Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Attractions at the Springs — soldiers on their march — the ladies at work, &c. Rockbridge Alum Springs. Va., August 19, 1861.
This charming and picturesque summer retreat, now numbering about eighty visitors, presents the appearance of a neat and flourishing little village.
Its location is in a lovely and quiet vale, which is richly carpeted with a luxuriant growth of grass and clover, and surrounded with wild and romantic scenery.
As far as the eye can reach may be seen in every direction the towering mountains, whose summit seems to be in proximity to the sky. The Natural Bridge in this county, together with the ‘"Blowing Caves"’ and mineral springs, where hundreds of invalids have found relief, are objects of attraction, and prove conclusively that the hand that made them was divine.
There is scarcely a day that passes but large numbers of soldiers are seen marching cheerfully over the rugged mountain roads, destined for the seat of war, and everywhere I have traveled the people are imbued with a spirit of resistance, and among them may be found the most unbounded enthusiasm and devotion to Southern rights and Southern independence; and even at this place the ladies, though few in number, are as patriotic and devoted to the cause as in any other section of the State.
From early morn to dewy eve they may be seen devoting a portion of their time to knitting socks for the soldiers, and endeavoring as much as possible to cater to the wants and comforts of our brave men now undergoing the privations and hardships of camp life, and as winter is fast approaching, thick and substantial clothing for our soldiers will soon be in great demand, and I trust that the praiseworthy example set by the ladies of Rockbridge Alum Springs will be imitated at the various watering places this season.
The seasons have been very propitious for the farmers through this portion of the State, and I am informed that the prospects for good crops never were better.
Ramller. 