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MARIETTA GEO..
(FRIDAY MORNING APRIL 11. 1862.
VIRGINIA CORRESPONDENCE.
Camp Madison, near Orange, C. H.
, March 31, ’62.
R. M. Goodman, Esq.
Dear Sir—lt has been a long time
' since I saw an Advocate, and probably
an equal time has elapsed since y<>i>
have received an epistle from onr camp;
an that, with the impression our friends
at home feel the same interest in what
transpires amongst us that we do in
Marietta and all its surroundings, 1
have determined to drop you a few
lines as to our whereabouts, condition,
prospects, &c. And this, Sir, I must
do in a slightly underhanded way, omit
ting the usual portion of your address,
“Editor Advocate,” kc.— for, like the
Celestials of shaved heads and long
cues, our rulers have forbidden us to
hold intercourse with all outside barba
rians. Especially are our Generals
down upon all correspondence with
newspapers ; and to a great extent
justly, too, for much harm has, doubt*
less, been done to our cause by injudi
cious and premature developments of
their plans, the strength of our army,
our stragctic points, and the condition
of our troops. All this has been for
bidden; and, as in duty bound, I must
suppress all of interest to you which
would be contrary to orders here.
You and your readers have been,
long since, advised of our abandonment
of winter quarters, and our encamp
ment at this point—a movement which
must be regarded as a most masterly
one, frustrating, as it has, all the plans
boastingly made, for cutting off and
subjugating this, the most important
division of our army. In its results,
y< u may depend, it will not fall short
of, if it does not fur exceed in import
ance, that other movement of General
Johnson—the evacuation of Harper’s
Ferry and the glorious victory of Ma
nassas, to which it is mainly attributa
ble.
Yankee prisoners whom we have ta
ken- officers and intelligent privates,
disclose the confusion and dismay into
which the Lincoln army has been
thrown. Indeed, a glance at the map
of Virginia, with a knowledge of all
the circumstances attending our army
movements, will convince any one of
the importance to us, of the steps
which were taken. True, our position
at Centreville and Manassas was a
strong one, and our fortifications of a
most formidable character ; but when
the combination of facts operating a
gainst their continued occupancy is
considered, those at a distance who ask
the reasons for their abandonment will
be amply answered. In the very heart
of disloyal Virginia—surrounded by
spies who eagerly watched, and readily
supplied, the Yankees with intelligence
of our every- movement; within but a
day’s march of two most formidable
wings of their army, which threatened
to cut us off from reinforcements and’
supplies ; forage exhausted for a dis
tance of from fifty to seventy-five miles
in every direction—all these, and more
obstacles to contend against, together
with the fact that an advancing column
of the Yankees cannot find, in the slow
and tedious marches which they would
be compelled to make over almost im>
passable roads and unfordablc and un
bridged streams, supplies for inen or
horses, constitute the secret of our Gen
eral’s policy.
Wo are now encamped about two
miles from Orange C. 11. and about one
mile from the Rapid Ann river, which
point wo reached after a march of 71
miles in four days, sleeping out with
out tents—many without blankets, and
with but lew facilities for ministering?
<l.O or <l.O 1000.
dcstruction of property beforean<Talrw«
leaving oqpwiuter quarters, was almost
sickening. Our splendid winter qnar’
tors, with tW’accumulated comforts of
month’s, abandoned—houses sufficient
to accommodate the population of two
or three Atlantas ; provision ample to
feed the whole of Marietta for a year
thrown away or destroyed ; clothing,
blankets, &c., by wagon loads, burned
in huge piles, or recklessly cast by the
roadside to lighten the march—leaving
thousands of soldiers without a stitch
of clothing, save that upon their backs,
to perform the arduous duties with
which they are necessarily tasked. To
make slight amends for the absence of
shelter or clothing, we were amply sup-
THE MARIETTA WEEKLY ADVOCATE.
plied with wood .and water ; yet, when
the rain poured upon us, and the cold
March winds pierced our meagre cover
ing, we were far from being comforta
ble.
Our positios, even for a permanent
encampment, is a good one ; but it is
not likely that we will long occupy it.
Wc have made several efforts to leave
since we came, and are still under
marching orders, with four day’s ra
tions on hand. On Thursday last, we
had orders to leave atdaylight, without
knapsacks, but one blanket, and rations
for a forced march of four days ; but
after being in lines until near noon, the
or er was countermanded, with instruc
tions, however, to be in r/adiness to
march at a moment’s warning. We
were a second time called out but did
not leave. Our | robable destination
vas same point on the McAdamized
road leading from Gordonsville toward
Winchester, from which Gen. Jackson’s
command was reported to be retreating
before a vastly superior force of the
enemy. Subsequent intelligence of his
safety induced our Generals to protract
our stay in camp.
Within one mile of our Regiment, is
the far-famed residence of James Mad
ison—Montpelier, where also rest his
remains and that of his accomplished
wife. I paid it several visits, much to
my entertainment, and obtained sever
al little relics to remined me of them at
home. The residence is a most elegant
one—massive in its stincture, and with
an old time observance of architectur
al beauty c< mbined with durabili’y and
comfort in both its exterior arrange
ments. The lawn, garden, ten-pin alley
ice-house, the huge poplars, oaks and
chesnuts, the numerous clumps of trees
interpersed over fields whose surface is
as free from stums as the oldest Eng •
lish farm—outhouses, and everything
eise, is in perfect keeping with the ele
gant mansion. About one fourth of a
mile from the mansion is the family
cemetery, in which repose some twelve
or fifteen of the great statesman’s rela
tives. In the right hand corner, as
you enter, stands the attractive monu
ment of himself, built of brown granite
of massive yet simple structure, with a
mere inscription to remind the visitor
that his remains are there interred with
the dates of his birth and death. Next
to this is the monument of his wife,
“Dolly Payne,” which is, alike with all
the others therein erected, unostenta
tious and simple, yet peculiary
neat and appropriate. The mansion
and land, together with many of the
valuable paintings, the libeiary, &c.,
were some few years since, at public
sale. The first purchased by Mr. Car
son, a wealthy Baltimore banker, who
makes it his summer residence, while
the books and paintings were distribu
ted among the neighboring citizens. I
am not aware of the extent of the Mont
pelier plantation, but judge, from what
I have seen of the neighborhood, that
it embraces an extensive area. In con
nection with Col. Wilson and Adjutant
Hoyle, on this day we<*k I went upon a
reconnoisance of the country, with a
view to its strategic points, facilities
for obtaining forage, &c., and in a ride
along the Rapid Ann river of seven
miles—the surface of which, too, altho’
uneven, is monthly rich bottom and cul
tivated upland.
But I find that my pen is playing
truant, and my ‘few lines’ likely to
grow into a most lengthly epistle, so I
must draw to a close without saying
half 1 should like. You know that our
Regiment, has but two months yet to
serve, so that our boys,or at least those
of them who have not re-enlisted, are
buoyant in spirits in anticipation of
their homeward journey. Mist of us
expect to be at home by the middle of
May, or at least homeward bound.—
Some one hundred and fifty re-volun
teered, and these, most probably, will
not accompany us, altho’ they were
faith full y i>remised *
bitter pill, and we
all sincerely sympathise with them, the
victims, as they arc, of duplicity and
deception. Twenty days before the
expiiation of our term of scvice, those
who have re volunteered, in connection
with the recruits obtained, will have
the privilege of organizing themselves
into companies and electing their offi
cers. To this end the recruits obtained
in our county by Lieut’ Hicks and Sergt.
Butler, are eagerly looked lor.
Appropos to this, I may mention the
f. ct that Lieut Col. Dunwody. of our
Regiment, has been authorized by the
War Department to raise a Regiment
of Infantry for the war. He cannot
1 avo the field, at present, for personal
efforts in accornplihshing it, but has
appealed, I understand, through theme
diurn of the Press, to bis friends and
all others patriotically disposed, to
lend him their assistance in this lauda
ble purpose. The qualifications of the
Colonel no one can doubt, for, combined
with an experience obtained in the Mex
ican war, the Border Ruffian strife in
Kansas, and an active campaign in the
present war, he possesses an undoubted
bravery, indomitable energy and nev
er-tiring zeal in behalf of Confederate
cause. Those desirous of seeing and
doing good service can do no better
than unite their fortunes with those of
Col. Dunwody, and I would ask of you,
as a slight contribution toward our
cause, that you aid him all you can in
raising the requisite number of Geor
gians to complete his Regiment. His
card, I believe, appears in your paper.
Those addressing their friends in this
Regiment had better direct their let
ters to Richmond. With compliments
to you and friends,' until I sec you
again, I am, Your friend,
N. B. W.
Debate lu the Senate on the President
Message.
LIBERTIES OF THE PEOPLE—STATES’ KIGHTS.
A message from His Excellency,
the President, recommending the con
scription of persons subject to military
duty between the ages of 18 and 35
was laid before the Senate.
Mr. Sparrow, of La., moved that it
bo referred to the Committe on Milita ■
ry Affairs.
Mr. Oldham, of Texas, was under
stood to remark that he did not think
the Constitution conferred upon Con
gress the power to carry out the re
commendation of the President.
Mr. Sparrow said that he was pers
onally gratified at the message, as it
evinced an energy of purpose on the
part of the Administration, in the pros
ecution of the war, which, in the esti
mation of many, had not been exhibited
heretofore.
Mr. Clark, of Mo., said that the mes
sage received his cordial approbation.
The plan of increasing the strength of
the army, recommended by the Presi
dent, would enable the Government to
obviate the circumlocution and delay in
transferring troops in many of the
States under existing laws. He res
pected the doctrine of the sovereignty
of the States, but in times like these
the sovereignty of the Stetes must be.
secondary to tho sovereignty ol the
people. Let ns first establish individ
ual rights, and then the rights of the
States.
Mr. Oldham did not believe that Con
gress had the power except through the
intervention of the States, to force citi
zens into the army of the Confederate
States. This was not circumolocution;
it was the theory of our Government.—
Has as well satisfied as that tiTere’s a
God in Heaven, that we shall be suc
cessful in this contest, and we can ac
complish our deliverance, without vio
lating our fundamental law. We have
always been able to get more volun
teers than we could arm.
Mr. Wigfall, of Texas,said he diffei cd
longo intervallo from his colleague,upon
the question of ConstUutional power.—
He (Mr, W.,) bad always been still
was a States Rights man, but he could
not close his eyes to the Constitution,
or admit that we were living in the
Confederacy under a loose league. The
Confedei ate Government was the agent
of all the Statas, and exercised only
such power as was delegated to it by
the States. No State Government has
the right to make war, raise armies, or
conclude treaties of peace. These rights
were expressly conferred upon the Con
federate Government. There was no
limitation upon tho power. It was
full, plenary and ample. The volun
teering system of which so much has
been said, was extra-constitutional, if
not unconstitutional. He had beard
enough about it, and by rely upon it,
the country is without an adequate ar
my. The .’Provisional Congress was
urged to adopt a measure similar to
that recommended by the President,
but demagogism prevailed over patriot
ism, and those who pretended to reprej
sent the virtue and intelligence of the
people,” proved to be ignorantuf both.
No troops can be carried, effectively,
into the field, who elect*thcir officers.—
He knew he would be told that all this
was anti-Republican, but it was the
doctrine of Washington, jefifersom
ITnll l'rn' lr T .<» ’yV i> '' iff. i- »Lr
preorgatives, and dethroned kings so
far as this country was concerned.--
“Thou cans’t not say I did it.”
Mr. W. adduced some official i-tatis
tics of the strength of the army. “Cease
this child’s play,” he said. The enemy
are in some portions of almost every
State in the Confederacy; they are upon
the borders of Texas; Virginia is envel
oped by them. We need a large army.
How are you going to get it? Take
these conscipt soldiers and put them
in the old regimeuts. This was Napol
eon’s plan. No man has any individ
uals rights which come in conflict with
the welfare of the country. The Gov
ernment has as much right to exact
military service as it has to collect a
tax to pay the expenses of the Govern'
ment. The people will not volunteer
to fill up the old regiments. We want
i.o new regiments; we hav'nt time to
tiain them. We want trained troops
and the only way to bring an effective
force in the field is to fill up the skele
regiments by conscription, and keep
them full. The safety of our liberty
and our homes requires that we shall
do this. It will not be to talk about
the justice of our cause the favor of
Providence, or the did of foreign na
tions. We must have heavy batial
ions. We have to contend against a
powerful nation, which exibits the des
peration of a ganjblcr who stakes all
that’ he possesses. We are waiting
here for Providence, or foreign govern
ments to help us. We lean upon a
‘broken reed.’ To those who sustain
this recommendation of the President,
the country will say, ‘Well done, thou
good and faithful servant.’
Mr. Oldham said that he deprecated
this discussion, and did not desire to
participate in it at thia time, but the
style and manner of his colleague re
quired him to submit a few remarks.—
He spoke here by the same authority
which hi league had, and he didn’t come
here to be lectured.
Mr. Wigfait disclaimed any purpose
to lecture the Senator, or to deny him
the right to express his opinions fully.
He spoke with ardor and emphasis, but
did not design to be at all offensive.
Mr. Oldham said he was gratified by
the disclaimer, and hoped that when
they differed again, the discussion
would be conducted with that gentle
manly mildness which characterized
Senators.
Mr. Wigfall—l don’t know about tho
mildness.
Mr. Oldham proceeded to say that it
was the object and theory of our gov
ernment to secure and preserve the
liberties of the people. If they are to
be destroyed, lie didn’t care a fig wheth
er it was effected by the General or
State Government. This system of
conscription prevailed only in the des
potism of Europe. England never did
and never will resort to it. If Parlia
ment we to attempt to establish it, the
result would be the overthrow of the
Government Ours is a free govern•
ment resting upon the consent of the
pcop'e, and- to require that every man
between 18 and 35, should perform mils
itaiy service without the consent of his
State would be destructive of the lib
erty of the people. Was it ever con
ceived of before by the wildest imagi
nation, that such power was conferred
upon Congress? The gentleman (Mr.
W.) says that Washington, Jefl'crson,
and others favored the exercise of this
power. He had heard great names
called up before to sanction great sins.
Did Washington ever propose to con
ve t this country into one great camp
Mr. 0 said he had great, ccnfidcnce in
the President, but if Washington him
self were living, and endowed with all
the virtues ascribed to him, he would
not put the liberties of people into his
hands. Our President might not abuse
the power, but some future military
chieftain might ava.l himselfof the pre-,
cedent to do so.
The motion to refer the message to
the Committee on Military Affairs was
then agreed to, whereupon the Senate
went into secret legislative session.
■ ■
SYNOPSIS.
Some of the patriotic ladies of
New Orleans, have prepared a splendid
sword to present to Gen. Sterling Price
of Missouri. Tho scabbard is of solid
Gold—the blade of the finest Steel,
beautifully embellished, and the grasps
ing part of the hilt of carved Ivory,
and the guard and ornaments of gold.
The N. Y. Post says, the retreat from
Manassas was the most masterly affair
in ancient or modern warfare. That it
changes the character of the war and
protracts ihe contest for a long period.
A lady of Milledgeville, Ga., recently
made for one of her soldier friends a
coat, on the lining of which was writ
ten: “If the wearer of this coat fights
as bravely as the maker talks, the
Yankees will never see the back of it.’
Lt. Pendergrast of the frigate Con
gress, in his official report, acknowl
edgesan immense loss of life from the
guns of the Virginia, and states that
his vessel was set on fire by hot shot
from the Virginia.
An exchange urges the enlist
ment of a certain number of able-bodied
and trusty slaves with every company
—say tei^ the drtidge-
to receive the usual pay of a
private as the wages of the negro. The
idea seems a good one, for the services
of the negro contingent would save
many a brave but delicate soldier from
the hospital.
It is stated that the Fourth Alabama
Regiment, in the army of the Potomac,
pioposcs to reenlist for the war, reject
ing alike the fifty dollars bounty and
the sixty days’ furlough, saying that
the cause is enough.
The Norfolk correspondent of the
Petersbug Express, learns from reliable
private sources, that when the ship
with the Port Royal stolen cotton ar
rived at New York, a match was ap
plied to the hold by some one, and ship
and cargo were consumed.
Cheap, but Good Blacking—A friend
has suggested to us a recipe for making
blacking, which he says can he recom
mended both on account of its cheap
ness and its quality : To a teacup of
molasses stir iu lampblack until it is
black. Then add the whites of two
eggs, well beaten, and to this add a
pin! of vinegar or whiskey, and put in
a bottle for use, shake it before using.
The experiment is at least worth a trial.
A neatly polished boot is an ornament
to the person of any man or woman, as
much so indeed, as a clean shirt bosom
or collar.
Substitute for Soda.— A lady sends
ths following, which we publish for the
information of housekeepers:
To the ashes of corn cobs, add a lit
tle boiling water. After allowing it to
stand for a few minutes, pour off the
lye, which can be used at once with an
acid (hour milk or vinegar.) It makes
the bread as light almost as soda.
For Diarrikea.—Boil a quarter of a
pound of Rice in three quat t&f water,
till soft as paste, skimming it well.—
Strain the liquor and sweeten it with
sugar or honey. Apples or lemon peel
may be boiled with the rice, or lemon
peel added.
B?&„Duvid 11. Reins, ths oldest prin
ter in New York, died yesterday morn
ing at Morissania, aged eighty years.
Mr. Reins was one of the veterans of
1812, and served in the same artillery
corps with Alderman Stoneall and
other prominent typos of that period.-
Notwithstanding his advanced age, he
continued to labor at his profession as
a compositor until about two years
since, when bis enfeebled state of mind
and body compelled him to relinquish
his occupation.
Mr. Reins was one ol the founders
of the New York Typographical Socie
ty, and his name is recorded as S- cre
tary in the minutes of the first meeting
of the Society, July 4, 1809. At the
request of the late Dr. Francis, imme
diately after the exercises attended on
the fiftieth anniversary of the institu
tion in 1839, Mr. Reins sat for his por
trait, which njw hangs upon the walls
of the Printer’s Library.—New York
Paper, 20th tilt.
Gen. Shields—Prophecy Fulfilled.
—The Columbia Guardian, says, Gen.
Shields commanded tho Palmetto regi
ment in Mexico. After the campaign
he paid a visit to Columbia, and was
fi-ted and feasted. In the course of a
speech he made from the portico of one
of our hotels, after applauding the dar
ing and heroic deeds of the regiment,
he said that in substance be hoped, if
ever he drew his sword against South
Caiolinians, his arm might be severed
from his body. •
The prophecy or self malediction has
been literally fulfilled. Recreant, as
he has proved himself to be to his most
solemn asseverations, the only regret
felt here is the shell only fulfilled the
malediction he invoked upon his body.
B®»Capt. John H. Morgan, the dash
ing hero and Marion of the war, owned
property to the amount of $300,000 at
the commencement of the war. That
has been confiscated, and he is now
wifeless, childless and homeless.
Arrest of Capt.’ Fry.—This celebra
ted East Tennessee tory and bridge
burner was arrested, with 19 of his
men, and brought to Knoxville on the
30th ult; he had formerly been captured,
and released on taking the oath. No
sooner had he been released than lie
gathered up his old company of rag
muffins and started anew, on his old
business of robbery and murder. He
is now safe, and will be hung without
the benefit of clergy ; he is said to be
one of the worst
are bare footed, ragged and filthy—fit
tools for Abe and Andy; they reside in
Greene county, and are a partof Andy’s
neighbors and former constituents.—
We learn the above facts from a letter
from Knoxvillc.-Rome Courier, 3d inst.
The Brutal Ruffians—The murder
ous firing of the Yankees upon the
flag of true which we sent, after the
battle near Winches ter, to bury our dead
is of a piece with the shelling of a
town full of women and children at
Newbern, and with their whole inhu
man and barbarous conduct through
the war. Gcu Shields, the commander
of the enemy’s force, by whom this
brutal deed was performed, is the same
who received an ovation from the citi
zens of Richmond soon after the Mex
ican war . Thiffis his method of repay
ing Virginia hospitality.
From the Richmond Dispatch, 31st ult.
Contributions of Bells.
The correspondence which follows
explains itself. We give it a place in
our columns as showing the determin
ed spirit with which the various relig
ious denominations are resolved upou
the prosecution of the war. It is
this spirit which will eventually bring
us triumphantly through the present
struggle and achieve the independence
for which we are contending. Sacri
fices are to be made, and the example
set by the Christian denominations of
Georgia, in surronding the bells which
have summoned their congregations to
the house of worship, will have a moral
effect inspiring in the highest degree:
Ordnance Office, Richmond, )
March 28, 1862. J
Publishers of Richmond Dispatch:
Gentlemen: Enclosed is a copy of a
letter from four clergymen of Marietta,
Georgia, tendering the bells of their
churches to be cast into cannon for the
use of the Confederate States. The
offer has been accepted.
It is presumed that you will deem
the letter worthy of publication in tho
columns of your journal.
Very respectfully,
Your obedient serv’t
SMITH SI ANBURY, Capt.
For the Chief of Ordnance.
Marietta, Ga., March 17, 1862.
Hon. J. P. Benajmin, Sec’y of War:
Sir: The several congregations of
the town of Marietta, Georgia—viz:—
Episcopal, Presbyterian,Methodist, and
Baptist—having resolved to present
their church bells to the Government of
the Confederate States, to bo converted
into cannon for the public defence, have
charged the undersigned with tho duty
of tendering tho same. We therefore
take pleasure in stating to you that they
arc subject to your order whenever tha
Government shail think it proper to
make use of them for the purpose al*
ready mentioned.
With frequent prayers foifth J success
of our cause, wc.are, with great respect
yours, &c.
E. PORTER PALMER,
Pastor Presbyterian Church.
T. B. COOPER,
Acting Pastor Baptist Church.
SAMUEL BENEDICT,
Rector St. James Church.
A LEX. GRaIIAM,
Pastor Methodist Church.
The following is the weight of sever
al bells thus magnanimously tendered:
Presbyterian Church 740 lbs.
Episcopal “ 333 “
Baptist “ 150 “
Methodist “ 400 “
1,623 “
Advance of the “Grand Army.**
“Occasional,” the Washington corres
pondent of the Philadelphia Press,writes
as follows under date of the 11th inst.
It is finally settled that the Confeder
ates have retreated from their strong
holds, and are being rapidly pursued by
the army of the Union. Whether Ill’s
retreat is the result of policy or panic
cannot, of course, fee ascertained. Cer
tain it is, however, that may of those
who h ive clamored an advance upou
Richmond, during the last three months
accept the retirement of the Confederate
forces as a full realization of their pre
diction, that the enemy would fly if
attacked, while it is not to be denied
that many who have heretofore sustain*
cd the theory of delay, on the ground
that we were not ready to move con*
fess themselves grievously disappoint
ed. Where the enemy will make *
stand is the next question. Whether
our columns arc to march onward with
out a retiring ebb,” until they have
captucd. Richmond and completely
vanquished the traitors or whether
there is to be another great pause before
the end oi the rebellion is ascertained
are question almost universally discus
sed. When the army began its march
into Virginia, on Sunday and Monday
many who had not estimated its num
bers or its capacities were surprised at
the magnitude and magnificence of the
spectacle. The members of the British
and French legation, who have been
industrious in collecting all tho avail
able information in regard to this war
that ..tlicffn.wffip
almost perfect discipline and its ad
mirable appointments. How it is to bo
subsisted in a country desolated by war
is one of the main difficulties of those
having it in charge. Every pound of
ammunition, forage and rations must
be conveyed f rom the base of operations
or should a junction be effected with
Gen. Wool, from Fortress Monroe. It
must be borne in mind however, that
the blockade of the Potomac has been
raised and that the railroad from Alex
andria has been laid to Fairfax These
are great advantages, but they tnay be
counteracted by the certain destri’ uii
of the railroad by the Confederates ex
tending from Manassas to Richmond,
The obstacles in regard to transporta
tion i.nd subsistence, particularly the
latter will compel prompt and rapid
action so as to prevent t e Confederates
from fortifying themselves in new posi
tions, and of depriving the Union army
of indispensable military facilities and
o f the necessaries of life.