The Portland daily press., 1862-11-26
Interesting from the south.

Copies OF Charleston papers of Nov. 4tb fur
nish some items of news from Richmond con-
tanned in their correspondence from the rebel
capital.
The Richmond correspondent of the Mercu-
ry.says that while tales of peace are circulated
to lull the Confederate Government into a
state of security, the most tremendous prepa-
rations are making by the Federal Govern
ment for the subjugation of the coast, in order
to put the eonfiscation and emancipation pro-
gramme into effect.
1t was generally rumored at the South, that
Minister from Belgium had reached Rich
mond, but this the correspondent denies. We
quote from Richmond letter of Oct. 20 the
following paragraphs:
yesterday we had the tfor some time) ur-
usual spectacle of an artillery train moving
down Main street Orders were received by
the officers in command near the city TO be
ready to march at moments notice. There
is talk OF a Yankee attack on Welden and if
the force at Suffolk is what they say it is. Well
den is in some danger.
Officers from Lees army represent things
in a favorable light. The army is a pretty large
one.
AiS LAofhttVi cuhiS up tnt flftdlfS Oi FtIltI
from our financial troubles in few words -
Sell Confederate bonds in Europe. If that can't
be done, make Treasury Notes fundable in
bonds, bearing suoh a rate of interest, however
high, as will induce holders to invest. After
wards, borrow money at any rate of interest
whatever rather than issue any more Treasury
Notes.
The Enquirer also urges people to invest in
s per cent. bonds, instead of vacant lots and
I..x .,f .s.1. 4
the first prospect of peace.
Governor Letcher has issued proclamation
about the distillation of alcohol No grain is
to be used for that purpose, and nothing to
drink is to be made out of the alcohol under
heavy penalties. But the people are rushing
apples into the still and the consumption OF
apple brandy is enormous. The higher liquor
gets the more is drunk, and it is the same case
with oysters, incredible quantities of which
are devoured at high prices.
Interesting experiments have been made
within the last week with the McEvoy fuse,
which promises to prove the surest, simplest
and cheapest fuse ever invented. Highly sat
isfactory experiments have also been made
with the fat-headed bolt. capped with wrought
iron, for we have little or no STEEL 1t is
not advisable to tell how many inches of iron
have been penetrated by these bolts. Let the
Yankees find out first, and then the secret will
be worth telling.
Outside Of official circles, the armistice sto-
ry is taken quite coolly. There is some dis
cussion rs to whether the blockade will be
raised in case the armistice is accepted. Be-
yond this little is said or hoped.
Upon the street there is a rumor of the pur-
chase by European capitalists, of Confederate
bonds to large amount-some say $500000
and others put it as high as S400O,000. 1t is
reported that the purchasers will give exchange
at 80, a most favorable bargain for us. We
now recall the fact that a Georgia firm, so cal
led, bought the other day, 81 100000 of Con-
federate bonds, and some incline to the opin-
ion that this Georgia firm has partners abroad.
A number of officers from Bragg's army are
in town. They speak of him without mercy.
One of them told me that Kentucky was for
ever lost to us, and by our own fault Bragg
misstates facts when he says we got 1900 re-
cruits in Kentucky. Buford's Cavalry Brigade
alone numbers 2000; to say nothing of infant
ry regiments that came back with our army
While Buell. was retreating to Louisville, the
flower of his armp having been cut up at Per.
ryville, Bragg was leaving the richest country
in the world for region in which it is impos-
slble for his army TO suhsist.
The men are worse off for clothes and blan-
kets than Lees army. In the face of all this
staff officer asserted yesterday that Bragg
had been promoted to the command of the en-.
tire West.
In truth, though McClellan's seeming activi
ty is part ofa scheme to influence the elections
which take place in nine States on Tuesday
next, it is plain that "Little Mac" is being
engineered for the Presidency by the brokers
while Stanton and the Republicans are work
ing with might and main against him.
pretty kettle of fish is brewing. evidently.
The City Government of Charleston has ap
pointed a committee to take measures for the
removal Of non-combatants (women and child
ren) In case the city is attacked.
The rice crop Of South Carolina is good this
year, but the corn crop is rather short.
The conduct of Gen. Huger during the bat
ties before Richmond is TO be inquired into b,
military court.
Lieut.. J. Pembroke Jones is commander o
the FLOATING Battery Georgia." built for the
defence Of the harbor of Savannah.
Chattanooga was visited on the night of Oct
25th, with pretty heavy snow storm. Th'
ground was entirely covered to the depth o
an inch and a half