Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-03-31
Concentration Of Troops.

1t is gratifying to know that large bodies
of troops nave been concentrated at points in
Eastern North Carolina, to repel the enemy
should he attempt an advance into the inte-
rior of the State. Burnside, it is said, is
landing large numbers Of transportation
wagons, horses and other appliances, indica-
tive Of a land march. 1t is said he is throw
ing up entertainments in Jones county, near
Trenton, several miles this side of Newborn,
preparatory for a land engagement. In the
mean time our forces are strengthening and
preparing to give him a warm reception
Brig. Gems. Branch and Ransom are there,
with Gen. Anderson, chiefin command, with
enough troops to give the enemy a feeling
conviction of our power to resist them, in
whatever numbers they make the attack.
Gen. French, one of the best Artillery Of
fers in the service, has been placed in COM
mand at Wilmington; and it has been deter
mined to defend that place at all hazards and
to the last extremity. Great confidence is
now felt by the people of Wilmington of the
safety Of the town, and many who had de-
termined to leave the place, have abandoned
that purpose 1t is only necessary to say that
a sufficient Number of troops aud other war
appliances are there to keep the enemy at
bay, and to give him a thrashiug, should he
attempt to land.
Large accessiens are being added also to
the armies, both Confederate and Federal, in
Tennessee and the Missippi Valley generally;
and about a hundred vessels were in Hamp-
ton Roads a few days since, filled with troops
and supplies Of the enemy-supposed to be
relnforcements for Burnside, or 10 make an
attack on Gen. Magruder. The enemy is also
taking possession of our evacuated posts in
Western Virginia, and advancing towards
our present lines on the Rappahannock.
So, that, taking in view all these demon
strations, we may reasonably expect in a few
days important battles will be fought that
will tell nightly upon the success of our
arms, and the continuance of this war. If
we shall be able to defeat the enemy in his
advance upon Kinslon, Goldsboro' and Will
mington, North Carolina will be secure from
his inroads from that quarter-the great Rail
Road connection from Richmond to the ex-
IRENE Southern States will be preserved, and
our good old State will be saved from being
overrun by the vandal hordes of Lincoln
We believe we shall be able to do all this,
with the means now brought to bear at the
points necessary. But every man not in the
army should have his gun ready and every
other weapon at hand, to strike a blow when
ever and wherever his services may be needed.
An attack at Suffolk, it is thought, may be
AOohCu " mum LIc ldI &c IcllllOI CSuICltS JUST
arrived in Hampton Roads.
If we are successful in meeting the enemy
at all the threatened points above indicated,
we may almosts surely calculate upon a speedy
abandonment of the war by the enemy-for
it is well ascertained fact that although en-.
couraged by several successes of late, there
is a growing demand at the north, that 3" this
war must be brought to an end some how
and if beaten at these, or most of these i'm.
portant points, that somehow" must be ar
abandonment of the war. But should rever
ses and defeat attend the Southern arms
which we do not anticipate, it will only nerve
us with redoubled energy for the conflict
for the subjects of Abe Lincoln the people O
the South will never be. determination
alone can conquer the Southland this cal
never be accomplished.
We rise from penning these remarks Will
a firm confidence in the success of our troops
and that in the great engagements soon t
come of, God will give US the victory.
N