True Democrat., 1863-03-25
BArEsvILLE, Marah 18th, 1863.

MR. EDITOR: The military traveller sees many things in this patriotic State worthy of preserva tion in the history of these eventful times. But space in your paper is valuable, and the materials of history too multifarious, to bear mention. Per init, however, my humble testimony to place on record, the fact that while scarcity and sadness general throughout the country-the people seem only to gather cheerfulness and devotion 10 our sacred cause. n every neighborhood there is somebody, whose hospitality has not worn out, and the garb of a soldier ragged and faded though it be- always iDsures kind treatment. An exile my self, take a southerner's pride in ga ying, there are AS many truly eteoer psopie, in Arkansas, as anywhere, in proportion to numbers. And this as sertou isbut feeble acknowl dgment of gratitude for many favors shown wanderer during the last two years.
 St. Louis papers of the .2d in.t [, have been re- -ceved here. Gold ha. advanced to 50 per cent premium. The abolitionists have passed a con, rcript bill--$300 buys exemption. In the north western States deserters from the union army are openly defying arrest in many places, and all eyes seem to turn on Vicksburg, with anxiety. The Yankees are in ferment again about foreign in tervention. It wonder that their self arrogated Superior intelligence" has not, ere this, taught them that southern chivalry is more dreadful than "French diplom acy," and British interference !" Heron's force, in Missouri, was at last accounts, moving slowly eastward, from Springfield, desolat. ing it's pathway, and leaving famine in its rear
 The guerrilas are at work all over the State commencing their summer campaign rather vigor- ously. The most radical regiments of State militia have been disbanded.
 The "irrepressible" Gen. Jeff Thompson has been skrrnishing with the federals in coush east Mo, with different kinds of luck, but coming out altogether first best Much confusion and strife prevails among the federal troops.
 Our own immediate front is clear, and we hare important scouting parties out in several directions, the result of whose operations will be forwarded you as possible
 Gen. Marmadukes command is in excellent con l. dition-good health and fine spirits. In the gener- al's absence at Little Rock, the brave and gallant Col Je. Shelby is in command, and it is not over due praise to say of him that he deserves briga- der generals commission as much any man in the Confederacy. l am averse to "putfing" any man. say this solely for the good of the country and not for any individuals benefit
 Gen. Marmaduke--every body's favorte, and Col Shelby, love each other ar two heroic spirits should, and the feeling that pervades their troops will insure distinction for them any field.
 Yesterday prize drill came off in Shelby brig ade. It was exciting and beautiful. The reward for the best drilled company three days fur lough for officers and men. The emulation wa. high and manly. How proudly the brave veteran. bore themselves. These men have learned ia baf tIe the importance of drill. After much delibera ton the judges decided company "A" of Col. Cor don's regiment, (Col. Shelby's old company,l ant company "K," Col. Thompson's regiment, Capt Jerry Cravens, equally entitled to the palm. Thi rave general satisfaction, and the "boys' en towing their furlough. The judges who have al seen service east of the Mississippi remarked tha they had never seen a company better drilled thai these u any army. :.
 The Batesville bees honored the occasion wit their presence. By the way, Mr. Editor, Bates vile is good place. It's young men are m tn southern army, and its genuine hospitality greet the southern soldier Its young ladies (bless tn charming creatures) in the absence of their broth CTS, beaIK and swecthearts hayo learned to tak