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sioft*4)as t,lio attention of 11>miSfclHIX-ClWpJuib mwb"tbo public generally bm srieii t0>flio fcwfflbiowjy of the present patrol system," No fh After attention, however, ^nid \o "Mm subject; tlio authoritis ftopfin#, no doulit, that matters would improve. If audi Wlta Vhoir e*h&riittfhnAer?iit ^ r-?.. u*: cos hare proved that they were mistaken.?, Mills; stores, school-rooms, private bouses, tuirtuS stnbles ikrttf grancrfes, have been brbken open and rirt^d with inipunitij. Even tho Pop! .Office Was bfdken into and robbed, though bwifjg^b the prudcbcc of thb post master not leaving the funds' of th.o department in the office at night?but a trifled was purloined.? The Post Office, let'it be remembered, is in the same building with the guard room and lock-uji AVe meution the fact merely to show the boldness ?ud daring of the burglars. As was said in t former article on this subject, two, three* or even four guardmeu, cniiunot possibly?be they cvpr so faithful in the discharge of their duties?guard and patrol the town and its surroundings. The town cannot hire more without increasing the taxes?and surely they are heavy enough now. The Council has not, wo understand, tlio authority to order citizens who pay their commutation tax, to do patrol duty. Surely the authority to order out men for the defence of the town.rests with someone. Our Sn/*Alli1 niaaa T> 41 * wwuvt juioa vi nusurvcs, OJ'O IIIcy lo btuy Jit home in their ease, and allow the property of the town to protect itself, while all* the other citizens are. required to leave their families and property at the mercy of robbers and housebreakers, simply because there is no authority to order out men to patrol! Wo think not.? Wa.s not that corps formed by the highest military authority in the State, for the express purpose of protecting and defending interests at home? Wo think so, and believe that Capt* Huobsok, is fully authorised to order out every member of his company to do guard ami patrol duty whenever there is occasion for their services. There is an occasion now. \Yc hope that there may not be .a luoro urgent one hereafter; but unless this matter is taken hold of in time, then assuredly will be. The winter is coming on, and rogues and thieves who find it easier to obtain their bread and meat by stealing than by labor, certainly will steal if they find it a safe business. That it is now a safe business, let the events of the past two weeks be evidence. We are not an alarmist, but we dojfirmly believe tbat unless the community take the matter in hand* there is trouble aficad. Taken in time there is no danger. These remarks arc not dictated in a spiiit of faillt-finding or censure, but from a belief that they arc called for bv the exefnncios of tlm * O ~ * VMV times. We, therefore, again call upon the authorities to give their heed to this matter, and to remedy these evils while it is in their power. "An ounce of precaution is worth a pound of enre." f The Convention. This body is called to meet on Tuesday next, by order of its President, at tho request of twenty members. Bo far as known, the most important matter which is likely to engage the attention of this body, is the continuance of the Executive Conncil. A great deal of fault Las been found, and much intemperate language need, against the so-called abuses of the .Council. We have no sympathy with the course pursued, or the attacks made upon tho gentlemen composing tho Council. They are men known to he men of high character, and intimately connected with the most important interests and destiny of Sonth Carolina.1 It must be a cause of pain to every lover of his country, to see the importance attached to ido issues, and the apparent attempt to distract and distrust the harmony so necossary to success, against the fearful enemy at our doors. Wo trust a spirit of Wisdom, moderation and firmness will characterize the Convention.? Our liberties and independence are not yet established. Let enlightened patriotism guide them in their deliberations, and not 'he voice of disappointed office-seekers. 9 r ' -1 Tr-! rj- ni'vit! ii *4t-< . , ; v' -tin, is (le^roiid of pn^^ ng 1 ikcly negros, lor which the highest market price wplj bepaid. Apply at this office, or address the shove named firm, at Charleston. A superior toned piauo may he purchased, if, immodinfe i*pplicatu\n ** made vk the i>?* Kald House. Mrs. M./J'. Cajipbkll offers a large jot of superior shoe thread for sale, which may l?e had at a very low price, for cash. Acknowledgment. The Flat Rock "Guards, Second Regiment S. C. V., return thanks to the Ladies' Society of Flat Rock, for boxes of wines, cordials, bandages <fec., recently forwarded to the South Carolina Hospital, at Manchester, Va., for the benefit of the sick and wounded of the comp*?y ^ The Crent Baltics. Since our last issue wo have received news of the great bullies fought on the 28th, 29th and 30th August. So far as received, the accounts art' in our uolnmns <>?? tlio Ploina /?f Manassas?rendered classic by the memorable conflict of July 21st, 1861?again lias the valor of our Southern troops been triumphant.? We are not in possession of any of the casualties that may have occurred among our friends from this District. Very few telegraph messages have passed of a private nature.? much anxiety is felt, and the* results are looked for with deep interest. We, in common with the people of the South render, thanks to the Giver of all things, for granting to our troops another signal victory, and mingle our sympathies with those of our citizens who have to mourn for loved ones fallen. Nomliiutlon for Governor. We publish beiow the nomination of our fellow citizen, Col. James Chksnct, jr., from the Charleston Mcrctuy, of the 2d iust., for Governor. Among several names already mentioned for this highly responsible position, we know of none combining tlio various qualifications to a greater degree. As that writer expresses, "Col.C. is a man of, sound judgment, practical knowledge, courteous demeanor and exalted patriotism." 1 lis opportunities as a member of the Executive Council, \gill bo of great advantage, especially with reference to the military?uoav the light arm oi the Slate's defence and guardianship against the danger which threatens her welfare. In his hands we feel the honor and safety of the Stale would be in good keeping. And now, if ever in our history, is required administrative abilities, firmness and decision of character, with exalted and undeviating pa" triotism. We, therefore, heartily approve of the subjoined : FOR GOVERNOR JAMES CHESNUT, JR. "To the Editor of the Mercury : I beg leave, respectfully, to second the nomination made in your paper of the 20 th ult., by a 'Cotton Planter,' of James Chesnut, jr., for our next GoverI nor. During the past four months it has been my good fortune (not having known him previously) to have frequent interviews and some correspondence with this gentleman, as a memI ber of the Executive Council, on a matter of public concernment, and I have been much impressed with his sound judgment, practical knowledge, courteous demeanor and exalted patriotism. i As your correspondent justly states, be has I thoroughly informed himself in reference to | the military resources of the State, and this knowledge will be invaluable at a time when South Carolina, in all probability, will be called upon to put forth all her energies of self-defence against tho inroads of our vandal foe; or, pcrcnancc, to sutler, as Virginia, the noble mother of States, has been called npon to do during the past twelve months. In either event, in James Chesnut,jr., we shall have a man at the helm equal to the crisis, and who will, I feel confident, devote his time, his talents and his energies in maintaining the honor of our beloved State untarnished." No Politician. ? ? Colonel Z. B. Vance, the Governor elect of North Carolina, has resigned his position in the Army. % i i *<> B-sms+mtm candidntc!", vvitliout opposition, fin- reelection; your constuents and supporters are, to a very great extent, absent, enduring all the hardships and'exposures incident to the soldfcrVlifc, and again and again arc assisting in winning those glorious victories which are to dfceure our lib-, cities and give our country a place in History, unrivalled in alKhe past. ' Under these circumstances the families of these gallant soldiers should bo the care of those who, from whatever cause, are allowed to remain at home, enjoying all the comforts of life and the safety of a retired position; for, though some of us may very properly be exempted from military service, there are other duties we owe from which thcro is no exemption here, and for neglect of which, I believe thero will bo no excuse at the bar of God.The generosity of the people of Kershaw District, as a general proposition, admits' of no question, it has been too often proved; but the ensuing winter, with its hardships and sufferings, will require concentrated and systematic "ffort. . * I The pressure of the times and the worse pressure of extortiouers, threatens the wives and children of our absent soldiers. It is then urged upon you, as persons in authority, to call a meeting of the people of the District, in order that a decided, persistent and successful effort be made against this impending evil. Respectfully, yours, Constituent. OKRAT ilEWS IROX M/VXASSAS; another glorious southern victory?signal defeat of tiik combined forces of m'clkllan and pope official despatch of general lfe. Richmond, Monday night, September 1.? The following despatch was received by the President this evening, about si\ o'clock : * IIeadq'rs Army of Northern Va. ) Via Rapidan, September 1st. \ To President Davis : This army achieved to-day, (August 30,) on the Plains of Manassas, a signal victory over the combined forces of Generals McCIcllan and Pope. On the 28th and 29th instants, each win<*. under Generals Longstrect and Jackson, repulsed with valor attacks made on them separately. '? We mourn the loss of our g.fllant dead in every conflict, yet our gratitude to Almighty God for His mercies rise higher each day. To Him. and to tho valor of our troops, a nation's gratitude is due. (Signed) R. EL Lee. Highly Important lrom the West. Mobile, September 2.?The Advertiser has the following, dated Tupelo, September 1: Our scouts who left Iuka yesterday report that intelligence has been received by telegraph that Pope and Banks had met with a terrible defeat, losing 30,000 prisoners. The Commanding General places every confidence in the report, coupled, as it is, with other statements with regard . to Federal movements which he knows to be true. The same scouts who bring this intelligence, report the destruc. tion of an important railroad bridge in the neighborhood of Murfrcsboro', by Forrest. General Armstrong's official despatch, dated six miles south of Bolivar, Tcnn., states that he' attacked the enemy in front of Bolivar, on the 30th inst., chasing them into the town and taking 21 prisoners, including four commissioned officers. West Tennessee is now nearly clear of tho invaders. still later prom tub wk8t. Mobile Sept 3.?A special despatch from Jackson, Miss., says a despatch from Vicksburg states, that a number of our prisoners Were to be delivered on yesterday. Our own prisoners are hourly expected. Seventy-one Yankees, taken at Baton Rogue arrived to-day.? Those taken opposite Natchez, have arrived.? There are chances of a fight "at Chattanooga. The following from Kirby Smith, Richmond, Ky^has been received : "Wo had three fights near this place. Tho enemy were completely routed. Gen. Bull Nolson wounded On the thigh, and Gen. Miller killed?3000 prisoners captured, including Gen. Manson and staff, together with all their artillery, small nrins and wagons. Our loss was small. /jipy Ldc, WM ^P1 pr1^^ W.*C$* > God. bus again extended llio' shield over our patriotic army, and has blessed the cause, pf the Confederacy with a' second signal victory, on tho field already immortal by the gatl&pt achievements of our *roopa. Too ltrach/ifcfaftA cannot be bestowed upon tho skill and daring of the commanding General who coneehred, or the valor and hardihood of tho troops who ex1 ecuted, the brilliant movement whose result is now communicated." Tho Yankees haVe evacuated Fredericksburg. In leaving they burned the bridges across the liappabannocjc ahd the buildings at Acquin Creek. Latest from tlio UTorlli. Richmond, September 2.?Northern paper* of the 30th have been received. The Herald's correspondence from Washington indicates that the greatest excitement * prevails amongst the Uniouists in Fairfax, Loudon and Prince William Counties, V*. Families of Yankee settlers in those parts were fleeing to Washington, abandoning everything.. The panic was caused by the raid of Stuart's cavalry on Bristol station, Orange and Alex andria Railroad. The train from Warronton Junction for Alexandria escaped capture by dashing, under a full head of steam, to Manassas Junction, where it ran violently into another train, producing a general smash and v heavy loss of life. Stuarts Cavalry subscquent*ly occupied Manassas Junction.' At both places they captured a large amount of stores and a number of prisoners. Pope's official despatch, dated August 29, claims a^victory over Longstrcct and the capture of a thousand prisoners, many arms and one piece of artillery. lie says that Hcintr'emnn's corps would move against Jackson, sixmiles west of Ccntreville, at daylight, and he did not see how Jackson could escape without heavy loss. A Washington correspondent says ihat many States are much further behind in raising their quota of troops, tinder the late call than had been represented. There will bo very few in which drafting will not have to bo resorted to. > General Pholps' resignation has been accepted. A Democratic mass meeting was held in Philadelphia on Saturday, at which resolutions were adopted * denouncing Secessionists and Abolitionists, and declaring in favor of free speech and an active prosecution of the war. Among the speakers was Cbnvlcs J. Ingcrsoll, who declared that the object of the war was to free negros. lie denounced tlie Government as tbc most corrupt and despotic ever seen on this continent. lie was subsequently arrested for uttering theso sentiments. Engagement at Stevenson. the enemy expelled, and the town recaptured 11y our troops. Bridgeport, Ala., August 31.?Gen. Maxey's Brigade, under command of Col. McKlnstiv, of the 32d Alabama regiment, attacked the enemy, 1200 strong, at Stevenson, at 11 oV.lnP.lf Irwlnw Tim ' vuciii^ b iorce consisted of infantry, artillery and cavalry. After four hours' shelling, the enemy evacuated their fortifications, leaving on the Nashville trains, by the common roads and through the woods.? A large amount of ammunition and stores were captured. Our command met with a most cordial reception from the citizens, the ladies urging them not to stop till thoy had killed or captiucd every Yankee foe. The joy ot the citizens at once more beholding the "Stars and Bars" was unbounded, l'he regiments engaged on our side Were the 82d Alabama, 41st Alabama and 25th Tennessee, with Major Gunter's dismounted partisan rangers, Capt. Rice's cavalry, and Freeman and Duers's batteries. The whole namber of men engaged was 900. Our loss was two wounded, * none killed. The Yankee loss is unknown. The Yankee fortifications at Stevenson were very strong. Our troops displayed great gallantry in tbo action. Freeman's battery worked with great skill and signal effect. Harry Maury commanded the ?2d. Alabama with coolness and efficiency, exposing himself greatly to the Yankee fire, llis conduct is highly eulogized -