Very little news of interest has been received this week. The occupation of Fredericksburg, on the south side of the Rappahannock by the enemy, is about the only event of note that has occurred in Virginia. Jackson’s whereabouts is not definitely known. Gen. Lee is said to be endeavoring to draw Burnsides, (who now commands the Yankee army,) as far as possible from his base of supply, so that in the event of a battle and victory the enemy would have a long retreat through a barren country. On the other hand if we should be defeated, the troops could easily fall back by railroad and otherwise towards Richmond and be reinforced abundantly and rapidly in the same manner.
It is reported that a strong fleet of the enemy’s war vessels are in James river, their object it is conjectured, being to effect a landing at some point on the south bank and then march on Petersburg and Richmond.
In this State the enemy have retreated and no longer threaten the points defended by our troops. Their late raid was characterized by the most inhuman barbarities, inflicted too, upon defenceless ladies as well as others. It makes ones blood boil and the desire for revenge spring up, to read of their attrocities inflicted upon our unoffending people.
No news from the South or West.
Western Sentinel, Winston-Salem, NC