Daily national Republican., 1863-02-18
INTERESTING FROM BATON ROUGE

letter from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, under
date of February 4, says:
There are some apprehenslons Of an attack. /.
and our officers arc well prepared TO extend to
their rebellious foes an abundance OF Yankee
hospitality whenever they may venture to nav
US a visit. General Augur has notified the In
habitants of Baton Rouge that, whenever the
long roll shall sound, they must fec to the le-
wee for shelter, AZ the rebels are liable 10 make
a sudden attack at any moment upon our
troops. .' g.
The gunboat Essex continues 10 make recon-
nolssanoos up the river every other day, and ap-
proaches within q mile and half of tho water
batteries, frequently shelling the woods on'both
sides of the river, and disturbing the serenity
Of the guerilla bands who infest these localities.
From the deck of the Essex, with a marine
glass, the officers on board could distinctly
witness the rebel brlgades, drilling in infantry,
cavalry, and artillery movements. They re-.
port that the enemy are buslly engaged in
throwing up earthworks, forming an impene-
trable abattis between their camps and the out
side Notifications. There were dozen heavy
guns waiting to be mounted, and each days dc.
lay adds TO the rebel strength In every way, and
increases the uncertainty Of the capture Of this
terrible stronghold. .r
The Fory-lrst Massachusetts regiment, Col.
T. E. Chickering, arc encamped short dis
tanee from the town, and are now the outpost
guard. The health OF the regiment Is excellent,
and all hands are anxious for brush with the
enemy, which they will be sure to have in ad-
vance Of the other regiments, should the rebels
make an attack on our lines.
Capt John L. Swift, of company B, Forty
first Massachusetts regiment, has been appolnt-
cd Provost Judge Of Baton Rouge The np-
pointment has been given to an officer whose
eminent qualifications for this arduous post are
universally recognized by all parties, and there
rs no doubt that the unexceptlonable character
Of Captain Swiit will win from the citizens of
Baton Rouge that admiration which his fellow
officers feel towards him, as a member Of the
Forty-trst regiment of Massachusetts. We
shall have an honest man in a reponsible posi-
ton, one who will, l believe, faithfully and
fearlessly discharge his duties for the interest
Of Government. Would that as much could be
raid OF others in high places. Itwould give me
unfelgned pleasure TO reveal the names of sew
eral individuals now in the employ OF Govern
ment, who are, and for long time have been,
playing into the hands Of tho traitors In this
State. The time may soon arrive when l can.
without fear Of molestation, unmask these yilo
hypocIites, all OF whom are the bitter revilers
Of our nOblest and most undaunted patriot,
Major General B. r. Butler.
The negroes to the number of three or four
hundred had made extensive preparations for a
grand soiree, to take place in a large unoccu-
pied building, on Saturday evening last. Az
ter they had assembled and were WhIrling
around in their peculiar terpsichoroan eyolu-
tiOns and fantastical costumes, there were signs
Of q disturbance between the sable guests and
tho soldiers, and General Augur ordered the
colorod crowd 70 diBpeTse 10 their homes, and
the soldiers 10 their camps m... w..'
We have Withdrawn our plckets from the
len bank Of the Mississippi river, and guerillas
and spies are now watching our movements,
but make no attempts at molestatlon. Tho
Eighth New HHmpshire regiment, Colonel
Fearing, who were detailed for picket duty
over the river opposite this place, were ordered
10 eyacuate last week, and they arc now en-
camped near the U. 8. Barracks in this town.
Tho barracks arc occupied by Minis MasSachu-
sets battery, who have gained great roputa-
tion BY their undaunted bravery wherever they
have been called Into action, ......,...
On Saturday evening last, the members of
tho l74th New York regiment gave an Ethiol
plan entertainment In the large hall OF tho
Penitentiary, for the benefit Of the regimental
hospital fund. The performances were highly
ereditable and afforded great satisfaction to ali
present, among whom were Gen. Grover, Brig.
Gen. Dudley, and many Other Geld and stafi
officers, The exhibition realized tho snug little
sum of one hundred and forty dollars for their
hospital fund, and II the Paymasters had been
round within . few weeks, five hundred dollars
could have been nstted without any dIfiiculty,
as the hall would accommodate a thousand
spectator. ... |" ....