Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1863-01-08

gun was heard. fred from the height
back Of Fredericksburg .eehoing through
the valley. and starting every ore frou
the repose which they had been grad
ually dropping into since the battle
AT the same moment long column o.
rebel infantry was seen to emerge from
the woods and move down towards The
ford at Falmouth. as il with an inten-
tion to cross upon the rocks and destroy
the large quantity Of quartermaster and
commissary stores at the depot.
Ia an instant everything was in mo-
ton in and around Falmouth. Two
batteries dashed down to the river, and
took possession TO give them a warm
reception if they persisted in the at
tempt. The men at the guns on the
hills fully prepared themselves for a
charge. and would have given General
Longstreet what he gave us few days
ago-a few unpalatable doses Of grape
and canister before leaving their in
trenchments. Drums were beaten, bu-
giles were sounded, and regiment after
regiment of infantry spraDg to their
arms. and in few moments were ready
for the fight; but the long rebel column
which looked so formidable and threat
ened so much, halted long before it
reached the river. and instead OF iorm-
ing in battle line, OF making demon
strations to cross, stacked their arms.
opened their haversacks. sat down up
on the ground and commenced devour-
ing their rations.
Notwithstanding this rather amusing
finale of the movement, strong guard
was kept upon the ford all night in an
ticipation Of an attack. This morning
dswned. the rebels were still where
they rested during the night. but in
stead of offering battle were exhibiting
their lean lines and white tents to our
astonished gaze.
From what source they supplied
themselves with their Injuries we are
all at loss to know.
Much diversity of opinion exists
among leading officers as TO whether
any considerable force has yet left our
immediate front. Gen. Lees lines ex.
tend farther along the river, and seems
to be stronger than it was before the
battle, but whether he has anything in
reserve, is receiving reinforeements or
is falling back. nothing whatever. 1 be-
Iieve is positively known. II anything
can be argued from his former retreats.
and the demonstrations made upon the
eve Of them, he is now Fastening to strike
a blow at or repulse an attack from
some other General than Burnside
Gen. Foster would naturally seem to be
the one requiring the first attention.
The first OF January, too. is at hand,
and instructions are apprehended in
the Gulf States. II rich planters with
in our lines are alarmed at the approach
Of that day, what must be the state OF
mind Of those who are defenseless in the
heart Of the cotton and rice growing re-
gions? Southern papers tell us they
are calling upon their troops to return
from the valleys Of Virginia and defend
their dwellings from the torch, and their
families from the knife of the oppressed
negro. Once back into their native
States. the troops of South Carolina,
Georgia and Louisiana will never again
encamp on the hills Of Virginia.
II the elements. therefore, are pro-
pitious. Richmond may not be so far of
as many OF us have feared. In spite of
our late repulse. We have much. very
much, to encourage US. General Burn
side has the confidence OF his soldiers
and OF all his loyal oficers-the disloyal
ones, would to God they we're within
the walls of Fort Lafayette, or anywhere
else where their damnable heresies can
not poison the minds Of our brave pri-
Yates. Once rid Of them, the road to
success, l believe, will be clear.
N. P.
LETTER FROM THE NINETY FIRST