The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-07-03
A few Days' SeJeurn with the Army or the
Potomac.
[By our Correspondent.
HRAporApTsRs JuIy


change their national character was perhaps
never more strikIpgly illustrated than in our
own times, and amongst our own CITIZENS -
Although accustomed to the use, we have not
hitherto found II necessary to cultivate the
profession Of arms. and therefore have had
no military organization, such AS the great
Powers Of Europe lind IL necessary to sus-
tain Notwiths landing this deficiency, no
sooner are our rights, liberties, and even ter
rtory threatened by Northern despotism than
we show to the world that, without being
soldiers, We can, in an emergency, become
such. So sudden a transformation is, to my
mind, one OF the most remarkable events III
modern history, and doubtless will not be
passed over by the future chronicler of this
unfortunate in ternecine war that now wages
between the Northern and Southern ections
OF the American States.
Although the tramp of troops rarely ceases
in our city, keeping it alive with commotion,
and famiiiarizing the public mind TO the din
OF war, yet it is only by visiting one OF our
huge encampments that this idea can be fully
realized. Such, at least, has been my expert.
ence during few day s. soiourn with the army
OF the Potomac.
As you are aware, it has been my fortune
good, bad or indifferent,) TO have seen large
armies in hostile array, and TO have been
daily spectator of war discipline and bearing
and even OF hostile combat. Before l obsarV-
ed the Southern volunteers in the field,
though could not question their vaior, yet
l was somewhat doubtful OF their efficiency.
Nothing, indeed, short OF ocular demonstra-
ton could have hitherto convinced me that
citizen soldiers can be made to comport them
selves like unto trained troops. This partic-
uIar trait Of the Southern character, which
So readily adapLs itself TO circumstances.
struck me as most remarkable. Perhaps 1t
may appear invidous for casual obser-
yer to par .icularlZe one or more corps but
being broughtm more closely and contln uously i'll
contact with the First Regiment OF Virginia
Volunteers and the Washington Artillery,
had the better opportunity OF witnessing their
don, YfYon md
estimate OF their character Perhaps n brief
sketch of each may not be uninteresting.
The Virginia Regiment OF which l speak
was first organized some fifteen years ago,
and has since that period been regarded
crack corps only inferior to the Seventh Regi-
ment of New York. II has also "seen
vice''--I believe that is the military phrase
during what is designated the John Brown
war;" which you Will eInember our cOnnec-
ton with, and which WAS occasioned by the
Aboiitionist. attack on Harpers Ferry, two
years since. This regiment is now largely
com posed OF the young gentlemen of Rich
mond, who perform all the arducus and
sometimes distas Getul duties OF the camp with
the alacrity and CELEBRITY of pracuced vete-
rams. l was not only impressed but pleased
with their general appearance, the perform
ance OF their military exercises and their or
binary bearing. The commandment, Col. P.T
Moore, and the other officers, appear to be
especial favorites with the neil-h very IA
vorable omen, conceive. Col. Moore knows
seemingly how to combine kindness with firm
neSs--the Su0Utter ia Hsod0 with the J0rttter
M rs-and To obtain ana retain the good opin-
ion and onfidence OF those under his com
nand. This regiment possesses fine band
and drum corps, owns its own camp equip
age, nc, &c, and was oGe OF the first that
Voiun teeI I'd It's sary ICES and TOOK the held on
the commencement OF hostiilties.
The Washington Artillery, OF New Orleans,
are now encamped III a very PIC turesque spot,
called Mitchells Ford, three miles from Ma
nassas junction. The locale is open, elevated
and salubrioCs, bordered by dense woods, SO
that you see the tops OF the stately trees
i'll the dis lance, forming, AZ 1t were, magic
circle around the camp. In 1859 the Wash
mgton Artillery became formally incorporated;
but since 1850, when its present commander,
Major J. Is. Walton, Identified himself with
it, this military body has grown in numbers
and reputation, SO az TO become the Just pride
Of Louisiana, and powerful force III the
Southern army. To tbs efforts OF this BODY is
owing the Louisiana Poly technic Academy,
from which military school have sprung gem
eral and field officers now IN the army OF the
Potomac. Indeed, from its own ranks have
emaL;ted well educated military men, " no
nave obtained dis / lguIehed posts CT command
o her orsaniZilons. Especially Is tlAs The
case III the volunteer and regular troops Of
Louisiana. A. an example OF the experience
and efficiency OF this artillery battalion, l
need but aliude TO The cannoneer nrtng, for
which il has become distinguished. From
hight battery 6-pounder, thirty lhree ST OTIS
were fired IL the remarkably RAPID time OF
tour minutes and seven seconds. his cir
cum Lance itself, rs Well rs the incidents at
tending it, has been duly recorded III the War
Oftlce AT tshing ION, ana III The ltary
Depar tInenls OF Paris and Woolwich Rapid
lLy OF firing was not 20 much achieved on the
occasion referred ~, as excellent mark shots.
This attallon numbers 5OO men, rank and
file, 323 of whom are now III Virginia, The re-
Inainuer beng in New Orleans LIS force OF
ordnance consists of fourteen field pieces,
composed OF Titled cannon, ho HltZers and SIX
poanders, he last OF which are from the orr
glnal kinggoid Battery. The status of the
Washington Artillery Is very high. In its
ranks are young men Of liberal education
high toned character, social position, and Oc-
casionaily of considerable Wealth. IN leay
ing their distant and peaceabie homes for the
Turmoil, of war, these young braves have
made large and noble sacrifices Lucra-
tive profe ssions, extensive business, and COM
nercia, appoin tments, have been readily and
chesrfuliy relino uished The strong ties of
kindred have peeh vigorously snapped asunaer,
and the relation OF blood all but forgotten
in the holy cause of country and duty. Pa
trio1ism has taken the place of every minor
consideration, and now the Washington Ar
tillery may, Indeed, like numerous other
corps proudly point to its position in the field.
This battalion has been very inexpensive 10
the Confederate treasury, as 1t has co uipped,
and believe partially, If not solely, main
tains itself The Washington Artillery il
may De we'll to observe, was the principal
means of relieving Louisiana of the United
States forces ii January last, when II tocK
possession of the Arsenal at Baton Rouge and
seized all the excellent arms and war material
there contained. Thus was The State relieved
in twelve hours OF the U. ). troops, and
Iiched by the possession of the largest ord
nance buildings in the Countrywide property
and m il tary debris OF which has been astinla-
led at three millions Ca doiIa,s The artillery
are e1celleDtly ofilcered-Major Walton, Who
is greatly and deseIv edly estimated by his
men, having been engaged in the M excan war,
while Cant. Rcsser and Lieuts. bearing and
Garnet are graduates of West Point Military
School. Capt. Rosser is highly appreciated
tor his thorough and prac teal acquaintance
with military science. Inc standard or the
Washington Artillery is very magnificent,
and cost si 600. It was presented ny the la
dies OF New Orleans on the 22d of February
last in presence of three thousand troops -
The flag itself is of fine yellow silk, richly
embroider on either side with State and
military emblems. The fringe is deep and
elegant, and OF various colors, while the staff
il composed OF native OAK, surmCunta ted with
cross cannon and bursting shell OF solid silver.
The socket is also OF silver, and bears an up-
proprate inscription. the color bearer is
aers't Louis Montgomery, co editor of the
New Orleans Delta, and certainly one of the
finest looking men In the battalion.
! would tire yourself, and more especially
your readers, il in one letter ! were to enter
into similar particulars regarding the other
troops who compose the numerous army of
the Potomac. Taking them az whole, l
never beheid finer bodies of men, or men Who
enter with iiore heartiness ana Willingness
into the habits and spirit of true soldiers -
Perhaps Iheif only fault lies in an mretuous
wish 10 meet the enemy In no otker respect
does the least rivalry exist. The strjctest
discipline is maintained, but the mdteriei of
which the various regiments Is composed
render the duties of commanding officers
comparatively light. Very few black sheep
are 10 be found, and where they are dis
covered means are taken 10 prevent their
corruHting Others. une dag i person OF
VIGOROUSLY bad character was drummed out
OF the regiment. He happened, however, TO
| be only driver IN the artillery, who was
casually picked up in Richmond.
The engineering skill and military ability of
General keauregard. in command here are