Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-07-27
WINCHESTER, Va, July Is, 1861.

"iNShEol6h, 'e-s July ~ AOoA'
Mr. EDIroR:- Regiment, the 9th Infantry
North Carolina State Troops arrived here on the
10th. After leaving Raleigh we had very pleasant
time but going through to Petersburg without
stopping and arriving there late at night, jaded
considerably. We arrived there about II o'clock
at night very hungry; but the good people of the
city had supper ready for US, and we were ready for
the supper. Early next morning the regiment was
formed and we marched over to the Soldiers Haven,
where ample breakfast prepared for US, and
after attending to this pleasant duty expected to
embark for Richmond; but cars were wanting, and
two companies only, under Lieut. Col. Lightfoot
proceeded with the baggage, the remainder being
left at the Soldiers Haven, under Maj Webb, to
spend the day. After getting dinner really sump-
tuous, two more companies proceeded, and late IN
the evening the remainder left Also and at II o'clock
at night the last of US was in Richmond Well
Mr. Editor, probably you little curious to
know where the Soldiers Haven is. will endeavor
to tell you so that if you come to Petersburg
and do not visit this spot dear by far to a SOL
der than any other turf around the Cockade City,
you would do violence to soldiers feelings.
The beautiful Appomattox rolls its waters be-
tween it and the Cockade City. On its left lies a
grassy plain, at whose border rises several beautiful
hillocks with deep ravines between These billocks
are enclosed, and shaded by beautiful trees which
offer most refreshing shade to the weary soldier
while the heavy grass gives him a couch on which
to rest his weary limbs, and gushing rivulets all
around aHOTu water III aOunuance. On the river
side stands long table, groaning from day-break
until midnight under its weight of food. This is
place as romantic as the Vale of Tempe, far-famed
and hoer than any other spot with rich memories
of the kind friends and the sweet enchanting smiles
and cheering words of the nymphs who inhabit the
place, and gave more comfort to the soldier than the
beauteouS nymphs tabled of old. In my lonely
marches when worn down by fatigue and exhausted
with hunger, l imagine | can the clever faces
of the and the angelic forms Of the ladies (God
bless them) of Petersburg. Some spots of earth
may be forgotten, but the Soldiers Haven, on the
banks of the Appomattox never be oblterated
Nay she stand eterndlly. There is not another
such place in this tcorld.
Wearied and faded by six hours ride we got to
Richmond about midnight, and at four next morn
ing took up line of march for the depot of the
Virginia Central Railroad, our destination being
Winchester. Arriving at the depot after march of
several hours through heavy rain and muddy
streets, judge of our vexation when we found no
cars ready for US. Breaking ranks, put
selves under shelter as we could, and picked up
cakes, pies and other eatabes in infinitely small
quantities, there being haven for the soldier in
Richmond as there is in Petersburg; but root hog
or die was the word. About Q o'clock it cleared
away, and we marched up to capitol square, where
President Jefferson Davis reviewed reg ment
and made us a short speech complimenting the old
North State very highly. The Band played Hail to
the Chief, Old North State, Dixie, and other patri
otto airs after which we marched down to the depot
and embarked for Mannassa, where we arrived about
10 o'clock the next day. Manassas is strongly for
titled. The people generally have no idea of the
strength of the place. The Yankees never will
come through there 1t is an utter impossibility.
The troops eager for fght but had no idea
of getting one, for it is rashness to attack it.
After resting and getting dinner, we embarked at
o'clock on the Manassas Gap Railroad for Stras-
burg, eighteen miles from Winchester. Long and
anxious we sat in waiting for the engines
to take US off. The regiments began to hold dress
parade The sun sank to his couch Of fire. and
night closed in, but no iron horse drew US off
Tiredand weary from nights journey before, sleep
found us and many soldier thought he was bound
ing over the mountains to join the army at Win
CHESTER but day and were still at Manassas
junction, and at about sunrise, without supper or
breakfast started to StrSsburg, and arrived there
in the evening" pitched tents and got supper-Col.
Fisher being indeatigable in his exertons to render
US comfortable. Tattoo was beat at o'clock and
tap Immediately after. This astonished US. Soon
the officer Of the day came round and informed US
that we had received a dispatch from Gen. johnson
to come on Immediately and we were ordered to
march at midnight. l was preparing to lie down
to take some sleep when the order came for the Cap
tans to form their companies, march to the Quarter
Masters tent receive their ammunition, and put
out to Winchester, twenty miles. Without sleep
for three nights, it was rather rough. Twelve
o'clock drew on. had fixed on my pistols and