Army of the Potomac.
the truce — the Virginia military bill — Importances of action — Determination of the North army of Pennsylvania--volunteering — all caller upon to Help — departure of Gen. Beauregard--his zeal and industry, &c., &c.[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Army of the Potomac, February 4, 1862.
The present armistice granted by the Heavens being more effectual than any that could be vouchsafed by any earthly power, as far as any real, active operation of the military is concerned, naturally causes us to pause and reflect upon our condition and preparation for future wants.
These wants have been ably discussed, as well by yourselves as by your correspondents; but it can not be repeated too often that an early, and thorough organization of the military force of the State is urgently demanded by every consideration of safety and independence.--While the North have their armies already marshalled to make their forays as soon as the weather will permit, perhaps a large portion of the army designed to meet them is to be made up of raw recruits.
Have you observed, too, the seeming readiness of the North to engage in their unholy war upon us?
The Governor of Pennsylvania boasts that his State has furnished 109,000 volunteers, and says the rebellion shall be put down, whilst our own beloved Commonwealth has furnished thus far about 60,000 men. Looking at the conduct of the other Northern States, it is very evident that the whole force of the South will be necessary to resist them.
It is with great pleasure, therefore, that whilst in camp we read the many patriotic appeals of our great southern, leaders published in your journal, we feel impressed that every nerve and every energy must be brought to bear in the coming contest.
Every man in the South should feel it his duty to destroy at least one, and as many more as circumstances may favor, of the miserable horde that are coming to destroy their homes and desecrate their family altars.
Let such as are scrupulous about these things know that it is not their personal matter entirely, but it is the command of their country, and the cries of their mothers, wives, sisters, and little children, that beg their protection.
If we are fully impressed with these truths, where is the man that can faller in his duties?
It was a frequent saying in the Revolution, ‘ "If we do not hang together, we shall hang separately."’ No man need expect exemption from the most barbarous treatment should we not hurl beck the hordes who come to oppress us. Extermination and confiscation is their cry, or else all the immense debts and losses they incur are to be put upon our shoulders for payment.
Some still look to foreign nations for aid. The fable of the lark may be most apt applied to our case.
We have got the battle to fight ourselves; and if the spirit which Southerners possess shall wake them to noble deeds, such as General Scott said they exhibited in the Mexican war, by the blessing of Heaven they will make such a slaughter of their enemies as will forever deter them from molesting us again; but the work must be well done.
To commences and cease too soon, will insure an everlasting broil.
With regard to volunteering for the war, many are still waiting the action of Virginia.
A prudent, wise course by her will do much towards this important object.
The departure of Gen. Beauregard for Kentucky has impressed the army with the importance of the mission on which he is sent.
His name sends a thrill through every true Southern heart, and will, we trust, inspire the same confidence wherever he may go which is entertained for him here.
The patriot zeal with which he rallied the soldiery on the battle-field of Manassas, and shared their dangers, cannot be forgotten by a gallant army.
It is presumed to be true of every Southern officer, but the untiring, labor and constant employment of his mind as to how he may best serve his country has been observed by all who have had an opportunity to witness it.
Miles 