The Van Buren press., 1861-09-04
From Richmond.

We are permitted to publish the follow
ing extracts from private letter from Rich
mond, Va, to a citizen of Van Buren,
RlcHMosp, Aug. 10.
DEAR BRorHER
y You desire to know how the war is
getting along in this State. can truly
say to you that we have no fears but that
we will whip the Yankees but there is
much Of southern blood to flow before
this can be accomplished. Our usual quiet
city is now changed. All around it looks
like one vast camp the tents OF the sol
dier dot every field, and for miles you can
see their camps in every direction. Our
streets are full of soldiers, and almost hour
ly you sec regiments either arriving from
the South, or some leaving here for Manas-
sas, Yorktown, and Western Virginia. L
feel confident we have 10000 men we'll
armed in Virginia ready for fight. and
eager to advance on Washington and Bal
timore /; to the latter place only to free Ma
ryland, and that is all she wants. She is
earnestly pleading for some one to unbind
her fetters that she may risefwith her
strength and assist to draw back the north
ern devils. who desire our life and property
and who would outrage our wives and
daughters. Maryland is right-her people
are right, but her governor is a traitor, as
believe oars to be. if he were left to himself.
but he has been compelled to act by the voice
of the people Since the battle Of Manas-
sas, our city has been full Of the sick and
wounded some with bandages on their heads
even vet red with blood. and not dressed.
others shot badly in the body. 1t was to me
dear brother. sickening sight. and could
not help cursing. in my heart, the authors
of these troubles-and / mean old Scott and
Lincoln. My home has been hospital for
several months. My wife and myself both
agIeed to do all We could for the sick and
wounded, and for the last three months we
have had. with US, generally from three to
eight ; it has cost me great deal money but
l know it is daty l owe to the poor SOL
dier, who comes from his distant home to
defend our soil, and every cent have. shall
20 as long as can do any good. l have
conversed with great many that were in
the fight, and all agree that il was despe.
rate battle, and that the Yankees fought
hard, but that they had incompetent Gen'
erals. We have now here and feeding about
=, 800 prisoners. taken a; the different fights
they all seem very well contented. Among
them is Mr.. Arnold Harris, that used tc
live at Fort Gibson about 800 of then
are in factory that belongs to me, and {
meaner set of dogs l never beheld. particu
larly the g Pet Lambs" | have also seer
the cords all ready with moose fixed, ths
zach had in his sack to hang reoels. Ais
thu handouts which We were to wear. ans
then 90 be made to stand as a bresst-w ork
!, when tse Grand Army got to this place
should we 3are to fire on them or make re
sistance.
Our city is being well-for,iied, breast
works all around it, and heavy csnno
planted. Before this reaches you, we viii
have had several battles. and l feel conf
: dent Washington will fall before the mont,
is out. We have good Generals and the
are doing wonders.
GIN. McCUILoCH-The hero of the Ia,
victorious battle in Missouri. Gen. McCul
loch. Is not unknown to fame He ha
bat done what the public confidently expec
ted from him. and has only confirmed ia
well established popular estimate put on hi
merits and pecuiiaT qUasIncssIon FOR gsycI
alship- The Richmond Ezuaiaer has ,h
following brief reference to him:
\ native Of Tennessee. Gen. McCulloc
started on foot, " hen a stripping Of eight
cen, TO aid Texas in her struggles for init
pendence, and arrived there just in time ,
participate in the glorious battle OF Sa
Jscin,o. where he commanded. gallantl,
through the day, = piece OF artillery.
Tie night before the engagement he n
ported himself AZ the head quarters OF Ge
houston, who WAS struck with his msnne
and bearing and assigned him gun While
=. he served with fearful efficiency ;hrous
; thai bloody fight.
, Some lew years after. he was chosen
member Of the Texan Congress, in WIKI
he served several sessions.
AT the outbreak OF the Mexican war.
, raised his famous company Of Ranger
, with which he won immense reputation
an intrepid soldier ans daring scout
the latter capacity he rendered most sign
service throughput the war, and was fr
q0enily mentioned In the official reports
Gen. Taylor. Ii one OF his scouting ez
petitions, he penetrated into the Mexics
lines in disguise. counted their exac, nun
!; bers. and effected his escape. Commun
catingto Gea. Taylor. then s: Aqua Nue,
tbs first intelligence he had received OF Sa,
: Ia Anna's approsch- Gen- TAYLOR. @
!, learning the valuable information. S; on,
: IeireSied from his exposed position 10 Il
= hills Of Snsn. Vista. But so rapid hs
: been the advance Q. Santa Anna, that
Tsylor's rear gRAni reached Baena Visit
: the advanced forces OF the enemy hove
e sight IL is believed by many ,ha, the i
: formation furnished by McCulloch saw,
our army IRON de,,Eucsioa- Daring 4
ha,,le he distinguished himself by gala
\ conaacs on the neli
For the last eight years be has beea Il
j United States Marshal Of Texas. His a,
poinsrnens As General Was one eminent
ST 10 be made
I TnK MANASSAS BaruR-Irs Esrxcr
: ksszAxD--The news of the Ball r.
e battle was received In England on Sand.
;hs 4ih OF August, and cA1ses prosouI
sensation The Northern Americans ~e
much depressed, and the SeasAerners %
4 respondingiy elasea. causing alnos, q C
e lisaoa n the Liverpool, news room.
l. Mr. RuSseli's letter 10 the Tsx<s Vt
confined TO gr.phic details Of the rcu.
the Northern army. which he calls q co,
u s-diy .ost, Niseraeae. cAusless panic. s,