Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1862-10-24
An Inside vgev Of Lees Army.

4 correspondent Of the Savannah Repnb-
hcan, who is with Lees army, writes from
Winchester, Va, on the 26lh alt, that he was
not all prepared for the hardshps that army
had experienced since it left the Rappahan-
mock, and that he could recall no parallel in
stance in history, except Napoleon's disastrous
retreat from Moscow, where an army had done
more marching and lighting, under such great
disadvantages, than Lees. During a whole
month the army had but four days rest. One
filth of the men were barel0oted, one half in
rags, and the whole half lamished. The coun-
try through which they were passing was des-
ola;ed, and the transportation was insufficient
TO keep the army supplied, and when provis-
ion trains arrived the men seldom had lime to
cook. and many Of them had LETT their cooking
utensils behind. 1t was not unusual to see a
company of starving men have a barrel Of
-four distributed to them, which they could not
make into bread. No army on this continent,
continues the writer, has suffered so much as
the army of Northern Virginia within the
last three months. But their past trials
hardly worth naming in comparison with the
suficrings in store for the winter. unless the
people Of the Confederate States everywhere
and in whatever circumstances come to its i'm
mediate relief. lie says ''the men must have
clothing and shoes this winter. They must
have something TO cover themselves when
sleeping, and to protect themselves from the
driving sleet and snow storms when on duty.
This must be done, though friends at home
should have to wear cotton and sit by tie fire.
1t is not necessary to counsel violent measures;
br1+ mt eaI hot he
permitted to accumulate leather and cloth for
purposes Of speculation. It was hoped that
we might obtain winter supplies in Maryland.
This hope was born after the arny left Rich
mond, and has now misarably perished The
Government is unable to furnish supplies, for
they are not TO be had in tAis country. If il
had exercised little foresig BIT last spring aRd
summer when the vessels were running the
blockade, with cargos oflinen, calico, aud 9th
er articles Of like Importance, Il partial supply
at least, Of hats, blankets, shoes and wooden
goods might have been obtained from England
But loFesigh: is a quality OF the mind that is
seldom put in pruct.ce in these days,
Bat whatever may be done by the people
should be done Immediately. Not one mo-
ment can be lost that will not be marked, as
by the second hand of u watch. with the pangs
OF sufferer. Already the hills and valleys
in this high latitude have been visited by frost
and the nights are unconfOrtably cool TO the
man who sleeps upon the ground.
il the army Of Virginia could march thro'
the South just as it is-raggcd and barelooted
and hatc>s-many of the men limping along,
and not quite well Of their wounds and sick
ness, yet cheerful and not willing to abandon
their places in The ranks-thcir clothes riddled
with balls, aud their banners covered with the
smoke and dust ei battle, ausl shot into tattcrs.
many of them inscribed with Villa nsbHrg.
'Seven Pines" Chimes MILL "Garrett's
Farm" Front Royal" 'McD well Cedar
Ran, and other victorious f-lls-if this army
Of veterans thus clad and shpI, with tattera.l
uniforms and banners, coui.l march from
Richmond to the Mississippi, it wond produce
IA sensation that has no parallel in history
since Peter the Hermit led his swelling hosts
across Elrope 10 the rescue Of the Hoy Sep
ulchey.