From a gentleman lately arrived from
Leesburg, we are informed that the state of affairs in
Loudoun county has undergone a total change within the past few days.
During our occupation of
Yorktown, and retreat therefrom, the Pennsylvanian forces quartered in
Loudoun were particularly supercilious in their demeanor towards the inhabitants, and their general deportment offensive and obnoxious to the ladies.
They acted as conquerors, and wished to be considered as such.
Their influence, however, was little.
They endeavored to wean the inhabitants of that fair country from their love and allegiance to the
South, but without avail.
A newspaper was issued there; under the supervision and direction of officers of the twenty-eighth Pennsylvania, and by every means in their power they misrepresented everything occurring in our armies which might give joy or comfort to the many whose husbands, sons, and brothers, were marshalled under the glorious Southern banner.
A miscreant (named
McDonald, we believe,) was found vile enough to act as
Postmaster of the place under
Lincoln patronage, and deserters or absentees from the Loudoun Guard, and some of the 8th Virginia, were base enough to sympathize with him. Public property has greatly suffered, we learn, since their advent; unscrupulous hands have been laid upon all things available for their use and comfort; the stage ran regularly to
Washington, and other places, but the ladies always frowned upon all and every overture from the enemy, whereat they were much abashed and annoyed.
All things, in fine, with few exceptions, were progressing favorably to the
Federal, but the news of
Jackson's victory over
Banks, in the
Valleys, seemed to have an electric effect upon the invaders; they seemed thunder-struck; and within a few hours of the receipt of the news decamped, and left the place in great haste and confusion, accompanied by every Union sympathizer.
The camps, we are told, presented the greatest confusion on their departure while the ladies assembled by the roadside and would ironically invite them to stay yet a little longer.
The sting was understood and felt, and curses, not loud but deep, were vented on the heads of the rebel leaders in great number and profusion.
Excepting a few cavalry patrols near the river, we are informed that no Federal forces longer remain there to annoy the inhabitants, and it is fondly hoped and expected that some of
Jackson's gallant
corps d' armes may visit the district, and rid it for ever of Yankee domination.
