The New York Herald Newspaper, October 9, 1863, Page 2

ies hl tienda cette Chiehteeieand NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, OVTU3ER 9, 1863—TRIPLE SHEET. cannot hope to secure quict to ioe up the fight untit they 4 the conservatives wil de precisely een the two iA great gulf, and tt bie to a situation wilh either faction Sympathies of an outsider, bo must It is now with excesd ng disgust. a ‘ally necessary to distinguish between the car these few lines should meet the cts eye of ihe successor of Gen. Schofield I have a bit of ag- rive bi. Tet dim seal his ears againat Fieting And his eyes against reading any ad. vice from the politicians of Missouri. If any one has a eomplaint to make let it be in writ brief and pertinent, Appoint the provost marstals and otbor officials from abroad . 80 that they sha'l have either friends nor enemies to apply their power for or aguiust. Let the commander make up his mind to do what 5 coms the right, without regard to tho opinion of any Missou- rian alive or dead. [have been an observer of matters in this department fer more than two years, and am con- vinced that the course marked out above is the only Rafe one for acommauder. his is the most difficult of all the military departments to manage properly, and the honor ig all the greater to tne man who will be successful, The'board for examining candidates for commirsious Tue catechism of in negro regiments is still in session. ‘he applicants is exceedingly rigid. Sr, Lov, Ost. 1, 1863. Prosrect of a Change in Commanders—General Schofield om Arming Negroes—He Declares in Favor of the Poticy-- Arrest of a Militia Colonel for Driving Out Union Pea- ple—Th District of Arkansas—Political Matters in the West—How the People Tate About the Next Presidency— Whom they Fuvor—Importance of the Ohio Election, dc. ‘Tho radicals in this city are waiting with anxiety to hear of the removal of Geveral Schofield. Many of thom speak with the utmost confidence of their prospects of success; but they aro evidently somewhat uncertain in thoirown minds, They will makes strong effort, and their delegation in Washington ia no doubt hard at work at this moment. The special telegrams to the St. Louis papers say that the President showed yeeterd»y a dispo- sition to inquire carefully intothe real causes of grievance Defore he made apy change. This is proper, and will re- ceive the commendation of all. He will no doubt find fgome abuses existing; but he will also discover that the ‘fadioals are making capital in several instancos out of very small affairs. At headquarters there appears to be no apprehension of a change of commanders. , Application has been made to General Schofield for au- thority to raise negro regiments in the Department of the Missouri. Three regiments have already been raised there and sent to the rendezvous at Helena, Arkans: General Schofield bas addressed a letter tothe War De- partment on the subject, and gives it as his opinion that the negroes worth more to the government as solu. 8 than to their masters as slaves, Ho mmendas that authority be given to enlist all such able bodied biacks in ‘Missouri as may desire to enter the service, their masters to receive receipts therefor, which may be made the basis of a claim agsinst the government. Those who give undoubted proof of loyalty to receive payment as in Maryland, and those who cannot establish their claims are to bave.no redress. This isa complete refutation of the charge that General Schofleld is not ready to afford assistance to the project of filling the arthy with negroes. ‘To propose an enlistment of all the ablo bodied negroes is a step in advance of many who claim to bo radical. ‘One Colonel James 8. Moss, of Platte county,.has been making himself notorious, He recently received author- {ty from Governor Gamble to army the enrolled militia in Pintte county, and at once wont to work. He armed tho returned rebel soldiers and bonded disloyalists, and dis- ‘armed ali Union men who had any weapons whatever. ‘Not content with this, be commenced driving out Union familles and seizing or destroying their property. From Platte county alone more than a hundred familios have theen expelied. As soon as Gen. Schofleld received official not'ce of Col. Moss’ proceedings ho ordered his arrest. Col. Moss ia expected here in custody in @ day or two. He will either be put on trial here or seat to Washington, to be dealt with by the War Lepartment. It isdifficult to understand bow @ man so notoriously disloyal as Moss could receive a comm/ssion from any authority. He was one of the members of the Missouri Convention of 1861, convened for the purposo of taking the State out of the Union. In the early times he was an open and avowed secessionist, and made earnest speeches irging that Missouri be taken out of the Union Ho has never professed t hange of his sentiments, and is ag trong a friend of ‘secession movement as ever. There are too many men of his belief hoiding office tn Missouri. If the Union ts worth anything it would seem as if its offices should bo in ,the hands of friends rather than enemies, It ia reported by partios from below that the dist ict of Arkansar, which bas tts rE at Little Rock, ‘wiil be piacea in command of igadier General Thayer. ‘The district still belongs to the Department of the Missouri, though the troops in it report to the com- mander of the Department of the Tennessee. I doubt 1 the #xme anomalous oondition exists anywhere olse in theoountry. It is oxpected that the troops thomselyes will goon be retu to the command of General Scho field. Goneral ‘Ibafer will vgs dg the command of that district an ability second to that of very few oMocers in thearmy. Entering the war as Colonel of the First Ne- Draska infantry, and one of the first to report here for jtumn of 1861, he has borve aa honorable Mississippi. He was in General Lew. Wallace's division at Shiloh and Donelson, and in ral Steele's tt Chickasaw Bayou and in the movements pon sburg He knows Fastern Arkansas tnorough- ly. and will do honor to the government in his Sdministration of affairs there, General Steele will pro- bably return in person to the Army of the Teonessee, but bis troops are expected to remain in Arknusas In the midst of war politics are not entirely forgotten. In this State they are of much more importunce than tho war itself, and the attack upon 6 | Schofleid by the radicals is more tl half the res political designs, ‘The election in this State doos not occur until Neceinber, and ig therefore too far off to show a lively canvass as you. Yestorday I asked one of the radicals how the eleo- tion was likely to go? He informed mo that the conser. vatives weull beso badly beaten that they would never be heard of again. This seemed to be uttered in earnest, and no doubt such was the case. A litte later I met a conservative chap and asked the mime question. ‘Why do you ask?” sald he; ‘we shall beat the abolitioniets clean out of sight. Not one of thom will dare Lift bis head after the election.” The -tatements of these two ventiemen could by mo means be called eoncar- rent testimony Tbe tratn is, the election is #0 far of that {t is now impossible to give a reasonable guess as to the roswit. It will depend largely, if not entirely, pon intervening events At present the chances appear about even, with a small balance of probabilities In favor of the couse vatives Endeavoring to be alive to the great questions of the day, 1 have listened with some eagerness during the past few weeks for the opinions of the people in regard to the coming Presidential race. 1 have been through the States of the Northwest, and find but few expressions oa the mattor, Oftentimes | have asked the question direct, in order t» reach the point, and at others have ied up to ft gradua'ly. The case can be easily stated. The peace detaocracy appear to be united on Seymour, or New York, though they would be ready tv drop bim for avy man more available, or who would show more earnest- nevs in their cause. I hayo failed to disoover that Soymour is recvgnived as great man, or one éa'culated to manage the national affairs with aagacity and impartiality. The cause of the fooling in his favor arises from his being alm at the only man who bas thus far embodied bis principles in publ moasured his strength, if ever so slightly the administration. lettors, and jainnt that of is a distinction made between ‘alinndigham and Pugh order and ‘The difference is largely rd no other man of the ly wo with Sey mon: ic of Vallandig- ham as entitied to the honors of @ nomination for Presi- deat: but among the more sensib.e Valandigham is beld unpopular. ‘Some of the democracy favor the nomination of General MoCieiian, but they aro genorally a to the rolection of & miliary man. ‘The recollection of our experience with military Presiden times past does not seem at ll satis(actory. They express a Holi’ that they havo had enough of war during the present administration, and ‘wish as few things as powsible tbat may remind them of ft tm future, A reason adduced tn favor of General the sispoaal of the question of hia ability, F.with the snidiern, him sconsiderab'e rote from the ar militarity ocitned democrats advocate General Buel! for the Vice Prosidency iblicans there ia more raid on the subject hears hearta mention the mai the floanees 1 | Woat ax a great success, and he would no doubt secure te on that accoant alone, Upon the slavery ¢ ix consitered too itltra to be universe!ly pupae y of theee who favor his nomination, aw their pertvoal preferences are ennce-ned, doubt its expediency. Availiility is to be con any @ fs deficient the We sidered as much ns mergeney. Among the war wrt | hoard the financial man vie the extreme ravtical views unable to drop democrats of the m ovement high y ty Are never ‘The (rie chair are hearts of the iver the exnvinced tacciy that | have heard his honesty and integrity calla in qu , aad then 01 by the moet bitter ‘hont ” mert that he hue made mistakes, o'hers ibat he te been iinpored upon by those around fim. o here that ‘ ' me ton decision and lacking in Armes, aftor moking It, but all are waited Ov the question of lie mor: vee. © 1 tall you, sir,? eid ono with w eotly conversed, HOld Abs didn't move Hon « trong eno 1b on the enemy wheu the war bevan, fe caiiet out seventy five thon sind men when dot mhaif milion. and he haa dove many things the aams manner We bave boon discvure fen, wat we are getting forward the time. it only two years since we began to get things inte wi territory that rebelled. Considering the the war we have gut along protty well,and | think oor President doserves the credit, 1 dido’t go tor him when he was iccied, bat { want bim renomietted, aod if that fa dono f aball 4) everything for him that f can.” The above is the remark of one individdel, but it ts ¢@ peated in substance by many. “We might do better and ‘wo might do a great deat worre,’” is % frequent utter counnt of thet Mr the Preidential vo hae the people jam tuily by aul get ance, Some think he is fot the best mae that eould be found; others assert that he is pot 2 Advouls in form vor «@ Chesterfield ia man era; Many criticise his errors in ths past, ond trost Lins pro ited by experieuce. But with the majority wi have given expression hw ts looked upon’ es he moet avoliable man and eminently worthy reelection When the voice of the Western people stall be taxon it will doadtless be feund largoly in favor of Mr. Linooln. ‘There is a general desir Ww dismiss for the present the sub ect of our next ruler. Men say we have epongh to trouble ourscives about without falling upon this q ues- tion prematurely, the proper time, they assert, will be withia & mouth or two of the sessions of the conventions that are to make the nominations The war, commerce, agricuiture, foreign intervention and the like’ are enough for the present. From this fact { have much less to saroaiole on tho subject than might be at first autici- ‘The election in Ohio is looked to as ‘the event of the political campaign, Iu lowa, Wi ja and Minve- sous but kittie effort nas been put forth, and the result will be of no are importance. Ohio has been @ade the battle ground of ideas favoring or hostile to the war aud its sccompanyit l it is nanan ying occurrences. Oa its result there MEADE’S ARMY, The ‘‘Army of the Potomac’ Stilla Great Army. REVIEW BY GENERAL CORTEZ. The Railroad, its Value, Convenience and Means ef Defence, EXECUTION IN THE TWELFTH ARMY CORPS JOURNAL OF A RAW RECRUIT, &o., &o., &e. Mr. L. A. Hendricks’ Despatches. In ram Fimup, Sept, 25, 1863. ‘THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAO, reduced by long, wearying and incossant marches, by disease, and all the combined casualties of active and un- ylelding war, though not in numerical strength the army i¢ was when, under the proud leadership of General Mo(lellan, it first set forth from the banks of the Poto- mac to put down the rebeRion of the South and compel allegiance to the Union, is stiila greatarmy. The pre- sent is an epoch of great armies, and this Army of the Potomac is ope of them. We see its greatness in every phase of its being; we seo it while lying idle in camp, in the smoke of its fires—visible by day for miles around, ‘and at night their flashing brilliancy seoming so many gas lighted cities; wo see {t on the march, in its long line of bristling bayonets and floating easigns stretching as far asthe eyecan see, and clouds of dust, and hurrying trains, and artillery and cavalry completing the moving pageant. We see iton the battle ficld, as its serried columns are prossing forward in terrible strength, and the roar of artillery and musketry and smoke clouds fill the alr, I repeat that it isa great army still. But there is thia fact about it: that while the organization of this army, its equipments, uniforms, what it takes and costs to food it; ite graud reviews, the miles it has marched, the fortifications it has built; its skirmishes and its bat- : tles, have all beon written and rowritten till the smallest dotalis are known to everybody, one thing remains un- written—the mighty resources of steam power—in other words, the railroading that has tobe done to keep the Fi valle “(THR BOWELS OF THE ARMY."” The railroad, so to speak, is the bowels of the army; the railroad ig the channel through which the army is fed, nourished and kept alive; by means of the railroad the army lives and moves, and has its being. Cut off the railroad and tho army dies, In the absence of battles to write of, and having gathored and collected the facts pertinent to the purpose, aod believing their publication, besides doing justice to an overlooked branch of army labor and enterprise will be of interest to the public and noessential ald oF comfort to the enemy, I propose to ‘write this unwritten chapter. My only misfortune ts that I em obliged to compress within the compass of ® newspaper letter facts pertaining to the United States military ratiroad in its present high state of development as connected with the Army of the Potomac, capable and deserving of elaboration into a volume, OUTSET OF ARMY RAILROADING. At the outbreak of the rebellion, as is well known, the neoeasities of the day and the hour had to be seized upon. Foremostly came tn demand railroads and their appliances to supply our army. The goveroment took possession of railroads, seized or hired or bought engines and cars, and employed men at random to do and supervise the work. A thorough and practical railroad system gradually de- veloped itself, the loose and random beginning morged into @ perfect and effective organization ; old and diapi- dated and smal! engines were displaced, and new and powerful ones put in their places; the rolling stock, of mixed character, and most of it ina painfully sear and yellow leaf condition, was thrown aside, and {resh, capa- cious and stoutly built cars substituted; a managing head was given the charge, with abundant co-operative and ca- pable officers under him, and a larze and adequate force of employes engaged, of tried experience and trust- worthiness. Al} this has not been the work ofa day. Time and a vast expenditure of monoy and en- gineering skill and genius have beou requisite to effect the eod now accomplisned. PRESENT RASH OF ARMY SUPPLIES. ‘The Grange and Alexandria Railroad, our present base of army supplies, is now open for our use a few miles beyond Calpeppet Court house, seventy-one miles being the total running distances from Washington, In the semi-periodic uses of this road hitherto, our cars have only once (in Pope’s reign) ran as far from the national capital as now. As wo are progressing in brirging this war to @ close, so in the future we may make further progress Into the heart of the sacred goil, till our care run into the streets of Richmond, and the domo of the rebel Capitol itself re echoes the sbrill whistles of our proud engines. ‘Thia road, as all know, is an old one, and # great deal of repairing and regrading has bad to be done, to say nothing of building and rebuilding burned bridges. There being only a single track, frequent switches have had to be added to increase tne facilities of transportation. If this war ia to be a sottiod institution, of course Northero onterprise will soon lay a paralicl track the entire dis- tance; but for the present we have no idea of such additional rail laying upon such ground. I need not describe the country through which the road rans, Reportorial pens and brains bave been exhausted In the repeated descriptions given of the coun- try, the bruad uncultivated acres, the deserted skeleton houses, and the visible tokens on every side of prolonged and devastating war. ALKKANDRIA THM GRAND GRSTRE OF ARMY SUPPLIES. As the army is now located, and with its present base, the city of Alexondrin is the great centre for furnishing supplies, The track running from here to Washington, and laid over the Long Bridge, is an Important auxiliary in ite way, bringing as it doos the bulk of the supplies | ont from the North and West and neccasarliy going to | Washington first An immense quantity of army sup plies, however, reach Alexandria through the channel of the Potomac, via Fortress Monroe. It is at Alextndria the railroad inanagers have their offcos: it Is there the trans mide up. Through visiting and inspecting the railroad headquarters here 1 learaed the facta embodied in this letter. Mr. Von Zandt, principal agent, acted as my chaperon. Te is an olf railroad man, by the way, having been employed for years on the Erie Raiinoad, and the lowt of bis right arth unbanpily attesting the danger of bia profession, notwithstanding which fact railroading, however, if Now, as it long has been, with him a ruling passion #tronge RATENT OF RAILROAD MRADQUARTRRS, The raiiroad headquarters cover no less than twelve squares of ground, altogether embracing an area of two hundred acres. Thev are located ip the outskirts of the town, Machine suopa, the engine house, oices, wood yards, interiacing (rocks running in every direction, ears, seomingty numb: -|Fiow idle and coming tn and going jondiog and wo 1 traing, elangor of bolls, the shrill gerench of steam whistles, and bustling activity avorewhere the day and night, make up | the upch THE RNCINN HOUER AND ENGINES. { ficat visited the engine house, It is aa linmense elt enlar brick Duikting tho usual style of archi. tecture of modern Buildings of this one story bigh and a dome whos berms ook very much like the interior dome of some vast cathedral Hore the engines are housed, anch havin A compartmont by itself, which ia reached’ in the usu way from a revolving platiorm in the centre 1f (s too late in the ninetewoth cootury to describe ateain cogines. but, Oneitcladby those exponents of highest omar geniua,! folt myself fo the prasonce of a wonder. ful power, and for & moment garod and wondered and speculated what further unfolting of the triumphant powers o stoum and engineering tlents might be pos- rible in the futare. How but the most unthinking mor tal in the world coald stand in the presence of the thirty. four inscribed © United States Military Ratiroxd’ Motive engines, scattered at futervale throug! compartioents Of thik engine house, without this feeling come over him, and a feeling that uoder carry con: power oxiating elreumstances vietion to his mind . and will hero is a must that ‘ues are housed and all repairing dneand all the | { | for the suecesatnl proses tion of this war, without which At) the enactments of Conyrees, proe'amations of the !'re- | sitent, # oclal orde sof comm ders Inehief oF and numbers apd patria! sino eur troeps in the avail but Iittle. there are BIXty engines belvuging to the road —fo five new ones and Mfioen old ones The new ones hive ai been built since the commencement of the war, and arette best engines of the class that ever wore built, weizting from thirty five to forty tong exch, and ten thoussed datiars their average cont. Their Tames aro decidedly military, baving -ameng them Mira and Hercules, and after these mythological fighters, the names of several of our leuding generals, It was amus- ing to bear the different remarks and orders about the engines—as for tnatance:— “What are you gotng to do with General Hookert"* “Put on anew blower”? “How is General Burnside?” “A serew looge."” «sWhere in General Couch??? “Played out. “Flow is tho J. H. Devereux?” “Always ready.” Tnotired umong tho engines the Secrotary, which, it will yy remberod, on the 2%th of August was fired into at Bristow and Catiett's Stutions, —Indentures made by the ‘le ta its jacket. This is the the road, rebel bullets are still v crack engine for apead IRON CLAD ENGINES, At one time there was serious thoughts of making all the engines iron-clad, to ensure protection agatuat sudden guerilla or other aasauits. Six engines bad this iron bul- let proof covering of three-eignth inch thickness, and were used as the initistive experiment. For the purpose of resisting assault they worket admirably; but con- fined nir, heat and impossibilny of escape to the engineer and his assistante in case of the engine being forced off the track hes led to their abandoment. ‘These iron clads were only intended to reaiat bullets. thoy would stay the progress of a shell no better than so much brown paper. I observed in the house the iron- lad engine Introduced in Baltimore after tho attack made April 19, 1861, upon the Sixth Massachusetts rogiment. MAONINE EHOP AND -WAKEROUSES. ‘The machine shop is on a scale with evorythit ‘The building is large and full of engines ing re- pairs,and machinery and workmen. Some dozen engines were being repaird, among them the large ten wheel engine Rapidan, captured from tne rebels, The machinery {s nearly all new and of great extent and va- riety. A punching and shearing machine, a boring mill and hydrostatic press attracted my particniar attention; the last is capable of « pressure of ono hundred and forty tons. There are one hundred and twenty-cight work- men employed in this buildi Two eae besides 'S coppersmith and tin roy are in contiguity to the machine shop. These are fil with smoke stacks, tenders, bolts, sorews, oll carps, oll cans, lanterns aud misceHaneous stock of eagine and car repairing and furutshing supplics. T should have stated above that in tho machine shop an engine is being built to work the arawbridges on tho ‘Long Bridge, which now has to be done by hand. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICR AND TUR TRLBGRAPH. Along, wooden building of one story, painted brown, contains the offices of the superintendent and his assist- ants, and the railroad ic agent and bis assistants, Here all the directing work is done,and mogsengors are flying to and fro,and pens are swiftly writing continually. Kvery articto that passes over tho road is manifested here with the same precision and regularity as though their transportation was paid for. And this reminds me to say that the stercotypic ticket office and mouey changing are the only features of a great railway office not be found ‘The busiest ti before the ‘ture of a train, a8 any One who hag a carpet bag, box or any description of baggage, must first got a ticket of transportation be- fore it can be received on the cars. Amusing scenes fre- quently occur in the development of contraband coods at- tempted to be smuggled into the army. Examination of this baggage gives busy employment to the Provost Mar- shal. apd writing the licketa of jon equal busy employment to the superintendent. In the%elegraph office thero are three operators, Mi ph ir. 0. H. Torrance, the chief. Connection from this office is had with Washington and all the stations on the road. ‘The convenience, to say nothing of the meceasity of most instantaneous connecticn with the various stations, is ap- parent. OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE GROUND. Iwill not stop to describe sil the buildings on the ground in detal!, Near the-building described above ig what was formerly a private residence, but is now used as tho railroad hospital, under the care of Dr. Kirby. It fs an old, but good sized tramo dwelling, and answers ad- mirably the purpose to which it is put. A dozen patients are about tho average under treatment for sickness, with occasional cases of maiming from accident. 1 should State that this is not a ‘ament institution, but a sort of individual affair, gotten up by the employes on the road. ‘A taxon oach one’s pay of ‘one per cent pays the ian ‘Soldiers’ Rest, United States Sanitary Commission,” conspicuous on the top of a large new board be ger tells not cnly where are the headquarters of this charitable institution, whore tho wounded or sick or tired soldier can obtain — tempora’ Test and refreshment. tributors to is charity would hearts giaddened at the sight of the boxes of cloth- ing, lemons, books, jellies, lint, baodaces and other auxillary comforts for the sick and wounded, and many father and mother, and brotber and sister’ would invoke beavon's highest and noblest benedictions on this charity, at seeing the cre given a loved one or brother. Diagonally site this building, and the counter contem. plation ‘8 trange feelings in my mind, is the old slave pen of Alexandria, Underneath its first coating of white paint are stilt visivle words, “Price, Burch & Co., dealers in siaves.” It is now used ag a prison for desertors and soldiers rested for drunkenness and breaches of the . Duty it will be understood, greatly altered from what originally was. Headquarters of the coustruction corps, which {n {ts proper course 1 will mention more specifi- cally, A neat house and several small houses used as dormitories make up the residue of buildings on the rail- road ground proper. AMOUNT OF ROLLING STOpx. Additional to the engines and t described above, there are some six hundred box cars now employed on the road. These are all new or nearly so. and are very strongly and substantially built. Some thourand plat- form and skeleton cars make up the balance of the rolling stock. These are likewise in good running order, and like the other cars are all labelled with those unmistakable words of ownership, United States Military Railroad. TRAINS RUNNING DAILY, m At the present time some forty trains are run daily on the road. Fach train averages a dozen cars, which can- not be increased on account of the heavy upward grades. ‘A time table is prepared and printed, and the cars rua upon it with as much precision as on apy road. Of course, no attempt is made at great speed. Tokeep these trains running on a single track, with no loss of time, re- quires, as may be imagined, a protty clear and practiced head, which, happily, the road hag both in Colonel Me- Callum, General Superintendent of the army military ronda, and Colonel Devercux, Special Superintendent of this road. ‘Occasionally spectal trains are rin, as when it becomes necessary for the Major General commanding the army to make hasty spaed to Washington and like rapidity of movement back to the army. On euch occa. sions the track is cleared and the train made up only of the ongine and a single parsenger car. Going with the ten A. M. train from Alexandria are two passenger cars, which makes journeying to the arm: more comfortable than it used to be on open cars, wit cinders flying in your face, or box cars, with nothing but the floor or cracker boxos or bags of oa's to sit upon, ’ AMOUNT OF TRANSPORTATION. Tho amount of transportation daily carried over the road is immense. In addition to troops and ordnanee res, about ove hundred and fifty car loads of foraxe are carried daily, and forty to fifty car loads of commis. sary stores, The quartermaster and commissary depots are at the whar/, where the goods are loaded on the curs. NUMHRR OF KMYLOYES, Tn all the departments of the rafiroad there are about eight hundred employee. This cmbraces superintend- ents, clerks, engineers, conductors, brakesmen, machin- iste, &o. All receive liberal pay, and tho utmost fidelity ta Vig tert! summary dismissal follows. There are night, as the ratiroad is never idie OFFICERS OF THR ROAD. a beep ntayt the officers of the road:— 01 D. C. MoCallam, Military Director of the United States military raiiroads, Colonel J. N. Devoroux, Superintendent. A. Andrews, Chief Engineer. nai J. Moore,’ Engineer-in-Chie Orange and Alexandria irond. M. J. McCricket, Train dexpatcher. T. D. Irish. J. B. Yan Zant, Agent. ‘Wm. N. McCafferty , Master Machinist, F. M. Boley, Superintendent at Washingtoa J. Y, Smith, Master of motive power. Al inese officers mare warried industry brought about the present splend stem. The con- ductors, Messrs. Whitney, Riggs & King, are accomplished gentlemen, as all baving occasion to travel on the road whictr there is an adequate supply on the construction corps, as it ts called, numbering some three hundred men, act as the guard. te also a magazine on the grovnd. This guard have fine quarters and are woll armed, but are ununiformed. During the daytime they are employed in miscellaneous labor, so that their services aro pot lost. Hranquarrens, Firmt Anwy Conra, Sept. 28, 1863. REVIRW BY GRYRRAL CORTES. Our monotony was broken upon by a review of this corps to-day by General Cortex, of Mexican memory. Accompanying General Cortez wero Gencrais Meade, Hompbrey and Pleasanton. Only a few momenta’ notice was given of the intended review; but, with the promptl- tude characteristic of this corps, the troops were qaickly | {0 position—the infantry in line of batue by brigades and the artitlery Nkewise in order of battle, their pieces un- limbored and the cannoniers standing by them. sponges jn hand. The men never looked better, and thew martial bearing and peat and soldierly appearance elicited the highest encomtume from the reviewing officers. Tho artiviery brigade under Captain Martin was particularly com plimented HM MCLELLAN. TReTIMONTAL. Very general disapprobation ie expreaced at the order forbidding recewing further contributions towards the General MeClotian testimonial, and enjoining retarn of the money already paid in, Our officers and men fail to fee any difference between making a presentation to Geveral MoCielinn and the usual presentation made nearly evory day Inthearmy, I know that in some of the regiments theenthusiaam was #uch that money was paid for man w or belonged to the regiment. When the countermanding Order came over $10,000 bad been paid in this corps. CONMCRIPTS FRILL Core, Fach day continues to bring additional conseripts, aad those pleasent days are improved ti drilling them. Two @ ys ug six hindred arrived, u der care of the Major of the Phirty-sevond — assachusetis reviment. MUSICAL BNPERTAIN SINT Last oventng a mus cat ontertaimment was given by some mouibers of the Ninth Mussuchuseite regiment, Tt was « spirited. pleaswnt affair; both singing and playing | was of te bighoss orde: r 4 OM Pky OST GUARD DUTY. ‘The First Micbigun and Hight: cota Massachusetts regi- | ments of this corps have been detuiled as provost guard | in Culpepper. A more judicious selection could not have | been made, for better disciplined regiments are not tu the service. RUMORS, It would be idle to give tue rumors looking to future movements. All we kuow ia that wo are here and ploa santly located, and enjoying tho plersiaiest of weather, aod with very small numbers in the hospitals, Hach day finda the men ready for the day’s orders, look tyey to continuance here, t0 continuance towards Richmond, or covtinuauce in any direction, Ocropms 4, 1663, 4 QUTEr sunpay, Exoepting breif oannonading this forenoon on our left, the cause aad purpose of which I have not learned, this has been an exceedingly quiet Sunday. Of course the ueual Sabbath inspections and dress parades have taken place; but these are stereotypingly monotonous and are deemed #0 infringement on camp quiet. The bright beauty of the day Iam glad to say, however, has elicited unwontedly protracted playing from the eoveral bande fo this oorps. No less than five were playing at one time; but not sufficiently near each other to create jarring discord, I came upon ,the banda in the course of my morning ride, and the groups listening to the alternating soul stirring and soul soothing strains, evidenced music in the souls of our brave boys. There {a high and healthful and holy power io music in these far away camps. Betwoen the soldier cut off from homo, and moping melancholy, there is often only a thin parti- tion, Music dispels this melanchoiy, and cheors and gladdens tne heart. Wafted upon the moving and bodl- less air are loved forma looking teve and encouragement. ‘There is spirit, communion and sweet and soothing joy, and renewed and maniler strength to go forth and meet the shadowy future. Sancho Panza blessed the man who invented sleep, soldiers blessed the man who invented music. . esING 4 Host Jamogfansing, Of the Sixty-second syivania regi- ment, is a frm believer in ghosts. This betief is modern in ita origin, and it originated thus: Last evening he and several mombers of his company were discussing tho subject of execution for desertion, and reference very Batarally was made to the recent execution in this corps. The body of the executed man is buried but a short dis. tance fromthe company’s cump. The conversation di- vVerged into 4 disoussion about ghosts, and wound up by one of the party betting a month's pay that Lansing did not dare goto the grave of the executed man and step over it three times. Lansing started, and the proof of his going there was to be.three notches’ cut in the board at the head of the grave. The one making tho bet equipped himself with a piece of oanvass and a ong stick, and hurrying to the grave, which be reached first, and lay in wait for the ar- rival of his betting companion. Lansing advanced close to the grave. The stick, the canvass and the soldier extemporized a ghost of seeming colossal height. A se- pulchral grave came inas a fitting accompanimeng. “God have mercy on my soul. Save me, save mo,” ejaculated and ran Lansing. ‘And you really believe you saw a ghost?” said one of tho party, after Lansing had sufffciently recovered from his fright to tell the result of his venture. “41 don’t believe it—I know it,’ replied the victim of the joke. ‘He was twonty feuty feet high—and such groaps! Is it to bo wondered at that the aforesaid Lansing is 9 firm believer in ghosts? A TIORE? KILLED. Anunfortunate occurrence transpired yesterday near our picket line, resulting in the killing of private ‘Wm. Trich, Company I, Ninth Pennsylvania reserves, and ‘wounding of Sergeant Bane, of the same compzny, end Tegiment. They belonged to the picket reserve, and in stroiling about came near the Rapidan Station, on tho railroad, where, it seems—but wherefore it would puzzle ‘An unmilitary man to guess—thore was a gap between our pickets and those of the adjoining corps of somo fifty Toda elthor side the railroad track. Thfougb this gap four rebels had made their way, ofther consciously or un- jed the position of our pickets. Un- blanke@the quartet were cultivating “tired nature's sweet restorer,”’ or else took this recum- Dent sition to better keep themselves hid from prying Yankee the rebels, and told them they were their prisovers. One Of the four, who afterwards proved to be a lieutenant, olver and shot Jomped to feet, drew his rev: Prict ‘through the heart, killing him ersy? He then fired bittiag him in the hip. The Sergeant at Sorgeant Bane, fired on the Lieutenant, who fell dead in his tracts. At the first fire the other three rebels took to their hecis, leaving in their i their pleces behind thom. Ser- geant Bane, wounded as he was, fired at them, but, of Course. was usable to porsue them. courage and coolness of the Sergeant has elicited proper praise from higpuperior officers. The deceased was ® young man. and had proved himself & good soldier in many & hard fought battle. REGIMENTS REINUISTING. Tho it topic of paramount interest is the recent order relative to regiments relolisting, which order has, of course, you before this from your army bead quarters’ correspondevt. Iam certain ‘most of the army will reinliet at once under the stipulations and in- duceme sot forth In this o ‘Tho inducements are on a liberal acale, but it is the liberality of a liberal gov- eroment, aud one that aims to deal justly and fairly with {ts defenders and supporters. It is this liberality, this Justios, this fairness that catls out such favorable re- sponse on ovory side. The oxtra bounties weigh some- thing, but the controlling influence lies deeper, in patriot- ism, fn faith in the government, in assurance that rebel resistance cannot hold oat much longer. COMPLAINING WRIGADIERS, As unoary lies the bead that wears a crown, #0 not all who wear tho single star on their shoulders experience the utmost smoothness in their military career. Gl ry Aud tho rough have to go togecber. A late order, taking away from brigadiers the ambulances heretofore fu « nished for conveyance of their baggage bas cxnsed « bowling and lamentation among them. The resale will be compulsory giving up many luxuries beretofore en- Joyed. I think they wil live through it. PRESENTATION TO COLONEL TILTON. An elegant sword, sash and belt were yesterday pro- sented to Colonel Tilton, Twenty-second Maxsachusetes regiment, commanding First brigade, First division, It was the gift ot the officers of the regiment, ‘The usual speeches wore made and the usual amount of concomt tant liquids Were disposed of. Colonel Tilton has been absent # me time on sick leave, and the preseutation was ‘a8 pleasant as it was unexpected surprise to him. GENERAL, BARNES Much regret is felt at the a3 of General Barnes from this corps through bis sppointment as Military Governor of Norfolk. Mr. George H. Ha TwxtrTH AnMY Cours, In Vinuimia, Sept 25, 1863. } RXRCUTION OF A DuNKRTER. Ab Oecurrence, lately not unfrequent in the army, transpired to-day—the execution of a deserter The cul- prit was a private in Company D, One Hundred ana Forty- fifth New York Volunteers, named John Tim!in, a young man of about twenty-two yoars of age, and a resident of the Sixth ward, New York city, where his parents at pre- font reside. . ‘The court martial by which he was adjudged passed sentence some ten days since, and as there wore no miti- gating ciroumstances in eonnection with the cage its vor- dict was the infiction of the extreme penalty of the law— death. At one o’clock to-day, under the escort of a de- tachment of the provost guard of the First division, he ‘was marched to the spot selected for the execution of the sentence—for the of a life drama in ‘which he wos the principal actor. The usual formula by military law were complied with, the divi- ‘sion being drawn up #0 aa to form the threo sides ofa square, and on the im: line of the fourth side wore the grave, coflin, prisoper and executioners. it I will be brief in my description, as many minutely detailed accounts have al beon given to the pablic, tn no material particular, of one of men #0- before the word of Whitney, the Provost Marabal, which caused a desultery fire by the rest of the ‘mes, twelve in oumber, the pieces of four of whom were charged with blank cartridge, The man fell pierced b Cight balls, one of which only inflicted @ mortal wound, rating the right lung. He # unconsciously lor between two and three minutes, at the ox; tion of which, on examination, by the attending # gens—Dr. Twiford, of the Twenty-seventh Indiana, and (+, Chapman, One Hundred and Twenty third New York—Iife wae pronounced extinct, The deceased en- deavored to escape punishment by felgning insanity but be was foiled in bis design by a commission jof surgeons ated to Investigate, whose decision was unanimous ‘an to bis sanity. ‘Timlin up to the last moment re‘ared spiritual consola- tion, and repulsed all efforts made by chaplains in thoir endeavors to exercise an influence that wonld tend to him for the dread ordeal through which all mea must pass. His be wore generally characterized by rosa profanity, us be lived, and thus be died. Mr. Thomas M. Cook's Despatch. CoLrerren, Va., Sept, 27, 1863. ALL QUTET—REMORS, At the presest writing the situation of affairs in this vicinity is unchanget from that of tho past few doys. Everything is quiet along the lines, Mut the lines aro full of ramors, the truthfulness of any one of whiob would certainly cause & movement very soon, Hat T have learn, od to piace vory little rettynce on rumors, but to be ready at ali times for anything that may ocour, It would be contraband for mo (0 say to exactly what these prevalent rumors point; bat it will not be contraband if I express myvelf as somewhat in the embarrasalng predicament of the Michigaa Jodge who. ofter listenin very long and attentively to the conflicting spmming up of # case BY two very earnest lawyers, with grout grevity rem doret his jadgnent. Gentlemen,” he @ald, ‘he Court 18 bofogged. If tho counsel for the prose oution is correct, the deiondant is & rascal. Ir the gentiomas who bas spoken for the defence is to be Deilleved, the prosecutor is a scoundrel. I accept both Matements, and therefore believe neither party. Mr. er , diamien the cae.” I disbelieve all foating rumors, tnd terefvre kuow nothing myself aud have no opi AN ATTACK UPON LIRUPRNANT WILLLAMS—WOCHDED. A vory outrageous affair occurred at noon yesterday Almost within the lines of our army. Lieutenant H. R. Williams, of the Brooklyn Fourteent! regiment, Acting Assistant Quartermaster of the ‘bird corps, had occasion wo ‘ride a few miles from corps headquarters in search of @ wagon. He was accompanied by an orderiy, and was riding leiaurely along the bighway when throe men in citizen's dress sprang out from a clumn of trees in which they bad con coaled and ordered him to bait. The Lieutenant, being unarmed excepting a sabre, turned his bores, and, putting spurs to him, attempted to run away. The highwaymen fired several shots {rom revolvers after him, one of which took effect in bis right thigh, fracturing the bone close up to the thigh joiot, The wounded officer fell from hia horse; but, the miacreants having ran in an opposite direction on firing, be was noarly helpless. Ho managed, however, to drag himself into the woods beside the road, where he work saving hia own life. Tearing his garmonts, rong lizature. which he put about the limb ound, thon, getting # strong stick. used it as a tournaque:, and thus prevented the flow of blood. In this mannor ho lay for two hours, when his assailants returned ‘and assisted him to a house near by. They proved to bea of the Second North Carolina ‘Out first searching him for ‘been too thoughtful for them. While lying wounded ta the woods he had judiciously concealed his watob, money, papers and sxbre, so that the guerillas had @ booth victory. The orderly hid eacaved unhurt, and returned in hot haste to camp, teiling the story at headquarters. A squadron of cavalry was immediately sent oat after the guerillas, with on ambulance for Licut, Williams, The uerillas escaped and the lieutenant was rescued The eurgeon who dressed his wound after his resone thinks the limb may be saved. He has been sent to Washing. ton. Lieutenant Williams has not beon attached to bis reg!- ment for about a year During several months of that ‘fod he served on th: of Acting Brigadier General ips, commanding it brigade, First div , First army corps. He was subsequently placed in charge of the balloon department of the Army of the Potomac, which bo managed until that department was sus) n and ninco that timo he has been connected with the stall of General Freuch, commanding the Third army corps, as Acting Assistant Corps Quartermaster. Mr. D. P. Coningham’s Despatch. iy Tim Freup, Sept. 29, 1863. PICKETS, ‘Thore is nothing of importance transpiring just now in camp. Our pickets aud the enemy’s appear to be on ratker friendly terms. It is strange to see men doing duty together in the same fold, most likely having an occasional tte-a-fele, whon you reflect that the same men may be engaged the following day in dreadful atrife. ‘THR OWANORS OF A BATILE along the Rapidan, which, from the massing and march- ing of troops at both sidos, looked imminent, aro now Passed over, and it is goncrally believed that we wilt have no fight for some time at loast. All eyes are now turned to the Weat, to the mighty struggle going on be- tween Rosecrans and Bragg, in which tho strength, the power and military genius of both armics seem pitted against each other. DESERTERS—GRNRRAL LER. “ We have desertors coming within our lines every day, and they state, I am told, that the enemy's force is con- siderably reduced on the south of the Rapidan, as the moat of Lee’s forces have been sent off to reinforce Bragg and Longstreet. It is even said that Lee himself has gone there, and that Genora! Anderson is now in com- mand of his army. Desertion is now very prevalent from tho rebel lines. ‘While the Carolina troops wore on the south of tho river they could not seud them on picket duty, for they threat. ened to come over en masse. In confirmation of this I have on hand an okt copy of @ Richmond papor, dated September 6, in which is an account of the shooting of the fokowing ten men for desertion and for shooting their officer, Adjutant Mallett, who was in pursuit of them. They belonged to Company H, Third North Carolina, Stuart's brigade. ‘Their names were:— Francis Bunn, James Filix, W. H. Ki R. D Clarke, John B. Bledsos, obn T.. Rainer, Jobn Futeb, Honry Bri- col, B. Buna and Dorsey Buon, It ts not strange that such men cannot be trusted, FINANCIAL, ‘Te contrast the relative value of robel paper currency and ours. in Oslpever an article that would cost a dol- Jar of theirs we can buy for fifteen conts. Our silver dol- lar ie worth twolve doliars paper currency in Richmond, ‘This gives you an idea of the faith thoy have in the success of their cause. Mr. J. R. Trembiy'’s Despateh. Cane 1x Tax Pimp, Va., Oct. 2, 1863. RXKOUTION. A deserter, William Smitz, of the Ninetieth regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, was this day executed in this camp, He was a native of Baden, Germany, only twoaty years of age, and less than a year in the country. fe was among the first lot of substitutes that reached the army, and soon afier deserted at Rappahannock station, ‘and only got a few miles from camp before bis capture. Ho was a Catholic, and was attondod by C. L. Egan, of St. Dominio, Washington, and said he was ready to die. He conversed bat little, and mavifested less feeling than any others I have soen in a like situation, He desired the fad intelligence of our report to roach his father, whose namo is William Smitz, a tailor, and the fast ho know of him was in Forsyth street, New York city. It had beou raining incessantly all the morn. ing, and up to two o'clock, while the division was marching to the spot, * rained ja torrents, The slow but beavy beat of the dampened drum, the Ppattering rain, the Jow, murmuring wind, echoing « mo- lancholy requiem, sil conspired to render the oceasion gloomy enough to make each man fee! as though ho, too, was mirching to the sad music of his own funeral dirge. But, as if in obedience toa mandate issued for the timo, while the procession was moving the rain ceased, and for | an hoor afew seattoring rays of sunlight came (uintly through the moving clouds, throwing a stckly light on twe scene, In a fow min tes after it thee: ation it com- menced raining again, aod now, late in the evening, it is pouring a flood Tho Provost Marshal of this division has now twenty- Six prisoners, nineteen of whom are deserters a citizen, charged with furnishing two des ebel uniforms, with which they attempted to reach the Southern army. REMOVAL OF NEGROR, Government has heen doing a good work for tho past ten days in removing large numbers of colored famities to Alexandyia, thus relieving them from a state of actual starvacion, Many of them have only been kept alive by & division of rations doled out by the more humane of the soldiers, while those of the contrary persuasion were destroying the last vestiges of garden and cornfield left by the rebel army. We have had considerable excitement and stir in our corps for a (ow days past, but mostly from causes not to ‘be made ibe subject of Dewspaper correspondence. MR. D. P. OONINGHAM’S DRSPATOR. Ly rum Fimo, Oct. 1, 1868. THE OCCASION—GRNERALS PREVENT. There was as@ regular gala yesterday at General Warren's headquarters. (oct»r Young and Mr. Spalding, as representatives of a com mitioe,arrived a few days ago atthe Generals. About two o’clock P.M. a special train, conveying Generals Meade, Humphrey, Pleasanton, Hunt and Tyler, with their respective staffs, arrived, and were warmly and cordially received by General Warren and the foliow ing party —Major Generals Frenoh and Byres ‘and Brigadier Geoorals Kilpatrick, Morris, Caldwell, Har. row, Hayes, Owen, Webb and Ayres, with their res pective atafs,which formed on the whole « very largo ‘and brilliant party. r On the arrtval of Geacral Moade and his distinguished party! the band played several uations! and soal stirring airs, The party,pext proceeded to General Warren's quartore, which is a fine spacious plantation house, and capeble of accommodating large party. Among the Civilians I noticed the distinguished Union martyr, John Minor Botts, THR SWORD AND RQUIPMENTS Dr. Young presented the sword and sash, which were contained in a rosewood box, lined with velvet, and bound with silver clasps, The sword is a beautifal biade of the finovt steel, equal in workmanship and textare to any Damascus blade. On the biade were engraved several embiematic figures, such as the eagia bearing the Unidn flag triumphantly, the heads of a Medusa ana Mars, the Union and State flags, with the diferent maigoine, On the rd, in raised letters, were the initials of his | name, * G. K. W." The handio was of ivory and the | 8rd in Of the most exquisite workmmaneh! | ~ The emnivlematic Agures wreathed around it were of the | highert order and Ooish. A splendid amethyst sparkled £ the guard, aod the head of @ Mercury crowned the Hit The fcabbard was in accordance with the sword, being all richly gilt and Wreathed among these were the names of the fol battles in which be had been eagiged — Big Retbel, of Yorkiown, Hanover Court House, Malvern Hill ant Gettyabary Fugravod on « beautiful polished plate wore — Presented to Major al G zens of Cold Spring, The sash wart th edaings of the (nest silk, The sword knot was of filigree. The sword belt needs no description, as it was in acordance with the rest. On the whole it was ® splendid testimonial woll worthy of the donors and the York, 1842, inlaid with figurative embiems. | ntietam, Fredericksburg, Chanoellorsville | kK. Warren, by the citi- la richest material, with tassel end | | ase of w acceptor. ‘The-swerd was made by Ames, Te lhe + 9 al eui%en prone: was acoompanied wil ougraved We, the eed intel sot CoM toam . Uddersigne! citizens of Cold , Pu eoanly ‘ow York, dosirons of tealtyiag out bigh ap- Preciation of the distinguished aervices and conspicuowe fallantry of our fellow townsman, Major General G. KK. bs @rren, as displayed in the numerous battles in whieh so hen borne an i ‘tant part, and our satisfaction at the well deserved promotion of one of New York's dis- tinguished soldiers, have procured a sword. which we ~~ pin preadcts prance, tn pane confidence that signalability in the sored cause of bis country,, ee THE ADDRYSS. } 7 Wiles Sem next unlocked the cage, exposing ite contents admiring xaze of the spectators, and Presenting the sword read the followipe adress Gevxral—In times like these, when you and your bre- thor soldiers of the Army of the Potomac have quitted the comforts of home and the ties of domestic life todo battio in the vindication of the outraged honor of ow country, and for the restoration of our glorious Unlon, your friends and fellow townsmen, who take no active part in the sanguinary struggle which so mavy months bas desoiated our beloved country, esteeming it a duty, ‘ag it i¢ @ pleasure, to show their high appreciation of your distinguished services and conapicuous gallantry , display- ed on so many hard fought battle fleid?, have appoi ted Us a committee to offer. for your acceptance, the sword which I now present to you, in the full confidence that, being intrusted to ona of Now York's moat die? tinguished soldiers, it will always be drawn in the sacred cauge of our country, and defence of | ait ‘wo Bold most dear. ‘To one whose military reputation deservedly atands so high. and is 80 uviversally ackvow- ledged, allcompliment from us would seem superfluous, yet we cannot refrain from saving that in your native town you are equally esteemed for such qualities as adorn the citizen and the man. Ip conclusion. we would fay that wo are thankful that you and gréat dangers bic \dgon where you first saw light whon this up! stroggle is past, and America is once crowned the blessings of Union and peace, that you may be to a food old age to enjoy the well earned fruits toils and perils. your THE REPLY. To which General Warren repiied:— NTLEMEN—I feo! the liveliest gratification im the pos- Of this beantiful swora, whic! uu brave brought here to me from my friends at homo. 1 find among the names of the donors those with whom I hav from my birth : those whom T have always delighted te bonor, and those to whom I am bonnd by the tice of friendahtp and affection. hardships of the cimpaige are not 84 painful to bear as is the long separation from them. Much as I dosire to return to Seee—e eee which {s but increased by this ¢ ken of inoir sympathy erteom—it of itself points me to the other diraction— ‘the path of duty. Extucated as Ihave been to the pro- fession of a noldier by that government under which we lived so happily at home, and which we aro now striving to miintain, my debt of gratitude, as woll as my ambl- ton, placed me with those who take an active vart in the fleld. But [ hope, too, that I can ctaim to be actuated with the patriotic feelings of our citizen volunteers with whom I am serving. I believe my futuro efforts will be governed oy the same motives as they in the which you have so warm!y cemmended, aud I give it as my best assurance to my friends that I shall never die honor their gift by wearing { in any other service than that of our oduntry. It is hardly neces- sary for mo to disciaim deserving the praise yeu ave bestowed. I do not take it as intended te flatter my vanity, Wit to encourage me in a noble cause. As such I prize it. This war has lastod long and the cause for which we fight bas become hallowed the blood of thoneands of patriota, To those who survive to battle for it such tokens of approval are bevond all price, and coming, as iy dons. from my home. rekindles all the enthusiasm with which I left thas cherished spot at that call of our outraged country, which roused a nation of freemen to arms. That cause for which wo strive must prevail, We must not, will net, Jot it fail, We cnnnot return to onr hones and enjoy the blessings of peace until it triumphs. I cannot in do justice to this knd remembrance of my old friends, nor to my appreciation of it. 1 wish you would carry to them on your return my sincerest, heartfelt thauks, an@ my kindest regards. After this the party partook of a aniendid dejummer, where, besides tha good things of tho table, a regular feast of reason avd a flow of soul abounded. The dis- tinguished guests soon after separated, Any oF Tum Potom4d, Naan Cotrsrren, Sopt. 23, 1863. The Swhstitites—Journal of a Voyage from Riker’s Iilan® to Alerandria—Disyraceful Scenes on Board the Trame por: Atlantic—An Organized Band of Thieves Become Substitutes—fiotbery, Riot, Drunkenness—Insubordina- tion on Board the Atlantic, de. ‘The ontrancowf a raw recruit intoa great camp, wih tho manifold duties which are at once placed upon his shoulders, not one of which oan bo shirked unless he te excused for illness, leaves little timo for a literary or Bewspaper correspondeoce, The events which daily come under h‘s observation may be highly interesting and altogethor devoid of a contraband character; yet he cannot touch them for want of the necessary time. And {f this be so with regard to current events, how mucb more d!Mcult to deal with the occurrences of yesterday. ‘There are, however, occasions when difficulties of this Mature must be overcome, eapectaliy whan information important to the pubiic is to be communicated and facts Pregnant with instruction, although moro than a day old, are to be made known, Iam aware that news is every- thing to a newspaper, but the prison house contains reve- lations which only tho prisoner can disclose when he i released. The facts upon which I now write did not take pisces am this camp, and have vory little imfmediate connection with it, although they form @ part of the great whole. They commenced in New York, and terminated almost entirely at Alexandria, on the way to this camp—all bav- ing come under my own observation. A fow words with regard to provost marshals’ offices and substitutes, According to my own knowledge the course pursued by the majority of those officials is this: ‘The sudstitute being accepted and sworn in, and paid bis money. he is immediately put into the hands of a provost guard and treated strictly as a prison From thence he ts sent to Riker’s Island under a guard and turned over te the authorities there, where he is placed under the strict. est surveiliance until there is a sufficient number cob lected to make it worth while to send them, not to what ‘was hitherto regarded as the camp of instruction—Alex- andria—but direct to the camp of the Army of the |’ote- mac, where they are immodiately pat-under a course of drill, whieh is, after all, a capital dea, although tt di not sirike me in this light at first; for it ‘brings the recruits into immeniate coutact with the war-worn vote. ravs, where ail trepidation and anxiety are soon worn off, and tales of the feroism and self-endurance which have characterized this noble army inspire the uninitt- ated with something of tho courage of their veteran com Panions. Put I outrun my narrative, From Riker's Isiand the substitutes are sent, under close muard, to the transport ship, which lands them at Alexandria, In nine cases out of ten an hour does met olypse between the payment of the substitution money aod the landing of the substitute on Riker's Island, an@ he is often not on tho island more than an bour when he fs sent on board tho transport ship and be is on his way to the seat of war. Now for tho consequences. The sub- stitute, not having bad sufficient{time to see his family, i¢ moceasarily obliged to take the money with him into the camp on the island, and even shoald he be here afew days the utmont diMiculty is experienced by his family or friends to obtaining ® pass to Riker’s Isiand to come to see him, unless the party applying for it be possessed of more than the average intelligence. He is, there fore, obliged to sleep in an open tent, with persons whom he never met before, and in & camp amid some seven or eight hundred of & miscellaneous crowd, good, bad and indi‘erent, the bad, the vicious and the criminal largely predomivating, and, fading bimself for the first time in Bis life preseased of, to him, @ very large sum of money, without at all re collecting whet he has pledged for it,he exhibita hie greenbacks, consisting of ‘twenties,’ @fties’’ and ‘one hundreds,’ without diaguise, in the parchase of trinkets of all sorts, especially watches at enormous prices, in card playing for big stakes, in the purchase of drink um derhand—its open sale being forbidden. The young and ta- experienced substitute thas becomes an easy prey to the thieves who prow! about every camp tn the dress of sol- diers. This was the case on Rikor’s Island during my Stay there, Several parties were swindled at cards, se voral were robbed of considerable portions of their sub- stitution money while asleep in their tents at night. Bus this was not a coosideration to what followed, and which took place on board the transport ship Atlantic on her last voyage to Alexandria a few days ago, The substitutes, consisting of some eight hundred men, who, with fow exceptions, presented to the eye excellent materia! for soldiers, having been sent on howd the At Inptic, this transport lay one night (Wednesday) in the thie point Fast river. Tt must be said that everything av was conducted with g ly that the food, the aconmmodation and t conniderate conduct of the enlightened and intellixent off. Cors in command on the island were of the most um | Ceptionable character. Arrived on board the Atinutic, | our sufferings immediately began. The ruffiavly element at once to dis Phe Gas T could seo at a clence the Devil woud busy during our J that fednesday night last week, wheo they entered the At- Monday morning last, when they were landed Alexandria, sufferings of a meutal and character hich no pen could describe. I bere parse‘to describe Immediately after it was found aubatitutes making (heir escape