Charleston Daily Courier

December 5, 1864

Siege of Charleston

FIVE HUNDRED AND FOURTEENTH DAY

In accordance with the agreement between the Exchange Commissioners the bombardment of the city ceased Sunday morning. Forty-eight shots have been fired since our last report up to that time.

About half past eleven o’clock Sunday morning a side wheel transport loaded with troops was observed inside the Bar near the Admiral’s flag ship. A large number of barges filled with men were observed at the stern. During the morning the barges were engaged transferring men from the transports to the different vessels of the fleet and to Morris’ Island. About half past twelve she left and went outside the Bar with a large number of troops still on boats.

Another Monitor, making the sixth now inside the Bar, made her appearance Sunday. The Monitor off Comings’ Point during yesterday was crowded with an unusual number of men.

Reports from the coast state that an unusual amount of drilling and reviewing is taking place among the enemy’s troops on Morris’ and adjacent Islands to James’ and John’s Islands.

[Transcribed by Sharon Strout]