Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1861-12-19

vi tuc itH OhiO ittgiuncnt mas Just Deen us
coursing some delightful airs under our
window, aud somehow the memories evolved
by the music were of home, and said to
my companion wilwrite to the CHRoNicLF,
for some few Of its readers may be interested
in what we eau tell them of this place, and
our army in this valley. .
Paid flying visit TO Gauley Bridge, a
few days ago, but with the exception of a
very large increase In the quantity of mud,
and the movement thcrclroln of troops.
everything is much as it was at the time of
our last visit. The trip served to remind
me, however, of the fact that was led into
making false prophecy, in my letter from
Gauley, in reference to the capture of Floyd $
army. can only apologize by saying that
l thought he would be taken--and officers
Of the army hereabouts say that he might,
and should have been, if movements in that
direction had been prompt. But presume
the facts will transpire before a Court Mar.
tial soon to be convened.
Although transportation for Government
stores by land is needed but for five miles
from the landing to Gauley Bridge, yet the
road for that short distance is most villani-
ously bad-in fact next to impossible. The
loss Of Government property over that road
during the past and succeeding two months
would far more than pay for an excellent
'macadamized" road, and would nearly
suffice to construct railroad But nothing
has been done in that direction, and the re-
suit is apparent in the dead horses, broken
aud abandoned wagons, and damaged and
lost stores which line the roadside.
Since my former visit to this valley Gen.
Rosecrans' has left his quarters at Camp
Tompkins Farm, and gone to Wheeling
Gen. Cox has taken up his quarters here,
and the different regiments in this division
have been considerably shifted about; the
LIST and ID KY, and 7th Ohio being in camp
here, and the / lth Ohio at Point Pleasant.
For the present your correspondent will be
stationed here, where, thanks to the kind
ness Of Gen. Cox, we are quartcred in the
office of Geo. w. Summers, Esq. Several
regiments are stationed at Fayetteville, and
others have taken the places Of those moved
from Gauley.
There seems but little prospect for any
active operations for the army of the Kan
awha at present, but Gen. Cox is disposed
to improve the time thus afforded them, as
General Order No. 33, just issued calls the
attention of all tho officers and troops 'to
the necessity of using the present oppor-
tunity to improve in military knowledge and
discipline" and he expects hearty eo.opo-
ration from all in securing so desirable a
result"
Notwithstanding the fact that General
Rosecrans has left the Kanawha valley. and
Gen. Benhsm is under arrest, the loyal
citizens of the North need have no fears bat
all will be we'll here under the eye of Gen
Cox. He, with his gallant brigade, con
quered the valley, and took possession of
all the territory we now hold here, and he is
able to keep 1t, and will keep it.
The town Of Charleston has in itself noth.
ing remarkable, unless it be an excess of
"niggcrs" and mud-the latter of uniform
depth and consistency all over town, but the
former with all those interesting shades of
color so peculiar to slave breeding neighbor-
hoods. In the social circles 'secesh' reigns
supreme, particularly among the gcntler sex,
and bitter maledictions are hurled at the
Unionists, in quiet way, whenever an op.
portunity offers. They have quit looking
for Wise to return, though am told that
for long time after the arrival of our troops,
the disoiples of secessia kept sumptuous
feasts in r housssin anticipation of the
advent Of the rebel army. Poor fools, the
child is not yet born which will witness the
triumphant entry of rebel army into this
town, or even into the valley, and feast,
even though of army crackers and red
herring, tuot very fashionable article) will
have moulderod long before the "unreturn-
ing brave (?)" return.
The 7th Ohio Regiment are under march
ing orders to join Gen. Kolley's command
at Grafton, and will leave here as soon as
transportation can be procured, which will
be in a day OF two.
/ cannot close this letter without contri-
buting my mite Of praise to Gen. Cox, for
the admirable manner in which he has acquit.
ted himself in his campaign in this valley.
While he was in command of the Depart
ment Of tho Ksnawha he marched up the
valley with his gallant little brigade, and
the miserable bfaggadooio, Wise, fled before
him, until the valley from Point Pleasant to
Gauley Bridge was freed from tho traitors
presence. While no has not bocn entirely
free from the attacks of jealous rivals, he
has moved in his sphere aud transacted his
business SO quietly, that malice is powerless
as against him, am reminded of Pope's
epitaph on Sir VIM. Trumbull as peculiarly
applicable to Gen. c.:
"a pleasing formi Arm, Yet cautious mindi
slncere, though prudent; coisunt,yet resigled;
Honor unchanged principle professed,
ind 10 one side but moderate to the rests
ruled WIN the sense Of nge' the Ore Of youth,
scofn oi wrnnRimg yel zcal Tor ruth;
generous iai'h nom superstition ireai
lo,s 10 peace aud hate Of tyranny"
Al