Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1861-10-02
Correspondence of the Raleigh standard.
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC

CAMP ELLIS, (7leGr fulrTGC SCHtlOn, va,
September 1S 1861. (
Mr.. ED1ToR: While the great heart of the South
is throbbng in suspense, the Army of the Potomac
is resting quietly in sight of the Federal capitol
The strength of the army has been gradually mus
tered for some grand enterprise-where the thun-
derbolt of war is to strike no one knows-but the
whole soul of the Southern army is neryed TO strike
successfully.
We are not at liberty to disclose any military
movements within the lines. They are Of charac:
ter, however, significant enough to make distinct
the terrible picture of bloody battle All commu-
ncation bctW cen the contending forces is forbidden
and effectually cut off The Yankees sorely
puzzled 70 know the meaning of this new order
they will find ont too late, perhaps.
The Fifth Regt N. c. State Troops comprise a
division of Gen. Early's brigade, encamped near
Fairfax Station, about 16 miles from Washington
This brigade constitutes the of the advanced
within reach of Gen. Holmes We have Cavalry
and Flying Artillery supported by many regiments
of Infantry. Two N e. Reg giments are in this
brigade-the 18th and 9TH. The latter has once
crossed the ene,nys lines in sight of the frowning
guns of Arlington, and in the teeth Of the Yankee
enemy. Capt. j. W. Lee, of Company l., with
handful of men, drove the pickets of the enemy
from their post of observation near Mason's Hill,
and quietly enjoyed luxurious dinner just pre-
pared. A number of blankets, coats, cooking
utensils, &C., were brought by the gallant Captain
into camp. The Yankee soldiers are unqhcstiona
bly, shameless and pi.iful towards Five hundred
of them will not venture an assault upon picket
guard of the Confedcrates. The crack of a rifle will
send them a mile from the smoke of the gun.
balloon is sent up every day as part of the pro-
gramme of intimidation. The gassy concern does
not venture within miles of our fire. and then in
desperate haste is sent up and down. A shell from
from one of our red pieces few days since. fell
near them that the cowardy rascals holding the
balloon ropes let them 60 and our airy visitor was
nearly lost. Their cowardly officers will ivite par
ley and agree to suspend the fire upon each others
pckets, and then avail themselves of the bargain to
shoot our unsuspecting sentines.
| l am glad to report the condition of the soldiers
as greatly improved. We can confront the enemy
with 600 hardy resolute men who will never finch
| as long as they remember that they North Car
olinians. They have weathercd through measles,
fevers and camp disease of every description, ac-
qured the habit Of going bare headed and bare
footed love to sleep in the rain from long practice,
enjoy an empty stomach from long established
rule to do without meat and bread and have ali uni
formly ignored flannel shirts and warm clothing of
any kind, because such things do not grow on the
trees in this locality, and and all entertain
unchristian aversion to our Yankee neighbors.
The commander Of the Regiment, Col. D. X. Nc
Rae has been unwcaricd in his efforts to promote
the health and comfort Of the men. By incessant
and indefatigable begging he has worried suit Of
their clothes out of the department at Raleigh, ant
secured from private contributions slender provi
sion for the men against the dscomforts Of camp
life The 9th regiment will claim for Col. McRas
the reputation and credit due to valuable and eff
cient officer Withou: military experience it is true
but a genius which has distinguished him in every
other POSITION applied to the science of war, ha
rendered him skillful, vigiant and udicious com
mandcr No State can claim better man in tn
army, and North Carolina will owe him a great dea
for the labor, patience and fidelity which he ha
brought to the responsible position assigned him il
in the Brigade, to which We are attached, and
North Carolina should claim her just right to
Brirader General for this division of her forces Co
Mcllae is emnently deserving of the appointment
Our regiment has stood isolated from the affection
of North Carolina for her soldiers. We were turne
over like bastards to the Confederate States, an
never thought bestowed upon US again, ha
equipped and as poorly provided as set of beggars
Not single contribution has been publicly made
this regiment unless except generous donato
, of hospital stores from Mrs. McRae, the exceller
lady of the Colonel. Uncomplaning, the men hay
suffered hardship and disease and with cheerfl
courage forgot their naked limbs and shoeess fee
in noble devotion to the great cause. ~
We have heard that the noble old town of Fa,
ettevllle has been the nrSt TO break the Ice OF SelS
ness, and has sent contribution of shoes and bla
kets to her soldiers in this regiment. We migl
we'll expect Fayetteville to be the first to exhib
the instincts of free hearted, generous people.
/ She stands unrivaled in her princely donations
the soldier. Her whole:souled citizens have give
all their whole heart to the cause. Scarcely ma
is left in the place, and no call has been unheede
All honor grateful and heartfelt, to such peopl
We know you to be a faithful friend Of the soldie
Mr. Editor, and your efforts to promote their We
: fare will be gratefully remembered
= But enough to the account of gru,nbling. Viii
am writing heavy cannonading is sounding fierc
!, ly in the direction of Alexandria. The Yanke
have called into exercise all the energies Of Il
e Northern empire to strengthen the defences
Washington. Whole forests have been leveled
give range to their guns, and every path and aven
leading to their lines is closed by bristling cannt
and heavy redoubts We have marching orders
y tomorrow to a certain point the Potomac.
: VIC have fight soon, will write again, unless
Yankee bullet claims my exclusive attention.
W..