Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-01-31
.usa,f NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS..
tccrespopdeace Of the RIehncnd Thlg,l
'rrvsn,rptexssrpa Jan.i 2s. Is

--.- - EEScERICSSSLfei Jan 70, 1000.
The inclemenry of the weather and consequent bad
condition of the roads aud face OF the country ara AT
szed ky the correspondent Of the New York Post IS
the reasons for the failure Of the Yankee army 70 cross
the Rap5ahannoc at the point selected K miles above
Falmouth and theft return TO their encGmpnents oppo
site Fredericksburg but tie disahecon OF the troops
openy admitted in the various letters from their hEy
coupled perhaps with the appearance OF sundfy rebel
campres on the opposite side Of the river at their in
tended point of crossing ere not little chargeable
with this failure and retrograde movement why we're
these obstacles not ascerained before the commence
meut of the forward movementP is question suggested
here But will not trench upon the jurisdiction Of
the next special grand inquest that may be sentby Con-
gross to investigate the cause of this failure. 4.
We are left TO speculate whether Burnside will now
change his base 20 into winter quarters or await the
return Of favorable weather, 10 renew his recent in
tended coup Fstdt As the programme resolved onwas
Short sharp and decisive winter campaign when Burn
side accepted his command with the terms annexed the
last mentioned suppostion is probably correct But the
prospect OF an early OF fair weather is just now
most Opous The rains which fell at intervals tor
the past days. rendering the roads difficult OF passage
we're succeeded BY heavy snow storm, which began
some time before dawn this morning, and continued
without ntermssion until night The snow covers the
ground 70 the average depth Of five inches the land
scape presenting in its fantastic APPEARANCE scene
Of beauty. At present, il promises to continue
showing through the night. Fhe "odest inhabitant'
that WINTER, Win It's DAu Nth-
her has Just fairly begin in this latitude AT any rate,
we can reasonably promise ourselves respite from
Burnsides military opetatons Of thirty sixty days 70
borrow the stereotyped diplomatic phrase of Mr. Sew
ard in his dispatches. ....-...---.-.
As YOU may readily imagine, We were not altogether
ignorant oil the recent movements OF the Yankees land
would be glad 70 say something OF the situation" in
and around here, did prudential considerations permit.
Suffice It TO say gallant officers aud men eager
10 give the enemy suitable reception aud everything
gave note of awful preparation" Whatever move
m mt may be attempted the country reposes with
confidence on the skill aud valor of Lee and his living
all of brave men, who have "won the loud acclaim of
praise" on every battle field of the "old Dominion
motto able feature in n rthern IperS rec ived here
IS the ignorance Of the position aud movem 'nts Of our
armies tact that speats well fot the retcence or our
newspapers on those subjects notwithstanding the as-er
ton of ce tain idyeS Wio msrepresent some few dis
riots in the Confederate Congress The empty iguo,
nce and rank concc that dictated the asaton that
The enemy derived more valuable information IRON our
napers than from any othrr source would find its ap
n, oprise sphere in some useful employ at home.
il is pleasing however, TO acknowledge that The great
minority of our Congressman properly appreciate the
functions Of the Southern press aud the part rendered
~ Il since this revolution began.
Items of Interest disconnected from military matters
ara scarce Little has occurred TO vary the daily routine
of life 10 fredericksburg the Interest ted BY
II Inys movements. Under apprehension OF another
.heling liable 10 come thief in the night nearly
every family has left town and the appearance Of fe-
males now on the streets like angels visits. This is
not proper place for them long as the enemys hea
w guns look frowninely on their little city.
The Brass Band of Barksdale's fine Mississippi Brig
ade have taken quarters in town and nightly discourse
some excellent and animated music.
Gen w. s. Featherstone, formerly U. S. Congress
men, from Mississippi has been transferred to the
West He is succeeded by Gen. Conard Posey, late
Colonel 10th Mississippi r ,Simen'.
The troops here having been paid the arrearages due
hem by the Government, iu fine spirits and with
proverbal mprovilence deal it ont with liberal hand
Tor whatever pleases their fancy or their paates.
It's remarkable that the public records of this coun
ty escaped the notice Of the vandaS during their late
visit to this city, and entirely uninjured. Unwilling
to trust to the chances Of another occasion Of the kind
the worthy custodian has had them removed 10 place
Of greater security.
All is quiet tonight and has been all day along the
lines Our pickets relieve each Other at short intervals
and are comfortably sheltered from the falling snow,
when OF immediate duty. Their neighbors tSe Qp-
pose bank pace their weary rounds with nothing, save
their great coats protect them from the petings OF
the ptless storm. Verify, the Yankees have hard
time this weather. and look with envious gaze the
comfortable quarters on this side \.