Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-10-27
From our Army in Virginia

WINCHESTER, Va, Sept. %, 1852.
We have reason to believe that the enc.
my designs neither to be idle himself nor
allow US to remain 80. AS soon as his
policy is developed, ours, too, will be given
to the light. It is thought by many that
he will attack US in our present position,
where we have again thrown down the
guage of battle ; but there are others who
believe that he will evade the army and
make a blow direct at Richmond. To re-
ference to the latter possibility I feel as
sured that nothing would more fully con-
sort with the wishes of Gen. Lee. It is
not the first time in the history of war
that an army defending the capital of a
country has stepped aside and left the pass
es open to its very gates and then swoop-
ed down on the flank or rear of the adver-
sary. Should the enemy design to advance
upon US here, howeyer-and it also would
that the battle would decide the destiny of
the pending campaign.
If we can nee get the Federals fairly
on this side of the Potomac, with that
broad river at their back, as we had it at
S~harpsburg, our army, with its present
strength and spirit, can whip all the men
they may bring against US. A defeat, uu-
der such circumstances, would be no half
way work, as in Maryland. It would be
complete, decisive and fruitful in disaster.
Following up our advantage, we should
again enter Maryland, winter on its fertile
acres, and with the broad, humane and
conservative policy SO auspiciously inau-
guratea by Gen. Lee, proceed to redeem
the State. | hope, but hardly believe, the
Willy Mcclellan will afford us this oppor-
tunity. He will either stay where he il
for the rest of the season, skirmishing with
portion Of his army along this side of thu
river, In our front-or push a strong col
umn in the direction of the Rappahannock
for the purpose of drawing US further int,
the interior, and thus charging bis loo
holes of escape. The first scheme woul,
keep US monotonousiy quiet where We are
the last, send us into winter quarters a
the starting point of the campaign N,
man more appreciates the importance
fighting the enemy now, while so large
portion of his troops are raw and undisci
plined, than Gen. Lee, and his strateg
will doubtless be such as to provoke til
desired encounter.
To a man, the troops of this army fee
an unbounded confidence in their Com
mander-in-Chief, andthough be does fail
excite the same enthusiasm as jackson
whose old hat sent along the lines woul
arouse a cheer at any time, lie nevertheless
possesses that profound respect which pla
ces him at dice above their criticism. Th
universal sentiment of the army in thi
particular is" Whatever Gen. Lee do,
is sure to be right time will prove it."
1t is not less remarkable than encour
aging to witness the extraordinary yist
with which the work of disciplining an
recognizing the army is being carried 0
Every hour in the day the men NAV
, seen marching to and fro and performir
{. the various eyolutions of drill. The stra
: glers are returning to their command
4, those who were broken down are restor
to health, the hospitals have contribut
1 thousands, and conscripts are coming
e literally from the South These are co,
- paratiyely well trained soldiers.
y How much the army has been ~increas
d 1t is not nov prudent to state, but / ha
o the assurance of " one who knows" tb
: We are in . better fighting condition NJ
g than at any time within the last 6
. months.
The hospitals at Winchester are bel
smptied as rapidly Is possible, and the i
e mates removed to private houses, and
is Stauntou, Charlottesville and Richmond.
ID May this not portend an early resumpti
of hostilit;asf p-