The New York herald., 1863-02-07
The ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

Our White Oak Church Corresp0ndcnce.
NEAR WHITE OAK CHuRcn, Va, Feb 4, 1858.
Severe WeGtherSeavci.y Of Nel-TAe Non Suffering IN
Conseqlence-7ne Light Breade-WAat It's Duties are to
Be-Qnoliy Of the Troops Comparing it-GNevul Dub
ness-Scoreiy Of Nncs-Leares Of Absence-The Left
Grand Division and III Slander0s-The C0urss of Gen.
Yrdnslin Endorsed BY Ha Men, dc.
The weather yesterday terribly severe. Although
was clear, there high winds and freezing tempe
rature to penetrate the fmsy shelter dash down
the ehimncys Of tho soldiers huts, and scatter
scanty fuel tho earthen foors II wonder in
deed, even protected they by unusual uxures in
the way Of dwellings, that the men have escaped being
frozen Fuel it must bo remembered, s sti very scarce,
and with their superior accommodations, owing 10
the lack OF this necessary article the must suffer
greatly in this weather.
"Pratts Light Brigade" tho organization Of which
noticed in previous nicat,on at last been
completed. The troops have oil been picked selected
for estmable qualities and they have good commander
The duty Of this brigade Is understood will be to pre-
cede the left grand division all marches tho opening
OF battle, in skimish, ana all light duty.
Items OF news were never more in the Army Of
the Potomac than at present. Az General Hookers hoad
quarters, too this assertion Is borne out by general
appearance Of drearness and dcsolaon Indicative Of tho
present very unwarlke OF somnoent Inactivity.
Everywhere the dnness is to be observed Even
the mule teams do not with their wonted aacry,
II knowing that the cxigcncies Of tho case do not
demand Of them such great exertions they
PEELED to put forth month ago. In short despite
impressions to tho contrary there general idea here
that IN winter quarters In proof tins Is ad
vanced the fact that from headquarters has lately been
received systematic plan for granting leaves OF absence
to a certain number of officers and pryates NJ a time
There s IN high circles q growing antagonism 10 the
left grand division and It's officers and have gone
80 far as TO mako publications detrimental 70 the good
name OF this fine body OF brave men, excluding from
their unjust cenBure, but involving aloicers privates
and niggers--in the maestrom Of their malice. The
worst they say hearsay and arguments they do
not attempt to advance.
General Franklin, IT is true, has been removed;
but he left with the dignity OF soldier and gentle
mannot as culprit all adjudged, who from the
presence Of tho law. He has since demanded q
martial with becoming dignity. Let those remember
who seek In their spleen TO viy tho whole Of Frankns
old command that It's majority is composed OF OF
the bravest troops that followed Mcclellan through the
dangers and horrors Of the peninsula, and who's only
crime In the eyes OF their sell constituted judges that
they will whisper IN their dreams the name OF their
"Lttc Mac and ish in their hearts for his return TO
command. or course, under the influence OF the high
winds OF yesterday, mud Is more but, on the
tary granite could not excel its present hardness Add
70 this that the wagon ruts still remain they
pressed foot deep in the pulpy soil and you ina
gine the praccability Of lively gnlop tho country
as is In its present rough state Transportation IN,
however, facilitated by this state Of affairs have
great to be thankful Ovens being erected
from which Is proposed to the with daily
tons Of fresh bread This Is really charity TO poor
victims 70 uhard tack