Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1863-02-23
FROM MISUNDERSTANDING.
Correspondence OF the Richmond whiEl
FREDERICKSBURG, Feb. Is,

FREDERICKSBURG, Feb Is, 1858.
Rev. J. Landstreet Chaplain Of the lst Virginia Reg
ment Stuart's Cavalry came over this morning under
dag of truce having been finally released from impris
onment among the Yankees. He was captured during
the late raid of Colonel Percy Wyndham Middeburg
carried to Washington and ncarceated in that famous
prison. the Old Capitol Protesting against his deten-
ton in violation Of the rule Of warfare, which
recognizes ChapAins IS noncombatants, and not on
footing with prisoners OF war; an order was issued for
lis release so soon his rank and station
tAned Notwithstanding, he was outrageously detained
.or the space of two weeks. Mr.. L. is quite ntel
GENT and agreeable gentleman, and furnishes an inter-
sting account of his experience as prisoner. He
treated with kindness by the officers in charge of the
prison. and not fancyng prisoners fare ordered bis
meals To suit his taste from restaurant which
promptly paid for by his keepers in consideration of
his illegal detention. The ladies of secession procives
we're particularly attentive his physical comfort and
supplied him daily with such Injuries the market af
Corded One sent very neat and useful specimen Of
handWork filed with ample supply of all the articles
essential 20 the toilet. There are four hundred and
sixteen prisoners confined in the Old Capitol for va
riOus ohences-mOsty Of political character all Of
whom we're the objects of the undsguised sympathy of
many ladies of the city, manifested in efforts mitigate
the edium and horrors Of Imprisonment. Among the
| ,aptives is Rev. DR.. Wilmer the well known divine of
the Episcopal persuasion, from Albemare who cap
tured in a recent attempt to run the blockade of the
over Potomac in company with Col. Leslie and the
MARQUIS of Harrington The special object of his mis-
sion was to procure supply of Bibles and Testaments
As we'll as to recruit his health He is comfortably stu
lted and doing as well the circumstances would ad-
nit Returning after his release, Mr. L. passed through
norton, Of Maryland and visited Baltimore where the
de6cence of his wardrobe promptly supplied and
manifesto ions Of sympathy for the Confederate cause
ERECTED him frequently 1t may be worthy of mention,
that among the useful articles sent him while in prison.
sas pin cushion by lady, tastefully ornamented with
the tri color Of the Confederate States Judging from
Mr. L. = observations in his transit through Maryland,
We may not despair of that oppressed State until her
people shall have the opportunity Of fair expression of
opinion and 20 determine for themselves with which
section they prefer to cast their lot
Late Northern papers received here contain state
ments which tend 10 confirm the growing dsaectiOn Of
the people Of the North West to the objects OF the
istng war The New York World of the 18th, accom-
panies with significant communication from
d. A. MahOney animadyerting upon the late speech Of
| John Van Buren, in New York city, as rejecting the
sentiment OF the Democracy of the Empire State and
urging that there is wide Chasm between them and the
Democracy of the Northwest who now favor a vieor-
olS prosecution of peace having been driven to this po-
,ton by ne peryersiOn Of the to the fTtherance
Of the neilr0ns designs of Lincoln and the party up
holding him. Nr. Mahoney formerly editor of the
Dubuque iowa Herald and arrested ON the charge
OF dsOyalty and imprisoned in the Old Capitol at Wash
ir,tou. While prisoner, he nominated without
his knowledge for Congress, and beat his opponent
900 votes in his county, the District being largely Re-
publican. lie il now the successor Of Mr.. Boleau
| rdito, of the Philadelphia Evening Journal.
Sub eqgent conversations with citizens here induced
me to modify somewhat the opinion expressed in NV
st Of Gen. Patrick, Provost Asrihal General Of the
Army OF the POtoDsc, until learned from reliable
from a reliable and direct source that he conhided yes.
| tarday teamser for some derelicton of duty. The
act Aetrays the absence OF sympathy and community
feeling which characterzes the heightened Confederdt
| officer aud private, and the meek passiveness with
which the brutal infection is said to have been submitted
10 the crnng sety Of the unfortunate tools of the
nation gradually transformed into Of the coolest
| and darkest Ut despotisms
With the despots characteristic dread of the influence
of free press the authorities Washington have in
rrdcted the circulation of all newspapers in the Army
Of the Potomac until further orders. Win the long
suffering patience of the people, grouud by such ty
| rauny, never be eNhaustedI
Nothing noteworthy has occurred along the lines to.
jny The snow-storm of yesterday was succeeded by
gradual rain yet falling, and promising to continue al
night L.