American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1864-07-27

| also that the President has been Killed
whileat the front. 1t is impossible to
arrive at any conclusion or truth.
havsipst spoken to two wounded cav
airy men Who have come from the front,
(about two miles distant) and they say
that our forces are driving the enemy
At the present writing the canonading is
very distinct, and the smoke raising from
the forts at each discharge, plainly visi-
hle Towards the north the musketry
appeared tobe spirited and heavy although
with what results is not yet known.
Fires and dense volumes of smoke are
seen rising in all directions, north and
westward The track of the invaders
thus far has been one of devastation, ar
son and plunder, laying the cou#try waste,
the burning of property and driving
away of all live stock-often times COM
mittiug the most brutal murders on inno-
cent and undefended citizens, and host
Of untold crimes, too cruel and henious to
polu,e the columns Of journal. There
can be no pretext hereafter for the lovers
of len;ence, to advocate towards the enemy,
as they have shown nothing but the most
abandoned inhumanity, in this their last
invasion.
The visit ofthe President, accompanied
by Secretary Stanton on Monday last, to
the front, inspired enthusiasm, and en-
eouraged our troops-they were heartily
eheered, they rode along the whole line
and were pleased with the position of the
forces
The movement of troops hereabouts,
is conducted in quiet orderly Manner
no hurrying or excitement, Artillery in
fAntry, cavalry and marines are seen 60
ing to different points, with a SLOW monoto-
nous tread, and fit were not for the occa-
sional booming of cannon and the. rattle
Of distant musketry, anl the far off
bonfrcs lighting the horizon with lurid
flames. one would lain believe there was
not a rebel this side Of the Potomac -
The whole scene is so peaceful looking and
serene, viewing it from this hospital, al -
so apparently tranquil, even those Y 3
are here talk little, and that in a seeming
subdued tone The intensity of the heat,
the dreamy. melancholy haze of the sink
ing sun, and the low, soft sweet music of
some national hymn of one of the Navy
bands as it is waited murmuringly on the
soft summer air, create emotions that con-
fict with the realization that within less
than half dozen miles is a scene Of con
flagration, carnage and bloodshed
July If. The rebel army has suddenly
disappeared from before our capital it is
generally believed that the demonstra-
ton made by them for the last three days,
was merely to deyert attention from their
true object, which was that of stealing
horses, cattle, &c, and enable their caval-
ry to make good their retreat with the
plunder. Owing to the absence of any
considerable force of cavalry Oh our part,
it was impossible to watch their swift
movements and dashes consequently the
audacious tkieving marauders may make
good their escape, with an immense
amount of plumber. No doubt they have
been driven to this last invasion by want
desperation and hunger, pent up in Rich
mond, with all communication and sup
plies cut off, they make this bold effort
from necessity.
If we have lost property and men in
this raid, it has been productive of great
good to the government, it will do more
towards increasing the army than all the
efforts of the administration and military
authorities,as the people viii now see the
great need the government has for lar
ger force, to preserve its nationality, and
the speedy overthrow of the military
power of this great rebellion, and the Sc
curity of a lasting peace.
Yesterday, accompanied by D. G. and
VIM. Ayers, we drove out Seventh street,
intending to go to the 102d Regt. but
were halted by the guard, and were not
permitted to proceed, although we had
passes, such is the strictness observed here
in getting to the front.
Clinton Ayres is here, and in ward A.
he was severely wouTded on the 9th of
May, through both legs, one has been
amputated, the other was shot through the
knee and fractured. He has borne up
through his suferings with a wonderful
fortitude, having had, shortly after his
arrival here, eere attack of fever and
ague.
This hospital is in charge of DIR. j. G.
NJ Kee, formerly of Butler, he is spoken
of highly by all, as a surgeon of skill and