From the Northwest.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch]
Laurel Hill, Beverly Co., Va., June 29, 1861.
There is no news of importance to write you. Things remain as they were when I last wrote you. The weather has been quite unsettled, and our troops have suffered considerably from cold and rain.
Yesterday an unfortunate occurrence took place, which caused the death of a very estimable young man attached to the Twentieth Regiment.
There were two men stationed as pickets some distance from camp, on one of the mountains near by, one standing guard while the other rested for a while.
Private Charles Harris, of Lunenburg, had just gone off duty, and instructed his comrade, who took his place, what to do and to allow no one to approach him. Harris then went down the mountain for water, and on returning it is supposed he thought he would try the sentinel on duty, and for that purpose took off his boots and advanced on him, keeping behind some bushes, when the sentinel seeing some movement, gave the order to halt, which not being obeyed, he fired, the ball passing completely through his heart, killing him instantly.
Eddington, the sentinel, and the deceased, were warm personal friends, and the grief of the former at the unfortunate occurrence was heartrending to witness.
Harris was buried to-day with the usual honors, Dr. Atkinson, now Captain of the Hampton Sidney College boys officiating as clergyman.
The enemy, we learn, have evacuated the town of Phillippi and crossed over the river near that place, where they are fortifying themselves, in expectation of an attack from our troops.
Their scouts have been mostly withdrawn in this direction, and for two or three nights we have rested without any alarm being given to rouse us from our beds on mother earth.
Last Sunday we had two excellent sermons from Rev. Dr. Atkinson, formerly of H. S. College, which were listened to with interest by a large number of the troops present.
Tomorrow we are also to have Divine services, morning and evening.
There are any number of rumors afloat in reference to the future movements of the forces stationed here; but whether true or false, I am not permitted to give them publicity.
But whatever may be the orders given, the troops will be found to obey them with alacrity and promptly.
Capt. Bayly and Lieut. Ralls, of the Keysville Guard, have just tendered their resignations, for causes deemed proper by themselves.
Their absence will be severely felt not only in their own company, but by the whole Twenty-third Regiment, as they had endeared themselves to all with whom they came in contact by their gentlemanly conduct and soldierly bearing.
Lieut. Walton has been promoted to the Captaincy, and Lieut. Bass to First Lieutenant.
The Sharp Shooters, of Richmond, Captain Tompkins, are enjoying excellent health.
Ned. 