The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1859-12-14
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE DAY BOOK.
CHARLEsTowN, Dec. 18th.

CHARLEsTowN, Dec. 18th.
sunday IN Camp The Ladies-The Citizens
Tile Weather-MHitary-6 &c.
Yesterday being the Sabbath, had the
pleasure of attending divine worship in the
Presbyterian Church, and heard a most elo-
quent sermon from the Rev. DR.. Dutton -
The military were well represented, the
Church being mostly filled by them. There
was much better turn out of the ladies
than on the previous Sabbath, owing no
doubt to the beautiful weather. This latter
item cheered up quite pereeptibly the droop-
ing spirits of some Of the "bold soldiers" as
the female portion of the community has
hitherto during our sojourn here kept them
selves within doors, 30 we have not had an
opportunity of getting a peep at them
Being naturally and by requirement very
gallant admirer of the gentle sex, | really
dislike to say anything derogatory to the
charms of that portion of erring humanity;
but candor compels me to say that beauty
does not flourish here as much as in some
other portions of the Old Dominion. The
Norfolk and Portsmouth girls against the
worldl Don't yOa say so T?
That proverbial and commendable spirit
of hospitality which has 80 long reigned
in the breed of Virgipians, is observable
here-that is, in most instances. True,,l
have ssen some exceptionable cases where
the parsimonieus disposition of !some little
hearted persons has induced them to raise
the prices of their articles OF merchandise.
Yet, as general rule, we have met with a
cordial welcome to the hearts and boards of
the citizens of this section. This is particu-
larly so of the residents of the county out
side of the town. have Just seen several
parties of the National Greys, who have
been depending the day out"in the country,
and they speak in the highest terms OF
praise of thos who have entertained them.
The latest orders from Headquarters is
to the effect that dress parade Of the whole
at 4 o'clock, z. M. Yesterday there were
about fifteen companies on the ground, aver
aging about sixty men each. They make
quite fine display, and promise effective
service in case the "enensy" come.
Since my last letter, five companies have
arrived, viz .-Wythe Greys, Tenth Legion,
Fincastle Rifles, Washington Guard and the
Clark Guard. In the latter company is quite
prodigy. The pioneer is l8 years of age,
IceC D lncheS IN helgnu, anu weighs ABOUT
$50 lbs. The average height OF this compa-
ny is about feet inches. These are fair
sample of the volunteers of the mountains.
The Wythe Greys, Fincastle Rifles and
the Clarke County Guards are all new COM
panies, having organized and uniformed
since the Harper's Ferry invasion, and are
all fine looking men.
The snow has now disappeared, and the
clouds having cleared away, the sun has
been shining forth in brilliancy, and she'd
ping his genial rays over the camp and else
where Tor the past few days, and the hearts
of all are again revived. Fair weather and
all discomfort in measure, vanishes; but
when it is rainy, haily, snowy, blowy and
sloppy, it is hard to be contented in place
like CharlestOWn.
Look out for us about next Sunday or
Tuesday.
Yours truly, REPORTER.