Union mapping on the Peninsula - 1862
Some Christmas Eve southern patriotism from the Virtus correspondent of the Dispatch. Virtus does not think there will be any general advance on up the Peninsula because it is too well defended and because the Yankees seemed to be too well satisfied with just plundering the region.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 30, 1861:
[correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
York County, Va. Dec. 24.
For the last two or three weeks, this peninsula has been in a whirl of excitement. Rumor after rumor in rapid succession has prevailed, of an immediate attack on Yorktown. The rapid movement of troops from point to point, has led many to believe there was serious foundation for these rumors.
The military, almost without exception, have hoped there might be a fight on hand, for they are tired of the mere routine of the camp, and want something a little more stirring. Besides, they say they came here to fight, and long to meet the invaders, not doubting the result. But some of the citizens — especially those without “the lines”–have been alarmed, not doubting that if the vandals do advance, the scenes which have been enacted in the vicinity of Hampton would be repeated wherever the enemy should come. As yet, however, no very decided move has been made.–The enemy seems to be satisfied to remain within his strong holds at Old Point and Newport News.
An occasional pillaging party, however, venture a little further. On Sunday last quite a large body of this description, said to be a full regiment, ventured a little this side of New Market. They were here met by a party of about three hundred of the 8th Alabama regiment, (Col. Winston’s,) and a skirmish ensued, in which, as usual, the enemy were repulsed. Their loss I have not learned definitely. Several, however, were seen to fall. Some prisoners were taken, and, as a trophy, a United States flag was brought off by our men. One man was killed and two wounded on our side.
Confederate General Magruder's Yorktown Headquarters - in stereo!
It is not necessary nor politic that any definite information should be given through the papers concerning the defences of this peninsula. I may, however, in general terms, say that they are so numerous, so strong, and so well located that, whether the attempt should be made by either river or by land, an “On to Richmond” from this quarter is among the things least to be apprehended. Batteries, masked and unmasked, are in readiness at every point, where there is the least probability of an approach; and I hazard nothing in saying that, come when or where they may, another Bethel awaits them. They seem, however, too well satisfied with such exploits as robbing hen roosts and destroying furniture to venture a battle with Southern patriots. Virtus.
The Eighth Alabama Infantry Regiment is said to be “the first Confederate regiment to be enlisted for the war.” It’s first colonel, John Anthony Winston, was a two-term Alabama governor, first elected in 1853. He had a relatively short stint serving in the army: “Disliked because he was a stern disciplinarian, he resigned on June 16, 1862 because of chronic rheumatism.”
