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Vi 'r.^^r* t _*fc XV & ATHENS, CEORCIA: WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 30. Latest Circulation of any Paper ever published in ‘ _ ° •* power, for article 1, HCCtOJl 9, expressly,tier , Notwithstan.iing earn is verv iibuuflatit. wo bad to pay Mount Sinai, Aaron, the _ c | a |. os that “ The riuht HV the people to $i,40 per bushel for moul iho other daji Should the ^*SEE FOURTH PAGE.-«h Paper. Wo have again got a lot of paper, but oh! what a price!—$7.50 per ream! Good paper only cost ns $3.25 twelve months ago. With such prices for paper, and every thing else proportionally high, how are wo to furnish our sheet at $2 a year? And yet, strango to say, many persons who are indebted to us one, two, throe, four, five, six, seven eight, ten, and even twelve years, refuse or fail to pay that!! Is there justice in such treatment? A Pair of Hams at $‘2.i.OO! To give our readers some idea of tho manner in which we are “skinned,” we may mention Hie,fact that we paid last week twenty-‘five dollars for a pair of ba con hams! ’In 1849, with $24.00 webonght enough pork to do our family all the next year—indeed, wo sold some bacon. In 1843 we bought a pretty good horse for one-half the amount those hams cost us !! Let those who withhold what they are justly owing us think of these things! Tableaux. We learn that the tableaux were well attended at tho Town Hall last week, and netted a considerable sum for the benefit of sick soldiers, &c. Another old.Citizen Gone! Dr. Cuaui.es Al. Reuse died «t> hie resi dence in this town on Wednesday evening last. The deceased had been a citizen of the place many years—“-wo believe he was one of our oldest citizens. He had, we believe, passed the period allotted for hu man life by the Psalmist. Unusually ro bust and active, his health had been very good until within the last year or two. Universally respected, he has gone to his reward, and will be long remembered by O ir people. Domestic Manufactures. .We are pleased to record the fact, that Mr. R. Sehevonell has succeeded in mak ing machinery for tho manufacture of cot ton cards—an article so much needed throughout the' Southern Confederacy at this time. We are now using printing ink of our own manufacture, which is much in quality than wo have bought for several years past. Owing to the high price of materials, however, it is quito expensive. Double-barrelled Cannon.—M r. (fi lee- land has invented a double barrelled can non for throwing chain shot, which has been tested and found to work satisfacto rily. Two shots are confined to tho ond of a chain and one placed in each barrel of tho gun. tho bores of which diverge •lightly, and causo tho balls to separate the full length of the chain—cutting down everything in their path. Of course, the barrels are tired simultaneously. Fort Jackson. Tho enemy utterly faded to reduce this noble stronghoid at, or near the mouth of the Mississippi. They passed it, however, with their gunboats and ascended the riv er to New Orleans. How every heart in the Confederacy thrilled as, from day to day, the news was borne by telegraph that the brave garrison still bold out! But, it seems that their valor and the strongth of the works were nob sufficient to save tho oity—which, doubtless, is now in the hands of the enemy. Promotion. Wo are pleased to learn that Robert Flournoy, son ofH. C. Flourxoy, Fsq., of this place, has been promoted to a first lieutemmtoy in the Confederate Navy. The News. We regret that we have no better news to offer our readers this week. It is our duty to give them such as comes into our possession, whether good or bad. We hope to have something better next time. Attention^ Militia! Gov. Brown has given notico that he will require such of tho militia as are not subject to conscription to continue their drills, &c. as heretofore. *. W-'i, IDOLATRY. One of the strongest passions of the hu man soul is idolatry, and hence it is the first thing mentioned in the decalogue, and the Old Tostaraent Scriptures are full of warnings against it. Nor aj’e these warn ings unnecessary. After God had miraculously delivered his peculiar people from thqjr enemies, by taking them dry-shod through the Red Sea, and when, in the midst of thunderings and lightnings, and earthquakes, and fire and smoko, he was conversing audibly with Moses iu priest, was calling upon the peoplo to join him in tho worship of the golden calf' he had qmdo! Our people are shocked at this picture of human,depravity, and yet they are daily practising tho same species of idolatry. Wo are threatened with utter destruction • —War desolates our land—lean, lank and hungry Famine is following in tho blood stained footsteps of War—and yet, some of our priests are calling upon tho people to worship—not literally a golden calf which they havo made—but to bow down to the host of “calves” who happen to possess gold! In other words, instead ol denouncing tho extortion so rife in the land, as God requires them to do, they en deavor to excuse it!" more especially wheri practised by the rich men of their congre gations ! Nor do they stop here. They arrogant- j ly assume tho right to assign to the Al- j mighty a position in the present conflict! It is not for us to say what His position is, but we think we are warranted by our reading of the Scriptures to say that so long as our priests and peoplo practise such open, down-right idolatry as is now so prevalent in the land, we need not ex pect the Divine blessing. . “ Military Necessity,” Constitutions, <fcc. Heretofore it 1ms been the prevalent idea of tho world that, written constitutions, rigidly adhered to, could alone preserve j the public liberties. These old-fashioned j notiort*, wo ara eory to aee, are about to J give way to the doctrine of “ military neces- j war by railroad,” and in justification" of the same, to lay before tho House and the country the following as our reasons, viz: “ l.oWo believe that-there is" no power granted by the Constitution, either ex pressed or implied, that authorizes Con gress in appropriating or seizing the pro perty of States or persons, and placing the same, oitlior for temporary or permanent purposes, in the hands of the executive, or any* wise disposing of snmo without the consent of the owners thereof, Ou the contrary, wo believe that the Consti tution expressly prohibits mid denies such peopl be securo in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches arid seizures shall not be violated.” “ 2. Wo believe that this act, did it be come alaw, would bo subversive of and in direct contravention to, the great and fun damental principles of Stale sovereignty ; tho right to regulate their own domestic institutions being one of those unalienablo sacred rights reserved by-tho States com posing our Confederacy, and. the destruc tion of which would inevitably tend to the speedy- destruction of our liberties. “3. We believe tho act to be altogether inexpedient and uucalled for, and that the several railroads in tho Confederate States —all of which have been prompt and will ing to aid the government to tne very ut most of their capacity and atredued char ges—havo been, and will contiuue to be, far better managed by their presidents aud directors, chosen by the stockholders, who aro more conversant with all the min ute and complicated details of their roads, and the proper and economical manage ment of»heir means of transportation than the executive or hip military subordinates could possibly do. “ For these and other equally cogent reasons which must occur to every intelli gent mind not unreasonably depressed by tho exergencies and vicissitudes, through which Providence has decreed that we should pass in our progress to national in dependence, and which we hope and be lieve are but the preeurso s of victory and success, wo protest against said act, and respectfully request that this our pro test bo entered on the journal. [Signed] “ Augustus R. Wright. “ Tuomas J. Foster.” ' A Reminiscence of the!/fast. i All will recollect witli what internt-tilio whole conn try looked to the action of Congress in roferenc'.! to Critten den’s plan of settlement iu the latter part of 18G0 ami Counterfeit Shinplasfers. Wo are informed that counterfeit shin- plastors of the Augusta Savings Bunk are in circulation in this pitied! Well, tho man Mho wou.ld counterfeit shinplastcrs is ca pable of any thing low and mean. Slty. If the people quietly acquiesce in j JgGJ. Many persons believed Crittenden was then tho usurpations pratised upon their rights and tolerate tho violations of the Constitu tion lately perpetrated, this doctrine of “ military’ necessary” will soon convert this land of liberty into a militity despotism or something worse. Are the people rea dy’ for this ? Read in connection with this subject the following article which we exhact from a late number ofthu Chronicle & Sentinel: A Protest.—:Wo are glad to see,' from the protest of Messrs. Wright, of Georgia, and Foster, of Alabama, against the seiz ure of the Railroads by tho Government, that there are some members of Congress that arc willing to recognize the fact that there is such a thing as the Constitution of tho Confederate States. So ln»»# *» time had elapsed since that document has been mentioned, and so continually had its pro visions been ignored and violated, that thcro existed some doubt if it had not been totally annulled by’ Congress in some of its secrctscssions. In spite of the plain provisions of the Constitution against internal improve, meats by the General Government which formed such valid ground' of complaint against tho old Government, we find the constitutional objection against, build ing lines of Railroads in Louisiana and Texas and the Danville connection, in North Carolina very feebly' urged, and wo believe it has been enacted that these roads shall he built in direct violation of the Constitution. Thus the latitudinarkin principles of the old government are per petuated. Tho same pica of military necessity which was used by* the Federal Govern- .. ment to justify tho building of the Pacific Railroad, which was so bitterly opposed by the strict-constructionists of the South, is used to excuse these violations of the plain provisions of the Confederate Consti tution. This plea of military necessity, has become to be the excuse for of usurpations—not only for Railroads, for taking private property for public uses without compensation, for abridging the liberty* of the citizen, for in terfering with trade, but even for repeal ing tbe laws of the State, and taking the command of its militia out of the hands of its Governor, or for his willingly arijl illegally yiolding up his. prerogatives. If military necessity is always to excuse eve ry* arbitrary' act of the General Govern ment, and every' infringement of private rights, it is test no longer to deceive the poople with tho idea that they* live under a government controlled by constitution and laws. No people in any ago of the world have been more ready than ours to give up everything for the cause in which they are struggling, but they cannot see The Fall of New Orleans. Wo fear thcro can be no longer any doubt as to the fate of the great commer cial emporium of tho South. The iutelli- gencothat,(fee cotton and public stores were destroyed affords some gratification j but the suspiciGs^that this groat calamity io result of ttjfin system of « masterly •first session of Congress, bog ‘“thus tween their liberties and military despo tism broken down, and they' will therefore admire the manliness of those public men who have the courage to protest against any arbitrary’assumption of power. We copy from tbe proceedings of Con gress on Monday the following protest: Mr. Foster, of Alabama, offered tho fbl- . - | lowing protest, and asked that it be on | ed on the mi nates: rly J “We, the undaligned, members Francos E Finch 50o; Mis Naaoy Nichols 1; Mrs Win Seymour 1; Mrs Susan Tate ales Mrs A J Seymour 1; Confederate Lady 1; Mrs H H Write 25c; Miss Mary Car rol 25c. Tfeo Growing Wheat drop. A friond, writing from Hull, informs us that tho wheat crop is an entiro failure In that oounty. He says mildew first appeared on the blades near tho prouod— tiion rust—and . now wliolo fluids are dry aud dead!— Hundreds of acres have boon ploughed up and planted with corn,. end hundreds more would he, if there were laborers to do it. Wo havo licitrd of rust on tbs blade for some week or two past, in this section, but had hoped that no seiious damage would ensue. If a general blight shall come upon wheat, tho consequences will be traly disastrous. true to the South, while others thought he wus prepar ing t« desert her aud go over to the cueiay. Tho f (lowing is a copy of a letter written to Mr. Crittenden about tbut time by our highly esteemed friend, Hon. N. L. Hutchins, of Lawreneeville, and which a friend sent to us the other day. As what the Judge then predicted, has since become history, wo trust be will pardon tho liberty wo take in laying this letter before the public. Lawrhncevill, Ga., Jan. 10, ISfil. Hon. John J. Crittenden, (J. S. S.: Allow incus acitizen of Georgia, to express to you iny thanks fur your pat riotic exertions in laboring to save our common coun try from groat injury, if not from min—but while I do this, 1 am quite sure that your efforts to save the Uniou ns it is, must fail. The antagonism of tho North and South is radical and incurable ; there is no hopo that both can lire in pea.u under the same general system : neither one will yield to the other except by fi.rco. When that is resorted to, tho Union is gone of eourso, and what kind of governments may follow, it is vain to guess. I cannot doubt, that the time has come, or is closo at hand, when tho North aud South, the free amksisvc States, must sen ,r *te. Cun t.lii* l>o done aud save the lights of all ? I do not doubt it, unless the Xorth hag determined t-i subjnyate the South—to carry -out in or ganized force tejt-tt isos betjnn irreyularly by Join, prawn. Tho only plan suggested to my mirnt, is to take your proposition, in part—that is, as to tho division of the Territory, and let the North aud South peaceably sepa rate, agreeing that, although they will iu the future form distinct organizations, commerce, friuudskip and postal arrangements between tbeui shall ho unrestrict ed, and that an alliance, offensive and defensive, shall eonfiaue to exist. In making this separation, the pub- lie property—besides tho Territory, which can bo divi ded by tho lino you suggest—shall bo divided equally according to population, and that tho public debt shall be rate ably paid on the same basis. This would ic- liece the consciences of our N ortLcrn friends, who feel it a religious duty to abolish slavery, because, they say, it is iu their government, and all would go on in peace hereafter, while no branch of public or private busi ness of either section would bo injured. Then, each section could enjoy their religious opinions, and wor ship their God in their own way, without offento to others. This would avoid tear, and all the hot fort that are Just ahead of us. Separation it {Heritable! : The only question is, how is this to bo effected witl the least injury to all concerned? It seems to me, mad as both sections of the country are at present, a plait such as I suggest, might bo acceptable to all; it wolld, ut least, bo just to all, while it would avoid that greatest of all calamities—>icor between the sections, which mustend ' in eterual estrangement, after the'greatest injury has!' i all sections of the country'.' r troubling you with this, and believe wheat crop tail, will tho Shylunh* be satisfied with less than $5 per bushel for corn? Cheap Living I Tw'euty-fivo dollars a pair lor bacon bmps—sixteen dollars per bushel for salt—$1.40 for inoai—$11 for flour—35 cents for lartyLlo. for butter—do. for chick ens—and 20 cents for oggs!! Cheap living in Athens! Bat who cares ? Don’t wo all know that “ Cotton «• King1” » The Third Georgia at South JrfHls. We aro indebted to a friond for the following extract of a letter from an officer of tho Athens Guards, giving an account of tho late light at South Mills: Bank ok Dismal Swamp Camai.. N.C.) April 2I*r, 18G2. J Justnfter sunrise on Saturday morning last, tho men who had not awaked were aroassd by the keen report of cannon. This was continued fur 20 or 30 minutes, when tho companies in advance of us passed by tho church at which we were stationed, and mo received orders to fall back with them 4 milos to an intrench ment. Ilaiting them for a moment, Col. Wright sent an order from South Mills to fall back there instautly, that was five miles further. We had insufficient transportation even for our sick, and had to lug our baggage or lose it.' We were ordered, with the Young Guards, to remain at a bridge, under command of Col. Lob, and burn it, and thus protect tho approach from E. City, while the bal ance of our forces were to engage tho enemy then ad vancing up the other side of tho river from Cuuulen C.H. The firing soon commenced ai d we could hear it dis tinctly. You cannot imagine tbe impatience our boys felt to leave their posts and pitch in, for there was no appearance of an enemy where we were. But wo had positive orders, and therefore dure not leave. After several hours artillery fighting, and about one hour musket firoing tho noise suddenly ceased just as the sound died away, a shout ensued, und all noise died away. Then it was that we were ordered up to join the other companies. We mot ihe fulling back in good order, but the Yankees did not follow. We took .a stand while the other companion fell back still to the rear, and seeing a detachment of Captain Hendon’s company out skeruiisbing in front of us, we mistook them for Yankees, and Major Lee ordered Hie cannon which wo had kept with our two companies, to open upon them. Our boys were so anxious to shoot that they also fired upon them with their Enjtelds, and wo had almost destroyed them before they could get out of tho way, We did not, however, (thank God) hurt auy of them. But this firoing and the sight of our two com panies strewn out as wo were when we brought up our reinforcements together with the tremendous resistance our men had m.ado in the fight, determined the Yankees to fall back also; this they did nt night, but knowing they bad five thousand men and could be largely reiu- forcod before day, and not knowing they bad any idea of retreating. Colonel Wright culled a counsel of war, and finding that we had loss than one thousad men, and but little more ammunition, none for one oi'uur cannon, the counsel desired him to fall back in a safer place and await rcidfurccmcnts iu us much as our position could there be turned with ease by so large a force of the . aukeus had. Wo fell back several miles *in: night and received a force yesterday so large as to w.akc us eager to return to the contest. But just as we were about to move for ward, a dispatch was reeeived by flag of truce from the Yankees, asking permission to t ury their dead, Ac.— Wo do not know certainly how mnny Yankees were kill ed. But it is thought by those who were in tho fight that at least5011 were made to “bite tho dust." I sus pect this is a large estimate; but our men did certainly fight like devils. We lost only about 10 or 12 killed and us many more wounded. Lieut. Wilson, from Bairdstown, wus wounded and ttiken prisoner; a Mr. Jeruigan, who refused'to lovo him, was also taken. Dock Elder, of Cupt. llondon’s company, was, wo foar, taken prisoner, lie bus not come iu. None of bis men killed, unless Elder was. All Cast. Billups’ boys are safe, of course, ns none of them were engaged but Buck Vincent. He fought with-Cupt. JIcndou’s men. Cupt. Beall and Oapt. Griffin’s men were -not in tho light, but iu reserve. We did tot havo more than three hun dred men iu the fight, besides Cupt. Comas’ Artillery company. We had threo pieces of artillery engaged and the Yankees three. Capt Comas was killed. I have lost all my clothes. Many of onr boys bad to throw away kuansacks in tho rapid march ; hut we are ull ea ger to moot tho Yankees in anythingliko equal combat. Con. Bluuebard, Col. Wright and a thousand troops have gone to the battle field—we it last night.- Major been inflictuQ on all si Pardon mo for troul me, J Very "f^Ladlcs* truly, yours, N.L. HUTCHINS. Gunboat Fund. The patriotic ladies of our laaJ, with a zeal ami de votion exceeding that of their Revolutionary grand mothers, are foromost in every good work. Judging by tho amounts wo have received for the gunboat fund, we are'satisfied they will soon make tbat .enterprise a splendid success. Since our last issue tho following will bo seen that at contributed to the good necessity/ amounts have been received. It wil L* all sorts Clarksville the servants have contribi building • wor i c ’ „ Christy : Enclosed we send $: Christy: Enclosed we send $35 00 contributed by ihe following ladies of Clarkesville, for the “ Geor gia Gunbout Fund.’’. Also, $2 10, from servants.' Respectfully, ' MATTIE A. HOUSTON, MOLLIEJ. FULLER. Clarkesville, Ga., April 20, 18G2. Mrs. A. J. Nichols $5; Mrs. M. A. Houston $5 ; Mrs. U. E. McMillan $5 ; Miss Mollie Wyly $1; Mrs. James M. llughos $1; Mrs. Dr. Neely $1; Mrs. R. C. Ketchuin SI: Mrs. C. Callier$l; Mrs. Wm. Berry $1 f Miss II. C. Lambert $1 ; Mrs. John Wyly $5; Miss Jennie Wyly ■ SI; Mrs. J. C. Addisiu $2 ; Mrs. Wm. S Erwin $2 60 ; Mrs. A. Erwin $2; Miss Julia Erwin $1 : Mrs. Mattie Bird $1; Mrs. Susan Bird $1; Mrs. J. W. Fuller $2 50 ; Mrs. H. A. Fuller SI; Mrs. L. K. Fuller SI; Miss Mol- lie J. Fuller $1; Mrs. H. L. Smith $1; Mrs. Dr. Moore $1; Miss Minnie Wooldrige 50 etc; Mrs. E. S. Barclay $2; • Mrs. J. Van Buren SI ; Miss Zoo Stanford $1; Mrs. N. P. Alley $1; Mrs. L. M. Hughes SI; Mrs. Silas Addi son oOcts; Mrs. John Porter $1;-Mrs. J. E. Griggs $2; Mrs. Wyly Thompson $1 ; Mrs. C.H. Sutton $2 50; Mrs.'John Redd 50ut*;AIrs. Mary Showers $3; Mrs. Dr. Phillips $5 ; Miss Lizzie Phillips $1; Mrs. E. Star- rltt S5 ; Mrs. D. Seitz $2 ; Miss A. Uortbaw $1; Mrs. J. Hackett SI; a lady $1; Miss Saitie Griggs $1; Miss Mattie Griggs$1; Miss Lou Gaily $1; Miss Harriet Gaily $1. Collected from Servants.—Nelson Jackson 50 etc; without a murmur all tho barriors beA -Koriak Wright 25 cts: Litttle Lula lOcts; Charles j if:. ’ l>»y* af™oman,$l;SteeveBird U lI2- ■JMIPI 25 cts. Collected by Miss Martha Matthews, at Hatcobel, Jackson County.—Sirs. Milton Matthews $2; Mrs. E. J. Bcstick $2 Miss Martha Matthews $1; Miss N. C. Matthews $2 ; Mrs, E. Creighton $2; Miss M. aud J. Creighton $t; Mrs M. A Barnett $5; Mrs. C. S. Butler $1; Miss M. J. Butler $1; Mrs. S. E. Cash 25 cts; Nicy Moon$6; Miss C. A. Brooks 80cts; Mr*>. Milton Han cock $1; Mrs. M. A. Adair Si; Mrs. Anna Sharp-.$1; Mrs. Sns-nf Larupkki $2; Miss Josephine Carter .$3; Misses Eugenia and Mattie Barnett 50 cts. Miss E. J. Hancock’* List of Contributions to the Gunboat Fund, collected in Ebenezr.r vicinity, Jackson co. Miss E J Hancock $1; Mrs J R Hancock 2; MrsEliz- Lyle, son. 1; Mrs M A Patman 4; Miss Qctavia Lee and the balance of tho forces are awaiting here above South Mills for orders. Alter the foregoing was received, and too late for this issue, two Icttersa from tho ‘•Clarke County Rifles” were received. This company nat only participated but boro a distinguished part iu the engagement. Wo regret that we have no room for these letters. The following extract from the Captain’s letter gives a list of tho casualties in that conipt oy i “Wm. Loving killed; Wm. (’."Wright, severely wounded in the face; James M. Lecroy, slightly woundod in tho spine by concussion; Walden Wise, slightly, in the hand; Wm. C. Nannally was grazed on the fa>:o; Lieut. Crenshaw had his cap knocked off and his sword bent by a ball —ho took bis place iu the ditch and fifed 27 rounds. Dr. E. Elder is missing.” Wo learn by another letter that Mr. Elder is a prisoner in the hands of tho enemy. Vjjioeafiano doubt but that our C larke boys acquitted themselves with great credit. ‘•Samuel.” • Wo welcome back to our columns our old friend “Samuel,” who will be remem bered by our readers of former years. Like a true patriot, he is satisfied with tbe jiosition of a private iu the ranks. As will be seen, he has lost none of bis ancient vigor as a writer : Savannah, Ga., April 2<5th, 1802. John H. Christy, Esq.—It hasbe-m a long time since I penued a sentence for the Watchman, with the read ers of which I used to hold volumiuous couverse on various subjects of public policy, over the signature of “ Samuel” and other cognomens. You aud year patrons have not forgotten my scribblings, I am sure; and, with yonr aud their permission, I ndw iroposo a renewal of .old acquaintance for old acquaintance’ sake. I havo b&on in the ur.ny, stationed at, and near this •oity, for tbe defence of Savannah and the coast, near four months. I sought, aud have attained, tho position I desired—that of a high private in the ranks of tho Boidier. The Battalion of which I am a member reached Savannah on the first day of January last, and pitched their tents about one mile from the City, in its western suburbs. Here, we have remained sver siuee, iu astato of iuaction, at least so far as fighting is concerned. Our time, however, has not been unemployed, or spent in -inglorious ease. The men have been engaged pretty constantly in fatigue duty—iho hardest kind of lubor —in throwing up breastworks, and field fortificatious, for tho detenue of the City, at ever/ point, where the enemy might attomptau approach by land—in felling tinkers, aud sinking them iii the channels leading up t^VfSCity, so as to obstruct tho passage up tho river 1 of tho enemy’s gunboats—in loading old hulks with saud aud sinking them—iu building; rafts, to bo scut down the river to impede or provor t navigation, and other labors incident to military operations iu tbo field. The drill, iu the moan time, has not been neglected, and if opportunity offer, I kui of the opinion that tho boys, allf.f wlni'Ai aro from Cherokee Georgia, accustomed to the use of tho rifle from infancy, will cause many a Yankee thief to get peaceable' possession of what ‘ came after—a plantation—at tho dimensions of three by six feet! Thom is much ' ** bars, early aitack on ^vannah, believing thMghfYanltces ore now satisfied, having re-possessed the Fort, thus enabling tho Lincoln Government effectually to block ade thoriver, and prevent all Ingress and egress to this port. I am of this opinion. T‘> land any oon.slderahlo force below tho City would be to them a dangerous un dertaking. and to march a hoavy column against tho City by land against the twonty-five thousand rifles and shot guns, lances aud bayonets, in tho hands of sharp shooters aud bravo men, fighting on tboir own soil, for their homos and altars,. I oonceivo utterly impossible. There are but two or threo ways for the enemy to roach tho City by land, and those aro studdod with strong de fences, in tbeshupo of breastworks, mounted with heavy ordnance. We have, in tho coast defence, and station ed within calliug distance of any point wh»re a conflict can be expected to come off, several well appointed Ar tillery and Cavaliy companies, who would claim tho honor iif a place in the picture, should such an encoun ter happeu. But, I apprehend no attempt will be made in this direction, tho business being too hazardous for the quiet of the nerves of Maine, Connecticut and Mi chigan cut-thToats, thieves, chicken stealers, house- burners and marauders. Thoy may attack the City by tho river, but iu doing so thoy may expect rough treat ment from Fort Jackson, ami the batteries below; and in passing up, every inch of their progress will be con tested by the Sharp Shooters of our army from its banks. As fast as the villains would show themsolvcs, so fast, aud surely, would a min Dio or musket ball, be sent with unerring aim through their carcasses. My opinion, up on tho whole, is, that the redaction of Savannah forms no port of tho Lincoln programme at 1the present time. Their demonstrations agoinst Fort Pulaski, and on tho coast, are intended and designed to retain here a large army of Confederates, and thus prevent them from be ing sent to rciu'A-rce Beauregard iu the West and John ston in Virgin!.,. Time, and a few short weeks, per haps days, will determine this question, and to this uovcr-failiug arbiter I submit its solution. In regard to the fall of Pulaski, but littlu is definite ly known here. Tbat the Fort is iu the possessiuu of a the onciny, and tbo disgraced stars and stripes of tbe old aud now happily defunct Uniou are floating from its ramparts, is undeniably true; but, of tho extent of injury done to tbe fort, or the casualties within, during the awful bombardment through which it aud its gar rison passed, nothing is known. From the correspond ence of the N. Y. Herald, as I learn this morning, (I _ have notread it,) the walls of the fort did not suffer auy material injury, not being perforated by the heavy balls of the enemy’s guns iu a single instance. The same authority says that three of the companies com posing the garrison, mutinied, aud tho fighting devolv ed wholly upon two companies, to-wit: tho Oglethorpo Light Infantry and German Volunteers, both from this City. Two Irish companies, aud one company from the interior of the State, utterly refused to take part iu the action, und from this cause, the lire of the enemy in front aftd the mutinous conduct of the companies mentioned within its walls, the Commandant, Ctl. Olm- stead, was forced to yield and surrender into tbo hands of the enemy tho fort, garrison, cannon, munitions and all, unconditionally. This information, coming as it docs from the filthiest of all the lying Liucoln news papers, published iu Yankeeioodle lom, should be re ceived with doubt and misgiving by tho Southern pub lic. It is as natural for tho Herald to tell lies, und whopping lies, us it is to find piglrack$ round a hog’s bed, or for water to run down grade. But, if the state ments from that paper are based on truth, then, ail I have to say is, these mutineers, who refused to assist their comrades, iu the hot ordeal through which they were passing, when they returu back to their homes, ought, every rascal of them, to be treated to a magnifi cent rcccptiou, iu tho shape of a coat of tar aud feath ers, a ride upon a sharp edged rail, and forty minutes suspeusiou from strong limbs in the forest, at tbe cud of swamp grape vines. Such cowards and ingrates should never bo permitted to take up their habitatious again, alive, in any portion of tbo Confederate Statos, but should bo consigned to the doom of tho felon, and be made to fill a felon’s grave, without benefit of clergy, their memories remaining for all time to couio “ un wept, unhonorod and unsung.” The State troops, by reason of tho passago of the Con script Act, by tho Congress at Bichmoud, havo all been transferred, bag and baggage, to tho Confederate Go vernment, aud are now amenable to Confederate au thority. Considerable excitement followed tho an nouncement in these parts, among both officers and men; hat all this will subside, and our “machine” go ou, in (ho performance of its work, as tho provisions of the bill come to be understood and applied, practi cally, to tho military operations and movements of the country. At present, much dr-ibt and uncertainty ex ists as to tho provisions of tho bill, or, rather, as to their oorrect interpretation and meaning, and what ef fect the new order of thiugs will have upon tho multi farious corps now composing our armies In the field. Not having read the Act, and withal, not being a mili tary genius, I am unable to assist those that aro so much puzzled and troubled about the meaniug of cer tain clauses in the provisions of tbo law, out of thei r difficulty. All must patiently await the action of the President in executing tho law, and the orders to bo issued from tbo War Department, at Richmond, for cor rect information on all the points now forming the sub ject mattor of the general disputation. One fact is certain, every man in tho Confederate States, between the ages of IS aud 35 years, is now a soldier, Bubject to bo called into active servicu in tho field, any day that President Davis may see proper to call for him. There >s no room for cavil upon this point, and all men, falling within this category, may content themselves’ accor dingly. Then, let all go to rubbing np his shooting- iron, be it shot gun, musket, or rifle, for you know not what oven au hour may briug forth. Our country is beiug invaded, and our cities bcleauguerod, at every point, ap proachable by the enemy, and all tho brains, all tho nerve, ail tho muscle, courage, bravery, cndurauce, patience, aud determiuution of every man and womnu, in tbe coniines of the sunny South, will be called iutnj requisition to meet, and successfully overcome, the hordes of Northern Goths, Huns, Vandals, and Lom bards, who aro warring against us, and forging chains to enslave our posterity, for all time to come, in a bond age, u thousand times worse than the Israelites suffered at Pharoah’8 hands in Egypt. In view of the possibility of an occupation of the city by Lincoln’s forces, many families have loft, and sought shelter in the interior towns and villages, and in tho country. Tho streets everywhere present a denuded appearance, so far as population is concerned, and busi ness of every description presents tho same lifeless, unhealthy aspect. The business of measuring tape, the .dry goods part, is in the hands, and conducted principally, by cadaverous looking, cushion-footed Jews,- that infest and hare cursed every hamlet, village, town, and oity in the laud. They utterly re fuse to shoulder their muskets aud fight in defence of the invuded South; and as to making donations to our various hospitals, or furnishing our soldiers, or their sufforiDg wives and cbildrcu, with needful sup plies, without two prices for every article, they are as clear of it as is a dog of a soul, ft is characteristic of a J«w to be engaged in the clothing trade, always hav ing old “garments” on their shelves for salo. They started this business, at Jerusalem, about 1302 years ago, -upon the occasion of the crucifixion of one Jesus of Nazareth, “ casting lots for his gruments,” and they have been persistently following up tbe vocation of their “ illustrious predecessors” in the clothing business over since! And as elothing is an item uuivcrsally wanted by the so* ” " - -r"SW ■ would not only have endorsed his conduct in but checrftilly acquieaeod in it, and honored bl ^* It is not too Into for him to act yet in th«> and In view of the fact that many articles necessity will, in a short time, by reason of e prioos, be utterly boyond tho roaoh of a i M , a . of families iu this 3Ute, I hopo he will aet j promptly and efficiently, to put a stop to the sv t V * | pillage now everywhere affiictingand curring ou I Tho times demand this course on the part of tbs ^ I emor. It Is nonsense to leave this matter to bo ia ^ I e l by “ public sentiment,” Publii sentiment, i Q /^ I Who, what class, controls public sentiment in Oco ^ I Every body, with a thimble full of braius, kno*. " 4 ' I it is the wealthy capitalist, and the man we 1 to do : ' world, who manufactures public opinion, and .jj, * aid contiolspublic sentiment. Aud is it Lmnau xu” 1 for a man, or class of men, to do wbnt it is miufi^ their pecuniary interest and supremacy )0 d«» tv* idea is ridiculous—tho very acme of absurdity, r ^ taiists, and money hucksters, and money those very men who’originate, and, by uid ^ funds, govern public sentiment, in this country I very men who are forestalling the market , ana * ningup and demanding two, threo, and four price ? every article of necessity demanded by their net'-bbt? who are less fortunate iu the possession t f the danco of this world’s pelf, but who must live, Uf , t . Ur they aud their offspring, unless a speedy terrain r is put to the disgraceful impositions daily, hourly momentarily practised upon them, by the greedy g^-e everywhere infesting tho community. Prices l Jtre J Savannah, for everything drank, or masticated by^ aro exorbitant beyond any thing boforo cxperionccdk’ the oldest iuhabita -t—and if the city has tho t,su;| proportion of poor peoplo withiu its limits, vbu Jri dependent ou thejr daily labor for meat aud brcjfi ^ trades and callings and all business being ia a state of | almost perfect stagnation, Loanuot for tho life 0 f Iaj conjecture how, or whereupon, thoy manage to su,^ life, and keep soul aud body together. That thereof : at this writing, be actuai suffering, and much of it j among the more indigent families, does not, i n ^ opinion, admit of a doubt. Iu Savannah, the eouter tho rice culture aud trade iu tho South, this article tf prime necessity has advanced in price, and wfl| coc _ tinuo to advance, at a time too, when tho heavy cr ,.p of 186i is still uow on hand, unsold, and impossible of exportation to foreign markets by reason of Liaeolu’j blockade of our ports. Why this advance in the prica of this article ? There is uo reason for it—ncincr jug. tice uor common sense—and those who are run.iinj up the price ought not only to he denounced and lrowuei] down, but unceremoniously ejected from an outrage! community. ■ So, of every other article in the culinaiy department, consumed by a family. Bacon coeiuim,’! I from 40 to AO cents; meal $2.25 and $2.50; fli ur \ and $15; chickens 75 cents; eggs CO cents; pork 2j and mutton 20 cents, etc., etc.; all kinds of vo-ttables of which there seems to bo groat abundance on the market, maintaining correspondingly high figuies. If tho free air of heaven could be appropriated by -ertaia Lincoluito speculators anil laud sharks that' infest this and all other cities and communities iu the Confederate States, tho monopoly would be consummated, aud what our beneficent Creator designed for tho freo mo and fruition of all, would have to bo bought and paid fur it so muoh for every imbibition of breath into tho lungs. The water itself, and fire, with which the lend of oar people is mp.de savory for tbe palate, would he appro priated by these patriotic gentry that sro doing so much for our country iu this her hour of sore distress aud greatest noed. These Shy locks ought to bo branded with au infamy so indelibly imprinted, that neither time nor circumstances shall be sufficient to wipe out the stain. The people's detestation should follow them as ioDgu they live, aud bo visited ou their posterity to the fif tieth generation. The tory of 1770 was of angelic character, compared with the men of tho present day who are seeking to enrich themselves from this war of independence, in which all true sons f tho soil are now engaged, an J accumulate property from the Lcart'i blood of our bravo defenders in the field of carnage and death, aud the shrieks, lamentations, and piteous peti tions of their famishing wires and little ones for bread. I havo reached the bottom of my twelfth page of foolscap, and will close, fearing that I am wearying you and tho reador. I have written this hurriedly, disre garding stylo, and the phraseology employed to cxpr.'.-i the thoughts presented to my mind in the rapidity of composition. I have written, too, on both sides of my puper—this your compositor wil! not like. The paper is, however, thick, the manuscript legible, and I hope tbo Pointer will not bo sorely puzzled to decipher ay chirography. The grammar, orthography, and punctu ation, I warrant to be A No. 1. Should you print this, (do as you please with it,) I may trouble yon with another letter after awhile, de tailing such facts and incidents, occurring in this local ity, os I may thiik will be interesting to yon anil your patrons. With best wishes for you personally,^and in the hope that tho farmers of Georgia may plant uo cotton—that thoy may be visited with propitious seasons, and gather, in the Summer and Autumn, a superabundant yield of oats, rye, wheat, peas, potatoes, beans, and corn, I re main, as always, so now, year aud their obedient ser vant, W. A. LEWIS. For tho Southern Watchman. TUB DURATION OF THE WAR. There no doubt exists a deep solicituilo in the minds of many of our people to know when the troubles of this fraternal w;ir, now ho frightfully raging, will subside. As a matter of course great care.und anx iety. linger deeply in the bosoms of many a kina father,'mother, wifo arid sister for those beloved ones who have left a com fortable home surrounded by all tne on- - dearing smiles of the family circle—expos ing themselves to the privations and hard ships incident to a camp life, in defence ot their country, upon the dreary battle fields. To this end there have no doubt bccinnany opinions formed and fond hopes cherished at times of a speedy* termination, which have been utterly blunted and drifted lienee like chaff before the wind. We cannot ra.se the curtain of the future and look into its deep recesses, what it him in -store for ns. This alone remains to God, (xod is an unchangeable Being, “ the sains yesterday*, to-day and forever.” His divino laws, by which He governs the Universe, are equally unchangeable; therefore, tho only way we can judge the future is by the past; and if we judge the future by the past, we may*, by the blessings of God 3 Word, arrivo* at some reasonable conclu sion. The history of nations shows conclusive ly that pride, vanity and luxury* have bceu the vacillating pillars from which many have drifted into irretrievable ruin and de struction. .There is scarcely* ever a war that occurs, but tbe primeval cause muY be traced to pride, fur “ only by pride, .say*s the Scriptures, “ eonioth contention-’ Then again : “ Pride g«ieth before destiuC’ lion, &c.,” Piw, 10—18. It was to de stroy the spirit of pride that our blessed Saviour was manifested in so much meck- ^ re, is i® and all