From Western Virginia.
movements of the enemy — the Traiterous Union men — less of slaves, &c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Monroe Co., Va., Jan. 1, 1862.
Our county has been thrown into considerable excitement in consequence of a rumor that the Yankees had passed over New river at Pack's Ferry, and taken possession of the ferry and the residence of Mr. Rufus Pack.--I cannot vouch for the truth of the rumor, but I have no doubt the enemy is advancing upon us by the way of Raleigh and Mercer counties. One report is that there are three hundred Yankees at Mercer C. R., and one hundred at Mercer Salt Works.
I believe our patriotic General Chapman has sent a deputation of men to ascertain the truth or falsify of the reports.
Our enemies are, no doubt, sided by the traitor one Union men, of whom there are a few in every county, and we have some of the worst Kind in Monroe.
We have men who are everlastingly finding fault with our leaders and with our court — who can find no word of sympathy for it, and who are over everrating our losses in battle and underrating our victories.
Yet, they are suffered to remain ambugst us, not a hair upon their head hurt, and who are now, I have no doubt, waiting an opportunity to lead the Yankees through our fair county and rob our citizens, Is it not high time something was done with such characters?
Either civil or military authority should take hold of such men, and put them out of the way until the war is over.
It will not do to 1st such men out upon parole or upon taking the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States.
I would not give a straw for the oath of such men; and I perceive, by the way, from the papers, that a good many of that kind of men have been discharged by our authorities at Richmond who have returned the kindness by leading the Yankees upon our forces.
Some of our citizens have lost slaves in the last few days.
Most of them left on Saturday night last, and I have no doubt Union men and Yankees had a hand in it. Amongst the number missing, the following persons are the losers, viz: Alexander Clark, Esq., one; John E. Alexander, one; Henry Alexander, three; John Symms, one; Robert Thrasher, one; John Dansooyer one, and Henry Smith, one--making nine in all, that are missing.
Perhaps, there are more that I have not heard of. A. T. Caperton had one to run off, but was recovered, and is now in jail.
The 22d Virginia regiment was ordered to leave Dublin for Greenbrier county, I understood, on Monday last, but I understand it did not leave until yesterday, and went by railroad to Jackson's river depot, and of course will be some days yet before they arrive.
Thus, we are threatened with invasion at Meadow Bluff, in Greenbrier, and Pack's Ferry, in Monroe.
Pack's Ferry being about 30 mileston Union, One county seat. 