Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1863-04-15
Letter from Suffolk, Virginia.
SuFFoLK. VA. ApRIL 6TH. Is,

|
DEAR Row. had hoped that the genial
rays of spring. which burst so opportunely up
on us a short time ago, was the harbinger OF
continual warmer weather.; but the last week
has been so far in the opposite extreme, as To
completely di.pei any such fond anticipation
tor, instead of pleasant sunshine, we have bad
| frowning clouds, mingled with all other kinds
of disagreeable weather, much to the discom
fort Of all. One day we had raw, cold winds ;
next snow, then rain, and then again all the
variations combined. Yesterday morning we
had some four or five inches of snow on the
ground, but to day il is II gone. and we once
more have the promise of second return of
spring. These sudden changes are anything
| but agreeable TO the soldier, and the slight
protection which canvass walls afford against
| the variations of temperature, is often prein-
| dicial TO good health and MANY are the colds
and ndispositions arising therefrom. We have
been very much disappointed, in our theories
in regard to the weather in this latitude, for
| we did not dream bnt that. here we shon Id be
| at least one month in advance of the season
| ~ compared with the latitude we were in this
| time lasr year; but such seems. in reality
Dot TO he the case, for believe that we had
| no weather this time one year ago so cold as
! now, as general thing But viii not now
longer complain, but submit cheerfuIly 10 the
weather as it comes.
We have a little dash now and then in this
section. which serves to remind is that ssse-
cesh" is still lingering around. Last Satur-
day the report came from the front that there
was an unusual movement going on within the
eBemy's lines, looking towards hostile dem
onstrat ion in this direction. detachment
of the New York mounted rifles we're sent ont
immediately TO reconnoitre, and when a short
distance outside of our lines, towards the
Blackwater, they suddenly and unexpectedly
fell into an ambuscade of the enemy. and were
opened upon with she'll and shrapn-lI. and NOT
knowing the number of s'rebs'' that might be
there, deemed it prudent TO fall back and send
for reiuforcements. This was accordingly
done, and as soon the additional force ar
rived. the rebels were driven back. What
the entire results of the skirmish were, | am
not able TO say. II is, however, reported that
some three four of the rifles were wounded
in the action, ana also that it was ascertained
ltudL tic ftDtfS were ABOUT twenty fDDuSduQ
strong and were contemplating raid between
our forces here and at Norfolk. This latter
report may, or may not be we'll founded; but
one thing is certain, that Gen. Peck has
sharp lookout upon all their movements. and
should desperation, or any other cause tempt
The rebel leaders to attempt diversion in this |
direction, they will doubtless meet with some
adventures they are not at present prepared for |
The most excellent spirit prevails here a. |
mong the men, and the most rigid dicipline is |
exacted. Add to this the high state of effi-
cheney to which each command is being /
brought BY constant, daily drill. {Mhenever
the weather will permit) and you may form
some idea of the morale of this portion of the
army. Previous to our advent here, / was led I
10 believe-from the reports in circulation
hat great disaffection prevailed among the
Militia from Pennsylvania, but from carefnl
inquiry, and information obtained from vari-
,us sources, am convinced that such is not,
nor has been the case since they have been