The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-07-25
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n, Correspondence Of the LouisriI!s Courier !
NA VI "eherai y JohDSton--snteresting Let
ter.
CANT NEAR WINCHESTER, July s.
lne iohoWng special order of cur commander
~ .nlIi, reau 10 The various commands at Ieville,
yesterday, VIII explain why we have again fallen
back upon Winchester, without having encopn-
tered the enemy: s ~
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE SHENANDOAH,
DaRkEsVIiLE, July 6.
The General announces to his gallant command
that for four days he has offered battle to c aatv
superior force. 1t has been cliued. To attack
the enemy in his position would involve sacrifice
of life too heavy for the obj. to be attained Our
patriots and freemen; theirs hirelings and
marauders. We will resume former position,
where the health and comfort of the command can
be preserved, and where We can move with assu.
rance of striking an effective blow.
The General expects from his men the same
cheerful obedience to his orders which thev have
ever shown, and claims the confidence which they
have yer accorded him.
By order, GEN j. E. JOHNSTON.
b. h. Smith, Brigadier-Geuersl and A. A. Gen
eral
You can well imagine the poignant shame and
grief OF very great number of our officers and
men at the annunciatinn OF this order After wait
ing patiently for SOM months and enduring griey-
ous hnrdships, they had at last come within strik-
ing distance of the Yankees, and it seemed cruel
thuS to sheathe the sword when it could be so eas-
~ cTimsoned in Northern blood But all Weld to
the eNigences of the occasior and if the command
was not cheerfuily acquiesced in, it was obeyed in
a sodierly manner. 1t is not to be presumed of
course, that we can comprehend fully the motives
that impel Gen. Johnston in his condrct He Ger
tainlv possesses many of the most important attr-
butes of military leader, while his personal
bravery has been tested so often that no one dare
call it in question. 1t was not cOwardce, then.
that caused our withdrawal fror, the face of the
enemy, but prudential considerations, involving
the very highest and mos; important interests of
the Confederate States cause The conduct of
ten Patterson and his myrmidons as rather that
OF cravens. After all their boasting and arro-
gance, they did not dare give us battle though
possessing force three to one of ours
Not an inch would they bulge from
the town OF Martinsburg, and there they at
tempted to sheln themselves behind petticoats -
Against all the precedents and usages Of
war, Patterson refused to allow the women
and children to leave the place, hoping that
their presence among bis beastial soldiery would
prove an immunity against an attack. H. wished
to involve these innocent people in ruin and de-
s7uctlnn IN case Gen. Johnston chose to assail his
position. Vas ever GastaTdiy and miserable
iine OF policy pursued by the commander Of men
VINO pretend to be ifeemea? ct the actions of his
s4idierY were IN perfect keeping with the teachings
oi this Philadelphia chieftain. They piaged pri-
vato property, choosing first and necessarily the
suii-houses Wreaked their vengeance on the aged
ana helpless, and concluded their chivaiTOus ex-
piolts bJ pursuing into the woods the fugitive
daughters of Mr.. Turner, the Postmaster, and
Drlnglng them to their camps as prisoners OF war;
on! 1or Homer to chronicle in sounding Aexan-
drIne verge the gallant achievements Of these Penn.
sylVania Dutch and Connecticut wich-burners.
Defence of the City Of Philadelphin.
The Committee on the Defence and SAFETY of the
city, appointed by the Councils, held meeting on
Monday afternoon. The present aspect of national
affairs was subject Of earnest discussion. Mayor
Henry addressed the committee at considerable
length. After the transaction of some general
business, the committee adopted resolution or.
cerIng two batteries OF Parrott's cannon. Tor the
=. FUnSg m ha do InlI
Spring Foundry, opposite West Point.
Arrival of the Fion1icrIlo az Ncy3- York with
Another Prize.
The steam gun-hoat Siontcell, Commander Gil
lis, arrived at New York on Tuesday morning in
thirtysiX hours from Fortress Monroe, having in
tow another prize vesse-the schooner Velascn.
The Monticello has been absent from port for
ninety-three days, and returns for repairs. She
has captured five prizes-the Haxall, Crenshaw,
Tropic Wind Hiawatha and VelascO.
Mustered oua OF service.
The Third and Fourth Massachusetts, regiments,
late from Fortress Monroe, were mustered out o!
service at Boston on the 23i