The
Yankees in
Suffolk have been carrying matters with a high hand since the occupation of the town.
At present the force there is estimated at two and a half regiments, amounting to perhaps thirty-five hundred men. They are principally Germans, and are under the command of
General Mansfield.
Webber, a brother of
Col. Max Webber, has been appointed
Provost Marshal of the place, and treats the citizens with great severity.
The Episcopal church has been seized — the
Yankees having thrown a Dutch Reformed minister into the pulpit.
This pastor is a scandal to the community, being constantly with two notorious free negroes,
Emanuel Roper and
Albert Adkins dining with them alternately, and walking arm in arm with them through the streets.
The reason this church was selected for the labors of this pious and exemplary man was that the regular clergy man was a chaplain in the Confederate army, and regarded as a rebel. --Several prominent citizens have been forced to take the oath of allegiance, the oath being extorted bythe most violent cruelties.
Among these may be mentioned
Mr. Mills Riddick,
W. E. Jordan,
George W. Singleton,
Jethro Dardsnand Mr. Bland.
All these named have taken the oath under compulsion.
An instance of Yankee cruelty may be mentioned in the case of
Mr. Riddick.
He had a sick child, but, although he had taken the oath, he was refused permission to send for a physician, and the child died for the want of medical attendance.
We have heard many instances like the above, showing the animus of the
Yankee authorities in holding captured towns, and adding, if possible, another chapter in the history of their infamy.
