April 6, 1863, The New York Herald
Most important news, if true – and it was fully believed yesterday by prominent officers of the government – has reached us from Fredericksburg, whither it arrived from rebel sources. The intelligence is that the bombardment of Charleston by our land and naval forces combined, commenced on Thursday, and that the city is now in the possession of our forces, under General Hunter and Admiral Dupont. It is said that these reports are definite and positive, and are entirely credited by those in Washington who are in possession of facts relative to the contemplated attack which would amply warrant such a result.
A major of the rebel General Stuart’s staff was captured recently near Dumfries, upon whom the charge of having acted as a spy in our Potomac army lies heavily, which, if it can be substantiated, will probably lead to an ignominious death. The army continues quiet. The enemy still show themselves in large force on the heights. Snow was still falling yesterday, and the cold was intense.
We give today the important report of the joint committee of both houses of Congress on the conduct of the war.