The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-26
Our War Correspondence.

Our War Correspondence.
From Regular Correspondent.
Near ALEXANDRIA, Va, Monday, July Is.
On Saturday orders were received and
read at evening parade, directing all our
baggage to be prepared for storing in Alex
andria, and the regiment to be in readiness
for light marching person to take
only canteen, haversack, blanket and three
days rations.
Similar orders were given to the Massa-
chusetts regiment on the other side OF the
road, and until this hour we have been in
anxious expectancy of movement, but we
remain in statu quo, for reasons that are suf-
ficient, doubt not, to General Scott.
TO vile away time, rather than to inte-
rest your readers, am writing this after.
noon.
AS none of your correspondents may have
done it, l will attempt sketch of Alexan.
dria.
In sight of Washington, and seven miles
below, on the west side of the Potomac, it
is excellent for situation.
Its streets are regularly laid out, and the
principal carriage ways and sidewalks are
we'll paved.
The houses, although not as elegant as
those in some of the northern towns of the
same population (about 10000, are never
theless comfortable and substantial, and the
gardens which surround many of them, with
their greenhouses and gravel walks are the
best evidences of a. true refinement.
There are two Episcopal, two Presbyte-
rian, two MetARdist,4a Roman Catholic,
colored church, and one or two Others in
the place.
The educational facilities appear to have
been excellent in former days, there having
been good schools for lads and young ladies.
Three miles from town, on an emnence
overlooking the whole region round about
in Maryland and Virginia, is the Episcopal
Theological Seminary. which for years was
the pride and pet of the venerable Bishop
Meade.
Its exercises are now suspended and its
faculty and students scattered, portion
going to the North and portion to the
South.
In Alexandria, Washington, when be had
scarcely attained manhood, lost control of
his temper, the first and the last time re-
corded, if we except the statement that has
been made, that he was enraged at the bat
tie of Monmouth.
In l754 he was stationed ia this town as
Colonel of Virginia Provincial troops and
on an election day be used offensive LAM
guage to Mr.. Payne, candidate for the
legislature, and was by him knocked down.
A report reached the barracks in the
suburbs that their Colonel had been
wounded, and infuriated they rushed like
the Zouaves few weeks ago, under circum-
stances somewhat similar, to avenge his
death. Meeting them, Washington told
them to return in quietness to their quar-
tiers, and the next day he wrote letter to
Mr.. Payne, requesting an interview at the
hotel.
The latter appeared at the appointed
hour, and Washington extending his hand,
with true nobility said" To err is human !;
to rectify error is glory: l believe 1 was
wrong yesterday. You have had some sat-
isfaction, and if you deem that sufficient
here is my hand"
In an out Of the way, uncared for room
in one of the public buildings of the town,
there are several interesting relics. Among
others are two flags, the first and the last,
taken by Washington during the revolution.
The first is said to be Hessian flag, with
a good motto, "pro principia ct patria,"
and the other is the British standard sur
rendered at Yorktown by CORVALLIS.
AS close my letter rider has brought
an order to Colonel German, directing US
to be ready to march at three o'clock to-
morrow afternoon. Our friends may be
glad to know that we belong to Franklin's
Brigade of McDoIelPs division.
SAINT PAUL.
MONDAY NIGHT, o'clock.
P.S. Have opened the letter to say that
a later order has been brought, requiring
us to be in readiness at five o'clock to-
morrow tuesday morning.
National Convention.