Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Scenes at Camp Magruder, &c.
Camp Magruder. July 22.
This artillery encampment, named in honor of the hero of Great Bethel Church, was established on Wednesday last.
It is located at the Baptist (Oaks) Church in Sidney, 2 miles west of Richmond, on the extension of Cary street, on the Westham Plank Road.
The post consists of the Goochland Artillery, Captain J. H. Guy, 104 men; the Albemarle Everett Artillery, Captain W. H Southall, 140 men, and the Powhatan Artillery, Capt. W. J. Dance, 75 men. The situation is beautiful and healthy, with abundant shade and water.
A handsome grove of cake on an eminence, crowned by a sweet little church, forms the ground of the camp.
The regular rows of snowy tents glistening in the sunlight, and resembling fairy palaces beneath the straggling rays of the full orbed moon, from a cheerful picture of the soldier's home.
By the kindness of the members of the church, we use the chapel for daily morning prayer-meeting, and at eventide many followers of the lonely Jesus, without notice or design, meet together in his house to sing his praise and call on his name.
Yesterday, besides the morning prayers, there were two regular services by ministers of the Baptist Church, and at night, after dress parade, an impromptu prayer-meeting.
Good be praised for such a spirit among our men.Rev. Mr. Powell, rector of Emmanuel Church.
Powhatan, and 2d Lieutenant of the Powhatan Artillery, acts as volunteer Chaplain, assisted by other brethren.
Capt. Guy, our commandant, is justly popular, and beloved by all for his gentlemanly and urbane bearing towards all. Indeed, the officers generally seem to enjoy the love and confidence of their men. A word now especially for good old Powhatan.
She has furnished us with the best of Captains.
His untiring interest and energy in making his men comfortable and happy is beyond all praise.
We feel drawn all together by new and strong ties since embarked in the glorious mission of our country's redemption from tyranny and wrong.
We have our hardships and discomforts to bear, but this we do not speak of to murmur.
All that we ask is to be kindly remembered around the firesides, at the family alters, and in the churches of Powhatan.
Much has been done for our comfort when we were leaving home, and we bear it in grateful remembrance.
God bless the kind mothers, sisters, daughters and all our kind friends at home.
One touching instance of liberality deserves to be mentioned, for the shame of those who have done nothing, given nothing, for the cause of Southern independence, but who, while sitting at home in inglorious ease, hope to share the blessings of liberty.
A free man of color in the upper part of Powhatan gladly gave ten dollars of his hard earnings, while some citizens of larger means refused to give anything towards fitting out those who were going to fight their battles.
All letters for members of the Powhatan Artillery should be directed to the care of ‘"Capt. W. J. Dance, Richmond P. O."’--Through the kindness of Messrs. Deane, Hobson & James, any boxes or packages for the encampment may be consigned to them, where they will be safely stored till called for.
We have not heard a case of sickness since leaving home, but are happy and hopeful, with God's blessing, of doing good service for our native land.
Powhatan. 