February 15, 1863, The New York Herald
The above map clearly points out the position of the blockading fleet at the time when the rebel rams made the dash upon them on the 31st of January last. It will be seen that the Mercedita was stationed off the bar of Charleston harbor in the line of the ship channel, with the Keystone State as a support. The rebel rams came down this channel and made the first attack upon the Mercedita, which received the whole shock almost before she was aware of the proximity of the enemy. The Keystone State advanced to her assistance and gave chase to the enemy, but was soon crippled by the heavy fire poured upon her by the rams. The positions of the Quaker City and other vessels of the blockading fleet show plainly that they could not have been in the engagement – therefore the serious injury of the Quaker City, as reported by the rebels, was, doubtless, applicable to the Keystone State. The lines of the various channels are set forth in the map, which also shows how closely the vessels were blockading them at the time of the attack.
The following is the official circular of the rebel Secretary of State to the foreign consuls relative to the above attack, and which document has just come to hand:
SECRETARY BENJAMIN’S CIRCULAR ON THE RAISING OF THE CHARLESTON BLOCKADE.
The following is a copy of the circular addressed by Secretary Benjamin to the foreign consuls in the confederacy:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, RICHMOND, Jan. 31, 1863.
Monsieur BETTANCOURT, Consular Agent of France, at Wilmington, N. C.
SIR – I am instructed by the President of the Confederate States of America to inform you that this government has received an official despatch from Flag Officer Ingraham, commanding the naval forces of the confederacy on the coast of South Carolina, stating that the blockade of the harbor of Charleston has been broken by the complete dispersion and disappearance of the blockading squadron, in consequence of a successful attack made on it by the iron clad steamers commanded by Flag Officer Ingraham. During this attack one or more of the blockading vessels were sunk or burned.
As you are doubtless aware that by the law of nations, a blockade, when thus broken by superior force, ceases to exist, and cannot be subsequently enforced unless established de novo, with adequate forces, and after due notice to neutral Powers, it has been deemed proper to give you the information herein contained for the guidance of such vessels as may choose to carry on commerce with the now open port of Charleston.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State.