The New York Times
May 23, 1861
United States Steamship Niagara,}
Off Charleston, Sunday, May 12.}
Last night nothing of importance occurred. The steamer which ran in got aground, as we supposed, but we were obliged to let her go in order to attend to a ship which was coming in.
To-day we have been actively employed. Two English ships have been warned off, and an American vessel (the Parkhill) has been seized and sent to Philadelphia.
A number of brigs and smaller vessels are making their way out of Charleston harbor to avoid the blockade.
A few fast gun-boats are needed on this coast, as ships are coming in almost every hour in ballast, expecting to take away cargoes of cotton.
N.