Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-06
PRe4 FREDERICKSBURG.
LoOrrePOndeuee Of the WhlSl
PREDERIcEsBURG Feb. 4, 1856
folly enougl

FREDERICKSBURG, Feb. 4, 1868.
About daylight yesterday morning it commenced
showing but ceased about 10 o'clock owing 10 the IN
tensey cold weather which seems TO have increased IN
severity congealing everything in anything like liquid
condition. -. -.
in response to signals from this side, our oheers sue
eeeded in exchanging papers, summaries Of %h'n se0
epe that thew are forbidden exchange by an order
from headquarters. We are unable to explain on any
other suppoton than that particular numbers OF their
n,pers contained something which the commanding
GENERAL did not wish should lind its way into rebel
prints. ,.r -.
ecen: flag may be relied on the course OF the Gorilla
Government in relation the rrepessble negro ques-
ton is the source Of much dissatisfaction IN the army
Il WAS stated that ten thousand "contraOahds were
collected certain point and comfortably Gouseu IN
the finest Sbley tents and drawing the best OF raton
while the soldiers lighting for the flag we're treated
sith comparatye indifference and supplied with 1000
and tens of the most inferior quality They were tired
of fighting for the "fthy, lazy and nsolent Niger
It was observable that whenever the name Oh Aoe Ian
coin was mentioned he particularly careful to avoid
any expression directly rejecting on his master Inc
remarks of this officer though not ediylng, is "c-
eumstance confirming what we had already heari IN re
gard to the results OF the last card OF Lincoln ana ms
advisers which promises to be the rock on winch ta
people will "spit."
Traces of the late heavy snow storm, pronounced to
he the heaviest that has fallen in this latitude yet nser
all over the face Of the country. But for the previous
heavy and continuous rains which saturated the EARTH
it is estimated that the depth Of the fallen snow would
have reached twelve or fourteen inches.
Nothing unusual has occurred along the lines since
the Inauguration OF lighting Joe Hooker" unless we
except esrthworks which being thrown up on both
sides the railroad on the opposite side Of the river, and
which the enemy TO be multiplying as II they be-
eve an attempt at crossing by army not mpro0
s,,Nt 81. fbava hoe "a
little more impudent than usual as they drill and go
through with the formalties of dress parade IN rifle
shot OF the TOWN something which not done during
Blrnsdes brief career. So far as we are enabled TO
nudge from the information obtained from all sources,
Hooker is ndustrously improving this protracted inter-
val of univorabe weather. in preparation Tor he next
Onward movement which WILL with little doubt, be re-
newed with the earliest return of fair weather ana pas
able roads The pontoOns and materials Tor bridges sun
remain upon the point, some ten miles up the river,
which chosen the place for crossing IN oraer 70
flank our forces and attain the Of batteries
There is also very considerable force in the immediate
vicinity As Burnside's plans revealed by his h'e
failure it is probable that Hooker will select some othe?
point for the passage Of his army
Cen VIM Barksdale commanding this post, returned
from Mississippi recently, and promptly entered upon
his duties His brigade comprise much OF the etfe oil
that patriotic State and is command Of which he may
be justly proud.
10 relieve tie monotonous routine Of daily duty, as
well a. 10 contribute praseworhy object, fourteen
members Of the brigade, endowed with very respect-
ole talent in the burnt cork line resolved themselves
into company Of sable minstrels, whose concerts are
patronized by overlooking audiences, as may be ina
gned Few professional deneators Of the character
Of the gentleman from Africa" surpass these amateurs
The proceeds Of two realized the handsome sum
of about seven hundred dollars, which is to be appro
priated the benefit Of the sick and wounded Of the
brigade.
The vacancy created by the death Of the lamented
Gen. Thos r. r. Cobb, has been filled, | learn, by
the promotion Of Col WoHord commanding one Of the
-eciments of the brigade and senior Colonel | be-
ievs.
Northern papers, of late dates, represent llookers
army as having been considerably strengthened attery
which is more than probable. II, with Superior mum.
bers added to superior equipments, intelligence aud
vaorr Lee is not defeated in the conflict much
greater his glory aud that OF his army and the neihle
disgrace and shame of his antagonist will not come
to the assistance of the Northern papers in their specu
atious as to the numerical strength Of our forces
Suffice it TO say that they well supplied with every
thing essential to health and comfort and in fine
spirits looking forward to ultimate triumph over the
VandIs who seek the destruction Of all they have left
home to fight fOr-periorm with alacrity and cheerful
ness in storm and sunshine the arduous duties allotted
10 the soldier. Y.