April 17, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
Reports reached the city yesterday afternoon, through parties from the French steamer Catinet, to the effect that the results of the recent battle of Charleston were far more disastrous to the iron fleet than any account yet published would indicate. Two of the Monitors, it is said, were completely riddled, and can with difficulty be kept afloat. The rest of the turreted monsters were so badly battered and injured as to render it impossible for them to go again into action until they have received repairs, which cannot be obtained at Port Royal. In the meantime, the vessels are in no very secure plight to undertake the voyage to Fortress Monroe. We give these accounts as they reach us, without vouching for their truth.
Official advices from Port Royal report that three Monitors, with a very large fleet of gunboats, transports, &c., could be seen in that harbor.