Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1861-07-17
SUFFOLK, VA, Jul, 10th, 1861

Editor s irit ef the 1ge:-Since l wrote
YOU last, the ever memorable anniversary lay
of American independence has come and
gone. | am happy 10 say that it was 40;
wholly un0bserved in our Regiment. By or
der OF tic Colonel, all drills and otner duties,
except guard mounting, were suspended
GAIT lance had been chosen to deliver the
patriotic Grafton during the day, but being
absent on a visit to Norfolk, it appears that
he had p olonged. his visit on purpose to
avoid the labor of making a speech, but ar
irving just before night, he was forced 20 do
late what be should have done sooner. a
couple of bonfires having been kindied, and
a temporary IoStrum erected, he Was mount
cd upon it, and proceeded t. give us the best
entertainment he was able To afford under
the circumstances Those acquainted with
him as a stump speaker think he fully met
their expectations. This is perhaps sufficient
Tor me to say on this point.
| am heartily glad that the people Of the
South did not see proper to ignore the glori-
Gus old fourth for | am sure we do not feel
that in this mighty revolution in which We
are involved, we ere retracing our steps and
returning to the despotism which our fore
fathers threw off. But, If in fact, we are
only removing from repubiieanism to mon
arcby, why then. it might be well enough to
learn to regard the fourth of July as other
days of the year. God forbid that this should
be 50
The third Regiment has left this place and
removed to some point on or near James
River-Old Town, perhaps. We arc in
formed that after Their arrival, Col. Fender,
Capt Scales, and others, went out upon the
river in a boat, on a accommodating eXpcGi-
ton, and were fired upon by the enemy, a
shell filling within a short distance of them
At this ~jnncture a fit Of leaving" seizeC
them, but the tide having retired, they ha,
to bid alden to the boat. and give tneir Lex:
an Introduction t. water and mud-resulting
however, in a very BRET acquaintance. w
must be watchful when we are near the line
Of the foe.
Yesterday Camp Bragg cas- broken uF
and tie fourth Regiment removed to the SIT
'ecent y evacuated by the third, in Suffolt
Though the distance was only three miles,
who,e day was occupied in the removal, an
large quantities of preparation were forfei eC
On last night a member Of Company
"Roanrke Minute Men" breathed his las
lie was recovering from measles and rtlapse'
Ills name | have MT learned. | hepe tn;
in dying he has made a happy exchange
worlds. This is the end of all men, and
were well for the living TO lay it to heart.
The message Of Abe, calling for 10000
men, and money in proportion. has been rt
ceived and carefully perused. IL produces
no surprise or any great sensation. of ar
kind. We know he intends to do his best
subdue the South, but we believe that, tn
| is one little thing he can't d.. If he thin
he can subjugate the South with a force
: only 400, QUO men, he cert iin'y, in my OPT:
: ion, undertakes the magnitude of his undo
; taking. ROUGH & READY.
: p. S.-We have just learned that Cover
: or Ellis brelthed his last, az the Red Sulph
{ Spiings, III Virginia, on Sunday. The mt
: anchoiy intelligence was received / in our Car
with profound grief. We presume our @
e onel will give orders for a suitable demo
II stration on account of the mournful eve
: | have not time to add more now.
e R. & r.