Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-09-07

"Our regiment constitutes part of Gen. Holmes
brigade encamped in the vicinity of the batteries of
Aqua creek, posted as to act as river guard as
well as a support to the batteries, should any at
tempt at invasion be made in that quarter. Now
and then, we are buoyed up with hope that we
may have chance to meet our foes, when ordered
to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a mo-
ments notice, consequent upon an attack on the
batteries. These orders, however, have begun to
attract little no interest account of their fire.
quency as well as insgnihcance. When Yankee
war vessels pass up or down the river they some
times exchange compliments with the batteries,
with no result generally on either side, and then
proceed on their way. Last week, there was every
appearance of intended attempt to land troops at
the creek. War-vessels in considerable numbers
filled with troops, anchored opposite the batteries,
in the river. Orders were sent to US all to be on
the alert and proceed instantly to the creek, on
hearing the signalgun reinforcements in consider
able numbers sent to us from headquarters
and every preparation on our part made for fight,
but after stay of day or so, the feet left and
frustrated our hopes.
Our regiment is not by far the ablest command
ed or the best contented IN the service. Much dis
satisfaction exists, and more than one officer and
his company have been deceived in the commander
of the regiment. Let me not be misunderstood. l
am not grumber, and would not under any COLI
sideration do injustice to any man, but believing
that the truth plainly spoken may exert better
influence than to hide it, l would fain do So Per-
haps the most just and prevailing complaint is
grounded on the fact, that, under mistaken idea
that the troops designated Estate Troops" are
Regulars, too great degree of discipline, similar in
character to that exacted of the prvates of the old
U. S. Army, is attempted to be enforced There is
a vast difference in the composition of these two
branches of the service for while the Regulars, as
every one knows are generally composed of the off
scourngs of creation, without honor or character
and who simply play the part of the soldier for the
remuneration it bears-the other, State Troops
are composed of the same element as the volunteer
forces, of men of honor, worth and good standing
at home, who have become soldiers only because
their government needed them, and the preserva-
ton OF their institutions and sacred rights demand
ed the sacrifice. Hence, an atterpt to class them
regulars, is entirely wrong, and will result in no
good, as demonstrated in this regiment You can
perceive it in the want of enthusiasm and spirit
pervading the men; the sullenness they exhibit in
their motions; the dislike they openly and fearless
ly entertain for their chief and the dissatisfaction
and discomfort apparent throughout the camp,
among large majority of the prvates and if the
truth must out among the officers also Now,
do not think that oppose strict discipline Pri-
vate, as / am, / am in favor Of discipline of the
strictest military kind in the ranks Without it,
it would be better to LAY down our arms and go
home; but, discipline that prevents collegemates
from assocating with each other-that denies fainil-
iarity with blood relations-that drives father to
treat his son with indiference-that prevents one