Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
preparations to Resist invasion — arrival of
Gen. Wige, the Blues, etc.--the strength of the nation.
Lewisburg Va. June 15, 1861.
The report of the approach of invading bands of desperadoes to this section I could not fully receive, yet we all thought it best to be prepared.
Hence, in common with the rest of the community, I got my gun and pistol in readiness, resolved, though my calling be one of peace, to do my little best in assisting to drive the invaders from our soil.
The sight presented on that day in this our Western home, would have done you good — If Abram Lincoln or his ruling Premier could have seen our mountain boys, with their trusty rifles, as on foot, in wagons, and on horseback, they streamed into our main street until hundreds filled the same, and if they could have known that these were only the commencement of the stream that was rolling to must the foe, I am confident they would have been convinced, that such a people never could be conquered, especially on their own soil, and fighting for their own firesides.
The spirit of liberty was insulted — she regain her majesty to drive the invaders from her presence.
You, need, I think, have no fear for the West, certainly not our section of the same.
Especially do I say this, as I record the arrived of Gen. Henry A. Wise.
He came yesterday afternoon, bringing his friends with him, in the shape of those valiant defenders of our soil, the Richmond ‘"Blues,"’ and I think, some ‘"Rangers,"’ and a part of Company ‘"F."’ The General looks worn by excitement, but his wonderful power was felt by the crowd, to whom he spoke a few words on his arrival.
Said he, among other things, ‘"Your old men may stay at home; your children may stay at home; but your women should make petticoats for those of your young men who refuse to meet the foe."’
The Blues, "led by Capt. C. J. Wise, were regarded with deep interest, from the fact that they had recently — to use their Captain's own words--‘"been under fire"’ They are remarkably efficient, as can be seen at a glance.
They are firemen to be led by such a General.
The Brigade of General Wise will be first in creased during its stay at the place.
I know not the number he intends to raise, but am confident that it will easily be obtained.
And, mark you, he will give them service.
A number of wagons and several cannon arrived several days since.
A fine company from Monroe is also here, with one from our own county just organized Greenbrier has already five companies in the field, with three more uniforming.
As the reports of the different engagements reach, us, we are Increased in the persuasion that vain are all attempts at effecting a lodgement upon Virginia soil by the invading multitudes.
The spirit of our fathers is at last aroused from the Potomac to the Rio Grande.
What nerves our brave men is the folly, the wickedness of a war upon the masses who have resolved to judge of their own institutions and select their own rulers, and in addition to the determination that they will never be subject to those who would hem in and control them.
The idea of re-union is absurd The ‘"Rubicon is passed, the decision has been made, and we are now two peoples"’ A thousand times better be such, than one in name with hearts fearfully estranged, as has been the case for years past.
Indeed, Natured called for a division of the nation.
We were too vast in territory.
Only a few years will elapse and a third nation will be formed out of the territory west of the Rocky Mountains
Let us pray the God of Battles to guide us in the path of right, and in that path to grant us success; and in His mercy, I doubt not, our independence shall be secured, and we will stand respected and loved by the patients of the world.
Such were the petitions that ascended on our National Fast Day from all the churches of our town — he Baptist.
Presby is rian, and both Methodist.
Much as some were devoted to the Union previous to the invasion of our territory, all here are united now.
G. V. L. 