top of page

The following article is from the New York Times, dated April 20, 1862:

 

Fort Pulaski before the Bombardment.; Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch

​

          The Union battery on King's Landing, directly opposite to Fort Pulaski, mounts ten 13-inch mortars, two columbiads, and four rifled cannon, throwing either shot or shell. This battery will be by far the most effective in the coming bombardment, which may open now at any time.

​

          Another Battery, situated a mile further south, and within a mile of the old Spanish fort on this island, mounts two 13-inch mortars, a rifled cannon and a columbiad.

​

          The magazines which our forces have built to support these two batteries contains 32,000 pounds of powder, 20,000 10-inch and 13-inch shells, and 30,000 solid shot.

​

          The old Spanish fort, or, as it is called, the Martello Tower, situate on the southeastern extremity of Tybee Island, was repaired and mounted with an effective armament by our troops of 32 and 64-pounders.

​

          Breastworks, a mile in circumference, have also been built, entirely surrounding the fort.

​

          The battery on King's Landing was entirely built by our troops during the nignt, the work upon commencing at sun town and ending at sunrise.

​

          The mortars with which it was mounted, each weighing ten tons, were drawn from the beach, a distance of two miles, by the soldiers.

​

          It was it difficult but necessary mode of transportation, Roads bad to be made and trees felled in order to accomplish this end. It required 300 men to haul the massive mortars with any degree of progress. Ammunition has been prepared by our troops for a ten days' bombardment. The troops upon Tybee Island, a week ago, did not exceed 2,000. Shells have been thrown from the [???] of Fort Pulaski Which struck inside of the breastWorks of the Spanish fort. Owing to some defect, none of them exploded, and thus filled to do any damage.

 

          A day or two since, our troops captured a white man and two negroes in a boat, who ere carrying a mail and provisions to the robels in the fort. They wore stealthily rowing through a creek, and were taken within 400 yards of the fort.

​

          The time occupied by this unfortunate trip from Savannah was 36 hours. Our troops were very much refreshed by this accession to their commissary Department. and upon the rebel mail being overhauled valuable information was gained.

​

          The captured white man is it native of Connecticut, and had resided in Savannah for nine years.

​

          Upon being asked why he, a Northern man, should be engaged in aiding the rebels, be said that he did it for the sake of money. He received $50 for every trip to the fort; the negroes and boat were provided for him by the inhabitants of Savannah. He said the fishing business had become very dull, and it was necessary that he should do something for living.

​

          Our troops, using the negroes as guides, have explored all the creeks lending from the mainland to the fort, and placed pickets in their vicinity, in order to prevent any further attempts to relieve the garrison in a similar manner.

 

SAVANNAH April 1. 1862.

 

          Since my last letter the people of this city have been so profoundly exercised on the question of the river defences and the floating battery, that I have not been able to devote the used time to keep you posted on the events and occurrences transpiring in our neighborhood. Batteries are being rapidly place in positoin on Tybee Island by the Federals, and on all points in the neighborhood affording a chance to reach the fort. Mortar batteries mounting heavy pieces, some believed by Gen. PEMEERTON to be of unusual weight and calibre, (I have been told by one who conversed with him that he does not doubt that 20-Inch mortar? are in possession of the Yankees,) and further, the continual and steady advance and occupation of these points seem to show a determination on their part to make the attack on the fort before long.

​

          It may be said that Pulaski is completely invested, and though the distance is great yet they have the means of reaching a greater range by their improved ordnance. Some shots fired at the fort have passed over it, and near half a mile [???] The fort is well protected, and the garrison is composed of men who will not be found wanting when the time of trial, comes. I belive it capable of resisting or rather enduring such a bombardment successfully, but the besieged must be greatly harrassed and annoyed by their continual fire

​

bottom of page