The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1862-03-18
Correspondence.
From the W est.

ALTON, Ill, March 9Th, 1852.
MLssKs. Epiiors In all grea; national COM
motions. whether civil, political O. military, there
arc certain leading features, having an important
bearing upon the object to be gained, that will
loom far above the thousand minor incidents,
which in fact, may interest more or less every
community and every individual. Whictbe for
mer, in the twinkiing Of an eye, are Gaahed 10 an
anxious world and The great national heart moves
with its heaviest impulse, the latter remain and
become themes for social and pastime enjoyments
A few events in this connection have fallen under
your correspondents observation, and mar no; be
altogether undressing to your readers. or
course, nothing but war and war movements, in
these days Of treason and rebellion, can divert
public attention 10 any great extent. Some weeks
since the steamer "Cily q Alton en- her way
from Cairo to st. Louis, was about to lard at
Commerce. Missouri, when lady on shore was
observed making great demonstrations by gesti-
culations and language, which could not at ones
be understood BY the Capt Of the boat Upon APP
preaching The shore, however. he learned FROM
the lady that ifihOy landed, the boat and all on
board would be captured by the rebels. The
wheels were soon reversed and the boat moving
out when JEFF. Thompson and his band jumped
from behind wood pile and poured into the boat
yolley Of muskst shot. The boat was coon out
or range Of their guns. and fortunately 10 one was
hurt There were 70 troop. her Ere arms On
hoard to return the salutation. Dropping down
few miles on the Illinois shove. the passes sers
we're able 10 procure few implements Of war.
with which they returned to Commerce TO give
battle. but the miscreants ebeying the instructive
lsw Of nature, had 'sk.]4ddeed
On Sunday. Feb. ., Alton received the irst in-
stalmept Of rebel prisoners from Missouri
There were nine hundred sfthem, and are part
Of the squad captured some weeks sinca by Gen.
Pope mar Warsaw, Mo. Soon after their capture
they were conveyed to ST. Louis and matriculat-
ed at NcDowsl's Medical College. BY close APP
plication and meek submission to the somewhat
stringent rules Of the institution, these humble
seekers for law and order, made such wonderful
kbSSS Nt"h~''Net f'tts+ N't
President OF the institution, Gen. Haleek, thought
It no more than jus, to confer upon them high
er degree, BY sending them to the old Illinois
Psniientiary. The landing Of the steamer at tie
Alton lsyee with its precious rebel freight, Great
ed 10 small excitement ID town. All Allonia was
cut, dressed 10 their Sunday best, eager to catch
tie irst sight Of live and full grown rebel As
The boat neared the shore dense mass vithou;
form or cOmel.ness, was observed to occupy every
possible space and nook upon the iecks, while.
here and there. could be traced the form Of hn.
fuanity, crude and unoonth as it was.
/ Excitement now became intense. All naiurs
seemed 10 smile On the occasion. Winter had
thrown BY his icy coat; spring birds we're dis
coursing their sweetest songs, aud the sun send
ing down its soft sna mellow light ito cheer the
plains below" A half suppressed bsrrah went
Up from the thousands on shore, as II to weicom'
10 cur homes these wild. dsludsi children from
Dixie's land. The military, sine battalion 9
I four hundred regulars, we're Dos marching frou
+ their quarters towards the beat, 70 receive the
goods consigned to their charge. The troops BE-
ing formed 10 liues. the rehs! crsv we're permitted
% take Up tA.ir march in The dirsesiOn cftbs sk