Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-01-16
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AFFAIRS AT FREDERICKSBURG.

BE- II
No unusual demonstrations have occurred along tbs
lines here for several days tho heeDey expected some
extraordinary movement from this side, on the night
OF the LIST, according TO despatch from the cor
respondent of the Philadelphia Inquirer to that papers
and prepared themselves accordingly The sequel how
ever showed they mistaken The statement OF the
same correspondent that two bgsdes of Federas cross
ed the Rappahannoct six miles above this city, the
night of the 3D. aud returned is believed in various
quarters here; and the report IN crculAtou day
or two before the Inquirer received. They claim
to have acquired much valuable information which will
b. useful to them hereafter by this daring reconnois
lncs The enemys pckets still line the opposite bank
of the river and extend to indefinite distance above
and below the town. No exchange Of shots has occuI.~
red and both sides seem little disposed to interrupt the
present very quiet nregH in the reign OF fery Mars
Ia the centre battery the heights opposite are, aPpa-
renty three heavy guns in position; bat whether they
are bogus real is questionable. Of the latter, there
4, much doubt judging from their shape and appear
ance, though it Is difficult to distinguish with held
glass. /. -. -e., I'd. .c. ~, ... 'ffr4...
and msesticay, in the forenoon and once in the
afternoon. They welcome TO all the results Of his
observations Of affairs this side the whereabouts
aud disposition OF troops ...r I..
How long before there will be change in "the stu
alton" here is of course dependent the movements
of the enemy. The report that 40 900 had gone into
winter quarters at Matthias Point Ia not well Aahen'
Gated though far is known here, the main body
Of the enemy still the opposite side OF the river,
very far from their position before the battle. The
vigant Lee and his Generals will Illustrate their
designs sufficiently early TO battle another on TO Rich
mond" movement One Of the enemys plckets obsery
ing one OF our with hoe spade apparently dig
ging day or two SINCE said You needn't be diggin
Nd that around IRE amt comm Deer there any more
The facetious Yankee doubt unconscious expressed
the real intention of his commander-in-chef.
flag of truce came to-day unfortunately
there many of our friends in Stafford county within
the enemys lines who did anticipate the present
condition Of affairs consequently applications msdo
every day to the General commanding the communcI.
ton from the other side General Sumner for permission
to cross the ivsr The meds opsrdndi of mpshng
this ia as follows: application made in writing to the
Gen. commanding the side from whchthe sppeant wishes
to come CO. and sent to headquarters for approval
If approved it is forwarded by flag of truce, 10 the
other side for a similar ordeal This sometimes
pies several days. In the case of applicant WHO
wishes remain either side temporarily, permission
is rarely granted The Yankee officials who accompany
the flag Of truce, manifest disposition to converse
freely and hobnob it with ours-sometimes over flask
of the 'anti-fogmdtic" which they often bring with
them.
1t is difficult to estimate to express, In adequate
terms the privations and distress entaed upon the
fined and intelligent population Of this happy but
sacked and desolate city, Refugees scattered
through the ) rounding country and along the rail-
road from this city to Richmond Furniture and other
household articles saved from the ruthless hands OF the
Yankee Vandals being constantly removed to Ham
tons Crossng and the transportation is far from suf
fcent to meet the hourly applications made by the few re-
naming and lonely widows 10 the officers success
sively in command here, who exert every effort to &c.
commodate. The demands Of the army great, corn
aud fodder having to be hauled ffty miles.
The weather. for several days, has been most delight
fu-beautifu bamy days succeeded by gorgeous moon
ligh; nights. !.