fmi4lwkhj€itip..
v
J. C. MORRILL, EDITOR.
DES ARC, ARKANSAS :
WEDNESDAY ......JULY 31, 1861.
(j3P“We are authorised to announce, Hon.
James E. Gatewood, as a candidate
for the State Convention, from Prairie county.
Election on Saturday, 10th of August.
(J3?” Our townsman, O. S. Palmer, Esq.,
has been appointed Private Secretary to Gen.
Hardee. We congratulate all parties in the
premises.
--
Gen. Thomas H. Bradley.—This indi
vidual passed down the river on the Kanawha
Valley on Saturday morning last. He was
returning from a pilgrimage to the Northern
portion of the State, where he was politely
informed his services were not needed. We
congratulate Col. Cleburne’s regiment in hav
ing “dun got rid” of this shabbiest of all the
shabby appointments of the late State Conven
tion.
--
Col. T. C. Hindman.—We regret to learn
that this officer is charged with a series of
petty tyrannically acts, not so much towards
his own Regiment as towards those who hap
pened to come in his way in the transporta
tion or troops, arm members ot other regi
ments. He is said to have been particularly
dictatorial to the officers of steamers engaged in
transporting his troops up Black river—treat
ing all who come in his way as inferiors. We
have not heard, as yet, of any steps being ta
ken to look into the seizure of certain steam
ers. as he ascended White river, belonging to
the State of Arkansas. Men should so de
mean themselves, if they are clothed with a
“little brief authority,” as to retain the re
spect of their fellow-citizens.
--**,*
Return of President Davis to Rich
mond—His Reception.
President Davis arrived in Richmond Prom
Manassas Tuesday night 22d inst., at half-past
seven e’clock. A vast concourse had assem
bled at the depot, and the president, upon step
ping from the platform, was received with the
wildest enthusiasm, and in response to the loud
calls delivered a brief address. We extract
the following regarding it from the Examiner
• f the 24th:
He pronounced the victory great, glorious
and complete. He said we had whipped them
this time, and we could whip them again as
often as they offered us the opportunity. In
alluding to the vastness and importance of our
captures, he said we had taken everything the
enemy had in the field: sixty pieces of splen
did cannon, of the best and most improved
models, vast quantities of ammunition, arms
enough of various descriptions to equip a
large army, hundreds of wagons and ambulan
ces of the most luxurious make and finish, and
provisions enough to feed an army of fifty
thousand men for twelve months.
The headlong retreat of the enemy he com
pared to the wild and hurried flight of a
scared covey of partridges. He said that so
great was the terror with which the repeated
onslaughts of our men inspired them, that,
talcing wildly to their heels, they threw from
them their guns, swords, knapsacks and every
thing that could in any way retard their es
cape.
With another allusion to the glorious valor
of our troops, who had accomplished this
great victory, and reminding all of the great
cause they had for returning thanks to Him to
whom alone thanks were due for this blessing
on our arms, he concluded amid the tumultu
ous applause of the assemblage, and w'as es
corted to his hotel.
At half-past nine a large concourse of citi
zens and visitors having assembled be'fore the
Spotswood house, the president was again
called out, and again stirred the popular heart
with his eloquent recital of the brave deeds
done by our troops ir. the late battle. He
was preceded on this occasion by Colonel
Chesnut, of South Carolina, (an aid of Gen
eral Beauregard,) in a chaste and eloquent
epeech.
-»-♦ ♦»..
Enfield Rifles.—It is said beyond doubt
that the^Sumpter did carry to New Orleans
50,000 Enfield rifles, and had to put to sea
again to bring more back. It seems that
while cruising, the Sumpter saw the English
ship which had these rifles aboard. After
taking a load she put out for New Orleans,
where she landed safely. She has returned
now to look after the other portion of the ri
fles which she left upon the English ship.—
Several U. S. Vessels are looking for her, but
we have confidence in her swiftness and the
dexterity of her officer.—[Montgomery Con
federation.
■— --—
The Rich Mountain Fioht—From the
Virginia papers we learn that the defenses,
formidable batteries, &c., Acc., that the Vir
ginians had erected at Rich Mountain were
unfinished breastworks, just barely begun. All
the papers and reports give Col. Pegraui and
his command the highest praise for their gal
lant conduct. How different this from the
Federals, who, now that their great victory
has dwindled down to a small affair, are abu
sing Gen. Hill and other commanders for in
competency.
23^" Richmond papers advocate the confis
cation of the property of Northern farmers
in Fairfax county, who are tendering aid to
U> the Federal troops.
mn» mum mm u I II r imtr nm i ... . r ■
^REVOLUTION.
Furiher particulars of the Battle a}-Ma
nassas— Hoir Sherman's Battery was
takin—The killed and wounded—Col.
Corcoran of the*,N. Y, 69/A, and Col.
Wilcox of the Michigan Regiments ta
ken Prisoners—Gen. Beauregard, lead
ing Hamptons Legion into .fiction—
.(the Lincoln on the Field—How Scott
Escaped from the Batth Field—Speech,
of President Davis—Incidents of the
Eight, etc.
Special to the Charleston Mercury.]
Manassas Junction, July 23. — I am at
length enabled to send you more accurate and
satisfactory accounts of the great battle at
Stone Bridge than have hitherto been obtain
able.
The number of the killed and wounded,
however, owing to the extent of ground over
which the battle was fought, is still uncertain.
It is thought to be something less than 2,000
on our side, and at least 5,000 on the side of
the enemy.
Col. Corcoran, of the New York 69th Regi
ment (acting as Brigadier General, has been
taken prisoner by us.
Also “Gen,” Edward C. Carrington, a Vir
ginia renegade, who accepted the post of LL
S. Attorney for the District of Columbia un
der Lincoln, and who has made himself very
conspicuous, since his appointment, in organ
izing the Abolition officeholders in Washing
ton into companies to fight the South. Car
rington is a nephew of the late Win. C. Pres
ton The Virginians are rejoiced that the
traitor has been taken.
The Fifth South Carolina regiment, with
the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Mississippi
Regiments, under Gen. Jones, charged the bat
tery, at McClellan’s Ferd, at 4 o’clock in the
afternoon and took too guns.
Capt. Harrington, of Company G, captured
Hon. Mr. Ely, a member of the Rump Con
gress from the Rochester district, New York.
He was acting as an amateur fighter.
Col. Kemper of the Alexandria Artillery,
when ordered to open on the enemy in sup
port of Kershaw’s Regiment, called out to the
Butler Guards, “Butlers, will you follow me?”
They answered, immediately, “We will, to a
man.”
They captured eight pieces (Sherman’s
Battery.) Col. Kershaw took a United States
surgeon prisoner.
Col. Wilcox, of the Michigan regiment,
with one captain and three privates'of the
snrnp rpcrimonf nrp r»ricnnpro in mir Immle _
In all, over 30 U. S. Officers have been made
prisoners. The prisoners concur in alleging
that the impression was general among the
United States troops that we would not fight.
Thirty wagons, loaded with a large number
(about (300) prisoners, were brought to Rich
mond to-night. Eight hundred more, it is
said, will come to-morrow. Among them an
abolition member of Congress.
After Lieutenant Col. Johnson was killed
and Col. Wade Hampton was wounded, Gen.
Beauregard rode up in person, and led the Le
gion into battle. Each of the companies be
haved admirably. The Legion lost in killed
and wounded 113.
Gen. Bonham is again at Fairfax Court
House, 14 miles from Alexandria.
When the fate of the battle balanced in the
scale, late in the afternoon, and some of Gen.
Johnston’s regiment showed signs of wavering,
he seized the colors himself and led the ad
vance, thus turning the tide of battle in our
favor. Elser’s brigade coming up about this
time, was mainly instrumental in changing
the fortune of the day.
Col. Thomas, of Gen. Johnston’s staff) was
killed, Col. Mason, of the same staff, was
wounded. Gen. E. K. Smith was also wound
ed.
Neither Capt. Conner, of the Washington
Light Infantry, nor Adjutant Barker, are
wounded.
Gen. N. G. Evans, who in person, led the
first brigade into action, is unhurt.
Among the killed of the Oglethorpe Light
Infantry, of Savannah, are Bryan Muriel, Ju
lius C. Ferrill and W. H. Crane. Col. Gard
ner, of Augusta, Ga., is slightly w’ounded.
Richmond, July 23. — In the battle at Stone
Bridge, Gens. Beauregard and Johnston com
manded together, their rank being equal.
We have taken in all 59 guns, with caissons,
horses, gear, etc., complete, 500 wagons with
stores, provisions, etc., a large amount of am
munition and small arms in great quantities.
The woods and fields for miles northeast of
Manassas Junction, were strew n with arms,
knapsacks, and accoutrements left by the ene
my in their flight.
Trumbull and other members of Lincoln’s
uongress, were on toe nem wun ivicuoweu,
fully provided with luxuries of every kind,
with which to have celebrated their triumph,
but they did not carry these delicacies back
to Alexandria.
Tile number of killed on our side is fixed at
about 640. Our wounded exceeds 1000.
The ammunition and provisions captured
are, it is said, enough to last an army for six
months.
Gen. Scott is reported to have been at Fair
fax Court House during the opening of the en
gagement.
FURTHER PARTICULARS.
From the Petersburg Express, of the 23d.]
We had a conversation with gentlemen pas
sing through from the Northern to the South
ern depot, who were in the battle, and from
them learn some particulars not heretofore
published.
It has already been stated, that the “brunt
of the battle” fell upon the left wing, com
posed of some 9.000 men, under Gen. John
ston, This was the number brought down by
Gen. Johnston, from Winchester, but he was
doubtless reinforced after reaching Manassas.
The first of Gen. Johnston’s column reach
ed Manassas abeut 5 o’clock Saturday after
noon, and they continued to arrive until 2 the
next morning.
Hampton’s Legion of South Carolina, Col.
C. F. Fisher’s Sixth North Carolina Regiment
and a Virginia Regiment, the number of which
our informant did not know, were sent for
ward toward Bull’s Run, to cover the forma
tion of Gen. Johnston’s line of battle. G»n.
Johnston then proceeded to arrange his men
in order for battle, pickets having been sent
out, many of whom were shot and several
killed.
As early as four o’clock, our informant
states that there was repeated firing on the
outskirts of our army, and by 8 o’clock it be
came general.
Hampton’s Jjegion numbered 750 or 800 men,
and suffered terribly during the day. Col.
Hampton was wounded; Maj. Griffin disabled;
and Lieut. Col. Johnston was seen to fall from
his horse, evidently wounded.
Of all the Legion which went into the bat
tle, there were nearly four hundred known to
be killed, wounded and missing, up to Monday
morning.
In regard to Col. Fisher’s Sixth North Car
olina Regiment, we learn that their entire loss
will not probably exceed 100 or 150. Col.
Fisher was killed in front of his regiment,
and while leading his men on t.o the fight. The
Colonel dismounted, divested himself of his
watch, sword and coat, and swinging a car
bine across liis shoulder, called to his men to
follow h;rn, which they did with great enthu
siasm. This occurred between 3 and 4 p. m .
during the critical hour of the battle, which
has been already referred to. The Colonel
was struck by a conical musket ball, just over
the left eye, which passed through his hat at
the base of the crown, and went entirely
through the skull.coming out behind. He ot
course died in=tantlv and without pain.
Col. Fisher’s body servant, who has his
late master’s watch, sword and other effects,
passed through Petersburg yesterday afternoon,
in discharge of the melancholy duty of deliv
| ering the articles to the lamented Colonel’s
f mily. This servantsecured a splendid Colt’s
rifle from the side of a Federal soldier’s body,
and disposed of the gun in Richmond yester
day fo' $100.
The bugler of the Sixth Regiment found a
silver half dollar and two quarters in the
pocket of a dead Yankee after the fight which
had been struck by a ball, and bent so as to
resemble a cup in appearance, thus showing
the great force of ball ejected from improved
arms.
Capt. York, of Company I. encounteted one
of the enemy within ten steps of him, with
rifled drawn, but the Captain was too quick
for his Jil«nn,r..—fb-fa-r*—ftre—1 ; 1 C'l—rrrTTTTl
pull trigger. Capt. Y. shot him dead, and pro
cured his rifle.
The Alabama Fourth Regiment were in the
thickest of the fight, and we regret to hear that
they were badly cut to pieces.
The Maryland Regiment had a forward po
sition in this wing of the army, and all ac
counts agree, that they fought with the great
est desperation, it is said they have suifered
severely. These men are far away from friends,
cut off from all means of communication, and
need all the assistance that can be extended
them.
We are told that Gen. Johnston fought most
heroically, and during one hour in the after
noon, when there were indications of waver
ing on the part of our men, it is said that the
General dismounted seven different times, and
addressed his men in the most encouraging
terms. One time he seized the colors of a
company, and rushing to the front, bid his
men follow. This had the desired effect, and
inspired his troops to a most enthusiastic de
gree.
Monday morning, just before the train de
parted from Manassas, some of our men
muuum ni it iiiagiiiiiceui cat riant?, drawn uv
four splendid horses. It was not ascertained
to whom it belonged, but many were of the
opinion that it came from Washington, Sun
day, and had contained the bodies of that pre
cious quartette— Abraham Lincoln, Winfield
Scott, Wm. H. Seward and Simon Cameron.
They, it was thought, had gone down to take
a view of the conflict at a safe distance, but
upon the terrible rout of the Yankee hordes,
leaped from the elegant equipage, and sought
safety in the forests.
It is also staled that four sharp shooters ob
tained permission to make an execursion from
camp soon after the battle commenced. By
an extended detour they reached the rear of
ttie Federal army, and had they espied the
burly form of a certain Lieut. General, who
stands about eight feet in his boots, he would
probably have never lived to weep over one of
the most overwhelming defeats of ancient or
modern times.
The prisoners taken were brought into Ma
nages early Monday morning. Our inform
ant states that they occupied a full half acre
of ground, and stood as closely as they could
well be crowded together. They presented a
most pitiable appearance. Many of them
were shoeless, hatless and almost shirtless.
After ten lionrs hard fighting and twenty-four
hours without food, they looked haggard and
care-worn to a painful degree.
INCIDENTS OK THE BATTUE.
The Col. Wilcox mentioned elsewhere as
among the prisoners, surrendered to the 28th
Virginia Regiment.
Col. Fiancis 8. Bartow, of Georgia, had
taken the colors of his regiment in his hands,
and was leading a brilliant charge, when he
fell.
It is currently reported, and even vouched
for by some of the passengers, that Gen. Scott
was near the scene of action in his carriage.
When the retreat of his arrny took place,
Scott left the vehicle and escaped in one di
rection, while the carriage drove off in ano
ther. Our men. of course, pursued the car
riage and captured it, and in it found the
sword and apauieUes of the old General. A
letter from Massachusetts tells the same story.
The enemy is believed to have lost from
l-i.OOU to ]besides a large number taken
prisoners. About 500 of the latter were
brought in to Manassas yesterday morning.
A gentleman who witnessed the battle says
the balls flew incessantly, like hail in a tem
pestuous day. It was a terrific scene from
first to last. When the Federalists gave way
they scattered like sheep, and their slaughter
was awful.
-*-n
Terrible Slaughter—Immense Loss.
Incidents from the jVorlhern Press—
Scenes on the Battle Field.
Black Republican account of the Manassas
battle.]
We subjoin the following extracts from the
New York papers, the reports of their special
war correspondents, who were on the battle
field, witnesses of the terrible slaughter and
flight, and participants in the fight.
As the hours passed on the fight became
more and more terrific. The fortunes of the
day began to waver, especially as the Federal
troops did not seem to gain any material ad
vantage, and only made their advances slowly,
laborously, and at a great loss of life. The
Rebels were strongly intrenched behind mask
ed batteries of rifled cannon. They seem to
be innumerable.
Again and again our men charged upon
them, only to find when they had dislodged
them in one place they had reappeared in an
other, until at last the Federal forces were
compelled to fall on their faces to avoid the
swift messengers of death. It was found, too,
that the Rebel forces largely outnumbered
those of the Republic. I have no means of
knowing the exact strength of either of the
armies, but the best authorities state that the
Secessionists numbered 70,000, while at no
time had Gen. McDowell in action as many as
40,000. Our troops were mainly infantry; our
batteries, as a general thing, were small, and,
although well managed, they were no match
for the cannon of larger calibre manned by the
Rebels.
THE RETREAT,
We find the following detail in the New
York Tribune :
The engineers were about constructing a
bridge for the artillery, the regular stone
bridge having been mined, and the two col
umns under Gen.’s Tyler and Hunter, the lat
ter of which was led by Gen. McDowell,had
actually completed the junction when the or
der to retreat was given. Why it was given,
no person that witnessed the battle and saw
the condition in which aflairs stood car, at
tempt to comprehend. The only point posi
tively held bv the enemy was in a hollow to
our left, and although an effort was undoubt
edly made to overreach us at the left, an am
ple force—one regimental brigade—was ready
to receive them, and did receive anil repulse
them afterwards, in spite of the panic which
reigned But at the beginning of the retire
ment. a few ambulances and baggage wagons
were|driven huri iedly away, the noiscgf which
seemed te spread terror among the troops
within hearing, who instantly broke ranks and
ran, pell moll. toward Centreville.
The fight continued until after 5 o'clock,
without exhibiting any material result. The
rebels bad most decidedly the advantage in po
sition and guns, and they used it with fearful
effect. The bravery of our troops was super
human, but what bravery could meet the un
erring and unceasing cannon which came
sweeping from almost every tree or heap of
brush? Our men unmasked them, battery
upon battery, only to find their lessened ranks,
were unequal to the task A retreat was made
by a New York regiment, and soon became
general. In vain Gen. McDowell endeavored
to rally his forces. They retreated up the
Centreville road in good order until charged
upon by the Secession cavalry and artillery,
when they broke their lines and pushed to
wards Fairfax Court House in a disorderly
column.
-xiTrs~contagion caught the rest, and in less
than ten minutes our army was flying in the
utmost disorder. Everything was abandoned.
The wounded were deserted in the hospitals,
and the only thought was of individuals safe
ty. Guns were thrown aside, and blankets
and knapsacks were lost and trampled upon.
The artillery shared the panic; the guns were
cut loose, and the gunners used the horses to
escape the more swiftly. Those on foot beg
ged piteously to be allowed to share the horses
of those wjio rode. Many strove to clamber
into wagons, and were pushed back by the
bayonets of those who occupied them.
The ground was strewed with food, wea
pons, and clothing of every kind. Many of
our guns were left to fall into the enemy’s
hands, including the large 32 pounders, which
had done so much service during the fight.
All courage, all manliness seemed to have for
saken our terror stricken men.
The last stand upon the held was made by
one of the Ohio regiments, under Col. Mc
Cook, I believe, but about three miles back
the reserve brigade of Gen. Bleaker was
drawn up in line to cover the retreat, and ef
fect whatever service was needed. The stand
of Gen. Blenker saved us from great losses.
The disorder of our men continued during
the night. There was no army, only a vast
rabble. By midnight they were all scattered
in the road to Fairfax Court House, and soon
after, Gen. Blanker, with the 8th New York
Regiment, took up his retreat in perfect or
der—the only body that so retreated.
I left Centreville at 8 o’clock this morning.
The last fragments of our force had all been
long gone; even the hospitals were nearly de
serted, all wbo could limp having started forth
with crutches and cane. The Rebel scouts
were passing through the town, and appar
ently endeavoring to ascertain in which way
they could best succeed in cutting olf ihe strag
glers. I do not know, however, that any se
rious attempt to do this was made.
The road from Centreville to Fairfax was
thick with the retreat. Baggage wagons were
overturned and the horses lying dead and dy
ing. Guns, ambulances, stores of provisions
were everywhere. At Fairfax Court House
the inhabitants were plundering our deserted
baggage*. Towards Arlington the evidences of
the disgraceful retreat continued.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE.
It was now nearly 2 p. in., and a fire of
musketry was incessant for fifteen minutes,
then it slacked, and thereupon cheers rent the
air as an Aid came down the line with the in
telligence that we had gained their ground.
At this time it was also currently reported
that Gen Banks had arrived, having chased
Johnston through the Gap. The soldiers re
ceived the intelligence with huzzas. Several
prisoners were caotured,_&ne was a Captain
from Louisville. He said that they had from
80,000 to 100.000 men, and that Jelf Davis com
manded in person, with Boauregerd and Lee
commanders of right and left wings.
He was particularly jubilant over the ex
pected result though a prisoner. He had no
doubt of the final issue of the battle.
Carlisle was ordered in front of Schenck’s
Brigade, which stood in the road. Carlisle
opened fire, which was replied to by Hie ene
my. Sherman’s four pieces moved down, but
had no room to come in position. The firing
was kept up at intervals. The enemy threw a
.■SUCH w Iiu £1 uau JJI UC1MUU, WHICH Killed 0116
of Uie Ohio men and wounded two others.
The remainder of Tyler’s column had, by
this time, moved further out upon the enemy’s
grounds, and the cannonade ahead recom
menced, followed, as before, by volleys of
musketry. At 3{ o’clock it was very heavy.
1 tie attack on the defense on tire right was at
this time conducted with great energy.
Passing to an elevation in the rear of
Schenck’s brigade, a wide view was obtained.
A mile or two in the rear of Burnside, i could
see a cloud of dust. What could it mean? In
quiries gave no satisfaction. Also in the same
direction, a mass of infantry were in view.
Not liking the appearance of things, I return
ed to the left flank.
There were baggage wagons, private car
riages, ambulances, artillery wagons and
crowds of men fleeing in indiscriminate con
fusion, all crowding across the bridge at Cub
Creek or passing through it. Half way up
the hill, toward Centreville, the troops were
forming. A line of skirmishers were thrown
out. Behind them were the Garibaldian3, Be
yond was Miles’ reserve.
Then commenced the retreat of the baggage
train, and the unwarranted destruction of pro
perty which followed. Soon after the two re
giments, which had been stationed at Vienna,
came up and materially aided in the subsequent
retreat to Fairfax.
The first intimation Gen. Schenck’s Brigade
had of the cavalry charge was the reception
oi shots in their rear. This flank movement
in our rear was a part of a game of strategy
elaborately planned and consummately enacted.
If the movement of the enemy had been
more rapidly made, if the brigade at Cub
Creek had been seized, Gen. Schenck’s entire
brigade with all the civilians would have
been swept into the woods, where, hemmed in
by the deep rocky ravines, with the batteries
along its banks they could have been complete
j ly cut off. 1
Exhausted fiom heat and thirst,in company
i with some civilians, we went for water to a j
spring a hundred yards to the left. Suddenly j
there was a commotion; a msise as cf men in !
confusion. A bullet went spinning past, and
then there came musket shots, and one or two
cannon discharges. Looking in the direction !
of the Warrenton road there was a scene of j
indescribable confusion. Everybody ran. A
portion of Sherman’s battery thundered by.
-♦♦♦--—_
All the steamboats that now trade be
tween Baltimore and other parts of the State,
go out and return with an armed guard pro
vided by Gen. Banks, that the French ladies
deputed by Jell'. Davis can’t capture them.
Letter from Gen. Hardee's Commail,
Head Quarter, District oe Ui>pf» j Q
Pittman’s Ferry, Randolph CW*'}
J,l|y 24, 186! ’C
Dear Citizen :—I should have written 1
at an earlier date, but for the untimely v^"
tion of that particular friend of all Arkai 1
to wit: Gen. Chili.. But having finally dil’
pensed with his presence, I am now abl
comply with my promise, to give you an 1 °
sight into the transactions in this portion'o'f
the State. If I were permitted to write °
the full particulars of the movements n^U
bers and position of troops, no doubt I shouM
be able to give you such cheering j,eW3 ,
would interest both you and your kind readers'
who are ever eager to receive information on
these several points. But alas! for all ]Btt
writers, we are positively forbidden these
fruitful themes—tempting as it might be to u9
we must stand off and touch not; hence, it j3
with the greatest difficulty that we poor knight*
of the quill find anything with which to enter
tain your kind readers.
I have seen men, intelligent, observant men
from all portions of the State, and they gjVe
the most gratifying accounts of the incoming
crop. In thece troublous times, when danger
thickens around our Government, the fineness
of the crops must fill the patriots soul with the
most encouraging thoughts, and convince him
that He who rules the destinies of nations ison
our side, and that, we with His strong arm
thrown around ns, will certainly prevail in the
mighty revolution which is nowin progression
Gen. Hardee, who perhaps you saw whilst
he was in your town last week, is here, and his
military prestige and bearing inspires both
men and officers with universal confidence.
He is a gentleman of most agreeable manners,
dignified, yet courteous and respectful to aU
who approach him, and decidedly a military
man in every respect. He is here considered
in every respect worthy to leaikthe gallant
sons of Arkansas into the din and wild con
fusion of battle, and bring them out victors
from the deadly conflict. We are eager for
him to lead us into the enemies country, and
givu us a cuance iu scalier 10 lue winds tue ■
worthless degraded wretches, who are threat- ft
eaing our country with invasion.
I w ould like very much to give you an exact I
statement as to the number and position ot
troops in this section, but you see the mani
fest impropriety of my doing so, and will ex
cuse me for uot doing that which I ain forbid
den to do.
This is a very broken country, with foie
springs and pure air, and there is no doubt
but that the health of the soldieis h re wilt
be very good.
I suppose you are aware of the fact, that
we have all been transferred to the Confedei
ate States, and great was Ihe rejoicing mani
fested over this gratifying intelligence-, by alt;
save a few distinguished Generals, who will,
thereby loose their commissions, anal all the
sweets of office. Their gay plumage miw
drooping in this their “winter of discontent,”'
under this hearty blow which has struok
home, and they are quite chagrined and Jwgli
ly indignant at the "powers that be^ in the
State, for transferring all the State traeps and
arms to the Confederate States, and thereby
leaving, as they sagely conclude, the State en
tirely defenseless. We now feet that wc are
under able and experienced Generals, who have
the heads to plan and the courage to do, that
which will stiike terror into the hearts of our
enemies, and m ike the Northern tyrant trem
ble on his throne. Much as these disappoint
ed, distinguished Generals may regiet the
transfer, 1 assure you that the brave hearted
soldiers are rejoicing at the idea of getting
from under the control of so much “fuss and
feathers,” and being commanded by men of
military capacity and experience.
The notorious (fen. T. H. Bradley came up
here to take command, hut thanks to our bet- (
ter destiny, he has gone by the board, and I
assure you there are not many wet eyes in an
ticipation of such a happy riddance of such
an uujccuunuuje ot'iierai. uen leu,
his staff departed yesterday, with their badges
of authority torn from them by the cruel re
lentless “Military Board.” Many there arc
who are now thrown out of their positions,
and of course will retire upon their honors to
private life, to spend the remainder of their
days in peace and quiet. Peace be with them.
Fugitive Missourians are flocking into our
State in great numbers, flying from the terrors
behind them. Some of them, to their credit,
be it spoken, are nobly volunteering to go
back, and fight the battles of down "trodden,
oppressed, outraged Missouri; whilst numbers
of others, to their eternal shame, bo it said,
are shamelessly, cowardly, getting beyond the
reach of danger with their persons and their,
property, and will stay them until the storm,
blows over. Such men should he branded as
unworthy of the blessings of liberty, and
should not he respected and countenanced in
any community. May shame and the curses
of an indignant people ever follow them and
drive them forth as outlaws—unworthy the
name of freemen.
*••••«#*
The Rector Guards are all in excellent
health, and getting along finely. Lieut. Pol
leys has resigned, and Heck Kendall elected
3rd Lieutenant. You all know Heck, what a
whole souled, thorough going fellow he is,
and must know that his election will give gen
eral satisfaction. He will make an efficient
and kind oiiicer, and the company is fortunate
in securing him.
I suppose you have heard of the unfortunate
death of Dr. YVm. Lee. He was in bathing at.
Powhattan, and being unable to swim, he
came to a jump off and was unable to regain
the banks. Ed. Brown and Ed. Chandler no
bly struck in to rescue their aomrade from a
watery grave, but their efforts were of no
avail. The unfortunate young soldier sleeps
beneath the dark rolling waters. He was a.
young man of many excellent qualities, and a
good soldier j and his untimely death was very
much regretted by all the company. Gently
may the dark waters roll over the noble form
of the gallant soldier.
1 have nothing more to write now.—will leu
you hear from me soon.
Respectfully Yours, &c.,
1 REM LAP