The New York herald., 1862-02-16
IMPORTANT FROM VIRGINIA.


Friday. "a returning brought several passengers,
mostly ladies, to 60 North.
The Richmond Enquirer says that four hundred pri
soners Of war are expected leave Richmond for New
port News in day or two in exchange for anequal
ber OF Confedeaes released by the federal
and who reached Norfolk ON Tuesday.
II was believed at Richmond that the Union troops
were marching on Weldon. The citizens OF Weldon d.
serted that place in panic, taking with them their
slaves and household goods and in cases burning
their houses Transport vessels hlsd with Union troops
were ascending the Chowan river their destination being
was supposed, Weldon. Tho slaves tho plantations
on the Blackwater river were being employed in oh.
structng that stream in various ways prevent the
cent Of the Union vessels. It thought At Suffolk
that that place would also be attacked Troops from Pc
tersburg had arrived there to defend IT, Gen. Blanchard
was in command Tho defsnces Immediately around
Richmond wero being strengthened.
Tho Rebels Getting Desperate-An Extra.
ordinary Draft to be Rcsortsd to-The
Young, the Old, the Blind and Halt to
be Drafted-Special Message OF Cover
nor Letcher to tho Virginia Legislature,
&C., Sc.
In tho Senate at Richmond, the 11h the following
startling communication received from John Letch-
En-
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Feb IL, 1852.
UhNILkMEN OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF DELEGATES.-
crisis Is upon us. The results Of recent reversss to
our arms at Mill Springs Fort Henry and Roanoke Island
appeal in the strongest terms to patriotism and de-
mand an exhibition Of all energies an uncompromis-
ing spirit and stern and determined resolution
The exgencies Of the times duly appreciated by
many Of our people; tho dangers which environ US are
too lightly estimated. We must and feel their ncon
venence before we can be aroused to that action which
Is necessary to save us from alarming ills and to
evils which threaten existence peace our or
ganizaton as government. The results referred to
should sufficient to arouse the people of the conedera
Cyl stimulate and call into action all energies. ply
steal and intellectual.
cannot but be apparent to every mind that the obsct
OF our enemies is TO cut Off Southern connections by
railroad and otherwise and TO defeat the ransporton Of
celebrity, as our necessities may demand. This result
accomplished and ono great step will have been taken
towards their success and our subjugation.
II becomes u.s. therefore, to perfect organization
ana bring into active use all our strength to defeat the
designs Of willy and unscrupuous foe, whose march
has been marked by brutality, boodshed and plunder
Every citizen Of Richmond ought feel and know that
the possession of this city object the most earnest
and anxious desire on the part Of It's me-
chanca and manufacturing interests are doing so much
TO uphold Southern confidence, that the loss to would
Tho various propositions which were made by Lincoln
and his allies to parcel out the territory Of the Common
wealth. makes the possession and subugaton Of Virginia
an object not less desirable The casual observer
have failed to these things and he should rouse up
every latent feeling Of patriotism that slumbers within
" prompt
The defence Of Richmond Norfolk Fredsricksburg and
other parts Of tho State Is OF the utmost Importance
and to secure this defence must at take steps
to secure organization ana bring efficient corps into
the field therefore recommend:-
First. That the male population Of the cities and
be divided into those subject ordinary and extraord
nary draft tho first class to embrace those between
eighteen and forty ve the second class to embrace
those between sixteen and eighteen and those between
forty-ave and sixty years Of age.
Second To authorize the Governor when informed by
the President of the Confederate States of the urgency
for DOING to call out both classes for homo defence
companies and regiments, and require all places OF bus
ness to be closed at two O'Clock p NJ, and the whole
force drafted aforesaid TO turn out for discipline and
instruction.
Third The ordinary draft to be ordered if necessary,
TO defend any lines Of approach to the town city to
which they belong. The extraordinary draft to be
required to serve beyond distance Of FIVE miles from
the limits Of the town or city 10 which they belong
ing in the cities and towns for period longer than ten
days.
FGfh. None to be exempt for any other reason than
service in the State or Confederate States
II this is considered hard service let the people Of the
cities and towns recollect that the people OF New Or
leans, Charleston Mobile and Savannah have adopted
this policy, and have steadily practced Il for months
The people OF Richmond and other cities and towns in
Virginia Just much exposed those Of the cities
have named, ana should be willing to sacrifice much
for the common in the way Of and comfort.
the Legislature will pass law the patr. of the
people Of Virginia will respond 10 IT, and show that they
than those Of any other State in the
fsdsracy. Respectfully, JOHN LETCHER.
THE NEW FLAG OF THE CONFEDERACY.
From the Norfolk Day Book, Feb. 14l
We learn that the committee of Congress-, charged with
determining and reporting q design for the flag OF tho
Southern confsdsracy, have adopted one, which
produce in the sketch below