From North Carolina.
the Camp and county — a Tariff for speculators — the first Regiment North Carolina Cavalry--an affecting Incident, Ets. Camp Beauregard, Sept. 21, 1861.
This camp is the headquarters of the 1st Regiment North Carolina Cavalry, State troops, enlisted ‘"for the war."’ It is located on the south of the Raleigh and Petersburg line of railroad, one-half mile from the depot and village called Ridgeway.
The encampment is situated in one of the most lovely and quiet groves in the whole country, with several very fine springs of water quite accessible, and two small creeks near, where the horses are usually taken to water.
This county, (Warren,) I learn, is one of the wealthiest and most prolifle in the whole State, and contains some of its most influential and aristocratic families; but, not withstanding our position in this respect, we enjoy but little relief from speculators, although our hospital speaks loudly in our behalf.
They (the speculators) throug around us with their provisions — fresh meats, chickens, vegetables, fruits, melons, &c., demanding the most exorbitant prices for them, and what is equally as bad, carrying off and boarding up (as we suppose) all the small change they can get. But the act that makes the apex or climax in the pyramid of their meanness, consists in the fact that those whose wealth, pride, position, or fear, prevent them from coming with their carts, wagous, &c., send their negroes to carry out their selfish schemes of extortion and oppression.
This thing has been carried on to such an extent that it has at last forced out commanding officer to issue a ‘"tariff"’ for the regulation of prices in future; and lienceforth he who comes liere will have to be governed by the established prices, which I think are ample indeed.
Having neglected to state, in the proper places, the sirength and commandants of this regiment, I here give them, with such additional particulars as I think may prove interesting:
First Regiment North Carolina Covalry, at Camp Btaur gerd, Warren county, N. C. --Colonel, Robert Ransom, commanding; Lieut Colonel, L. S. Baker; 1st Major, Jas. B. Gordon; Adjutant, J. L. Henry; Quartermaster, Robert Shaw; Commissary, M. D. L McLeod; Sergeant Major, --. Capt. W. H. Cheeli, Warren co.; Capt. Thos. Ruffin, Wa J. H. Whittaker, Northamp Capt. W. J. Homton, Bupith Capt. Thomas N. pler, Athe co., Capt. Miller, Meccklonburg en.; Capt. Rufus Barringer, Cabarrie co.; Capt. T. J. Siler, Macon-co.; Capt. John W. Woodfin, Buncombe co.; Capt. George N. Folk, Watauga co
Total, 870 men, 954 horses.
The regiment is deatined is be of eminent service in proseguting the war, on account of the efficiency of its officers and the ardor, strength and courage of the privates, and
the fine and superior horses upon which they are mounted.
One or two companies — year more — deserve especial notice; but I will only allude in this to those commanded by Captains T. N. Crump or and G. N. Folk, from the mountains beyond and around the Blue Ridge.
The men composing these companies are endowed with all the characteristics and qualities which are necessary in the soldier; and combining which, no such armies can be conquered and subdued.
Doubtless this much may be said of the entire regiment; but as I have not mingled with any but those companies mentioned, I cannot speak for any others.
Our Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel have both the advantage of a thorough military education and a large experience in the service of the once-renowned, but now disorganized and defunct, regular United States army.
They have brought to their positions the highest reputations, which they are admirably sustaining, much, I must confess, to the great inconvenience and annoyance of many of as idle fellows who seem rather indisposed to attain an early proficiency in the many exercises of the trooper.
Not a few of us get ‘"blowed up,"’ (as we boys used to call it in Richmond.) But, not withstanding, I hope we will be ready for the field shortly.
In fact, I learn that we will leave about the 10th of next month for Virginia, where I trust a field of usefulness and glory awaits us--one that will gratify the whole regiment in getting ‘"pops"’ at Yankees, showing our bravery, distinguishing or extinguishing ourselves, &c., &c.
Speaking of reprimands, &c., from our Colonel, reminds me of one which occurred this week, which bore with it something more sad and touching to all our feelings than the simple reproof.
Whilst on the field, drilling, some luckless soldier, not keeping his exact position in ranks, brings from the Colonel the loud command--‘"Close up there, you man on the black horse ! close up ! you are not paying any attention to this drill ! You are studying about some of the good things your mother has at home !"’ Alas ! how it told a melancholy truth on us all, who cannot banish the dreams of mother, home, and the ‘"good things"’ we have left far behind ! Poor fellows ! my heart often sighs when I look around and gaze upon the faces of so many who have never known the privations and toils we now sadly experience.
But it is glory and greatness to fight, suffer, and die for one's country against tyranny ! And we are grayely consoled by our philosophic friends, with the assurance that ‘" it will make men of you, boys !"’ But there is something sad, yet sweet, in these memories of mother and home, and the heart cannot banish the sigh, nor quench and dispel the tear, as it steals to the eye, with the fondest prayer for that mother and that home.--But these reflections force me to close.
Van. 