A trip South.
[Special Correspondence of Dispatch.]
The trip from Richmond was marked by little of interest to the traveler or the reading public. At a certain important point in upper North Carolina Gen. Matt W. Ransom's brigade was stationed, and industrious as beavers erecting entrenchments and fortifications, in anticipation of an expected raid by the Yankees on the coast. The same spirit seemed to prevail along the line of the railroad, and, as far as I could learn from inquiry, prevailed throughout the State. At every station the soldiers received gratifying manifestations of sympathy from the ladies, who are not behind their fair sisters of other States in exhibitions of practical patriotism. The first meeting of ladies in the Confederacy that I have seen recorded in response to the appeal of the President in relation to skulkers and deserters, was held in Rockingham, N.C.
Gov. Vance had called out the militia to the defence of the State, and they were hastening to the several points selected for rendezvous in prompt obedience to the call.--Crowds of these could be seen at one or more places on the principal thoroughfare of travel in the State.
The people of South Carolina are now fully aroused to the critical situation of their beloved seaport city; and though some districts of the State, from want of due appreciation of the necessity, were slow at first in responding to the appeal of Gen. Beauregard for slaves to work on the fortifications, there is said to be no lack now of slaves to strengthen the defences of the city. Gen. Beauregard possesses the unlimited confidence of the people, and justly too, and to such an extent that they will believe no human skill could have averted the result if Charleston falls. The general sentiment, too, is in favor of reducing it to a heap of smoking ruins in preference to surrender, and the worse than re-enactment of Beast Butler's brutalities at New Orleans, which curse has already been announced by the Yankee journals to be reserved as a retribution for the "original and infernal wickedness" of the devoted city.
It is possible Charleston may fall, but should the enemy attempt to cross the threshold of the State, the example of Marion, the "Swamp Fox," and other partisan chiefs of the Revolution, is before her people. Let them profit by the example.
Leaving Kingsville, a ride of twelve hours over the South Carolina road brought us to the beautiful city of Augusta, Georgia, next to Savannah the most important city in the State. The streets are broad, laid off with great regularity, and shaded by rows of beautiful trees. It is adorned by many tasteful public and private buildings, and the store houses seem to have been planned with special reference to convenience in the transaction of business. Its healthfulness, eligible location on the west bank of the Savannah, refined society, and commercial importance, render it very desirable as a place of residence. Augusta is the adopted home of some of the eminent men of the Confederacy, including Hon. Henry W. Hilliard, lately of Alabama, and formerly charge d'affaires of the United States to Belgium. After an eventful experience as politician, lawyer, and preacher by turns, and finding "all is vanity, " he has assumed the cassock, and devoted himself to the ministry. Like Richmond and other larger cities of the Confederacy, Augusta contains many young and apparently able-bodied men, who promenade the streets in polished boots and immaculate linen. I learned, however, that many have made arrangements to enter the service under the late call of the President. No city of its population has contributed more of personnel and material to this war than Augusta. It contains an extensive hospital, in operation, and another in course of preparation. It accommodates from three to four hundred sick and wounded soldiers, a majority of whom are at present from Charleston. The Surgeon in charge is Dr. Lewis D. Ford, assisted by Surgeon J. A. Pleasants and Assistant-Surgeon Jones. Dr. Pleasants is from Virginia, and a near relative of the late John Hampden Pleasants, of the Richmond. Whig His numerous friends in the old Commonwealth will be pleased to learn that he abandoned an extensive practice in Columbus, Ga., where he located, and promptly tendered his services on the breaking out of the war, since which time he has served the country with credit to himself and usefulness to his fellow soldiers.
