Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Roanoke preparing for the conflict.
Salem, Roanoke county, Va., April 18, 1861.
These are stirring times, indeed, in little Roanoke.
We have completed the organization of the Roanoke Flying Artillery, numbering 72 men, and they offer their services to the Governor by to-night's mail.
Another, a Rifle company, will be completed on Saturday; and still another, the third, to be called the Home Guard--the youngest man in it is over forty-five, and the oldest is seventy-six.
All of which will be ready and in complete uniform in a few days.
I hope we shall find no difficulty in obtaining arms.
Col. R. C. Allen has already called out the regiment of militia on the 20th, for the purpose of thorough organization, and to fill up the vacancies in the volunteer companies, at which time we shall raise a large and beautiful flag, now preparing by the ladies of Salem.--We have also organized a Vigilance and Executive Committee for the county, and are thoroughly preparing ourselves for the very worst that may come.
We have no "Union" men among as now, and are ready to march to the battle-field to defend our homes, our property, our lives, and our sacred honor. Dixie.
