Capt. F. F. Warley, who is at present on Sullivan’s Island in command of the “Darlington Guards,” writes to the Southerner as follows :—
“Very rapid progress is being made on different batteries now in course of erection. Those near Cumming’s point will, if I am correctly informed, do the greatest injury and most probably succeed in breaching the walls of Fort Sumter. The guns mounted there are Columbiads—sixty-two pounders—and mortars, for throwing bombs. The nearest battery is about twelve hundred and sixty yards from Sumter; it is a very strongly built fortification, the side towards the fort presenting an inclined plane, which is covered with railroad iron. This it is thought will glance all balls fired against it. Another advantage, which we possess at this point, is that to the South there are no port holes in Fort Sumter. Anderson must consequently, rely upon his guns in barbette, his parapet guns; but these can be swept with grape and canister even, from Cummings point, where our guns are in embrazure. Besides the fire which he must sustain from guns of heavy calibre at a near range, be will also enjoy a shower of the heaviest shells from various points. But, it is said, Fort Sumter is bomb proof. Those who know best do not believe this—one thing is certain, it will not be, one hour after we open fire on it. Very full supplies of ammunition are now being received—better late than never.”
Yorkville Enquirer, Yorkville, SC