Newbern progress., 1863-01-31

army; that an order has been issued directing
all the sick in camp to be sent to hospitals, and
that we all expect battle within two or three
days time, t. give foundation 10 the belief that
movement of some kind is on the tapiS
Consultations OF generals have been frequent
within the past few days.
The enemy evidently suspect our intentions
although every care has been aiken to keep
them in ignorance Last night, as one of our
working parties were engaged in building
corduroy road in a ravine tina leads to the
river, the enemy, suSpeetng what was going
on, threw over rockets, illuminating the whole
country and revealing what were doing.
The result was, this morning we discovered
several new earthworks directly opposite this
point, showing that they wide awake
and not disposed to be caught mapping. As
the roads, from the recent heavy rains, are in
bad condition, all of them have to be cordu-
royed TO permit the passage over them OF
heavy trains and artillery, and those i'll sight
of the enemy have to be constructed at night
consequently the work is difficult and takes
time. As soon as this work IS completed the
army will move, and we shall once more be on
the way to Richmond, and within reach of the
enemy's guns. The amy, having remained
idle for a month, and constructed for them
selves comfortable Writer Quarters, are natur
ally not particularly enthusiastic at the pros
pect of again taking the field and enduring all
the hardships of an active campaign IN md
winter; bu- their anxiety to end the war,
crush the rebellion and go home is so great
that they will be willing to endure slmost
anything to accomplish it.
We have remained so long without having
either offensive or defensive operations of any
kind that war items of all kinds are scarce.
A presen alton occurred at General Burn
sides headquarters, day or two since, which
deserves mention, as it reflects honor and
credit upon one who il universally ackncwl-
edged TO be tie best drilled officer In the
United States service. | refer to Major Gran
vile O'Flaller, of the Seventh infantry. The
presentation consisted of beautiful sword,
sash, belt, extra scabbard. gold and leather
knot and rosewood case, valued at two hum
dred dollars.
The dress scabbard was ofsilver, with armo
rial insignia in gilt; the service scabbard
bronze, with gilt mountings Of national design,
including medallion head of Washington.
The inscription read follows:-
PRESENTED TO
MAJOR GRANVILLE O'HALLER,
Seventh infantry, United States Army
Commandant of general headquarters by the
officers of the Ninety third New York
State Volunteers, headquarters grand
Army of the Potomac"
token of regard for his social
qualities as gentleman
and his military abb
Gty as officer.
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, Va, Jan. l, 1868.
The presentation was intended to come of
on the lst of January bnt as it was wholly
unexpected TO the Major he requested few
day delay in order to make the necessary
preparations for such an interesting occasion.
Generals Burnside, Hooker, Reynolds, Sfckles,
Patrick, Butord and numerous others of lesser
note graced the occasion by their presence.
The presentation speech was made by Col.
Crocker, of the Ninety y-tbird New York, in his
usual happy STYLE in wi ich he took occasion
to mention IN tiattering terms the vauab
services rendered by MAJOR O'Haller to his
country, in the various positions which he has
o o:cupied during his twenty years of service in
the army.
After the ceremony all hands adjourned TO
the neighboring tent for refreshments, where
champagne and other luxuries were INDUCED
in abundantly. Toasts drank and re-
piled to by Generals Burnside, Hooker, Sickles,
Colonel Butler, Major Cassidy and others The
heath of General Mcclellan was drank stand
ing, with uncovered heads.
The Ninety-third New York regiment, whose
officers made this beautiful present, have been
for several months acting in the capacity of
guard to general headquarters and have (under
the instructions of Major G. O'Haller, who has
exclusive control of this Department. together
with the excellent officers connected with the
regiment, attained high state of drill and
discipline.
Major O'Haller the recipient, has been con-
neeted with the army a number of years. serv
ing with distinction in the Mexican and border
wars and is proyerbial in the army "autho