Things about town.
--The quiet appearance of the city yesterday, when everything and everybody wore the solemn appearance peculiar to the Sabbath, was in very marked contrast to the Sabbath of two weeks ago, when all was hurry, bustle and confusion, and when, if there was not present ‘"all the pomp,"’ there was existent the ‘"circumstance of glorious war"’ in ‘"the heavy tread of armed men."’ The ‘"sound of the ear-piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum."’ together with the shrill notes of the bugle, which at each street corner sounded the call to arms, conjoined with the quick passage from one point to another of excited citizens of both sexes, served then to make up a
tout en semble of Babel-like confusion rare in this latitude.
Yesterday, as we have said, was in marked contrast to it. Quietude and order reigned supreme.
All cause of alarm from the insidious attempts of outside foes had ceased.
Our soldiers have withdrawn to the seclusion of the suburbs, and are being instructed quietly and effectively in the arts of war, making ready for the day of trial.
In a word, peace reigned, and so did plenty, but we would not like to affirm that ‘"good will to
all men"’ was paramount in the breasts either of those who have assembled so promptly at the call of their country, or those who went to church, or those who staid at home.
It would be paradoxical so to affirm.
Coolness in the morning, and a slight shower in the evening, did not serve as a preventative to the usual exercises, parades, &c., at the camp-ground, which was visited during the day by very many people.
The usual religious services were held morning and evening, and were listened by the soldiers with that gentlemanly attention ever accorded by Southerners to the ministration of the Word.
The dress parade yesterday evening, despite the unfavorable weather, was worthy of the occasion.
The beautiful strains of the band floated out on the air like incense to the powers above.
