Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-10-19
xRMY CORRESPONDENCE.
ARMY AT POTOMAC.
CAMP NEAR FAIRFAX STATION, VA,
October Il. 1861.

October a. 1861.
Mr. EDITOR: The weekly arrival of the Standard
is no little refreshing to your North Carolina read
in Camp, presenting as it does familiar face to
all. 1t has been thing for n. c. paper to
reach u.s. Occasionally the Presbyterian or Fay
ettevile Obserrer would stray into Camp, and be
handed round as a pleasant message from home
The worthy PostmasteIs about here have plenty of
papers to sell always but it is not often one is al
lowed to reach its destination from home
deeply regret that so much o. the old political
distinguishing parties is still rife in North
Carolina 1t is not 20 pander to any influences set
aaoat by politicians that we are Drawing the hard
SHIPS of a soldiers life. 1t was to achieve an inde-
pendence for the sunny South; to extricate her
from the fangs of the Northern Wolf 1t was to
fight for her honor, her character, her prosperity
and her history. To drive the invader from her
soil and turn bak the tide of pollution, flowing
with the breath of union, following the foot
prints of Yankee. The spirit of this war, sir, is
not in sympathy with the schemes of knavish DEM
agogues, Wing or Democrat 1t was to erect an
Empire and lift it, undefled among the nations of
the earth. 1t was to build for a christian people,
chivalric people, and an honest people, govern
ment worthy of a history-and not base manuiac-
ture to mark the extinction of virtue and integrity
in the New World
If we are fighting only to foster political preiu-
dice at home and to develop fresh lustS for thieving
tricksters and gambling politicians, then God pity
the soldiers already Sain and the deluded comrades
marching to the same fate God pity the widows
and orphans made by this bloody strife, and pity a
land desolated and weeping. Why party in North
Carolina at this time? If the Secession clement
claim the glory of snatching the South from the
grasp of Lincoln, it was the Union men who barred
their boso1ns to his fury If the patriotism of one
was. first to blaze upon the banner of Southern
rights then it was baptized in the fe-blood of the
other, freely given. Both share IN common glory.
1t is the common cause of both. | know that be-
yond the atmosphere of courts, or political strife,
they are brethren in soldiers tent and in a SOL
dier's grave. The man who is the greatest enemy
to such wickedness and folly is the best friend to
the country.
Bat as slight diversion, and more appropriate to
an army correspondent the chances for fight arc
still imminent and encouraging Beauregard and the
red-headed Scotchman playing serious game of
chess. A false move the part of either will lose
battle for the luckless player. One is trying to
get the other out and he to get the former IN.
Twill you walk into my paror,
Said the spider to the fy."
A monstrous show of marching columns, furious
cannon, drums, balloons, sky rockets, &C., are the
daily and nightly pastime of the Yankees. They
calculate that by this transparent humbuggery that
they will betray us into engagement and then a
pursuit to their entertainments. As running" is
part of the programme, it is enjoyed immensely
by the Bull Run racers. Our forces have never at
tempted permanent Judgement any nearer the
Yankees than We are at present. 1t was only
picket force that occupied MunsOn Hill and Spring
field. Both these points would be Immediately va
Gated by the cowardy devils if regiment or two
we're sent at them for that purpose.
1t would be reasonable to suppose that our Cen
erals waiting for Mr.. Lincoln to march his
men to Richmond or commence to "subdue" some
thing If the work is accomplished by fortifying
their own capital, then the printers made a sad
blunder in the babboons proclamation.
The Bull Run 1nvincibles fortify as they advance
retreating, however, whenever they are threatened
with an attack. These redoubts will make excellent
ramparts for us whenever forward movement is
made.
The Yankee papers observe good deal to admire
in Macs Sunday regulations. No drill no work of
any kind but license to pilage and steal all they
can for day, whenever they have the courage TO
venture in the neghborhood.
1t is getting time to prepare winter quarters if
we arc to take the weather IN this country. We
will have valley Forge" of our own then The
lack of preparation to carry out this project looks
significant. Our boys would rather quarter in Alex
andria or Washington. The weather is growing
seriously cold up here, and although productive of
much suffering ameng the thinly clad soldiers, is
rapidly reducing the sick list. 1t would be good
idea if, instead of swelling the new regiments at
home with an excess of numbers, to fill up the de-
cImated regiments already in active service 1t would
be an advantage to the soldier to be under COM
mand Of experienced officers, and in company of
comrades who have stood fire.
This regiment received few days since, a beau
tiful flag, the ensign of North Carolina It has
been committed to a safe custody. 1t will be
borne by faithful hands until its shining colors be
csowned with victory, or until every strong arm be
shrnnken in death. It shall flash defiance every-
where upon the foe, and be symbol of death to
every Yankees until the soft hand of peace shall re-
turn it to the keeping Of Free sovereign and indie
pendent State w