The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-12-03
FROM FREDERICKSBURG.
Corespoe dence ofthe New York Trib me-
IMPROVED WEATHER.


iMrRoyED WEATHER
CAAr NEAR FEE, ERicKspUt..l
Thursday, Nov. ~, le52.
Contrary to general expectation, the weather
Yesterday proved better than The SIGNS Of the
night aud morning indicated. There was no
rain after o'clock, and though the SKY re-
mained overcast nothing checked the usual rou-
line OF the camp. There was a review of az
tillery and infantry of the Ninth Army corps
by Gen. Sumner ami Gen. Hooker also re-
Viewed portion of his troops, including Gen.
Whipples Division. There were several other
reviews By Brigade Commanders, and the day,
on the whole, was one OF the most stirring the
army has experienced since its arrival In this
region. The troops appeared TO very great
advantage. considering the bad weather Of the
previous night, and went through their move
meuts IN excellent style in view Of the soitcned
ground on which the evolutions took place.
Artillery drills have been very frequent OF
late, H. all the batteries, and when called
upon, they will, no doubt, give good account
Of themselves.
Thus every hour Is being improved in per-
fectng the troops preparatory 10 The coming
struggle. Col. j. IL. II. Ward returned aftera
brief leave of absence, Yesterday and it ~ ex-
.nand Of his old brigade, Gen Birney being
now in command Of the division. He is
strongly recommended for the position, and he
is deseryedly popular with the soidicrs.
POSITION AND STRENGTH OF THE EsEMY.
"Wednesday morning revealed a large camp
Of the enemy, which had located during the
previous night, northwest Of the town, In plain
view of the sigr al station. Their tents, wagons
aud camp fires, with thick clusters OF trooIs,
moving about could be distinguished almost
by the naked eye This is, no doubt, what gave
rise to the rnmor that Gen. jackson had ar
rived with his army OF 10000 strong
Deseriers from that side oi the river state
ms is customary with them that The enemy arc
| In strong force, and that they have many and
heavy guns IN position. These deserters have
come To be regarded with suspicion, aud one
| was put under arrest. Even some more dis
tinguished personagcs who have lateiy arrived
| here, are not wholly above suspicion though
| they profess TO DC subjects of foreign Govern
nent | doubt If they will obtain Stall APP
| pontments The rebel army have paid particu-
| lar attention 70 the defence OF the Gordons-
vile road, which Is the chief one leading out
| of the city TO the north and west. a long line
| of earthworks, freshly thrown up during the
| night rose to view IN the morning on the line
| of this road. To say nothing OF these accuinu-
latng works of defence, the formation Of the
hills back OF the town renders the position
one OF the strongest that eau be Imagined. The
first line of hills, which rise like an amphithe-
atre from the river plain occupied 10y The town,
Is traversed by indcnu ms or msines running
at various angles tie sides OF which are COW
cred by preparations for batteries, and several
OF them have guns III position, capable OF pour
ing a raking cros5-hrc upon any Vancing
column. Behind the first range, with an In
terycnjng valley OF Irregular width, known as
the MattoponiX Valley, Is still more iornida
bic range OF hills, which IN turn Will no doub,
be strongly fortified. There are also their IA
yorite woods for shelter. To cross this river
and carry the positions have described, with 0
large army TO oppose US, Is the most stipend
; Gus undertaking which has been presented u
} any military commanders during the war
ACTIVITY or TnK aLBEIs.
The arrival ol Gen. Lee on the opposite side
il said TO be definitely ascertained. There wat
| great cheering there some two days ago, upor
the occasion OF his coming. 30 IL ID said
Yesterday morning fresh line OF breastworks
, thrown up during the night, appeared in view
from the Signal Station. counted four differ
cnt sections, at Snort distances apart on WI lei
working y rites of forty to hity men were busll,
, engaged. One new entrenchre nt was observ
, | cd in rear Of tue town. They are also building
. | magazines near the centre Of the main sections
No guns are yet in position on these works
. only those mounted week ago are visible.
: ARMY SUBSISTENCE.
81 No one who has not given his attention to tn
, subject Is aware Of the enormous amount .
5 stores hich Is required for tho simple suosist
Q enco OF a large army. Allowing four pound
G per Gay per man, ii will require 2, 800 net ton
8 Tor one weeks subsistence for 100000 men
n To supply the current demand OF an arm
0 oil 10000 men, ut five Fornes each, an
! accumulate ten days supply, will neces
1 state the transportation OF Z, 800 tons. Thi
d estimate does not include the most bulk
portion OF supplles-forage for tue animals.
o large part of this, In the present bare condiuo
/, OF the county, must also be hauled Ia wagon
"A over the same roads 10y which the food
!, transported. This would furnish fun carg
J, Tor four frst-class Liverpool ships each te
g days. The forage win Keep in constant en-
l. ployncut fleet of 200 schooners of 100 tor
u "a a. To all this let 1t be remembered thel
!, should Je added the cumbrous pontoon tram
n aud transportation for thousands OF horses an