[from our own Correspondent.]
Advices from the front represent that
Meade is advancing his picket lines on our front to within sight of the
Rapidan river, and also that he is moving a force on our left flank, in the direction of Madison C. H. It is now affirmed, the railroad and the bridge being completed, that the bulk of the
Yankee army is being transferred from
Fauquier to
Culpeper, preparatory, perhaps, to the forward move which the New York
World tells us that
Meade has been ordered by
Lincoln to make contrary to his own judgment.
His
Excellency President Davis and staff returned to
Richmond via the Tuesday morning Central train, after spending two whole days and parts of two other days with
Gen. Lee.
During his stay nearly all of the principal officers of the army called upon "Uncle Jeff," and "Marse Robert," to pay their respects.
The President and
Gen. Lee rode to
Clark Mountain on Monday, and had an excellent view of the situation and of the
Yankees that were visible.
But for the inclement weather the
President would have reviewed the whole army.
On his return to
Richmond the
President was accompanied as far as
Gordonsville by
Major Gen'l J. E. B. Stuart.
On Monday night the band of the 11th Mississippi regiment (
Joe Davis brigade) serenaded the
President at
Gen. Lee's headquarters.
The band was accompanied by a large collection of soldiers.
In reply to this compliment the
President briefly addressed those present, thanking them for their patience under trial, their heroism and patriotism, and expressing the hope of soon seeing them at their respective homes under more favorable auspices.
The country will hear with deep regret that
Lieutenant-General Ewell, who, as I mentioned in my last, is on a visit to
Charlottesville, will probably he disabled from service during the coming winter by reason of an ulcer on his amputated limb.
In his absence his duties devolve upon
Major-General Jubal A. Early.
In the event of his permanent retirement the country will lose one of its bravest, purest, and ablest
Generals — a man whose deeds will illustrate the brightest pages of his country's history.
The loss of such men as
Jackson and
Ewell is indeed great.
But let us fear not; for the God of these heroes will raise up others to take their places if our faith is only equal to our trials.
Everything hereabouts indicates that we are permanent — at least for a while.
The depot buildings have been considerably enlarged, the post office has been extended, and a new office has been erected for the passport clerks, and everything gives evidence of a disposition to have comfortable quarters during the winter.
The men, too, are busy constructing their little huts for protection against the bad weather.
This may, or may not, mean going into winter quarters; for it is always customary to fix up in this way whenever the army calls a halt at this season.
The death of the lamented
Gen. Posey, of which your readers have already been apprised, makes vacant the command of his brigade, and speculation is rife as to his successor.
Among the names prominent in connection with it are
Lieut.-Col. Harris, of the 12th Miss.; Col,
Baker, of the 16th;
Col. Jayne, of the 48th;
Col. Harris, of the 19th, and
Col. Taylor, of the 12th.
Any number of court-martials are now in session all over the army dispensing justice.
Every corps has one of these courts, and in many cases there are courts for the divisions and brigades.
Mosby, the gallant guerilla, has again been in rear of the enemy's lines.
On Saturday last he came up with some three or four wagons, and captured them, together with their valuable contents, twenty mules, and ten prisoners, near
Bealeton, in Fauquier county.
Yesterday was a bright and clear day, and to-day is of like character, and the roads are fast drying.
Last night we had the heaviest frost of the season.
If the enemy mean to fight, now is their time.
There has been considerable activity in the
Yankee camp for the last forty-eight hours; but what it means cannot yet be told. X.
