Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-10-18
From the Army of the Potomac.

OF THE Potomac, y
Fairfax Co., Va, Oct. 10th, 1861.
EDITORS PATRIOT:
This continued inactivity of our forces and
the accumulating picket duty on our out
posts begin to affect our ranks, but as all the
| sick and disabled have been sent to the rear,
We have been strengthened by those who
were detailed as nurses.
1presume there must be great anxiety upon
| the part of the people to know what move
ment is to be made on the Potomac by Gen
erals Beauregard and Johnston, as upon their
success OF defeat, in general ngagement,
will depend our future. They, L believe
know the responsibility resting upon them,
and know the Importance of the next move,
hence, their caution and from my own OBJ
servation (Which has been very good) 1 am
satisfied, when the blow is struck by our
Generals, after all their precaution, the day
will be ours. So far, our falling back from
the various hills and strongholds has been in
accordance with their programme.
The Federal pockets have advanced to and
occupied Falls Church, Annondale and other
places, within mile of Acquatinck Greek, q
small stream about midway between Fairfax
Court House and Alexandria, while our lines
have been gradually falling back upon the
south bank of this creek extending from Lees
burg to the Potomac, left to right
Beauregard commands the left wing or di.
vision, while Gen. Johnston has charge of the
right, the centre being the pike road leading
from Fairfax G. Ell. to Alexandria. The coun-
try about our centre is generally broken
with forests of heavy timber, interspersed
with pine thickets of small growth and is well
adapted to defense against an approaching
army, particularly the south bank of Acqua-
timex creek.
Near Annondale and Fall's Church the en-
often come too near our lines aud are taken.
Occasionally, regiment from our side
makes dash at the enemy, when they give
way in great haste.
On last Saturday week, the LIST Kentucky
regiment, Col. Tbos. Taylor, were ordered on
picket duty, and when at the foot of Mason's
bill, discovered Yankee regiment on top
behind our old breast work. They were or
dered to dislodge the enemy, when Colonel
Taylor threw out two companies, one on bis
right and left as skirmishers, and ordered the
remainder to charge in double quick time The
Colonels voice roared like a lions, and with
the shouts of the regiment as they reached
the top of the hill made the Yankees retreat
in confusion, after leaving three dead and
several prisoners. Lieut's Sugg and Burnett
deserve favorable mention for their conduct,
being In command of the Logan county min
ute men.
The shooting of pickets is not so general
as several weeks since. / believe it was stop
ped by common consent; if one can be shot
he can as easily be taken prisoner.
A squad of Stewards cavalry was sent cut
few days since, and have not yet returned
1t Is presumed they were taken.
Gen. Longstreet has brigade drill every
evening on the beautiful grounds near the
c. H--the 1st, 18th. 11th and 18th Virginia
and 20ih Georgia regiments compose his bri-
gade, and when all are on drill presents a
beautiful sight. Last evening, the drill was
particularly interesting it was whispered
that distinguished Lord from England
would accompany Gems Beauregard, John
ston and staff to witness the drill, when every
soldier donned his best, and every officer tried
TO excel the other. Gen. Jackson,s brigade
occupied an adjoining field, and every availa-
bic space was filled with regiments. The
scene was beautiful, and the most lively 1
ever witnessed. Col. Taylor was drilling the
LIST Kentucky regiment on the same field the
distinguished visitor and suit and the Gen
erals and staff occupied, and attracted the
attention of all.
A sad accident occurred after the drill,
which was remarkable in its character. Two
soldiers of the 33rd Virginia regiment were
handling their guns, one drilling the other ia
the manual of arms, when one of the pieces
being loaded was accidentally discharged,
the ball striking the Rev. George Holland, Of
Salem. Va, but he having holy bible in his
side pocket, the ball struck the bible iinme-
diately over his heart and glanced, only
breaking bis left arm.
1t is impossible for me to anticipate the
next move of the army, there are varions
speculations and rumors In regard to il. It is
surmised BY some that we may fab back to