DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH: The Preparations for the Attack on Charleston Nearly Completed; A Bold Dash by the Rebels (3/19/1863)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 3/19/1863

[Homer_J_Simpson]

PORT ROYAL, Friday, March 13, 1863.

The immense preparations for the coming event which is now attracting the eyes of the whole country--both of patriots and rebels--to this department are almost completed, at least as far as the army is concerned, and the signal from Admiral DUPONT is all that is required to inaugurate a movement. When that signal will be made I cannot guess any better than any one else, and I shall not attempt to say. We expected that the land forces would embark as long ago as the first week in February, and we have continued to expect it from that time to this. The order may come at any moment. There are doubtless wise reasons enough for the delay, and notwithstanding the eagerness of everybody to be up and doing, we are content to bide the time of our commanders, in whose ability and patriotism there is the greatest confidence. I am sure that I echo the sentiment of the entire command, both of the naval and land forces, when I say that the delay is accepted cheerfully. We must not fail. The nation cannot afford to hazard a defeat. And if additional precautions are needed to make success certain, let them be taken, even though long and dreary weeks of waiting should be necessary. Let the North be patient. When the blow falls, which Hen. HUNTER and Admiral DUPONT are eventually to strike, it should crush beyond possibility of recovery.

It is a bad punishment to be kept in the midst of the stagnation which has settled upon the affairs of this Department almost from the capture of these sandy sea islands until now -- a deadness which affects the mental faculties as well as enervates the body

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4139032/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

Department of the South: The Preparations for the Attack on Charleston Nearly Completed – 2
The Siege of Vicksburgh: Continued Rise of the Mississippi – 2-4
The Port Hudson Report: Advices Received at the War Department – 4
From the Rappahannock: A Dashing Affair with the Rebels at Kelly’s Ford – 4-5
News from Washington: Appointment of Col. James B. Fry as Provost-Marshal General – 5
Editorial: Startling News – Errors Excepted – 5-6
Editorial: Strategy on the Yazoo – 6
A Waste of Powder – 6
Editorial: Patriotism on ‘Change – 6
A Medley of Rumors: Fighting on the Blackwater-—No Particulars – 6
Amusements – 6