Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
affairs in North Carolina.
Camp Ellis, near Raleigh, May 15, 1861.
A few days ago a member of the Rocky Mt.Light Infantry shot his Captain, (Lewis,) with intent to kill, but was fortunately prevented by one of his comrades, who, on seeing him in the act of shooting, knocked his pistol down, causing the ball to take effect in the thigh, making a serious but not fatal flesh wound.
The would-be murderer has been tried by military law but the verdict is yet a secret.
There is no known cause for his unnatural conduct.
He is a man of family and seems very much mortified.
A worthy member of the Hornet's Nest Rifles fell a victim to pneumonia last Saturday.
This is the only death that has taken place in the camp.
Col. D. H. Hill resigned his first election, but has since been re-elected by a large majority.
Every North Carolinian will be proud to hear that this distinguished officer has accepted the position so freely given by the 1st Regiment.
The Legislature has made a very happy and accommodating provision for the voters belonging to the companies now in the Fair Grounds and elsewhere, by passing a special act giving to each qualified voter the opportunity of voting for the representatives of his own county.
Yesterday (14th) the companies composing the 1st Regiment re-enlisted for six months, and took the oath of allegiance to the State.--The State also furnished us with arms yesterday.
They are the U. S. musket, made at Springfield, taken from the Arsenal at Fayetteville.
They are said to be very effective.
The First Regiment was to-day entirely changed — some companies taken out, and their places substituted by others better drilled, in order that the regiment may enter active service immediately. This is a wise movement, and took place at the suggestion of Col. Hill, who has not a superior as an officer in North Carolina.
To the original formation and composition of the First Regiment may be attributed the cause of Col. Hill's resignation.--He seems to be satisfied with the regiment now, and is doing all he can to prepare them for active service.
He says we will be ready for the ‘"fray"’ in a few days, and, if he can have any influence, will have us at the seat of war in the shortest possible time.
The Legislature adjourned Monday (13th) sine die, after a session of 11 days. Their acts will speak for themselves.
The passage of the five million bill for the defence of the State; the bill authorizing the Governor to call out 10,000 volunteers, and the bill remodeling the old military laws, which have done more to cramp the warlike spirit in North Carolina than everything else, and the bill calling the Convention as early as possible, were all indispensable.
There are now 12 companies, numbering upwards of 100 men each, near Raleigh, waiting orders to march.
The Governor, who is now in your State, can have within ten days notice 30,000 men, and if there comes an emergency there will be 100,000 volunteers raised in the Old North State. More Anon.
P. S.--Since writing, the news has reached here that part of our regiment will march for Richmond on Saturday. M. A. 