Year: 1862

an this vicinity remain almost in statu quo
advancing winter. the horribly bad weather,
and the necessity in great measure of q reor-
ganization on the part of the army-having been
the great drawbacks to progress. These obsta-
cles, however. are being overcome as rapidly as
possible. and any day may usher in events
fraught with vital consequences to US as nation.
On the banks of the Rappahannoek, separated
only BY narrow, Insignificant stream, the two
largest armies that were ever gathered together
on this continent sit watching each other, the
Que making vast preparations for attack, the
other for resistance. Eight days ago, General
Sumner sent to the authorities of Fredericksburg
demand for surrender within sixteen hours, or
the alternative of bombarding the town. Neither
the surrender or bombardment have as yet taken
place-nor does the latter seem to be necessary
as d military measure. The rebels have their
defensive works thrown up some distance to the
rear of the town, and, should Burnside cross the
river, would perhaps be obliged to burn it them
selves. This is the short route to Richmond
the one often advocated, and which, should the
attempt be made, may be deluged with blood,
and whitened with the bones of thousands of
those who but few years ago were dwelling
together in amity under o government which
was the nation pride and the envy of the world.
This movement, however, is by many said to be
but feint to draw the rebel forces to the pro-
lection of the Fredericksburg and Richmond
Railroad, while the main attack is made from
some other direction-whether the south bank
of the James, via Petersburg, or by way of the
York and Pamunkey rivers, our wiseacres do not
positively say. Fears are again entertained as
to whether anything at all can be accomplished
before the winter sets in with full severity; and
our Generals are not ALL Napoleons. or the per-
severance that marked the winter campaign in
Russia might be rivalled on this side of the
Atlantic though, it is to be hoped, without such
disastrous results. .-.
ernment has to contend and notwithstanding
the fact that Mr. Stewards sixty days have nearly
heightened into twice sixty weeks, it is source
of intense qualification to every lover of his
country, to see the confidence placed in the
strength of our national fabric by the great
money kings. Our present able and popular
Secretary of the Treasury, being in want Of some
thirteen millions for immediate use to meet cur
rent expenses. telegraphed to the Assistant
Treasurers in New York. Philadelphia, and
Boston, acquanting them with the fact. This
was on a Friday afternoon, and by Saturday
| evening the whole amount was pledged, and
six millions handed in. This, too, in the face
of the statements Of the English journals that
our national credit was exhausted. and that six


months of war would see US totally bankrupt.
| As yet, the whole burden has been borne BY our
own fnanciers, and the first application to


foreign capitalists has not been made.


1t is amusing, however, IN view of the many
encouragements for hope, to note the transient
alarm created. and the gullability Of alarmists
| displayed, on the arrival of each steamer from


Europe, with plentiful supply Of tales of inter


vention. One day it is England, the next
France, and the next England, France, and
| Russia, combined The latest and most reliable
is that contained in the circular of the new
| French Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Cabi-
| nets Of England and Russia. However earnestly


the aristocracy of England may wish to see the
United States broken up into several powers, she


cannot take the initiative herself, her constant
jealousy and fear of the Emperor Of the French


keeping her aloof from any complications that


may in any event lead to war. and give him an
opportunity for revenge upon Perfde Albion y


Let the French eagle but catch the English lion
sleeping, and his armies will be sweeping over
the green fields of Erin, and the broadsides oi
his men of war laundering at the docks of Lon.


dom England would gladly interfere in out
quarrel, but wholesome regard for her own


interests keeps her for th e present out of it.


do not refer to the mass of the people of the


mother country but like all other they are led


by the nose by the arstocracy, and these cense
Quently mould the opinions, and make their


ideas the reflection of those Of the whole nation


In local matters, there is little of interest te


Your readers. Thanksgiving Day was celebrated


more generally this year than ever before. The


streets were crowded with pleasure seekers, and
the theatres and other places of amusement filled


to their utmost capacity. But for the sick and
+ the MANNED for life that cross our path, as We


saunter through the streets, and the tramp of the


Provost Guard as it makes its nightly round


looking for absentecs, one would scarcely ina


CINE that war with its grim horrors was SO near


We have. indeed many things yet to be thankful
for. While the homes and hearts Of many of oul


citizens mourn the absence of faces and forms


they may never see again, and while there i:


scarcely household in our city but on tiia


usually happy day of the year contained on


vacant chair at the Thanksgiving dinner, yet il


the revival Of business, the comparative absenct


Of want among the poorer classes, the decrease


Of crime, and the cheering letters we receive
, from the absent ones, we have abundan: caus,
+ for thankfulness to the Giver Of all good.


Yours, de, PHILos.
4 IA Platform for Loysiists.


}, In the House, on the 5th inst, Mr.. Ste


vens submitted the following resolution
a.