The Highland Weekly News

[Correspondence of the News.

Leesburg Items.

Mr. Editor:—Everything is in statu quo here, at the present time. Christmas passed off quite merrily, especially with the young people, who seemed to enjoy their candy and fire crackers prodigiously.

On Monday night of last week, the Monroe School House was entirely destroyed by fire, supposed to be caused by some boys wrestling in the house at play-time during the day, and moving the stove-pipe out of place—a good warning to school-boys to go out of doors to have their fun. Also, on the same day about noon, the house of Mrs. Templin, in this place, occupied by Mr. Josephus Bridwell, took fire, as is supposed, by a spark falling on the carpet during the absence of Mr. and Mrs. B. The beds and furniture, and whole inner room, were on fire before it was discovered, but by the persevering efforts and good management of our citizens the building was saved, but all the furniture, beds, clothing, &c., was so damaged by fire and water, as to be a total loss. Mr. Bridwell's loss is estimated at $150; damage to house, perhaps $75. Had the fire not been discovered until a few minutes later, or had the management been less skillful, it would have been impossible to save the house or prevent the fire from spreading, when the loss would have been severe. People should be very careful how they leave their fires, or "Fire and water are good servants, but hard masters."

Business here is "rather dull," and the prices of some articles are higher than a poor man can see. Brown muslin is selling at 20c per yard, and coffee at 25c per pound. But we are still in hopes the "Grand Army" will advance and whip the rebels, when we expect better times.

PRO PATRIA.

Leesburg, Dec. 3d, 1861.