Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-06-23

such vital interest. Being entrusted by the War De-
partment with the command of this Post, 1t is neces
sary that should take such measures will best secure
it's defence. The Importance OF this point to the
Oonederacy ia known well to the Northern Govern.
ment and in Europe it is to yourselves: hat the
enemy will endesvor to destroy the public interests
here if be conceives it IN any way practicable, Is very
evident and he is making the preliminary arrange
ments to this end by concentration OF his troops,
vessels and supplies at Hilton Head. This information
comes to me officially from thsshghest source in this
Department A letter addressed by an emssarY OF
the enemy fresh from Pert Roya, from this city but
few days sioce-which provden italy came into our
posseson-to another agent of the Federas in another
town, states explicitly their designs In relation to Au
gusta and Anderson, and that the time of dealing q
death blow " to the Confsderacy and reaping rich
harvest " in this city is near at hand The writer
also aludes to certain persons in this community who
accepted by and treated friends who are
implicated in this matter aud whose services cannot
be overestimated Also that in conversation with
some Of the principal FEEDER Il prisoners whilst passing
through this city on their way to Anderson they
informed to the part they to act aud the time
and mode of delivery. The writer pays compliment
to the loyalty OF our countrymen for he states no
Southern Is in the secret" Again. couple of Yam
KEGS have just been brought to this city-one corporal
and the other private-who have passes from Major
General Thomas, OF the Federal army, to enter our
lines if they can and they lesuey proceed through the
heart OF Georgia. spending some eighteen hours IN
their way through South Carolina with their gathered
information before they finally apprehended These
men, it is said, sir blue Federal uniforms and
found abundant entertainment from credulous cti
zens who supposed that they Confederate soldiers
and had they not grown bold from continued sue
cess they could easily have arrived at the Federal Ines
Is it not plain that permeahd with spies and
agents of the enemy and the eve of bloody drama
unless they become appalled, by the preparations making
for their reception
l have freely given the above facts to the commun-
IT, in order that it may perceive the necessity for BRING
ing out whole energies and that 1t may De pEepar
ed for the stringent measures 1t will become necessary
to take, ehalL receive information from Ma
ior General Jones, Commanding the Department, that
the enemy have commenced raid for the interior.
Fortunately the information given by the letter wr
ter that there defences" around Augusta is in
correct With an unfordable ard rapid river in 'front.'
and three lines of Deep bitches and embankments
supported at Intervals with strong brick stone struc
turts, which almost encirce the Of the city, with
over twenty pec OF artillery OF good cabe for their
defence think, as old Engineer Officer that such
we'll merit the appeation of formidable defences.
It,s true the earthworks called canal levels and
the artillery not in position, but it is ready to be
placed in few hours as soon as forces are called out
protect from injury. Augusta can and must make
defence long enough to receive achievements these
are rendered to when the proper time arrives from
Gen. Johnston and other sources. Major General
Jones' army WILL in fact, be our reinforcements as 1t
will fight the enemy hack to this place should the latter
ia has but to perform its Just part in the Defence and
this it must do at every hazard Commander OF 80
important point, ought not, and most certainly
shall not, make terms with the enemy but will try to
the last to defend the interest of my country here con-
centrated.
Should the enemy arrive the opposite bank of the
river in spite of efforts to prevent it, trust the in
habants will not be unduly alarmed it is quite pro
babe that being rading party it may be destitute of
artillery, at ali events, only very light pieces could
company such fore. From eucb, no damage Or dan
ger OF moment is to be apprehended the houses mme
diately along the river bank should be evacuated
such an OCCASION and their occupants nd shelter for
the time being 10 the central portions of the city, where
my own family will be located.
desire to call particular attention to the orders late
~ published designating the place of rendtz-
vous of each body Of when called out
by the signal OF general assembly, in this city
so that there may be no confusion at the time as will
certainly happen unless each has it clearly fixed in
his mind, where to 60 and what to do. expect to
have two days and probably to prepare to receive
the enemy before he shall be able to reach this place.
hence the signal of general assembly is not designed to
be of alarm, but simply signal to the commu
nifty that the time for general turning out has arrived
and for the posting of the troops at their several pests
to resist the enemy when he approaches.
1t will also be- the signal that military matters are
predominant for the time being and the taking of the
necessary to protect ourselves from the
mics who in midst and who pass our
friends.
muniton and accoutrements, and hence no excuse ex
lists why every capable of bearing should not
belong temporarily to some company Who is not for
u.s. at such time, is certainly against Us, and their
tons will decide accordingly. have no fear but through
tie favor of God will preserve city and the Gov
Enment Works from the hands of the spoilers
GEO. W. RAINS,
General Commanding,