Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-05-21
CORRESPONDENTS OF THE JOURNAL. ;
WAsnINGroN. May ID, 1862.

past four days, been very lively. The news
OF our recent brilliant victories seems to have
lit up new blaze of enthusiasm.
The war news up to date, is OF the most
cheering character. Every division of the
army seems to vie in the endeaVor to make
the most rapid and successful advance. Sim
ultaneous with the advance on Norfolk and
Portsmouth, and the destruction of the ssMer
rimac,'' the great corps de Grnlee, commenced
to move forward again. Mcclellan is up with
the rebels New Market, Va, II miles from
Richmond-B Banks and Mcdowell will soon
form junction, and advance upon their flank
while Mcclellan engages the centre; and Free
mont will come down in force TO their left.
Burnside threatening Godsboro' will prevent
the rebels from Withdrawing any OF their forces
from North Carolina.
A desperate struggle seems inevitable at
Corinth. Lovells forces, numbering $4,000
effected junction with Beaurcgard; thereby
swelling his force to over 100, 900. The coun-
try need have no fears however, for the sue
cess of Haleck's division. The powers that
be have the most unbounded confidence in
him. and men will not be wanting to overcome
the enemy's forces. II our army continues to
meet with success in the next engagement,
you may lcok forward to a speedy termina
ton of the war. The soldiers of the enemy'S
large army already begin to see the hopeless
ness of their cause, aud the ifnpossibiity of
their holding their positions Under the most
favorable auspices. The evacuation of their
most important strategic points and IN ost form
idable defences, will ultimately destroy all
confidence the soldiers have in their leaders,
as well as demoralize their entire army. They
may fall back into the cotton States. destroy
all railroad communication, etc. and by that
means endesyor to pt6lOhg the war until next
winter But that seems impossible The war
must end. The rebellion must s00n be crush.
ed.
President Lincoln and S6efetafys Chase
and Stanton reached here from Fortress Mon
roe yesterday, They seem highly delighted
With their visit, and their success
We we're in the Senate and House Of Repre-
sehtatiges to-day. IN tie Senate. the f6iieW.
ing bills and resolutions we're under consider
ati6h The Indian appropriation bill, for the
better protection Of The Indians and the Gov
eminent, etc A resolution, authorizing The
President 20 permit the names Of battles 10 be
inscribed upon the e6l6fs 6f regiments distihs
gushing themselves in battis1aise, fesolh
ton authorizing the presenting Of medals Of
heneF, 20 enlisted men distiHga siiing them-
selves IN battles 10 be inscribed with suitable
devices
The effect Of these resolution will he 6pp6F.
tHne=teadhg 10 stimulate the honest soldiery
20 renewed acts Of galiantfy and herosm
No greater henor can be conferred upon the
soldiers Of our country, than the possession Of
a medal for valiant and meFitorons conduct
in the war for the Union, and the preservation
of the laws.
The House resumed the consideration of the
pension bill. IL will he passed without a
doubt, IL will meet an honest response in the
breast OF every soldier,
AS looked down from the gallery into the
House, noticed the scat of Hon. John Patton
vacant. made inquiry OF the door keeper
where he was, and reeeivediin answer, ''home !;
sick" We hope soon again to see him back
in his old seat, for no member in the House
has been more active and efficient and atten-
tiye-shlrking no responsibility and dodging
no vote. His record stands before the cOun-
try and his constituency as a true record of
his patriotism. When the vote came to be
| taken, on the action of Hon. Simon Cameron
on the contracts, etc, Gen. P's course was
straightforward. Though a warm political
and personal friend Of Cameron's, he rose A.
boye the prejudices Of party, and voted TO
cenSure, not Simon Cameron as a man--be-
cause he had no greater friend than Gen. P
but the Secretary Of War whose acts brought
down this vote Of disapprova. 1t was done
to prevent the Secretary of War, in the FUTURE
from conducting the military affairs Of the ma
tiOn loosely-to prevent wanton waste of the
Peoples money--and to stand as warming
10 all those who have been placed high in au-
thority, against their committing any waste
Of the public funds. Some exceptions may be
| taken TO Mr.. Patton's vote by politicians, but
| the people will stand by him.
Gen. Patton's speech in the House, on the
| confiscation Of Rebel property, needs to be
| read by every on0. II is n manly effort. and
| his logical Views and sounds deductions upon
| the interests Of the Border aud Free States MS
| Identical, commend themselves TO one aud all ,
| Of every party. We deem ID but an act Of
| justice to refer 10 Mr.. Patton In this letter
In the connection we have.
The weather Is remarkably warm. On our
way from the Capitol we stopped and took
| seat under ono OF tie large maple trees in
| the Capitol grounds. Tho surrounding scenes
weie beautiful. The grass green and growing
| 1.-THE trees covered with dense foiaee-the
| flowers In bloom and redolent with beauty
| and the air fragrant with their sweet breath
and that Of the locust blooms. The fair maid
| on with her dashng beau, the Statesman, tho
| soldier, and nearly every phase of humanity
were attracted here 10 linger and to admire.
| AS We sat there In wonted security, and look
ed at the old flag waving from the dome Of the
| Capitol, we Knew 10 protected MS; as wel.as
| the law makers, upon whose wisdom depend
ed tho veal or the woe Of the nation. A sol
der said TO mo, al ask no greater boon, no
pufer thought than when die. to know that
my oouDtry's Gag waves over that building.
How much bas the old Keystone helped TO
maintain 10 aud prevent 10 from falling into
traitors hands Pennsylvania sent tho first
troops for its Defence and as long ns IL Ia on.
ldangefod, her patriotic sons VIII stand. and If
need bc, dio for It's defence.
Yours, PoroaAo.
CAnp Ar FALMOUTH, Va, May 12, 1862.
DEAN Row I'll venture once moro TO write