Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-07-17
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE STANDARD

SUFFOLK, Va, July 18th, 1861.
Editor of the Standard:
DEAR SIR: 1t may not be unacceptable to you
and your numerous readers to receive occasional
communication from this place. especially so many
OF North-Caroina's nobeSt sons are now encampcd
in this vicinity. Suffolk has not heretofore been so
much known in every portion of North Carolina
at present. short description of the place may
not therefore, be improper.
Suffolk is the county seat of Nansemond, and is
situated at the head of the Nansemond river and
about forty miles from its mouth. The river is not
naviga6le above this place. 1t is distant from Ports
mouth by the Seaboard and Roanoke railroad seven
teen miles, and twentyone from Norfolk by the Nor
folk and Petersburg railroad. Both these railroads
pass through the town. Its number of inhabitants
is about 1900 1t has five churches all located near
the centre of the town, Episcopal Baptist, Meth
odist and Chstian, and African Methodist church.
Besides the county buildings, there is also large
Hall owned by the Sons of Temperance and Mason
ic Hall. There is Only one newspaper published
here-the Christian Sun, weekly, the organ of the
Christian Church South, edited by Rev. w. B. Wei
Ions Since the present excited state of the country
commenced, the Sun has been mostly devoted to the
news of the day and an earnest advocacy of South
ern rights; it is therefore receiving liberal patron
age learn. more sociable, hospitable and intel
lgent community would not be easily found in any
part of the Old Dominion, so noted everywhere for
its intelligence and hospitality. But my pen is wan
dering from its purpose; and return.
The 3rd Regiment of North Carolina Volunteers
on leaving the camp of instruction at Garysburg
was ordered here. They secured beautiful place
for an encampment just beyond the limits of the
town on the premises of Thos j. Kilby, Esq and
convenient to never failing spring of cool water
clear as our own mountain springs. Here Col. PEN
der remained with his Regiment for several weeks,
until ordered to take position. about twenty five
miles distant, the south side Of James river and
nearly opposite Newport News. Somewhere in the
region pointed out, the 3rd Regiment encamp.
ed and being in sight Of the enemy able to wit
daily their manRuverings; the brave men COM
posing this Regiment have their blood always at
fighting heat. Should the enemy attempt landing
on the south as well as on the north side of the
James, | predict, that the 3rd will not be behind
the LIST in the glory which they will achieve.
The 4th Regiment on Its arrival here encamped
about two miles from town and at the place where
the Norfolk and Petersburg the Seaboard and
| Roanoke railroad. This place they called Camp
Bragg, in honor of the former chief magistrate of the
Old North State. Here they remained until the 3Td
Regiment left, and then Col. Daniel removed to the
| place occupied by the 3rd in order to receive the
conyeniences of the village and have his sick better
! provided for Since the arrival of the two Reg-
ments at this place they have both had number of
cases Of measles and some diarrhoea beside these
there has been but little sickness. Two privateS
! have died. Calvin Troxler, member Of Capt
Settles company, from Rockingham county, con-
nected with the 3rd Regiment, and the other Ebert
! Shearin, member of Capt. Johnstons company,
| from Warren county, and of the 4th Regiment
| The bodies of both were sent home. At present
the measles seems to be abating and there is a de-
crease in the number of the sick
You may enquire why Suffolk has been selected
as place Of rendezvous for two Of our Regiments
would reply, that for several reasons it has been
| Judged suitable and a necessary place Should
| Norfolk be attacked and attempt be made to re-
take the GospoIt Navy Yard, the troops stationed
here might i'm an hours time be TRANSPORTED to Nor
folk by railroad or should the Yankees attempt to
land on the south side of Nansemond in the vicn.
ity of Town or Pigs Point, in order to get to the
| Navy Yard on the land side, the forces here by a
forced march could soon be made available. But an
attempt may be made to land on the south side oil
James river either above below Smithfied and il
So their first attempt would be to get possession oil
the two railroads at this point and thereby cut of
all communication between Portsmouth and Norfolk
and Petersburg and Richmond To surely prevent
such catastrophe the soldiers are stationed now,
one Regiment the 4th here, and the 3rd together
with Pryors Virginia Regiment is on the south side
of the James. The Petersburg Cavalry are here,
and the Southampton Cavalry are in the vicinity Of
Smithfed, and act bearers Of dispatches between
the different Regiments.
The 3rd and 4th North Carolina Regiments and
Pryor's Virginia Regiment have been formed into a
Brigade and placed under the command of General
Pemberton, Capt Page having charge of the Artillery.
Unless some change shall take place in the sup
posed programme of the enemy soldiers will
probably remain in this section until brought into
active service. / shall therefore, should this long
communication find favor write you occasionally or
perhaps regularly from this point.
Thus far, think all the volunteers in this section
satisfied and the almost unusual and extraordi-
nary kindness of the citizens Of the town and
rounding country, makes them feel quite at home.
Adicu for the present GULIELIMAS