Baptists of the Confederacy turn to their state denominational newspapers not only for a Christian interpretation of the war, but also to keep abreast of army movements, the Southern economy, and much more.
In today’s North Carolina Baptist Biblical Recorder, editor J. D. Hufham supplies his readers with a summary of “secular” news from Virginia.
Lee and Burnside are confronting each other near Fredericksburg, but there is no prospect of a battle in that quarter soon. Jackson was in the Valley last week, but we learn that he is now moving towards Richmond. But no one outside of his army, ever knows where he is, till he turns up unexpectedly in the rear of the enemy. Gen. Smith is in command at Petersburg to hold in check any advance of the enemy in that quarter.
The Lynchburg Republican says a rather severe skirmish between a portion of our own and the abolition cavalry, between Manassas and Centreville, is reported to have occurred on Monday the 24th ult. The Yankees had advanced from the direction of Centreville on a reconnoitering expedition, when they were met near Bull Run, and the fight ensued immediately. The skirmish lasted about half an hour, during the whole of which time the firing was heavy and rapid. Our cavalry finally charged, the enemy took to their heels and were hotly pursued within sight of Centreville. At that point it was thought prudent to cease the pursuit, as indications were apparent of an infantry force near the town. The enemy lost six dead on the field and fourteen prisoners.–One loss, one killed and two missing.
The Exchange hotel, Richmond, has been sold for $100,000. The price is considered low.
The manufacture of shot has been commenced in Petersburg. About 4000 pounds a week are turned out.
The present debt of the Confederate Government is $564,000,000.
Source: “From Virginia,” Biblical Recorder, December 3, 1862 (link)
