Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1863-02-09

Old Letters-or q kind word to the Young ;
The First Glass-or good advice to Boys
| Don't Care-or words of caution to the
Young; Wed Druther Play-or the neglec-
ted Children Katie's C~ompanion-a Story
for the Young; A Plea for the Little Ones.
Mr. Hunter has been engaged in distribu-
ting Tracts to the Soldiers and others, on the
trains Of the Petersburg Rail Road, ever since
the first week in July last, frequently having
access to more than a thousand passen gers
in a single day, and thus pouting a stream,
so to speak, of religious literature into the
army through this channel, which by the
blessing of God, it is to be hoped, has aided
in some degree in producing the pleasing
the press, of deep religious feeling and nu-.
merous conversions among our brave sol
diers.
Mr.. Hunter informs us that he has already
expended over FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS in this
enterprise, through the liberality of the
passengers and soldiers on the cars, and the
kind donations of a few Sunday Schools and
individuals, who have thus manifested the
deep interest they feel in behalf of the spir-
itual welfare of the noble defenders of our
homes and affairs.
Feeling the want of some suitable read
ing matter to distribute to the children, Mr..
Hunter was induced to publish a series of
Tracts for their special benefit, and we hope
all, into whose hands they may fall, will prof
it by the kind admonitions of "The Chill
dren's Friend"
SEVERE WEATHER.-The heaviest snow
known here for many years, fell on We'd
nesday last, followed by most intense cold
weather. Printing operations have been
greatly retarded and Railroad travelling great
ly interferred with. The snow was from the
South, and was from 10 to 15 inches deep !;
whilein Weldon and farther north it was
only two or three inches deep. We fear the
poor have suffered greatly for wood-for who
could buy at so per cord!
MER1TED PRoMoTIoN.-Col. Roberto Hoke,
21st N. G. Troops, formerly Lieut.. Col, of the
SD, has been promoted to a Brigadier Gen
eralship. We question if the President has
promoted any mar more deservedly than Col.
Hoke, nor do we think any promotion has
given more general satisfaction. Gen. Hoke,
is a gentleman and a soldier in the true sense
of the term. At fredericksburg he made a
charge in which he captured 800 Yankees
This was under the eye of Gen. Jackson, and
we learn that in his recommendation of Col.
Hoke's promotion, his endorsement was al
most extravagant in his favor.
FROM CRAVEN CoUNTY.-The Progress has
o letter from Swift Creek, Craven County,
dated the End. At the election in Craven on
the Goth to fill the vacancy in the Commons,
the polls were opened at Swift Greek and
the citizens and Capt. Whitford's company,
voted. Thos. Fl. Gaskins, a member of Capt
Whltford's company, received 26 votes cas-
by citizens of the precinct and 100 cast by
the company. j. L. Rhem received one vote
By this letter we also learn that one regi
ment Of Abolitionists are encamped at Bar
rlngton's Ferry, on the North side of Neuse
nearly opposite Newbern, where they hav
commenced the erection of fortiications.-
They are destroying property and havinl
things their own way generally.
HIGHLY PRAIsEwoRTHY-The two House
of our Legislature during the severe col
weather of last week, voted to contribut
their PER DIEM for one day, for the purpos
of purchasing wood for the INDECENT familie
of soldiers of this city, and that a Commute
of three be appointed to receive and pay tn
same to the Mayor, who shall apply it an
neediGtely as herein specified.
The resolution was agreed to by acclaim,
ton, and Messrs. Grissom, Williams, an
Harris of Chatham. were appointed a Com
mittes to collect and hand the money over
MAGNANIMoUs CoNDUor.-We lear
: that when Capt. Garrett was made Colon
+ of the 9th North Carolina State Troop
:, on the resignation of Col. McRae, CAP
. Hill, who was entitled to the position
= Lieutenant Colonel in the line of pre-
!. motion, vas appointed to that Office, ar
:, Capt. Lea was appointed Major. B
it Capt. Hill, with singular magnanimit
It declined the position, and returned
! commission to Gov. Vance, with the III
. derstanding that Capt. Lea should fill t
place, on the ground that Capt. Lea "