North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1864-05-11
Communication.

CAMP OF ARTILLERY BRIGADE, 9th A. G. D
NEAR, BRANDY STATION, Apr. 20, 1864 (
Mr.. EDITOR When last wrote YOU. |
little anticipated that the present time would
find me still occupying our winter quarters
but here we are yet, though in hourly ex-
peetation of marching orders. The weather
is beautiful and the roads are in excellent
condition, SO that there is nothing to keep
ms in camp except the pleasure of the Cen
eral comlnanding-who is probably only
awaiting the developements entrusted to
other columns of advance. The movements
OF Burnside are yet wrapped in mystery. but
that he IS isto,operate in conjunction with this
army. do not have the shadow of doubt;
and that we are only delayed here until he
gets his command in proper position is equal
iy apparent, You may safely calculate
upon stirring times, in this department, be-
fore many days.
8. | have never known the army in better
condition or spirits. The men all seem to
think that the fate of the nation is involved
in the events Of the next few weeks, and
that upon them devolyes the duty of main
tanning its honor and integrity. There WILL
be some stubborn fighting done, and will
err much in my calculations if our lecions
are not laundering at the gates of Richmond
before the waning of another moon.
The authorities at Washington seem TO be
alive to the Importance Of the present cam
paIgn, and are, at least, taking proper meas
uFes to bring every available man into the
field. Turn the men out of the defences in
and around Washington, Baltimore, and
other places, and iii them with volunteers
for The occasion: This would give us an ad.
dltional available force of over 100000 WELL
drilled and disciplined mea-equally able to
manGuver before the enemy with those al
ready in the field--and am glad to notice
that the President has accepted The proffer
OF volunteers made by the Governer's of sew
eral of the Western States, for this purpose.
1t is little singular that the feasibility of
this plan for making a temporary speedy
augmentation of the Union for ces, never be-
tore entered the long heads" at Washing>
ton. Myself and number of Nicholson
friends, thought of it as long ago as last fall
and often wondered why some such plan
was not adopted. | am glad, however, that
: the powers that be'' have, even thus late
IN the day, awakened to the importance of
The step IL begins to look little as though
really meant to make an
earnest attempt to crush out the rebcllion.-
IL rs Is TO De hoped that temporizing and doing
things by halves is +" played out" The ar.
my is tired Of that policy, and I am sure the
people. ought to be. Shoddv CONTRACTORS and
those who are, building immense fortunes
npon the distress of the nation, may demur
ana irown upon any measure which promises
speedy solution of the long yexed questions
at issue; but the true Union men, who,
while they have patrlotfcally contributed to
the support Of the war, have not hesitated
to protest earnestly against the utter rect.
lessness and inoompetency which has been
driving is 10 ruin, viii rejoice at any pros-
pect which gives even faint promise of
0 Gs5a a0b91stg s13a a(Gstiq s-1UF ~
".LsE sd" ai tuo 1ase ysdi
~ eel all tss4 aay 1sdr sg1sI III