Camp Lee.
--The rain on Friday night was in no way conducive to the enjoyment of camp life, and no doubt many persons thought of
John Brougham's witticism, that the sufferings of the soldiers were
in tents. In this case, however, the idea was somewhat exaggerated; for although the soldiers occupied their canvas houses during the storm, they got along quite comfortably.
The sentinels experienced a little of the hardship consequent on exposure to the rain, but the majority of the men that we saw on Saturday seemed to be as
dry as anybody else.
The evolutions on the parade ground were very good, and the steady movements of the troops exhibited a marked improvement since the camp was established.
A few ladies, undaunted by the chilling atmosphere, were there to see the parade, but the number of spectators, compared with that of the previous day, was small.
Among the military officers present we observed
Gen. Scott, of Powhatan, and
Gen. Coleman, of
Louisa — We missed the fine company of cavalry from Sorry, which left for home that morning.
About 1 o'clock, the troops left the ground and rode to the city, passing through the
Capitol Square and in front of the
Governor's mansion.
Our citizens never before saw such a splendid cavalcade upon the streets, and everybody was delighted with the spectacle.--This visit to the city was in accordance with the general wish, not only of our residents, but of the troops themselves, and we are gratified that
Col. McRae decided upon giving such an order.
After returning to the camp, and going through some further manœuvres, the parting salute was given, the troops were dismissed, and the encampment broke up. It was designed to protract it some days, and the
Governor had intimated a willingness to appropriate a sum of money to defray expenses, in consideration of its importance at this period; but some of the companies having made arrangements to leave, it was not deemed expedient to detain the remainder.
The men hurried up their preparations for departure, packed their permanents hastily, mounted their horses and bid adieu to Camp Lee.
