The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1861-12-04
VIRGINIA CORRESPONDENTS.
FOR THE LANCASTER LEDGER
CENrREvILLE, Fairfax Co., Va. !
November l0. 1861. (

A'o'ohooi toi iOol.
Last night it rained, well that is moth
ing new or strange, but runor has it this
morning that it sleeted little also. I
did not see it but am convinced it did.
This morning the wind is blowing per-
feet gale from the North west, direct from
the summit OF the Blue Ridge, which in
many places is covered with snow. The
ground is slippery, frozen and crus,ed
over the wind is driving the smoke in
every direction, especially in the direction
Of the eyes, which causes them to be red,
watery aad iphamed the tents are pop.
ping, tearing and many tumbling over
It is the first severe cold, clear and terrific
gale we have had. Heretofore, the winds
that frequented these parts have been &C.
companied with heavy rains. Some, and
among the number myself, had sor,er
concluded 10 never mind the weather so
it did not rain, but this morning all are
willing to adopt the sentiment Of the
poet: "never mind the weather so the
wind don't blow" So you see but few
are satisfied entirely with matters and
things as they occur, bpt nevertheless,
any person is somewhat excusable for
growing" at the force and terrific gale
Of to-day. Pop goea rent in one Of
the tents-therc goes another struck to
the ground. 1t is impossible to write lon
ger-my eating tent u should have said
dining room,) is tearing into fragments,
and the Office tent has fallen, struck with.
out hands-so my attention and services
are called hence.
November l7th.
We'll, the gale continued throughout
the day. but happily subsided about dark,
many tents have been seriously injured,
torn 50 that they are not worth mending
even If the strength Of the cloth would
permit. This morning snow can be seen
distinctly on the Blue Ridge, and it ap.
pears to cover the ground in some places.
Tis said by some and believed by many,
that this place will be our winter quarters.
That is perfectly absurd and ridiculous.
1t is high range with the lands, partic.
ularly in the direction Of the mountains,
cleared. The wood, which is now but
scantv, is about one and half to two miles
off. The immense demand necessary for
the half way ,mfort Of so large force,
will soon reduce that into an or N plain.
II cannot grow up into forest again dur
ing our occupancy. do not know what
is designed, but do know our forces can
never winter here. Should it be attemp.
led, many. very many, had better send
right away and procure their coffins, for
they will be needed and useds The ex.
tensive Qualifications which are going on
indicate, however, shat we will be kept
in this locality for sorue time. Redoubts
and fortifca,ions for the operations Of our
heavy artillery are erected on every com.
mapdng eminence. These are connect,
ed with saps, double saps and trenches
for the operations Of the infantry with
Rsddans and Lunettes and other scispti
fic upheavings-all la,d Out according to
rule and strategy. Capt. WyIie is still
engaged in laying out and assembling
them according to scinolfe on;e
principles and gslp allT|
minE>e compile
jp,sress O. &! !! -
Capt. w, loSh!s scient' =