The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1864-02-09
Correspondence Of the Western Democrat.


CAMP LANES BRIGADE. Feb 4, 1864.
MR.. YATES Comfortably cabined, with fuel
abundant, at least for the present, enjoy our
winter quarters, and defy the bleak winds and fire.
queat of this mountain region of Virginia
True. picket day. comes prevokingly often, and
''guard duty" necessitates an inconvenient amount
of door exercise but the principle of rotation in
office works great relief and equazes the burden.
MIR. Foote's sweeping declaration that the Army of
Northern Virginia without pound of meat,
aud had been for month"; certainly receives no
confirmation from this Brigade. Some irregua-i-
ty IN the transportation of supplies left day
two without meat, and several days ago short
ratons of that article, but this deficiency was am
ply compensated by the issue of coffee, real genu
inc. old fashioned artice) sugar. dried fruit. molas
ses, &c. We much obliged to the Honorable
but erratic gentleman from Tennessee land most
every where else) for his solicitude in behalf;
but we are almost uncharitablo enough to attribute
his speech to hostility to the Administration
than sympathy for the soldier The troops gener-
ally very well clad. but there is still lamenta-
BILE deficiency in the articles of blankets and shoes.
and fear this deficiency will be but partially sup
piled during the present winter 1t a great
misfortune for that Meade did not try to force
lines at Mine Run; such attempt would have
yielded rich harvest of these much needed
ticles. The spirits of the men are buoyant. The
liberal system of furloughng now in operation in
this army. is having most happy effect upon the
men. Ten out of every hundred and two ad-
ditional from each company that has fifty present
for duty. now allowed furloughs at the same
not been home since entering the service will be able
to visit his friends before the Spring campaign opens
AS far / have been able to learn, the furlouyh-
ed men have almost without exception returned
promptly at the expiration of their time, cheerful.
contented and ready for duty. Immense numbers
ii boxes are now being brought To- camp by the re-
turning soldiers. aud also by citizens to their sons
and friends ia the army. The arrival of box"
packed as 1t always is with the good things which
seem to abound at home, notwithstanding the bug
bear of starvation of which hear so much. is an
event of no slight Importance the lucky recipient,
and is productive of amount of enjoy mcnt which
would astonish you home folks could you witness
it. In connection with this l will mention all evil
which prevails largely. and which is eminenty hurt
full The peoplesat home in sending supplies
their friends in many instances most injujciously
send them whiskey and brandy. For this there is
sno necessity. and the consequence is oftentimes.
brong. fighting and characterization, succeeded
by night in the guard house some heavier pun
ishmcnt. Better send no box at all to camp, than
cursed wit the presence of that active agent Of
mischief. If the people at home value the welfare
of their kindred in the army. let them keep liquor
away from theIR
see by other papers that that pestilent sheet,
the Raleigh Standard is still engaged in its diabo
zeal work of sowing dissensons among the people uf
North Carolina. and strives to destroy their conf
dence and ALLEVIATE their affections from the Con-
federate Government. 1t is humiliating to think
that large number of our people are duped by the
transparent design Of the ambitious dsmagogue
who controls its columns. OCCASIONAL.