The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-11

BuDp's FERRY, MI. Dec Q, 1851.
Balloon Asss on-Icsitios Of the Eaemy.-Dcsisetr Ac
tivs Opasssoss-Tas fwaocurats NrI,v JroM tho Rod
characterization of AGHrs IN General Rockers
Army-C ottrabands Se,tto Washington, &C.
mist hangs over the Potomac this morning Yester.
day however the air calm and the atmosphere was
clear 50 that several ascensons were made in the balloon
Constitution, which has been here for soma time IN
charge Of Professor Peuin Of Philadelphia. Through tho
Sindne Of the Professor made very favorable ascen
sion nj The balloon went up from Hill nholta
milo back Of the Maryland shore, and opposite the febe
batteries shipping Point Tho whco face Of the coun
try for many miles around distinctly visible show
Ing the course Of the Potomac ana It's numerous
creeks. Quantico creek, where the Page lies, runs
about four miea in = northwestery direction
and ~ much longer and wider than persons
looking from the Maryland shore would suppose Indeed,
from the highest point on this side the creek seh ~
entirely invisible small bay running southwark round
the upper point battery deceves the casual observer vino
believes that 10 be the creek which, have renaked'
in northwesteriy direction. On tho neck OF
Land forming the bank Of QaaLteo and on which
high hill has recently been fortified there is the encanp
mcnt least regiment The rising ground conceals
tho tents 10 The most careful observer terra Dad No
troops were encanped below tho strip OF land on
which the batteries opposite here are located On The
southern side OF the HIN just behind the middle battery,
the smoke OF an cncampmen Is visible But short dis.
lance further up recqaarcrs Of milo or SO behind
the battery tho point there large Numbers Of
troops concentrated whose tents the slope Of the
hill and extend down the valley. Other regiments
located az several points in the Interior up 70
tho vicinity OF 0ccodaan bat the main force of the enemy
the Potomac 10 wihin supporting distance of
tho bateries at Shipping Point.
Much speculation Is INDUCED in with reference 10 the
Prooaoe opera,'ohs o. on. :, my EVe,y ono " anaeus
more malignant in this division at least than any other
form OF fever for NJ said in former letter. is good
sanitary condition 10 unsurpassed by that OF any other,
except perhaps, that of General Banks, in the whole
army The patriotic spirit peryadng every breast is
undmlnished. One MASSACHUSETTS, man, who was dis.
charged to- day account Of disability expressed I'M
fegned sorrow, and could scarcely restrain his tears
learned that the physician, finding his recovery
almost impossible, had ordered him TO be sent home
Poor fellow, though tina sacrifice was great, he would
rather die at his post than at home surrounded by his
friends aud no less honorable is 10 lose your life in
hospital from fever contracted IN camp than by
! tho bullet or tho sword on tho battle Geld.
the time confidence among troops which il
really remarkable, in the wisdom Of the COMMANDMENT
Chief and in his ability at the proper moment (Which
they are satisfied he knows best himse) to lead them to
certain victory.
The shooting OF the rebels from their batteries op.
pose here 10 subject Of frequent comment and creates
considerable surprise. While il is fact that they have
good guns, and the best officers from the United states
army, il is amazing that they make such poor shots,
schooners passing caay without being hit though all tho
batteries open brisk and nnuous IRE them. From
all the grounds OF reasoning the most probably correct
tuition Of the problem is that their powder is Of very
inferior quality, and, with the poor facilities
they possess for making IL, cannot be manufactured
by them, that it at all times be relied upon This
would to explain at least To extent the
Of their very inaccurate firing. Few vessels have passed
recently, and the situation Of affairs the river far
indicated by observations at this place, is unusually
quiet.
The may be said OF the situation Of affairs lard
IN General Hookers army. Pckets thrown out along
the shore TO watch The movements OF the enemy. He is
than mile and half away, however, for the po
toac AZ separates the opposing forces do
pretend 10 anticipate what the character Of the
Of this division, which Is evidently preparing for
active operations will be. but the sentiment or every
soldier that with f confidence 10 ultimate success,
he would be willing Mt any moment 10 the |
river and join in general movement TO take the !
batteries. Our troops believe that IL only favorable
opportunity afforded they would certainly be vie
tolous. In the meantime, however, the regimen,s
exercised in battalion and shirnsb drills, and last
increasing their efficiency
The material of all the regiments is o the hest Intei
gence and physical endurance combined 10 greater
extent thar has been known any other army OF
course all regiments not equally intelligent, is
every company in regmcnt but have the very best
material in the world 10 make superior army. The !
principal drawback is tho want OF experience Of the
officers But time VIII have tendency this
a vel as other deficiencies.
Yesterday seventy contrnbands-men women and !
chidrcnwho over from Virginia, ro,0 the vicinity
oi Matthias Point soue weeks ago, were sent 10 Wash
ingtoD.