Affairs at the South.
Our Southern exchanges furnish but little of interest.
Below will be found a short summary:
The
Wilmington (N. C.) Journal, of the 29th ult., has the following in regard to the probabilities of the Federal fleet making a landing upon the shores of
North Carolina:
‘
The movements of the blockaders on this immediate section of our coast are rather mysterious.
Their heavier war vessels seem to have been mostly withdrawn, and their places taken by smaller ones, while it is quite possible that the larger ones have gone to participate in some more active service than that of blockading.
It would appear to be the opinion generally entertained in
Richmond, probably including official circles, that some part, at least, of the force which is said to have sailed from
Hampton Roads on Thursday, is destined for the
North Carolina coast.
This may very well be so. Our coast is peculiar.
Immense in length, its elements of strength and of weakness are nearly equal, and arise out of the same characteristics.
If it has few favorable points upon which to concentrate attack with any prospect of a decisive result, it has equally few favorable points whose successful defence might guarantee the safety of the balance.
’
The Federal fleet.
The
Newbern (N. C.) Progress, of Monday, says:
‘
Information reached here by the train Saturday morning that twenty-odd sail of the Federal fleet was lying off
Hatteras.
Whether the report is true or not, or how the information reached the terminus of the road, we could not ascertain, but we incline to the opinion that the report may be correct, as it is evident they are prowling around our beach somewhere, unless they have gone on further South.
Whether they intend sending a portion of the fleet up the Neuss or not is for the future to develop.
We are sure, however, if they intend an attack on
Fort Macon that our river be in the programme.
Well, it hath been written in history that
Newbern is a pleasant place to be at, and that her people are a hospitable, kind, and warmhearted people, and if they should think enough of us to come to see us we will endeavor to give them as warm a reception as possible.
’
The
Wilmington (N. C.) Journal, of the 29th inst., has the following call upon the militia of that State:
‘
We are requested by
Gen. Anderson, commander of coast defences, to state that he has called on the civil authorities of
Hanover and
Brunswick counties for the assembling of the militia of
Brunswick county at
Smithville; and of New Hanover at
Wilmington, without delay.
Every man is requested to bring such arms and ammunition as they can procure, and come quick.
’
Absconded to the fleet.
The Charleston
Mercury says:
‘
A canoe boat, containing six contrabands, was seen to go off to the fleet from the neighborhood of
Long Island, on Wednesday last.
They were noticed going up the sides of one of the ships after the boat got to the man-of-war, and they have, no doubt, remained on board.
It is said that they had a pass, authorizing them to fish within certain limits, and that they got beyond the proper point by an exhibition of this paper, which is now supposed to have been a forgery.
’
Who can Beat it?
William Moore,
Esq., of
Perry county, Alabama, sends ten brave boys to the war, nine of them over six feet high, all of them the stoutest men and bravest soldiers.
Pass it around.
Yankees, N. B.
