Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1862-04-12
Army Correspondence.
Near warrenton, Fauquier Co.. v
April 3. 1859.

~''' %~"oV" '-hlber ScVerdl uayS Haru
marching, l proceed to finish my letter,
though uncertain whether either will ever
reach you. For four weeks we have been
so constantly on the march that letter.
from home cannot overtakc US, and we
have no opportunity of sending home those
we write. All letters sent by usual me ans
are detained at Washington for ten days
to prevent writers from giving the enemy
notice Of our movements.
On Wednesday, March 26th, we left
our camp on the Blue ridge and again
crossed the miserable roads. We only
got as far as Goose Greek. At Smokers.
vile we passed Col. Geary's Regiment
(2sth Pa in which I found many ac-
quaintances from Columbia county, among
the rest Lieut.. Isaiah Robinson, son OF
William Robinson, Esq. The enemy had
a force stationed near us, but one section
of our Battery and few Infantry soon
cleared them out. The next day was one
of rest Capt. Matthews and myself took
a squad of Cavalry and went into Loudon
county, for the purpose of finding Con-
federate flag, said to be secreted in that
neighborhood. We searched several houses;
among the rest Capt. Hampton's of the
rebel army. We only found the "Stars
and Stripes and streamcr bearing the
words "Bell & Everett" on one side, and
"Tbe Constitution and Union" on the
other. Another house was visited under
the impression that it contained concealed
arms, but only few oil guns were found
OF Revolutionary pattern. The women
were much scared, and one nearly tainted
imagining we came to destroy their homes
and children. We prevailed upon her to
bring forth her babe, and after kissing it,
told her that that was the way we served
children. IT'S strange how politicians
have worked upon the fears and passions
of these people. They loved the Union,
and clung to it as long as they could.
Force and fraud alone got Virginia out of
the Union; it was not the solemn act of a
reasoning people,
On Friday, March 2sth we resumed
our march. After passing Aldie the coun-
try became more level, but less cultivated.
We encamped at the residence of General
Stewart, Quartermaster of the rebel army
though by some said to be Col. Stewart of
the Black Horse Cavalry. 1t is fine old
mansion; and seemed like dissertation for
US to pitch our tents and light our camp
fires in the beautiful grounds surrounding
t. The furniture was of the finest order,
but, alas did not remain so long. ORA,
g looms ran their heavy spurs along the fine
sofas, rich carpets were spread in tents,
and ornaments and gildings were used as
horse trappings Books hundreds of years
old were scattered around, while modern
literature was picked up and stuffed into
Works in French, German,
Spanish, Italian, Greek and Latin, were
scattered in profusion, They treated on
Agriculture, Poetry, Fiction, Theology,
Law, and in fact every con-
,eivable subject Letters written gener-
atoms ago were picked up and preserved.
One written nearly a century ago by Mrs.
Stewart to her son David, urged him mot
% oppose the adoption of the Constitution
out to follow the example of her sister
State Maryland. Though know nothing
If politics nor law, yet it seems to me we
,annot afford to reject SO benefciont an
instrument" The poor old lady is spared
he pang of knowing that one of her de,
cendants is leader in the destruction of
hat Constitution.
From Stewards we crossed the fields
owards Centerville. In strong contrast of
he weather the day previous, we had
urious storm of binding snow and sleet.
Jenterville is small village of perhaps
| dozen houses, and is situated on q slight
minence. 1t would take too much space
o give an elaborate description of all the
ortifcations. Every approach is strongly
guarded by formidable earthworks, which
tretch for miles in different directions.--
Tho thick underground in places could
conceal masked batteries and sharp shoot,
rs while open fields in front Of the earth
works gave full sweep for their artillery.
Their forts were so arranged as to com
nand the ones beyond them, so that if
lriven from one they could fall back to
mother. Small but comfortable huts were
,uilt, and the unfinished state of some of
hem indicated the intention of the rebels
If remaining some time. Our turning