From the Richmond Dispatch, 11/12/1860, p. 1, c. 6

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 to 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 of 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 Surry, 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 manoevers, 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 or departure, packed their portmanteaus hastily, mounted their horses and bid adieu to Camp Lee.

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