Staunton Vindicator

Absentees from Gen. Lee's Army.

Below we append a general order recently issued by Gen. Lee. It reads like the gentle admonitions of a loud father to his erring children. And well may Gen. Lee thus appeal to his soldiers, for he has been to them like a father, and it is their correlative duty to yield him that obedience due from children to a kind and indulgent parent. This appeal is as follows:

Hdq'rs Army of Northern Virginia,

Aug. 10, 1864--6 P.M.

General Orders, No. 54.

All persons connected with this army who are absent without proper authority are enjoined to return to their respective commands without delay.

This order is intended to embrace those who have remained absent beyond the time limited for their return, or after the cause of their absence has ceased. All such persons are admonished that every day they remain away from their posts, adds to the dangers and labors of their comrades, while it increases their own responsibility to the laws they are violating.

The commanding General deems it only necessary to remind those who have erred throughtlessness [sic] or negligence, of the shame and disgrace they will bring upon themselves and their families if they shrink from the manful discharge of duty in the hour of their country's need, and leave their homes to be defended, and their independence to be secured by the unaided courage of others.

"To those whose absence has been prolonged until they have incurred the guilt of desertion, he can only say that a prompt and voluntary return to duty alone can palliate their offence, and entitle them to expect any clemency.

If arrested and brought back, justice to the faithful and true, as well as the interests and safety of the country, require that they shall suffer the extreme penalty of the law.

Chicago Convention.

Just now the all-absorbing centre of interest to the people of the United States is at Chicago. From the sentiments of that people, as emitted by their press, we conclude that the action of the convention, now sitting at Chicago, is looked forward to by the great mass in the North, Republicans as well as those arrayed in the opposition, as being of momentous consequence to them.

In the action of that convention is embraced the assertion of the rights of the States as sovereignties, and the nomination of a peace candidate on the platform of State Sovereignty, or the ignoring of that doctrine entirely, and the nomination of a war Democrat. However, with the mass of the opposition in favor of peace, and the number of Republicans who also entertain that sentiment, it is scarcely reasonable to presume that they will not select as their candidate an out and out peace man.

It may not be well to calculate on such action, for the notes of warning of the New York Herald, in anticipation of conflict and bloodshed at Chicago this week, and the probable necessity for the city authorities to call on United States forces to preserve the peace, together with the fact that one Illinois regiment has passed Cairo on its way home (as it is said) from Memphis, may not be ill-timed, and the conflict may have culminated, and forces may have been asked for in anticipation of difficulties, but to be used to influence the action of the convention. The arbitrary power of the sword has been so long used with impunity by the Northern administration in controlling elections, and thereby strengthening its power, that it is hard indeed to do away with it. Besides, many members of that convention are already under the ban of the Administration's displeasure, and may be arrested ere they take their seats.

If the convention be harmonious in the choice of a peace candidate, or their convening be disturbed by the arrest of its members, or otherwise, we may hope, ultimately, for a favorable result to us, but if unharmonious and both a peace and war candidate, or two peace candidates, be put in nomination by its factions, then may we look for the continuance of this desolating war. In the latter case let us not be despondent, but remember that the most disastrous campaign to our enemies is that of 1864, in which they have made greater preparations, and shown more energy and determination to subdue us than in any before. We are now better prepared to prevent the accomplishment of the enemy's designs that heretofore, but if the action of the Chicago convention should bring about a peace, on the principles so long contended for by us, which are acknowledged by the impassive world to be just, without the further bloodshed of our gallant countrymen, it would be a consummation most devoutly to be wished. A few days longer, and we shall know what the sentiment for peace in the United States means--let us bide the time in patience.

War News.

Nothing of interest has transpired in front of Petersburg, since the battle at or near Reams Station. The enemy still continue to shell the city, without doing serious damage. The Yankees still occupy the Weldon road in considerable force, and both armies are in close proximity to each other, ready to obey the commands of their respective leaders; who are no doubt busily engaged in arranging their plans for future action.

The result of the recent fight on the Weldon road is to us very significant, apart from the loss inflicted upon the enemy. The further injury of the road is completely checked, and a force is thrown in Grant's rear, to co-operate in any movement which may be made upon the front. We thus occupy positions in his front and rear, which renders it almost impossible for him to operate to any extent, or even hold his position for any length of time.

We still hold the captured works, which are said to be strong, and if the enemy attempt to dislodge our troops, it will only result in loss to Grant, by killing and capturing a few more thousand of his men.

The month of August just closed, ends the summer campaign of 1864, and Richmond, the grand object of the entire Yankee notion, still stands confident of her safety, with the unconquerable army of Gen. Lee between her and the hated for.

The following official dispatch of Gen. Hood to the War Department gives the latest intelligence from Atlanta:

"Atlanta, Aug. 28, 1864.

"Hon. James A. Sedden:

"The enemy have changed their entire position--the left of their line resting near the Chattahoochee, about Sandtown, and their right extending to a point opposite and near the West Point railroad, between East Point and Fairburn. They had all the crossings on the Chattahoochee, but not with a continued line.

"Dispatches from Gen. Wheeler, of the 19th, report the capture of Dalton, with large quantities of stores, about two hundred prisoners, and two hundred miles.

"He destroyed three trains of cars and twenty-five miles of railroad. His command is in good condition.

J.B. Hood, General."

By stage passengers direct from the lower Valley, we learn that General Early encountered the Yankees on Friday last near Charlestown, and after a spirited contest, drove them back some distance.

That portion of Gen. Early's army encamped at Bunker Hill for the past few days, is again advancing in the direction of Martinsburg, and ere long stirring news may be expected from that quarter.