Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-11-15

learning the particulars Of the affair, he or
derod the destruction Of the town.
A correspondent Of the Gazette, writing
from Sherman's army, says the bridge across
the Cumberland river, belonging TO the
Louisville aud Nashville r. r., and in the
rear of Gen. Buckner's forces, has been
burned by Union men, causing great con-
sternation among the rebels
DARNEsTowN, Nov. g.
An arrival from Western Virginia brings
dates from Manassas to Oct l6. At that
date the centre Of the division Of the army
was at Centreville, and an immense number
OF hands were engaged in erecting new en-
tfenchments in anticipation of an attack from
Mcclellan. Johnson was there. Beaureqard
was stationed at Fairfax Depot, on the right
OF Braddock's road. and was also busily pre-
pairing for the anticipated attack. The com
bined forces Of Johnston and Beaurepard.
were estimated not to exceed 100, 600 fight
ing men, but reinforcements were expected
rom Richmond. The artillery numbered
200 pieces, mostly indifercntly manned, with
horses Of very inferior quality. The troops,
with the exception Of those from the cotton
states we're poorly clad, and many were al
wost barefooted.
The Virginia troops we're much dispirited,
and assorted, in many instances, that when
their present term Of service expired they
would not enlist under any considerations
Twelve deserters came within the infor-
mants knowledge in one night.
Capt. Dowell gives the following statement
an reference to the reception Of the news from
the feet, at Hatteras
GA the day previous to the departure Of
.. Il. StaN'dRg man was observed pad
ding in small canoe, across from the main
land. Soon as he reached the shore, he pro-
ceeded to the quarters Of the goth Ind reg
iment. and stated that the people of North
Carolina had received tdings OF the great
naval expedition, and that it had succeeded in
etteoilng landings at Port Royal and Beaufort.
az the first named place they experienced no
difficulty in landing. as there was but a small
settlement on the coast, but at Beaufort
considerable fight took place, which lasted
for nearly two days. The man stated that
be was not deserter from the rebels. for he
would not join them, being a Union man in
heart and principle. lie seemed very intel.
hsent and said bis only object u making the
visit was 10 communicate with the federal
troops in relation to the success Of the naval
eNplu'tinh. lie remained on the place until
the $. R. Spauliing left.
Col, Hawkins n. Y regiment will return
10y the next trip Of the steamer These men
suffered more severely than the Iudianains
There are over one hundred men on the sick
list
WARRINGTON, Nov. y.
Interpretations have existed touching
the Post Master Generals order Of the 30th
Of October. Postmasters will recognize it as
follows;
The certificate Of a soldiers letter may be
signed by an acting field or staff Office in the
service Of the United States, as well as the
major, aud when 70 certified, may be forward
ed without prepayment Of postage. which,
however, must be collected at the office Of de-
livery as before
Signed JONI A. KAssoN.
Fini A's't Postmaster General"