From the Ninth N.J. Volunteers. Headquarters Ninth N.J. Vols.

Newport News, Va. Dec. 14th, '63.

Dear Journal: We have at last seen our new commander, the great Abou Ben Butler. On Tuesday morning, the 8th inst., we received orders to be ready at 11 o'clock for a grand review. The whole force at this post was under arms and in line at half-past eleven, awaiting the arrival of General butler, who soon after made his appearance, attended by Gen. Heckman and a brilliant staff. After reviewing the troops he thoroughly inspected the camps of the different regiments - which are at all times kept in good order - bestowing upon each Colonel a word of praise for their efficiency in this respect. He soon after took his departure in the steamer Greyhound for Norfolk. On his return, the frigate Minnesota gave him the usual salute, as he steamed down to the Fortress, highly gratified with his pleasant and cordial reception by the old veterans of the Eighteenth Army Corps.

We have changed our camp since I wrote you last. The 27th Massachusetts left here on Thursday last for Norfolk, to garrison that city and relieve the 21st Connecticut and 118th New York, who arrived here on Friday, not very well pleased with the change, especially in regard to quarters. As soon as the Twenty-seventh left here, we immediately took possession of their camp, which is a fine one. We have the A tent, which are well stockaded, altogether forming a great contrast to our late camp. Our old tents were the "Sibley," and we have had them in constant use for over eighteen months. So rotten were they that we could hardly keep them over us. The 21st Connecticut took possession of our old camp, and I'm sure there was some tall swearing when they saw the tents of the 9th New Jersey. They were informed by the boys of the 27th that they had a splendid camp, with new tents, &c., to walk into upon their arrival at Newport News. It is no wonder that they are disappointed - I know we should be if served in the like manner. But such is life, so full of changes from good to bad, and vice versa.

Meade's retreat from Mine Run is much commented upon here. Those who approve of the war policy as carried on, assert that Meade should have given Lee battle, no matter what his (Meade's) loss might amount to. They clamor for his removal and for the appointment of another Burnside or Hooker, who would at their master's (Stanton) wink give to the country another Fredericksburg or Chancellorsville. Par Mobile fratrum. Others think that Meade has added another feather to his cap, and, although condemned by the Administration for saving his army, the whole country will honor him for his humane conduct in not throwing his brave soldiers into the very jaws of death.

For the last two weeks there has been a press gang of Butler's African Zoo-Zoos scouring the country round, seizing on all of their sable brothers whom they can lay their hands on, to compel them to join the army whether they will or no. Mr. Niggah [sic] don't like the profession of soldiering, and the result is he leaves for parts unknown to the Zoo-Zoos.

There have re-enlisted in the 9th about one hundred and twenty-five men, who are mostly, if not all, accredited to Paterson, Passaic county, that county giving three hundred dollars, which is a larger amount offered than in any other county in the State; hence the reason of their being accredited to that county. Col. Cook visited our camp on Sunday, the 6th, and told the men that he was authorized by the authorities of Passaic county to offer them the above amount. Essex lost a large number by this maneuvre, many of them being Newarkers. They have all been sworn in. They get their furlough some day this week and go home for thirty days. Furloughs for all others have been stopped. None can now get home but those who re-enlist. This is the main reason of so many again entering the service. To be sure, the large bounty has something to do with it, but the love visiting the "loved ones at home" is the greatest inducement offered to these veterans.

General Butler, in General Order 46, which was issued from headquarters last week, in regard to the almighty nigger [sic] is thought by many here to be making a bid for the Presidency or Vice Presidency before the Abolition Convention. The General's order will repay the perusal of it, for it plainly shows to the eyes of all where we are drifting, and what we may expect in the future should the radicals carry out their programme.

We were paid off on the 2d inst., and a large amount of money was sent home with Colonel Cook, who happened to be here in the "nick of time." The Colonel was heartily welcomed by the whole regiment. It is the first time that we have seen him since we left Washington, and truly his honest face was indeed welcome to us all. It is rumored that we will leave for Elizabeth, N.C., soon. It is also rumored that Gen. Heckman has been appointed Chief of Butler's Staff. Censor.