Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-09-28
Correspondence of the Raleigh Standard.
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
CAMP ELLIS, (,ear Eairtar Station,) Va

n,) AL
September 49, 1861.
MR. EDITOR: While the great heart of the South
is throbbng in suspense, the Army Of the Potomac
is resting quietly an sight of the Federal capitol
The strength of the army has been gradually mus
tered for some grand enterprise-where the thun-
derbot of war is to strike, no one knows-but the
whole soul of the Southern army is nerved TO strike
successfully.
We are not at liberty to disclose any military
movements within the lines They arc of a charac-
ter, however, significant enough to make distinct
the terrible picture of bloody battle. All
ncation between the contending forces is forbidden
and efectually cut off The Yankees are sorely
puzzled 20 know the meaning of this new order
they will find out too late, perhaps.
The Fifth Reg't n. c. State Troops comprise a
division Of Gen. Early's brigade, encamped near
Fairfax Station, about l6 miles from Washington.
This brigade constitutes the of the advanced
forces of the army near Alexandria, and are also
within reach Of Gen. Holmes. We have Cavalry
and Flying Artillery supported by many regiments
of Infantry. Two n. C.. Regiments are in this
brigade-the 18th and 9th. The latter has once
crossed the enemy's lines in sight of the frownng
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 a luxurious dinner just pre-
pared. A number Of blankets, over-coats cooking
utensils, &C., were brought by the gallant Captain
into camp. The Yankee soldiers arc uaquestiona-
bly, shameless and pitiful towards Five hundred
of them will not venture assault upon picket
guard OF the ConfederateS. The crack of rifle will
send them mile from the smoke of the gun. A
balloon is sent up every day 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. \ shell from
from one of our red pieces few days since, fell so
near them that the cowardy rascals holding the
hal 10 md Try iSitn yyaS
nearly lost Their cowardly officers will ivitc par
ley, and agree to suspend the fire upon each others
pickets and then avail themselves of the bargain to
shoot our unsuSpecting sentinelS.
am glad to report the condition of the soldiers
as greatly improved We can confront the enemy
with GOO hardy resolute men who will never finch
as long as they remember that they are North Car.
olinians. They have wcathered through measles
feverS and camp disease of every description,
quired 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 unweared 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 and
secured from private contributions a slender prov-
sion for the men against the diScomfortS OF camp
life. The 9th regiment will claim for Col. McRae
the reputation and credit due to valuable and eff
cent officer. Withou: military experience it is true
but genius which has distinguished him in every
other position, applied to the science of war, has
rendered him skiful, vigilant and judicious COM
mander. No State can claim better man in the
army, and North Carolina will owe him great deal
for the labor patience and fidelity which he has
brought to the responsible position assigned him in
the army of the South. He is the Senior Colonel
in the Brigade, to which attached, and if
North Carolina should claim her just right to
Brigadier General for this division her forces Col
McRae is emnently deserving Of the appointment
Our regiment has stood isolated from the affection
of North Carolina for her soldiers. We were turned
over like bastards to the Confederate States, and
never q thought bestowed upon US again, half
equipped and poorly provided as a set Of beggars.
Not single contribution has been publicly made to
this regiment unless except generous donation
of hospital stores from Mrs. Mclae, the excellent
lady of the Colonel. Uncompaining the men have
suffered hardship and disease and with cheerful
courage forgot their naked limbs and shoeless feet
in noble devotion to the great cause.
We have heard that the noble old town of Fay
etteve has been the first to break the ice of selfish
ness, and has sent contribution of shoes and blan-
kets to her soldiers in this regiment. We might
well expect Fayetteville to be the first to exhibit
the instincts OF a free hearted, generous people,
She stands unrivaled in her prncely donations to
the soldier Her wholesoued citizens have given
all their whole heart to the cause Scarcely man
is left in the place, and no call has been UNDECIDED
All honor grateful and heartfelt to such people
We know you to be faithful friend of the soldier,
Mr. Editor and your efforts to promote their well
fare will be gratefully remembered
But enough to the account of grumbng. While
am writing a heavy cannonading is sounding fierce
ly in the direction of Alexandria The Yankees
have called into exercise all the energies of the
Northern empire to strengthen the defences Of
Washington. Whole forests have been leveled to
give range to their guns and every path and
leading to their lines is closed by bristlng cannon
and heavy redoubts. We have marching orders for
tomorrow to a certain point on the Potomac. If
we have fight soon, 1 will write again, unless
Yankee bullet claims my exclusive attention.
w.
The Iredell Express says that the saltworks near