The lines.
On Monday night signal rockets were frequently seen to ascend from our exteme left, important of future events, and from preparations everywhere visible we were led to suppose that transactions of a mementous charactor would have transpired yesterday.
but despite every conjecture nothing whatever occurred of importance.
Sharp skirmishing is of daily occurrence on our extreme left, but the results have not yet been fully developed.
Several wounded in these affairs have arrived in the city and report the enemy unwontedly pugnactous in that direction, although from every indication, we are ted to believe that their increasing appetite for slanghter will be more than fully satisfied are many hours shall have passed over us. A few prisoners were brought into our Lines yesterday and Monday, and from their reports it would seem that no preparations are yet perfected by the
Federals for any ‘ "onward to
Richmond"’ movement.
It is possible
Libby's warehouse will soon be honored by the arrival of a few hundred of the blue-coated gentry, and their greeting be far otherwise than as conquerors.
From the interior of the enemy's lines we learn from recent arrivals that the depredations of the foe have been frequent, their bearing remarkably imperious and overbearing — violent hands being laid upon every species of property, while aged inbabitants are daily subjected to harsh language and ill manners.
Since
Gen. Stuart's visit to their rear the rancor and ill-breeding of
Lincoln's hirelings have been more than usually oppressive, their threats and taunts are increasing as to blackguardism, while the unprotected have no resort but patience and silent endurance.
Indeed. Federal cavalry have been particularly active in and around
Charles City, we hear; squads are patrolling all the country in search of rebels and the disloyal; but up to the present their anxiety and industry have been of no avail, for the mounted rebols have thus far cleverly cluded all traps and search.
The movement of troops has been constant, but with what intent and purpose we have no positive idea.
The men are in splendid order — all is enthusiasm, animation, preparation and impatience — there is an oppressive sense of incertitude, however-imaginings of bye-gone tardiness to be again rehearsed perhaps — yet all with one accord yearn for action, and are willing to trust the issue to sinewy arms and valiant hearts.
An ominous slience reigus supreme-pickets in the timbor move thoughtfully to and fro without firing an accustomed shot; artillerists lean upon their guns and scan the landscape, indifferent to the seene.
All is repose — the fields are moist and green, camp fires glisten and glow in the evening air, and the sun goes down upon the quietest day that we have ever seen at the
Lines.
The enemy are reported to have been extremely busy in their inhospitable swamp for several nights past, pickets imagine the noise to have arisen from the movements of divisions &c. Whenever the conflict shall begin, however, the sequel will demonstrate that the enemy have devised every means known to ingenuity, cunning, and malice to cause destruction among our columns.
They will not trust as heretofore, in numbers, nor will they advance upon the open field and try the guage of battle.
All will be left to trape, batteries, felled timber, and obstructed roads, and failing in these, panic will be universal among them, and the slaughter unprecedented.
'Tis useless to conjecture a few hours perhaps, will reveal all.
