The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-12-11
Stray Leaves from Camp-No. II.
FoRr LYON, n. E. Va,
Non 27 1Sf1

I
Eprroa RIruBIIcAN-Uedr o'r: Close occu-
r-.:.- -. prevented me writing for some time.
We are now encamped about two miles South OF
Alexandria on the road to Mt. Vernon. We are
ssiIl in Richardson's Brigade, which has the right
Of Heintsslman's Division. There are thirteen
regiments Of infantry. fifteen companies Of cav
airy, and three batteries of artillery in the Divs
len. Heintselnan occupies the extreme left of
the Grand Army opposite Washington. Near
% is Fort Lyon, the most extensive earthwork
forti6casion on the Potomac. When completed
il can mount one hundred guns. Many of those
now in position are Of the heaviest ealibre. This
work win command al the approaches to Alex
andria from the South and Wess-indssd such 10
iss position that it would be impossible for bos.
tile force 70 hold Alexandra without first reduc-
Ing the fort.
The three cities Of Alexandra, Georgetown and
Washington, the beautiful Potomac, gracefully
leaving the base Of the heavily wooded hills, the
latter clothed in al the beauty of Autumnal 70
| liage and crowned with forti6cation, the slopes
and wales dotted with more than ten thousand
tents, and the glorious stars and stripes floating
over each camp and forsi6cation, presents from
our hill top camp, . scene, at orce grand and
beautiful
Our march through Alexandra, once of Sc.
esssias' doomed cities. vas a subject Of much
comment among the soldiers. Though the fine
hands Of the Michigan I'd and Sd attracted much
attention, with one exception, not word or mo.
sion II welcome greeted US; this exception !
am most happy to state, came from group Of
nsse beautiful ladies' along the line - Dix
played in the usual spirited manner BY the band
ef the Mich. Sd brought an occasional of the F.
T. We to the door or window, when with look
Of contempt and . toss of her head, speaking
volumes Of seorn, she would turn upon hel
heel - II she were really disappointed in moi
seeing her long looked for cavaliers Of treason
making triumphant entry into the once PROUD
city Of the Posomae. Most of the boys saw
more negroes during this half hours march thai
they ever aaw before They we're Of all shades
from the pure Africa. through the various tint
70 whore is would he difficult, association aside
% discover the negro blood. This, strange as
nay seem, b the case wherever We zee a numbe
Of negroes eougregated and would seem to indi
cate amalsamasiooisss are not strictly speaking
Q peculiar northern institution as stump orator
and peesies Of the northern press would hav
a bslsve. This state Of affairs being 50 appa
> rent, it ID not to be wondered at that q certain
advocats Of slavery, should in the national Cor
Hess, express the idea that the working classe
T, should all be enslaved, regardless of color. No'
We firmly believe this to be rational conclusio
Il slavery i to be sustained at all. Should the
retain in slavery only the pure blacks. the inst
tuition would soon die natural death. for in thi
light there are NO greater practical aboltionis'
than tie Slavsholders themselves. The Slav
Pen, . eomnodius two story brick building su,
rssndsd By high wall, 10 one Of the inssisutior
Il Alsxandria. Il ID new used BY the Provo'
I. Aarshall - Guard Hsuee. "Smith / Brotl
|. ssa, Dsalsss il Slaves" in large letters on h
itost Il the building, tslls iss former use. II
{ ip hes bssn whisewaahed BY some Of the u
iea tssopA bus IKE many Efforts 70 whitewaa
shs "psesliar institution" the blood upon II
) hasA wssA not ssay covered, and the sign r
}. maiss - indicsss 70 the passer BY the spot
u "Vhoeo nsn resemble men, wsre bought and sold
AeeWssd O killed. ~ interest caprice enjoined "
}: Neshing especially exciting has occurred SIM
- ~ havs ben sneanpsd At this place except
lssssaaeiGanss n lusss, IN The dirsssioa Of Oee