Our Correspondence.
from the Northwest
a reconnaissance and retreat — health of soldiers &c
Camp Bartow, Green brier River,
Pocahontas co.Va., Sept, 17, 1861,
On the 19th inst., five regiments from Gen. Jackson's command--Cols. Rust's, Johnson's, Scott's, Hansborough's, and Fullerton's --left Camp Bartow, ostensibly for the purpose of reinforcing Gen. Lee, who, report said, was about closing in on the Yankees at Huttonsville.
After a few hours' march, however, by the Huntersville road, the gladsome joy of joining so able a General as the invincible Lee was changed to the more gloomy reflections consequent upon another rough mountain march, as the head of our dense column ‘"field right,"’ bidding adieu to the cosy cabins and the rich, luxuriant fields of this beautiful valley, and were again hidden by towering pines and the thickly-matted laurel everywhere to be found in the vicinity of Cheat Mountain.
On the third morning we surprised the pickets of the enemy, took 7 prisoners without firing a gun, (Rust himself taking two,) and but for a cowardly loafer near their camp, who, instead of halting as commanded, begged so loudly for mercy as to arouse our enemy, our surprise would have been perfect, and victory easy.
We approached by the woods to within 150 yards of their fortification, calmly surveyed the scene before us, considered the probabilities of the result of a charge, and satisfied that we could not storm their fort without great loss, (the opinion of Lieut. Col. Barton,) we withdrew further into the woods, where Hansborough had been engaging and killed the few who dared to venture from their den. We broke up one or two teams destined to Huttonsville for supplies, took an assistant Commissary in an Ohio regiment prisoner, left their dead and dying scattered through the woods.
The whole command, like frightened sheep, gathered into their block-houses and behind their breastworks, expecting, as they deserved, punishment for daring to desecrate the soil by their filthy presence.
I do not know how many were killed on their side.
We lost one man from Col. Fullerton's regiment, and owing to the impossibility of traveling over mountains with weight, dropped our blankets, and occasionally a knapsack.
We could take nothing with us to eat except in our haversacks, and, this giving out, we were forced to return without doing any considerable damage, except by fright.
On the same day, (the 12th) General Jackson approached them via the Parkersburg and Staunton turnpike, and, had his Artillery--four small pieces — unfortunately not been damaged, we would have made an attack from opposite points simultaneously.--We are now closing in on them, and scouts and pickets daily bring in a prisoner, a hat perforated with bullet holes, a gun, or some Yankee equipment that has fallen into their possession.
Our regiment now has marching orders; and though Dame Rumor has suggested a thousand points of destination, your correspondent knows nothing definitely.
We may go to Petersburg.
The health of troops here is as good as can be expected, when so many are assembled at one point, our regiment being, I believe, from the change of climate the greatest sufferers.
The news from General Lee is encouraging.
He has driven them behind their entrenchments, and takes all who dare to venture out.
The ball is rolling vigorously in Western Virginia.
Expect, ere long, to hear the reverberation of glad mountain shouts.
More anon.
Orderly.
Pocahontas co.Va., Sept, 17, 1861,
From the Border.
stirring times — cannonading — confusion among the females — peace by diplomacy.
Shepherdstown,Va., Sept. 16, 1861.
Since the recent skirmish at this place, our citizens have had a stirring time of it. Never before has ‘"the oldest inhabitant"’ of the town witnessed such disorder, dismay and distress, since it has been a ‘"local habitation."’
After the fight of the 10th instant, which afforded our people a foretaste of the ‘"pride and circumstance of glorious war,"’ we were enjoying a degree of comparative quiet.
Desultory shots were exchanged between the hostile parties the two succeeding days, and on last Friday night, about 9 o'clock, the reverberating echoes of the loud-mouthed cannon produced a degree of surprise and alarm not easily described.
This unexpected salute took every one by surprise and created no little alarm.
At first, we felt inclined to flatter ourselves that it was only done to frighten us. A few minutes elapsed and it was let loose, sending a messenger, in the shape of a four-pound ball, to apprise us that it was no laughing matter.
Five shots in all were fired, and I'm too glad to say — no injury done.
Of course the scene that followed baffles all description.
A panic was created among the female portion of the population, who ran in every direction frightened nearly to death.
Numbers of them left town at once, and sought safety with their friends in the country.
A company of cavalry stationed here immediately proceeded to the River bluffs, but being in the night time, could do but little service.
After the fourth shot was discharged, the enemy fired a volley of musketry at our men on the cliffs, and then scampered off, exclaiming; ‘"Ah ! G — d d — n you, how do you like that ?"’
Quiet was at length restored, only to be renewed next day--Saturday--when our boys kept a constant fire at them at this point, and down at the fording they returned the ‘"four-pound"’ compliment.
This latter surprised the Hessians equally as we were astonished the previous night.
What damage was done by our cannon is not exactly know.--It is reported that we killed three on the other side at this point.
Random shots were kept up nearly all day. In the meantime the excitement and confusion in the place was very great.
The citizens were removing their families, goods and chattels as fast as possible.
A report prevailed that the town was to be bombarded, and two hours and a half given to the women and children to leave.
In less time than that nearly every woman and child was out of danger.
Our citizens began to think it was time for hostilities to cease, so they set about to ‘"conquer a peace,"’ which was done by diplomacy.
Three commissioners were appointed for that duty, who repaired to the river under a ‘"flag of truce"’ to make a treaty.
They found the enemy as anxious — if not more so — for a cessation of hostilities as our citizens.
They immediately elevated a ‘"peace flage."’ but it was with some difficulty that an officer could be induced to venture over.
However, across he came, with an armed guard, and a peace agreement was made to this effect:‘"If you don't fire over at us, why we won't fire over at you."’ ‘"Nuff ced"’--that's a bargain.
Well, this agreement--‘"child's bargain,"’ as it is called — was sufficient; it was enough to save the town, if strictly compiled with, but there was a feeling of distrust with regard to it. So this morning (Monday) an alarm was created by a report that some of them were crossing.
Our men instantly ran to the river, whilst the citizens trembled, fearing a report of a gun, and then farewell to peace.
At the present hour, 12 M, the town is comparatively quiet, and it is your correspondent's earnest hope that it will so remain.
The firing into the town with a cannon under the cover of night may be strictly regarded as one of the most cowardly and brutal acts on record.
Potomac.
The steamer Octarara--Federal Mail Robbery — Reappointment — the equinoctial — movements of troops — Medical Suggestions, &c.
Norfolk, Sept. 19
The Federal steamer Octarara went to Craney Island yesterday under a flag of truce, having on board several ladies and children from Baltimore, returning to their homes in the South.
They arrived here last evening in the steamer Arrow.
Among the letters recently received here by flag of truce, was one from a prisoner at the Rip Raps, from which $20 had been stolen by some of Lincoln's conscientious officials,--The money was intended for the prisoner's wife.
Mr. Henry W. Herbert has been re-appointed Master Mason at the Navy-Yard.--Mr. Herbert is a very competent and skillful workman, and is well qualified for the duties of his position.
He superintended the erection of the Washington Monument, which adds so greatly to the attractions of the beautiful grounds around the Capitol at Richmond.
Mr.--Snead, who has long been an employee at the Navy-Yard, has been appointed Master Blacksmith.
We are expecting here the equinoctial storm, which generally occurs at about this period.
Sometimes after, but more frequently before, the sun enters the first point of Aries or of Libra.
The autumnal storms are sometimes very violent along our coast, the wind blowing with great power, causing immense damage to the shipping and to property on shore, on which occasions the tide rises to a great height.
The most terrific equinoctial hurricane that has occurred at this latitude for many years, took place in the early part of September, 1821. Houses were demolished, trees blown down, timber floated off, and several lives were lost.
A gale of this kind would be the means of sweeping off the impudent intruders at Hatteras, unless they should make their escape to the main land, where they would be a sure and easy prey for the sharp-shooters of the old North State.
I notice some movements among the troops at this ___location which might be interesting to your numerous readers, but to give particulars might be deemed inexpedient.
I have just received intelligence from some of the forces stationed in our vicinity.
They are generally in fine health and high spirits; plenty to eat and drink, temperate, subordinate, eager for a battle, and determined to do their full share of hard fighting whenever Wool or Buller has the courage to give them a chance.
The suggestion of Dr. Stone, of Georgia, which I notice in yesterday's issue of the
Dispatch, is one of vast importance, although it may not be so considered by many persons.
He states that the immediate of fever among the soldiers is breathing the bad air in tents which are not properly ventilated.
It is very essential that the tents should have a sufficient outlet at or near the top, to allow the escape of the rapidly accumulating and very deleterious gas, which should be avoided with as-much caution as the mildew vapors and death-dealing damp of a dungeon.
And true it is, as Doctor S. remarks, that the danger of sickness from this cause will increase as the weather becomes colder, requiring the tents to be closed.
Better to sleep out of doors in a snow storm than to breathe carbonic acid gas, which everybody knows, or should know, is produced almost as rapidly by the process of respiration by three or four men as by burning charcoal in a furnace of moderate size.
Let all the soldiers' tents, therefore, have suitable ventilators, so that the carbon may pass out and the health-giving oxygenated atmosphere may freely circulate, especially while the contracted apartments are crowded with sleeping occupants at night.
There is but little local news of moment here.
The city is unusually quiet; there are no interesting cases in the Mayor's Court.
We are all waiting now for something to turn up, which, judging from flying rumors, will happen at no distant day — so look out for squalls.
From the first Virginia Regiment.
Camp First Regiment Va. Vols.,Fairfax C. H., Sept. 17, '61.
The weather has been very changeable for the last few days — at present cloudy-- frequently giving us a smart shower of rain.
On Monday last Gen. Longstreet removed his headquarters to Falls Church, whither his brigade had preceded him the day before.
Our tents and camp equipage still remain at Fairfax, but we anticipate orders to forward them on to Falls Church in a few days.
The First Regiment boys are in fine spirits; very little sickness prevails.
We congratulate ourselves and thank our merciful Father that no death has occurred from sickness in our regiment since we entered the service.
You will readily admit this to be an especial mark of Divine favor, for we have been exposed to all kinds of weather, and recently performing the most arduous picket duty; also, skirmishing at Munson's and Mason's hills, day and night, without tents, overcoats or blankets to protect us from the almost incessant falling weather.
Still this duty is performed cheerfully, knowing as we do ‘"it is all for the best."’
Gradually and surely we are closing around (what the boys are disposed to term) the ‘"doomed city,"’ resting seemingly in perfect security on the banks of the beautiful Potomac, whose silver stream, in all human probability, may soon be colored with the crimson tide of life.
'Tis said the good alone do sleep the sleep of peace.
How utterly wretched must be the sleep of those who slumber on this volcano of their own creation ! Time alone must reveal the intentions of our noble leaders, in whom we have unbounded confidence — a confidence which was confirmed on the plains of Manassas, where we humbled the haughty foe, and covered the flag of the South with undying glory.
We are anxiously awaiting the return of our noble commander, Col. Moore.
The boys are anticipating it with great pleasure.
Several have remarked in our hearing, and we know it to be the sentiment of all, what a joyous, glorious welcome we will give to Col. Moore when he returns.
Johnnie, Company ‘"H,"’
1st Reg't Va. Vols.
South Carolina--the Cotton Crop — working for the soldiers.
Sumter, S. C., Sept. 18, 1861,
Our State is rapidly assuming the appearance of a vast military camp.
Our seaboard is lined with troops, and Tredegar bull-dogs, and bristles with bayonets, and we promise squint-eyed B. F. a high old frolic when he rustles the palmetto.
Will he, dare he come ?
The planting interest has been remarkably blessed.
The crops are fine — cereals especially so. A drought — a failure — would have been disastrous to us this year; but a kind Providence has given us ‘"the early and the latter rain,"’ and enough is made, probably for two years consumption.
The rice is harvested, corn is made, fodder housed or stacked, and the contrabands are in the cotton, busy as bees, picking out our great staple.
None of it, however, will leave the gin-house under existing circumstances, and if there are any people North of the Potomac who think they can get it, they may make the trial when they get ready!
South Carolina has sent some five regiments to Virginia, and we want none of them back while they are needed there.
Others are getting ready to leave or are already on their way to the Old Dominion, to participate in the glorious and speedy advance of our troops into the enemy's land.
The ladies are busily and constantly engaged working for the soldiers, and boxes of clothing, hospital stores, &c., are being constantly shipped.
Live Oak. 