Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-01-16
THERE ARE so MANY reports about the movements

and probable destination of the muchtaked-o Burn
side Expedition that we unable to place any reliance
upon auy one of them until it comes IN more positive
and substantial form than has far been presented.
The report of any considerable portion of this expe
don being at Hatteras seems to US to be unfOunded
Nay the report that any important part of it has as
yet left the Capes of the Chesapeake stands greatly in
need of confirmation, although it mag be So 1t is
little strange that papers on the coast at New
bern and Washington, have nothing on the subject
The Newbern Progress OF yesterday has not word
The very latest we can find in any paper is the follow
ing from the Norfolk Day BOOk of yesterday which is
certainly far from satisfactory, or definite -
FLAG OF TRUCE.-Communication was had between this
city and Old Point yesterday through flags Ct truce
On the arrival off seden we gathered some rev es
among them Burnside Expedition was al Anhapo
lis on Wednesday, and that portion OF the same mao
sailed From another source however, VIZ eaT W a
both statements and the reader is at liberty to choose
which he will believe.
The suggestion, however, that the expedition or
part of it may be designed to operate through Pamco
Sound against Roanoke Island, may not be without
claims to attention. That island is an important point
being the key to Abemare Sound with its vast system
of navigabe rivers draining fertile territory. But
that the idea entertained by the Lincoln forces Of be-
ing able to approach Norfolk in the rear through the
Chesapeake ard Albemare canal is more than we can
credit unless we are to regard the LincoIne Generals
as being less cautious or their troops brave and
reckless than the world has yet given them credit for
We 90 not think that the idea of attacking from the
Albemare Sound is practicable, either by land or
through the navigation, which is easily obstruced-
so capable Of Defence favorable for ambushes that it
would seem like madness for enemy to involve him
self in its swampy meanderings
Very few of the Lincoln gun boats could pass through
the canal under the most favorable circumstances, not
enough for any effective purpose There are parts of
its course where no land force could possibly make its
way near enough to cooperate. The Dismal Swamp
canal of course cut Of the question: not having depth
enough for any armed boat.
Possibly something might be effected by getting up
the Backwater to the point where the Seaboard and
Roanoke Railroad crosses it, though this too would be
found to be hard road to travel 1t is the only point
that could threaten Portsmouth and the Navy Yard
in the rear.
But Norfolk or no Norfolk, Roanoke Island is high
ly important and so is the safety Of the brave on it.
who are now under the command Of General Wise, and
will no doubt acqui themselves well and bravey. The
people OF this town will look anziousy to the Northern
portion Of our Coast, where many Of their people are
the vicinity of Fort Macon They will watch for any
thing happening there with an interest hardly second
to that with which they will look to their own imme-
date coast
sHAD.-The " first Shad OF the season was brought
to Savannah, Ga, on Monday last and bought by a
citizen Of Augusta The landlord of the Marshall
House in Savannah treated his guests to Shad for din
ner on Wednesday the 8tb This warm weather, if it
will brir no bol nd no
like Shad, but we can wait. Let us save the pork
The Shud canght in the Savannah river must have
the blockade. We trust that their brethren will be
equally successful in passing the sqsadrons at the mouth
of the Cape Fear We think it their bounden duty as
good Southern fish to themselves for the deeca-
ton of the people Of the Confederate States and to
fuse to be taken and eaten by the soldiers sailors of
Mr.. Lincoln.
The Raleigh Standard denouncas certain expressions
attributed to it in extract from the Philadelphia En-
guirer, as forgeries 1t is proper 10 remark that in
making the extract in question, did not do so with
any view of attacking the Standard 1t is true have
dssented strongly from the course Of the Standard on
several occasions well from the tone and words OF
many of its editorials, aud may be called upon tc
do so again. 1t appears to US that the Standard did
more than make of language exceedingly Ike
that quoted by the Enquirer, but not in the connec
tion-surey not with the object meaning attributed
to it by the Enquirer 1t is bad policy to handy
accusations Of treason, but it is good policy to avoid
the use of language that might be tortured into
bearing construction favourable to the views of the
enemy.
TEsTAMENTs AND RELIGIOUS Tracts FOR OUR Sol
D1ERs.-We are glad to learn that Rev. A. f. Dickin
son, General Superintendent of Army Colportage, in
tends to establish depository in city, which will
be we'll supplied with Testaments, Tracts and other re
Egious publications. By this arrangement sol
diers the more easily be supplied with religious
reading.
BLESSED is he that hath nothing in the way Of deaC
hogs, for surely he that hath several is anxious am
somewhat unhappy lest they "spile" If we were
porker, DESTROYS of saving bacon, would remon
strate against being knocked in the head or having on
threats cut, while the wind blew from the southwest
Possibly we would not quite assent, no matter Wher
the wind blew from.
SOME additional bIockaders have been seen of Gu
bars during the last few days. but not in sufficient
bers to indicate that they belonged to or formed til
vanguard of any expedition"
"The Railroad Guards"
By some inadvertency, we have failed to notice c
soon had intended, the fact that it is no oDgt