Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
the Southwest--the women ready for Lincoln to send his forces to Abingdon — Geo. Floyd appointed Brigadier General--Old Washington all right on the Secession question, &c.
Abingdon,Va. May 15th, 1861.
The war spirit is still high in this whole section of country.
In fact, it is not confined to any particular section — a l are alike aroused, and every man and woman is willing to die in defence of our rights.
The man-hesitations of the heroism and patriotism of our ladies reminds one of the ‘"women of the Revolution."’ Daily can be heard from them the expression that they ‘"would rather be the widows of brave men than the wives of cowards."’ I have heard many say that the North never can conquer or subjugate the South, nor divide Virginia farms amongst themselves until all the women are killed!
If all are killed in Eastern Virginia, the Southwestern portion of the State will be a Therapy lie through which the enemy must pass, and that Lincoln will find a Spartan band of women who can and will repel his hired band of myrmidon forces.
If such be the bravery of our ladies, how can our men be conquered?
The suggestion of the Philadelphia Inquirer, that ‘"Abingdon must be secured by the Federal troops,"’ excites nothing but the derision and contempt of our people, male and female.
If ever Abingdon is occupied by Black Republican forces, there will be neither man or woman left of our people to tell the tale.
We hereby extend to that wise editor a hearty reception by thousands of our mountain men and women, each of whom will be armed to the teeth with knives and pistols, &c., to welcome him and his band of robbers ‘"with bloody hands to hospitable farms, about six feet by three."’
It does one's soul good in these times of trouble to hear the women--old and young — talk.
‘"Ah"’ say they, ‘"a free people, contending for right, can never be conquered The sword is drawn, and will never be returned to its scabbard until the last armed foe expires."’
The ladies of the town and county are busily engaged in making uniforms for the volunteers — rich and poor, old and young, are alike engaged in the praiseworthy work.
A few nights since the ladies of the town presented a fine flag to Capt. Wm. White's company of ‘"Mountain Boys."’ It was presented by Miss Alice Culler, of Georgia, one of the teachers of Martha Washington College.
It was received by Capt. White. Col. John A. Campbell, being called upon, made an appropriate address.
Gov. Floyd and Walter Preston, Esq., were loudly called for, but neither were present, consequently we missed a treat from each of those gentlemen.
Gov. Floyd has been appointed Brigadier General by President Davis, and has received orders to raise a brigade as soon as possible.
This is an excellent appointment, and delights the numerous friends of that great and excellent man, Gov. Floyd.
He is evidently a man for the times.
Capt. Jones is now engaged in mustering our volunteers into service.
This county will roll up a tremendous vote for secession.
Washington. 