Staunton Spectator

Suffolk, says the Petersburg Express, has been again occupied by the Yankees. On Tuesday, the brutal and notorious Col. Spear, at the head of three regiments of infantry and five companies of cavalry, arrived and established quarters. One of the infantry regiments is composed entirely of negroes, black as ebony, and as saucy and vulgar a set of devils as were ever pressed into the Yankee service. It is not positively known what Spear's intentions are, but the general impression seems to be, that Butler has sent him to Suffolk for the purpose of watching the movements of the Confederates from a nearer stand point than that he has been enable to do hitherto. His plans, whatever they may be, will probably develop themselves at an early day.

MR. EDITOR: As any news from the army is read with interest, by those at home, I will endeavor to note down some things that have come immediately under my notice.

I am now writing almost in full view of the Yankee camp--our brigade being on picket at this time. This is not the most pleasant part of a soldier's duty, yet it serves to break the monotony of camp life. Our regiment is very comfortably quartered, enjoying the luxuries to which many of our friends at home are strangers, such as sugar, coffee, molasses, &c., of which we are drawing pretty abundantly.

We have preaching almost every night when the weather will permit, by our chaplain, the Rev. Mr. See. There does not appear to be that interest manifested on the subject of religion as was last winter, but, on the whole, there is a pretty good attendance at divine service.

War is very disastrous in its effects; it corrupts the morals, blunts the sensibilities, and destroys the finer feelings of man, not only of the soldier, but of the civilian. It has surprised me very much to see the change that has taken place in the minds of many persons at home. Some of them pledged their last dollar for the support of the soldiers' families, who have since been the leaders in extortion and speculation. Others who appeared equally as zealous have refused to sell their productions to soldiers for Confederate money; and when induced to sell, actually charged a half month's wages for a single pair of half soles for his shoes.

If this does not constitute disloyalty I am at a loss to know what does. The change has been so gradual it would scarcely be noticed by those who witnessed it every day, but I must confess it struck me forcibly. There is another class of persons who have surprised me even more, viz: Those persons who seemed to be so impatient to get Virginia out of the Union, could not wait until there could be a Convention called for the purpose, wanted to be pitching into the Yankees, felt themselves able to whip almost an unlimited number. But since the war has been inaugurated have become exceedingly patient, willing to let it move quietly and steadily along unwilling to assist in any capacity, except as quartermaster, wagonmaster or in some other bullet-proof position, and then take care to avail themselves of the first exemption bill, or employ a substitute, and now when there is no other alternative, have the audacity to ask for a detail.

I think it is the duty of every able-bodied man, especially those who are in possession of property, to participate in our struggle for Liberty and Independence. We who have been standing [a wall as it were] between the enemy and their property, think it very unjust that they should remain at home enjoying their ease, while we are compelled to remain in service and endure the hardships and privations of another Summer's campaign. That we are tired of the service no one will deny, but we are not so tired that we would be willing to give up the conflict, provided every man comes up and does his duty.

But there is another class I would notice before closing, with whom there appear to have no changes taken place. I mean the Ladies, noble-hearted creatures, who seem to have no other end in view than the achievement of our Independence. May their expectations be realized, and through their efforts may many be brought into the service who have been shirking duty, is the desire of your humble servant.

COMPANY D, 5th Va. Infantry.

A convention of the Sons of Temperance met on invitation of Charity Division, at their hall, in the town of Staunton, on Monday, the 1st day of the March Court, and after having considered the topics presented for deliberation, adjourned to meet at the same place, on Monday, the 1st day of April Court, at two o'clock, P.M.

Delegates representing five subordinate divisions were present.

A cordial invitation is hereby given to Divisions in this, as well as in adjoining counties, to send strong delegations to this meeting and,

As many Divisions have ceased to operate from causes growing out of the war, any members of such disbanded organizations are invited to be present, and cooperate in these deliberations, that suitable measures may be adopted for reviving the slumbering energies of this admirable institution and giving it greater efficiency.

April 19-2t

BY ORDER.