Our Army correspondence.
Two large mails have been recently captured by our scouts. One was captured near Bristow Station, by Capt. Frank Stringfellow. The other was taken by the scouts of Gen. Hampton's command. The latter was sent to the Headquarters of General Stuart, where it was opened and found to contain some rare specimens of penmanship. The letters were chiefly from wives and sweethearts to their dear one's in the army, and savored strongly of love, and breathing the most strenuous opposition to the war.
Your correspondent being in a single state of happiness and a novice in love matters, has determined to preserve one for future reference. Should he be so unfortunate as to go mad on this subject, from this he may be greatly benefited by a single perusal.
Capt. Frank Stringfellow, with twenty picked men, moving with much caution and celerity, made a descent on the headquarters of Brig-Gen. Bartlett, of the Sixth Army Corps, on the 4th inst, near New Baltimore, and came nigh capturing him and staff, who were slumbering quietly in the arms of Somas at the time, entirely unaware of approaching danger. The sentries near Gen. B. had scarcely time to give the alarm before Capt. S. was charging gallantly through his headquarters, not giving the General or any of his staff time to don their apparel. They scampered wildly in every direction in making their escape. Capt. S. killed and wounded twenty in this brilliant dash, and captured a magnificent stand of colors.
The Army of the Potomac is smaller and more demoralized than it has been since the first battle of Manassas. It seems hard for it to rally from the stunning blow inflicted by Gen. Lee at Gettysburg. The conscripts that are brought to that army are kept constantly under the strictest surveillance. Notwithstanding, they are deserting daily and returning to their homes.
The promotion of Brigadier-General Fitz Lee to that of Major-General gives entire satisfaction. He is brave as a lion and always ready to strike a deadly blow at the enemy. I hear, also, of Gen. Hampton's promotion. I trust that the President will see fit to promote the indomitable Stuart for valuable services. I know of no man in the Confederate army who has labored more zealously, day and night, to enhance the interest of the Confederacy than Major-General J. E. B. Stuart, who richly merits promotion. He has the entire confidence of his men, who have a high appreciation of his worth, ability, and gallantry.
