American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1863-06-26
Man HAnlfosa cnosslxo, Va,
June 10th, 1868.

] wrote from Petersburg, and remarked
that thought our destination was Lees
army, and was correct. We now belong to
Gen. A. 2. Ililrs corps, Of Lees army, and
are eneamped four or five miles from Freder-
ieksburg, and 10 rear Of the famous battlefield
Of 18th December last.
We had a long aud toilsome march from
the Blackwater to this place, having arrived
day before yesterday day out. We
have probably long marches before us, as
Lee IL said to be moyin2-Longstreet's corps
already having crossed the Rappahanuock.
We are likely to witness and participate in
much more stirring scenes than we have yet
or were likely to on the Plackwater, aud |
am glad Of the change. There we might have
dozen little fights and lose a good many
men, but no one would take account of it.
Here soldier may say with pardonable pride,
II belong to the army Of Ieel' ard fervent-
" trust that nothing may hereafter occur to
render the reason for such feeling less
strong. This is noble army Of brave men /;
may the NJ. L. Arty, when the trial comes,
sprove worthy brothers in arms Of such heroes.
We found our army here and around Freder-
icksburg in line Of battle confronting the
enemy, who have crossed, it is thought, eight
or ten thousand men to this side Of the river,
and who are very busy entrenching them
selves. The. valley, which Is vide on this
side and encircled and enclosed by high
chain of hills, affording the most charming
views, Is commandedIby the high hills on the
opposite bank Of the river which make right
up 10 the shore, so thatsthe Yankees can lay
their lontoons and cross to this side without
our being able etfectually tcsoppose 1t. But
when they endeayor to move frorn4under the
cover Of their guns and reach higher ground
they encounter our brave soldiers in battlt
array on the crest Of lesser hills that com.
mencc to rise like tiers Of an amphitheatre
What magnificent field for a battlel wisl
could describe TO you the magnificent val
lev scene that presented itself when w
reached the highest crest Of hills overlooking
this beautiful valley. It produced in me
thrill that I shall never forget, and coul'
never before fully understand the enthusiasm
Of tourists in describing beautiful scenery
All description Is tame and can give one ~
idea of what Is attempted to be depicted
Shall attempt it7 Standing on top Of tn
hills, looking northward you observe ~
Rappahannock, here and there its hroa
waters dancing and sparkling in the wester
ing sun, in its general course flowing fror
, West to East, and distant about six miles
the eye embracing about fifteen miles of tb
river and a broad valley from six to ten mile
in width, through which flows innumerabl
streams, looking like lines Of silver windin
around the base of the lesser hills which sue
cess:vely diminish in size and highth as the
approach the river. Standing there the ey
: takes in at view, forest and meadow, II
russell hue Of ploughcd ground, fields OF wa
ing grain, while here end there peep out 4
! white rural cottages, or from a higher poi
e some more pretentous brick edi6ee overlook
the little vale around. 1t is indeed seer
, Of beauty, and looks as II Nature bad he
/. tried herself to leave the impress OF pea
and security: and lol the white tents OF tV
opposing hosts line all the shore upon eth
Z, bank of the beautiful stream, while the boo
: of an occasional gun reminds US that th
/. quiet valley has been selected for the ru
! shock of arms, and two armies are now rea'
/. to launch the thuuderbolts of war upon ea
other. The ravages and destructiveness
: war are not observed from where we stan'
y the fences destroyed, the tenantless house
d and all the saddening sights that follow
e the train Of war, are mellowed and lost in :
/ distance. Oh, ---, how terrible is wa
!, How long, 0 Lord, how long, wilt thou sda
the brutal invader to desecrate our soil, d.
olate and rsvage the land, and to trample
. most precious relics in the dust How 10
! shall our women and our little ones be ma
81 TO wander forth eYiles from the homes