hoard single word from home; and we were doomed to disap- pointment on our arrival here; for our mail had gone down the coast in the Connecticut; but we had only to wait for a couple of days, when, another mail arriving, our hearts were made glad by the receipt of ‘‘good news from home.’ During the time we have been blockading off St. Simons we have ovemhauled several vessels, but nota single prize have we taken, although two were certainly as fair prizes as have been taken during the war, and one, the schooner Albion, has since been captured by the gunboat Penguin, and proves to be a very valuable prize, having about one hundred thousand doliars worth of contraband articles on board. The other vossel was the British bark Neptune, from Glasgow, bound to Quebec; but by somo great oversight in her navigation she brought up over a thousand miles from where she started for; and, as sho had a cargo of coal on board, it is very probable that the captain made a mistake and took on board some guns, and had them stowed away under the coal. He acknow- ledged that it was his intention to have gone into St. Simous bad he not, unfortunately, fallen in with ono of our vessels. A pariial search was made in the coal; but it was too slight to meet with success, and one of the crew of the bark was overheard to say to another ‘ it was damned lucky for us that they did not dig any deeper.”” Had we found guns on board, we would not, according to the letter of our instructious, have been justiied in cap- turing her; but that matter been remedied now, now instructions having been given to our commander. I suppose that the Neptune is safe inside of some Southern harbor by this time. Our vessel might botter have been lying alongside the Navy Yard at Brooklyn than to haye been where she has been for the last two months; for she has been an exponse to the government, and, instead of proving of any gervice, hus been acting as a beacon for all vessels wishing to go into the port she was supposed to be blockading. They would run down to her, obtain their exact position, and then they were all right—ready to run in as goon as ft got dark enough to prevent their being seen any distance. Could we but have participated in the engagement at Port Royal on ‘7th of Novembor, we would a!l have felt that wo were of some little service; but we had to listen to the reports of the guns during the Jong hours that our comraces in the service were doing Foor deeds, and pray for a successful issue to the attle. We could bear thoreports perfectly distinct, al- though seventy-two mi'es off—about as great a distance as the report of guns has ever been heard. Since our arrival we havo bad the melancholy satis- faction of looking upon the work of destruction done by our vessels, and, while tho praises were loud and earnest, have felt a doop regret that we were not permitted to be here to participate in un en- gagoment that bas shed new lustre upon our navy. This ship carries @ battery of fifty-two guus—ten eight-inch shell guns, twenty-four long thirty-twos, and cight- een medium thirty-twcs, and numbers’ more guns than tho Wabash, althou; not as heavy; still it is a formidablo battery, and would, in all probability, have shortened the time occupied in reducing the forts very materially. I bclieve that it is the intention to keep us here now, and make us do duty as a guardship, which I think will be far preferable to lying off the coast, “with naught but the blue sky above and the blue sea beneath.” Thope that if the *‘powers that be’’ come to tho conelu- sion to make an attack un Pensacola, they will scnd this vossel down there, for it will probably be the only oppor- tunity we will have of seeing any fighting, that being the only harbor we can get into that is occupied by the enemy. The flag officer hore appears to have gaincd the affec tions of every one, Not a single person have heard ‘speak of him except in the highest terms, and the man- Posy -baktore be conducted the attack on the forts has There are all kinds of rumors ts of the army and navy concentrut- ed here, but nothing positive is Known, as the flag officer has no tattiers in his suite, and, like Gen. MoCiellan, does not publish his intentions. ‘AB your paper is so widely circulated, would it not be a good idea to publish the law in regard'to capturing ves- sols found in the vicinity of the blockaded ports? Untrep States Gunsoat Monrcan, Port Rovat,S.C., Jan. 19, 1862. Vessels in the Port of Charleston, 8. C., Jan. 17— Vessel Waiting to Run the Blockade—The Funds for the Relief of the Charleston Sufferers— What the Charleston Mercury Says of the War—The Rebels’ Troubles Increasing—The Cotton Famine—Daring Escape of Contrabands from Charleston, dc. ‘The following extracts from the Charleston Mercury of January 17 are at your service. The following is a list of the vessels in the port of Charleston January 16:— +. 2 Brigs...... 2 cree | 4 Total....seecserereees 9 SrEAMsIuPs. Ella Warley, 1,115 tons, Swasey, at Adger’s wharves, from Nassau, N.'P.; waiting. E. Lafitte & Co. Catawba, 407 tons, » at Dry Dock wharves, from Key West; waiting. Mordecai & Co. SHIPS, Mackinaw, 1,094 tons, Hammer, from Liverpool; wait- john Ravenel, 700 tons, Jones, from Liverpool; waiting. Both belong to Ravenel &Co. ” sae BARK. Etiwan, 325 tons; waiting. John Fraser & Co. 168. BR Emer Egar, 196 tons, Brooks, at Central wharves, from Philadelphia; ‘waiting. 'H. F. Baker & Co. Louise; waiting. HF. Baker & Co. Mary Wright, 265 tons, from New York; waiting. John Fraser & Co. John Welch, 273 tons, Swan, from Savannah; waiting. LATES© DATES. Havana, January 7, 1862. Havre, December 27, 1861. Liverpool, December 20, 1861. Most of the above vessels are laden with cotton, and only awaiting a chance to run the blockade. H. H. Carter, of Arkansas, has manufactured, in toto, splendid six shooter, which will send a shot to the dis- tance of a quarter of a milo. $286,245 67 has been donated for the relief of the suf- ferors by the fire, $100,000 of which by the State of Georgia. “Late news received here to-night (January 16) from the North indicates that the squabbles in Lincoln's Cabi- net have at last culminated in the resignation of Came, ron, the Yankeo Secretary of War. This is generally believed. Thé step was probably taken because Lincoln, as yet, hesitates to shock the border State traitors who still adhere to his government by the ‘general emanci- pation’ war policy, which is the pet scheme of Came- ron. ‘The tribulations of the rump Congress are multiplying evory day, and the financial condition of the North cone tinues to grow more embarragsed.”” ‘Long articles on the seizure of Mason and Slidell are given. The following I cull:—'*The seizure of Mason and Stidel! has greatly benefitted the cause of tho Confederate States. It has kindled the indignation of European na- tions against our enemies. It bas turned the current of public sympathy throughout the civilized world towards us. It has served to {© many misconceptions and prejudices by which the mind of Europe was occupied, and which have been serious obstacles toa true percep- tion of affairs, and toa just and friendly policy on the part of foreign governments. The way is now open to a clear understanding of the truth. The requirements of enlightened interest may be fully set forth, and we may goon expect international obligations, as between the Confederate States and our transatlantic neighbors, to be both seen, recognized and practically carried out. “A broad and statesmanlike appreciation of the state e case in America, in the relation of the North and South towards cach other and towards European nations, might at once have satisfed those governments of the wisdom and policy of establishing {riendly connections with the Confederate States. A trade in exports and im ports of vast extent and pricolesn, ever increasing value has lain within their easy reach. But public opin must everywhere be respected, and in Europe, popular ignorance and prejudice, illusory views of the cotton jon, with shortsighted conceptions of interest, have rated greatly to our disadvantage, blinding their eyes 0 (he nature and degree of their involvement and ident! fication with os and to the merits of our cause. “The cotton famine has been slowly approaching, and has forced upon all the shrewd aud practical in advance the contemplation of disasters which tnust follow the continuance of the Yankee blockade, Hope after hope of timely relief from abroad has subsided, ving population in at least one country prepare to wrentle with grim despair and their government. The cotton has been looming up steadily into antagonist to ‘al aympatby with the Yankee war. Captain with his rdde Yankee broom, has given the finishing stroke, we think, to all the fir tality and fanciful Interests which have occupied the pablic mind of Burope and held it bound in hostility to the Confederate cause. ‘These things are likely to be for- gotten, or to be seen in the truer sight of their compara tive invignifieanes, while Yankee domineering and du- sity and cowardice will derive new illustrations, and legality and injury of the blockade wiil be fully es- ab'ished throughout all civilized nations. ‘The paper from which I take the above extracts reach- this ship im rather a boid and ¢ ot a by i ty | pasond auder tte gang iy and reached us in sifery—frig were four hours pulli josire for free. cately. throtgh #8 many chances, everything in Charleston in an awful state. worth'nuilin;”’ can’t get any gold of silver for ’om when wo want to; cotton sixty five cents per pound, and at buye:s ened (0 ‘Unnrep Srarzs Sreaman Soe” } Poar Rovat, 8.C., Jan. 20, 1862. Oruise off Fernandina—A Squint at the Rebel Soldiers There—A Suspicious Craft—Character of the Blockade— The Navy Retiring Board Hill Before Congress—2he Ef- Sect of Its Passage on the Service—The Rank of Officers in Service—A Naval Officer Shows the White Feather, dc. ‘We left here on the 17th of last month, and on the 18th took a look in at Fernandina, going in close enough to get a good view of Fort Clinch and to see the soldiers on the ramparts with the naked eye, but, owing to our heavy draught of water, were not able to get in close enough to give them an introduction to our long toms, better known amongst the men as ‘rebel polters.” We found the Alabama blockading off that piace, and we took up our Position off St. Simons, where we lay until tho evening of the 14th inst., when we started for this place, having run short of coal, and that article being very necessary with us. During the time we lay off St. Simons we saw but one suspicious vessel, and that was ‘discovered close in with the land, just betore sunset, and too late for us to make any attempt at trying to find out her charactors and in the morning she was not to be seen; all the other vessels we saw were our own cruisers; so that our blockade duty this time was even duller than it usually is. There is no doubt that this coast is most effec- tually blockaded now, and nothing of any sizo can escape the vigilance of our vessels; anid the rebels are begin- ning to find out that it is something besides a pape, blockade; 1¢ bas boon nothing more in several instances; but we are gradually getting active, energetic men in command of our vessels,in place of the old fogics who think that all they are sent down horo for is to look out for their vessels, and are to rin no risks whatever, although by doing so they mig! wilict incalculable injury upon the enemy. ‘The recent bill passed by Congrese, retiring all who havo been forty-five years in the service, will prove most beneficial, although there are some who would bs cut off were it not for that saving clause, ‘‘unles- called into active service by the President,’ whom the country can- not spare the services of. And first on that list stands our flag oMicer. He is younger this day, in everything but years, than many a one in the service who has not served his country over two-thirdsas long, and it is to be hoped that those who have by dissipation become unfitted to perform their duty properly at this time will have no mercy shown them. Soveral havo already been laid upo® the sholf; but instead of furloughing, they ought to bave dismissed them. Some there are who are unfitted by reason of sickness, contracted from exposure while serv- ing their country. Those men at to be handsomely provided for; but when men aro relieved from their com- mands because they are constantly gotting drunk, and thereby rendering themselves unfit to command, they should be dealt with in a very summary manuer, and so aiso with every man who shows any disposition to shrink from doing his duty at this time, or shows by his actions apy sympathy forthe rebels. And it would appear that we have some such, although I hope that a court of inquiry may bring out some extonuating circumstances in the cases to be investigated. But such a hope is alynosta forlorn one in the caso of the Iroquois, if we are to judge from tLe reports we have hourd. The Cahawba, Baltic and Marion came in to-day, bring- ing several companies of the Fiist Massachusetts cavalry. The Bultic, in coming up, got aground in the south chaunel, Dat got off again whon the tide rose, and is now lying at anchor off Hilton Head, ‘Ihere appears to be a great deal of dissatisfaction on tho part of many of the old officers of the navy that act- ing musters, who rank below lieutenants, should be given commands cver their heacs. It may be all right, but it certainly is very humiliating to sec men preferred, who have been but a few days in the service, over those who have been fifteen and twenty years in it, and who have been educated for the service. If they are not competent to take the command of a ship, after bad so much experience, they to be set aside cntirely, and the Naval Academy ought to be broken up as a useless ex- pense to the government. We bave some fine specimens of acting masters; some are 80 well qualified (or their du- ties that the commanders of tho vessels they are in will not permit them to do any duty, and one has been ap- pointed wno leit this ship but four weeks ago, and who was found, after the action of the 7th at this plice, stowed away where shot and shell would have sume dif- ficulty in finding him, let them be flying about nover so thick. There was but one f¢ when it became known that he had received the tment, and that was of disgust. There are many who have. received the ap- pointment of acting master who are well qualified for the position, and who weuld be an ornament to the service under any circumstances, Midshipmen, before leaving the Naval ow are — to pass a strict examination, and then are placed on probation for several years, whereas acting masters, in most in- stances,are appointed without a single reference to their qualifications for the position they are to fil. 1 have in & great many of them as to whether they had to pase any examination, and the invariable an- swor has been no. A regular naval officer is obliged to do some gallant deed before he can obtain a command; but an acting master steps in without a single claim, and if he does not get a command thinks his case a very hard one. Would Jarrett or Russell have gotten a command had they not drawn particular attention to themselves b; their t behavior? We have plenty moro just suc men among the regular officers of the navy; all they want is the opportunity, and they will show forth in just as bright colors, and if a few of the old slow coaches, wi are afraid to put their vessels in closer proximity to the bottom than two and three fathoms,even though an enemy's vessel, drawing fully as much water, should be inside, were removed, and younger officers, whe are not afraid to take a little responsibility, put in their places, I think the country would soon feel the benefit of the move; and it would appear that Congress begins to have some such opinion, for it has placed it in the power of the President to appoint commanders to the position of flag officers A good work of reformation has been commenced ; Jet them go on, and we will have a navy that will put us in mind of the days of Decatur, Hull, Jones, Stewart, and others of like stamp. United States District Court. Before Hon. Judge Betts. CUSTOM HOUSE SEIZURES. Jan. 23.—The Uniled Slats vs. Sundry Coses of Wine, Phioffany ond Others, Claimants.—The trial of these cases of forfeiture having been set down for this morning there was a large attendance of Custom House officials. The Hon. John McKeon appearod for the claimants and said that he was not ready. The learned gentleman then read a number of documents. First, that the Hon. Moses F. Odell, M. C., was an important witness for the claim ants, and Mr. McKeon read bis own affidavit ip affirmation thereof. Second, that a despatch was sent to Mr. Odell, and that the answer thereto received was, that it was im: possible for Mr. Odell to leave the city of Washington for soveral days, as he was on the Committee for the Conduct ‘of the War,and that he had asked for permission from the committee to come to New York Mid was refused by @ unanimous vote. Mr. Craig, who, with Messrs. Webster and Woodford, appeared for the United States, said they were ready to proceed, had brought their witnesses into court at great trouble and expense, and wished U ase to begin either this day or to-morrow. A short delay they were willing to submit to. Mr. McKeon said he would move for a commission to take the examination of Mr. Odelt, in Washington, as no process could be obtained to compel him to come to this city and give evidence, although be was most anxious ‘and willing to do so. Mr. Craig said that he would be willing to admit all that Mr. Odell would testify to, or that the claimants ‘would require him to testify. Mr. McKeon eaid that he wanted Mr. Odell before the court and jury in person, in order that the indignation — Mr: Odell had expressed to him might be seen by 6 jury. Judge Bette said that jurors must be governed by evi- dence, and not by manners of a witness. Mr. Craig said he was willing for the case to lay over until Friday, in order that he might confer with Mr. McKeon as to Mr. Odell’s testimony, how much should be admitted and how much rejected, without his personal appearance. Phe jurors wero discharged until this (Friday) morn- ing, after which the Court adjourned. Supreme Court—Special Tern. DECISIONS. Before Judge Ingraham. Jan. 23,.—Jane Woeks va. Wim. Elliott.—Bail reduced to The Shoe and Loather Pavk ys. Thomas C. Field.—Mo- tion granted for second Friday in February. Tl me vs. Benj. F. Camp.—Motion granted for so- cond Friday in February, Mary G. Linsby ve. Gifford M. Linsby.—Motion granted. Rosina Klutz va. Uirick Hasslinger.—Motion denied. Charlee H. Beers ve. Thomas W. Cushing and others. Motion granted; costs to abide the event, Sisan P. Whiting vs. William Pendritl.—Motion denied with $10 costs, with leave to renew the motionon the merits. Teac 1. Wilde ot als. ¥8. John If. Moore.—Motion denied with $10 costs. David $. Duncomb vs. Nash Maseman.—Motion granted to strike out the paragraph relating to tho forged. notes and denied as to the residue without costs. 8 ne T1.—New. 2307 2188, 9109, 9971, 3564, 3743, 9777, 4895, 4575, 4700, 4873, 5805, 5613, 5627, 6801, 6617 , 6687, 6407, 6737, 6757, 6797, 6846, 6853, 6863; 6871/6875, 6011, 6913, A,” 6823, 5907. Part 2—Nos. 4018, 4020, dos, 4056 dai ye 6440, 5612, 6700, 5706, 5716, 580844, 6818, 6824 ber, Devoy), 6846, 5348, 6878, 6802, 6006, 0432, 700, 6750, 6704, 6826, "6874, 6910, 6912, GOLA, ( ber, Conlan) , 5864, 567 Srna Cov nt—Sveciat, Tena.—Nos. 41; 3 on demur- ar if ror calendar; 302, 308, 305, 306, 307, 208, 309, 253, 219, 920, 221, 892, 923, 924, 326, 997, 928, 280. ‘St renlon Cover.—-Part L—The aame calendar. Part 2 No. 2620. Part 3—Noa. 2807, 2860, 2871, 2970, 9923, 2225, 8520, 3899, 9337, 3390, 3343, 447, S349, 3953. Vary qa Adjourned for the torm. A Large Fleet of Union Vessels in Broad River, 8. C. THE FUNERAL OF EX-PRESIDENT TYLER, A REVOLVING FLOATING BATTERY. THE SOUTHERN BLOCKADE, &., &e, &. Fortress Monnos, Jan, 22, 1862. None of the Southern papers make any reference to the fight at Somerset, Ky.,or to the defeat and death of General Zollicoffer. Tho funeral of ex-President Tyler took place on the 21st instant, an¢ was attended by Jefferson Davis and his Ca- Dinet, and by the members of the rebel Congress. ‘The Norfolk Day Book copies a paragraph from a Poters- burg paper, saying that the Pensacola did not escape from the Potomac without damage. A gentloman who examined her with aspyglass after she passed tho bat- teries gives that paper the assurance that she had holes ag big as a hogshead in her bow, &. To this the special correspondent of tho Baltimore American adds:—‘‘A personal inspection of the Pensacola to-day enables your correspondent to assure this gentleman that the only holes in her bow are those essentially necessary to the right developement of the powors of her furward pivot gun.’? ‘Tho Norfolk Transcript, in an editorial article, says that Geueral MeCtollan is going to grogs tho Potomac, and that the Yankees, confiding their cause to the direction Providence, observed Saturday last as a day of thanks- giving and prayer. The Norfolk Day Book publishes a longarticle recording: the adventures, misfortunes and maltreatment of Miss Poole, lately released from tho prison for fomales at ‘Washington. ‘The Day Book calls Miss Poole a heroine, and says, according to her own story, thore was no possible outrace or indignity to which she was not subjected. THE GAMBLE FLOATING BATTERY. [To the Editor of the Charleston Courier.) There appeared some time since in your payer, and anterior to the captare of Port Royal, a notice of “ Gam. ble’s Floating Battery Fort.” It is inconceivable to me how so important an agent for coast and harbor dofence cou!d be s0 overlooked, whiic all manner of floating bat- teries, rafts, gunboats, &c., find acceptance. Let us tae the disaster at Port Hoyal, the modo of warfare, those adopted, and the consequences of the enemy's fire, to il- lustrate the necessity for this fortification and its sune- riovity above all others. In the first place, it is apparent that in modern steam naval warfares all the old modes of attack and defence of earthworks assailed by ghips are 80 changed by the superior action, celerity of motion, azcu- racy of fire, and improvement in ordnance, that oalcu- lations of engineers based upen the antiquated data of past wars mcst prove inaccurate and disastrous to those rep-sing confidence in them. In former wars sail- ing vessels constituted the attacking squadrén; these, dopendent upon winds and tides, were nocossarily far in- ferior to tho shipsin facility of management; to maintain their position it was necossary to reso t to moorings; a sheer from tide or wind often put th:m aground in positions most favorable for the fre from the shore. If attacking in numbers the samo causes Drought them in collision, with each other, and many other obvious causes gave great supe- riority to the a on shore over the gun afl at. But now all this is changed, and the attacking squadrons, moving in acircle or parabpla, pour an un- ceasing fire upon alternate broadsides and at every con. ceivable angle upon the exposed and almost immovable guns of the earthworks, whose fires, having a iimited Tange, only be delivered upon the ship, rapidly pass- ing a given it. No battery, not cagemated, could live uader such a destructive fire, and it is doubtful whether, - Rp paige col phemroay gee works could rented “eal Ey , i consequence dismunting of the guns by the concentrated tire of the passing shire. Now, none of these disadvantages exist in the case of Gamble's Fort. Im the first place, it is th r ugh y casemated, prosonting at all points 8» acute an angie to the fire of the enemy as to bo shot an4 shell P. ‘oot; its ombrasures, or portholes, are so small that no arge shot or shell could onter them’ when the gun was run out, and by its rotary motion while in action, it not only rende:s it almost impossible for the enemy to strike the muzzles of its guns (the ouly portions the ship, moving in tho parabola of attack, is ‘Again the forts by ite comparative ight draught, could y ite comparative coul such positions as would compg) the attacking ships to perform their revolutions without passing around the fort, and thus would expose themselves for a seat ot eens oe cae Again, attacking force i overwelmingly disproportionat> to that of the fort, the latter, by its jon, could seek such would neutralize a portion of their armament, or would retire from the ual contest without loss of guns or a twenty-four gun fort, similar to the model now in the Navy Department at Richmond at Port Royal, acting in concort with the land batteries af Hilton Hoad and Bay Point, would have utterly defeated the late Yankee invasion. This fort is also eminently suited to the defence of the iniand passages along the coxsts of the Carolinas and Georgia. By its light draught, it would move through those channels,ana oxcludo or destroy all light draught vessels or gunboats seut into them by the enemy, and would also prevent the lodg- ment of the enemy on any of the islands, as it could ap- prooch the shores and by point blank fire destroy earth- works or ‘isons. It could effectually protect the bars and mow of channels from the stone ships or other obstacles sought to be placed there by the vandals. Several of these forts, located at differont points along the coast, could easily concentrate at any threatened point, and drive away or destroy any fleet which could ba brought against them. In t,for offensive or defen sive action, in harbors or rivers, it is invaluable and un- equalled. Unfortunately, being'a novelty, it finds no fe vor with old fogy naval constructers, and if left to theis tender mercies will never be constructed. RUNNING THE BLOCKADE. From the Quincy (Fla.) Dispatch, Jan. 3.) Captain John E. Edwards, of the George B. Sloat, who, our town tho day before y terday, on his way to his home in the city of Apalachi cola, His family are not aware of his escap> ffm Yankee clutches, but he will not be the less warmly wel, comed that his coming is unexpected. Our readers wi 0 remember the gallant conduct of Mrs. D. P. Holian at the time of the capture of the Sloot, who furled body in the Confederate flag and defied tho minions Lincoln. Captain Kdwards states that after the r and departure of bis lady the officers and crew of t! Mohawk spoke of her in the most insulting and disgust! manner, using language to make a decent man’s boil, though, he being powerless, it would have been vai to give vent to bis indignation. The captain further says, after his captare he w: nearly four months kept og@ prisoner on board t Mohawi, treated all the time with every sort of indignit) robbed of his money by the crew, and of the very fe comforts he possessed in the way of clothing: and ¢ to his frequent protestations against such treatment t captain replie! by threatening to send him in doub! irons to Washington, where he would be placed on tri for his life. He was finally sent to New York, where was imprisoned a month more in the House of Deventia At length he was brought to trial, but on tho hear: ‘no offence could be bi it aguiost him bat that he run the blockade. It seems that the oificer who a P.unied him from the Mohawk had left the city with making any special charges. His caso was thus direc by the judges to lio over for afew a ing suffered to depart; but all closely watched by a gnard set over him. It was on was remitted, and bolug requ’ ‘od to appear before the Court on Monday, he dot mined to use the interval in endeavoring to etlect his cape, As good fortune would have,on Sunday he car blaff up to an old acquaimtance, whom he ba once friended in Apalachicola, who informed him there w: ship in port just on the eve of sailing for Nassau, Ni Providence, ou the British Bahama Islands. At the ins| tion, and by the aid of his friend, tained from: finetied captaln a discharge from his veasel as a. Drit sailor, and thus protected, succeded the same day smuggling his clothes on board the ship bound for N sau. Inaddition to his protection as a British sail Captain Edwarcs was enabled to evade the surv lance of the police, who visit every verse! about leave the port of New York, by being enrolled as one the ship's crew. On Monday they sailed from Su Hook, and on iving at Nassau they found the ¥ Warléy (formerly the steamer Isabel, and owned James M. Mordecai, which, under the old regime, was United States mail carrier between Charleston and ‘vana) in port, ready to sail for Charleston. He took sage, and on ‘Thursday morning inst, Just ere the peep of dawn, came up in front of the bar off Charleston. Tho wi horizon was shrouded in a dense fog, and they were « pelled to ‘lie to”’ until the rising sun should cloar up Mist and open tho way to the harbor of their ho But, as the sun to rise and the mist bogan to ¥| ish, the lifting of murky veil revealed to their ast ished gaze the thr ming aspect of the two war ste: ers blockading the port, istance about a mile It time then to pursue the wonder and speculation, every han crew and all—were beat to 4) tors, and put to work. Wood and tar, piteh and tory tine—everything combustible—was thrown into the naces till, ica a white heat, away the steamor [lI Quick chase was given, and peal after peal of shot shell came thundering after them; but the noble sped on ber way unharmed, crossed the bar, ke up the full powor of stcam, tilt safely passing bon the protecting guns of Sumter, she was greeted by| garrison with loud and repeated shouts of triumpt welcome, and the heart of evory man on board, reil from the great excitement, said within himself ‘Al Mr. D. T. Biabic, bearer of important ‘espatches Messrs. Yancey, Rost and Mann, was"a ger, during the chase stood at one of the portholon, holdin bag of despatches, with leaden sinkers attucbed, Jet go should tho steamer be captured, Ca stain Ex says the cargo of the Ella Warley, worth about § consisted of arms, ammunition, blankots, shoes, cines, ke. This achievement ‘was, indeed, glory for one day; yet this is not all. ‘Captain Edwards loft in the port of Nassau the