The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-02-06

lous citizens OF the city, at the news received
through the various channels of commune.
cations has an influence upon their counten-
ances as changcable rs the winter weather OF
the "sunny SOUTH" The grapevine tele-
graph, an improvement upon the wire medi-
urn Of communication, from the fact it trans.
mits the movements of the armies before
they are made, is in constant operation,
bringing the latest news through southern
sources, being established to supply the de-
mand for news. And so they live on-those
aristocratic loungers Of "St. Charles" and
Carondclct Strcets-with secession hearts,
fed by the newsboys, with "reli (e)ablo news"
through southern sources, or obtained from
some perfectly rcli(c)able friend" For a
few weeks past tho faces of the retailers of
gossip at fashionable corners of the streets,
has assumed somewhat cheerful aspect,
there was peculiar impudence in their gaze
and manners. as much rs to say. shave you
heard the latest news?" The battle of Fred
ericksburg had been fought; the grapevine
telegraph said that Rosecrans and Grant had
been beaten at Murfrecsboro, and Bragg had
captured four thousand prisoners! Galveston
had been rctaken, and in their Imagination
New Orleans was nearly in possession of the
Confederates. Rebellion could be seen at
the corners of the streets,-would-bc ladies
could now afford to pass of the sidewalk
that they might not pass under the Stars and
Stripes.-persons who had identified them
selves with the interests Of Fcderals, were
pointed out as subjects for hanging. But
soon ga change came over the spirit of their
dreams" Approaching the bulletin.board
yesterday we met many with an expression
Of deep sadness on their countcnances, in
great contrast with their appearance the
preceding day. Surprising they had lost
some friend, and announced from the board.
VIC pressed our way through the crowd; but
what is this glowing announcement from the
board! "Murfreesboro' in possession OF tho
Federals" bragg retircs to Shelbyville"
"four days severe fighting" and all through
southern sources. The reverse news from u
Confederate victory to defeat, was indeed
death to secession hopes. And now the
ncws.boys, like pieces from burst bomb-shell'
fly off in every direction, until "here's Plea
yune, Delta, True Delta, late southern ncws,"
rings through every street in the city. But
where is the Advocate? after living varied
life for many months, with life extinct at
times to all human appearance Union Cor
dial administered by its venerable nurse
Jacob Barker, restored it to life; but isfinal-
ly gone to abe seen no more forcyer;" yer.
dict, "died from suppression"
A flag of truce from the vicinity Of Vicks.
burg consisting Of two Coils. two Majors and
Surgeon. arrived from across the lake.
few days since, to arrange for an exchange
of prisoners, and to ascertain If the Partisan
Rangers, delicate term for Guerrilas,
would be exchanged upon equal terms with
other prisoners. They were not permitted
to 60 to the city by Gen. Banks order, but
were retained by our pickcts at Milncburg
about four miles from the city, evidently to
their great disappointment, as a part of their
number were formerly from the city, and
had been long time away. One OF the
Majors, an Inspector on Jackson's Staff,
whose family came from the city to see him,
and were admitted to him, by lcnity Of the
Commander Of the Post, informed me that
he had not seen his family for twenty-five
months. 1t was indeed a happy meeting OF
husband and father with his wife and chill
dren, and after an hours intercourse, sad
parting, the family to return to tho city,
and he to repair to the boat to return to
rebel territory.
We are having as delightful weather as
one could wish. No drifting snowstorms
twirliug the snow in fantastic shapes about
the corners Of the streets, or around the door.
way-no windows curtained with heavy
frosts which the perpetual heat Of the room
can scarcely eflace, and no icy sidewalks
over which to nervously walk, or tumble,
making sudden descent from the sublime
to the ridiculous. While the ladies Of your
city, wrapped in their furs, arc gliding along
over the crisp snow, with the silvcry chime
of the bells, the ladies of New Orleans shiv.
er at q frost, and appear on the street in
light dresses. The days are pleasant like
Oct. days with you. We have now entered
upon another year with the dark tide of re-
bellion still covering large portion of the
Southern States. Let us hope, that before
the expiration Of the year the dark clouds
Of secession will have passed away. that
Truth and Justice will triumph, and our be-
loved country DO once again united, prosper
Gus and happy. c.w.B.
FIRE IN THIS Crr.-Last Friday morning,
q little past 9 o'clock, the Livery Stable,
owned by the Wiggin Brothers, and occupied