The damage to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal — Reinforcements expected — a ball.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch] Camp Mason, (Taliaferro's Brigade, Near Winchester. Dec. 21
Yesterday Gen. Jackson, with a portion of his command, succeeded in breaking dam No. 4 in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, and left it a complete wreck.
The dam was guarded by a force of the enemy, but they were repulsed, with but the loss of one killed on our side.
This was a very good and important movement, as it will cause the denizens of Washington city to be exceedingly sparing in the use of coal, large quantities of which were shipped by this route to that den of corruption.
Gen. Jackson returned to his quarters in Winchester this afternoon, well pleased with the work his command had done.
We are to be reinforced in a day or two with six additional regiments, and rumor gives a thousand reasons for this increased strength; but you may look out for stirring events in a very few days, at farthest.
The officers of this brigade are to have a grand military and civic ball in Winchester next week, which is to be a splendid affair, provided they are not ordered to march before then.
I hardly know what some of the officers will do for the usual say and gorgeous uniforms usually seen on such occasions, as I do not believe a dozen can be found who have that article, which, to us who have been in the wilds of the North west for the last seven months, had become almost forgotten and useless.
He was considered lucky who had even the most common suit, and officers and privates can scarcely be distinguished from each other.
The Richmond Sharp-Shooters, in meeting to-day, unanimously adopted resolutions of grateful thanks to the City Council of your city for the substantial and generous gift of a new uniform; to the kind ladies, for making the same; and to Thom is H. Wyune, Esq, for the many acts of kindness he has bestowed upon them.
They will remember their friends at home, and will endeavor to prove by their future conduct, as they have done in the past, that they are not unworthy representatives of your beautiful and generous city.
There is a considerable revival of religion going on at present in Winchester, and numbers have professed conversion.
Bishop Meade on last Sunday, confirmed several ladies and gentlemen.
The soldiers also seem to take an interest in the subject, and they can usually be found at the different churches at the time of religious exercises.
Capt C. G. Coleman, of the Frederick Hall Grays, has been appointed Major of the 23d Regiment.
vice Pendleton, resigned.
Lieut. A. J. Richardson, has been promoted to the Captaincy of the Louisa Rifles, in the same Regiment.
Ned. 