From Fredericksburg.
[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
It has been asked, ‘"are candidates for political office exempt from military duty? "’ If not, let the members of the Legislature and Congress immediately on adjournment be taken by the conscript officer and placed in the ranks. The State and the Confederacy alike need wiser legislators Old members were re-elected last time to show the people endorsed their action in separation from the North. Let them now take their in the field and exhibit the same ardor in the fight and with the musket which they so noisily manifested with the tongue and the pen. Let fire-esters eat a little fire. We want deeds, not words. "The unmistakable authentic deed" alone can testify that their professions and expressions of patriotism are vindicated by actual service. The ranks are the appropriate place. Let all this politico military office-seeking cease. No more ambition for places of emolument and safety. "The post of honor is a private's station." The long list of incompetent officers prove this, and any man's patriotism is open to suspicion who seeks office, whether civil, political or military, who is conscious of incapacity to perform its duties. It may reveal an old fogy to utter even an expectation of a glimpse of unselfish patriotism in some directions.
Now is the most propitious period for worship of the goddess Hygets. It soap and civilization go hand in hand, and "cleanliness is next to godliness." (although a long way off,) it is high time that all who occupy cities and towns should begin to walk in clean paths. Rev. Bob Breckinridge told Leslie Combs that if any Baptist minister should consent to baptize him, he would have to put him in soak over night, as no ordinary immersion would answer for such a sinner. No ordinary cleansing will do for Richmond or Fredericksburg. The Almighty will certainty visit Richmond with pestilence or the Yankees this summer, because of the moral and physical fifth abounding within its limits. Moral chloride of lime will scarcely suffice for the leprous distilment perpetually from its social and political corruptions — In Fredericksburg even my dog has been demoralized and made a blackguard by associating with Yankees during the occupation, and eating their carcases since the battle. He has grown a great coward, and excels only in running. The Yankees left the slimy trail of the serpent behind them, and much dirt has accumulated since. Efforts are being made now to remove it. Much lime and thorough cleansing of cellars, alleys, yards, &c., will be required to shield us from disease. I am sure the authorities, civil and military, will endeavor to do their whole duty in these premises.
There is no news. Hooker may be making a feint above, intending to attack here. The balloon man yesterday seemed to have "an inquiring mind." He ascended and journeyed up and down the river. Last night Col. Griffin, on the 18th Mississippi, was serenaded by the band and acknowledged the compliment in an appropriate speech. He was wounded at Malvem Hill, and has just rejoined his regiment, commanded by Lt.--Col. Luce during his absence. You have already published the brilliant record of this gallant regiment.
