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>drarafr. - 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.