Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. large Muster — Speeches — the "Dare Devils"-- New Camp Ground — fresh companies — arrival of Kentucky and Alabama troops.
Wytheville, May 1, 1861.
We had one of those grand old musters, foot and horse, here on Saturday last.
Three thousand as sturdy looking fellows as ever handled a rifle fell into line and marched out to the Fair Ground, where they were drilled for two hours or better.
They were then addressed, in eloquent terms, by Messrs. Preston, Crockett and others, on the war question, and told to hold themselves in readiness to defend their rights and the honor of their State, which was about to be invaded by the mercenary hordes of Black Republican demagogues.
A wild shout went up from the multitude, and two hundred or more stepped from the ranks and offered their services on the spot to General Moon, whose labors the past week have been incessant to get his brigade equipped in time for the combat.
The Government would find it much to their advantage to establish a camp with other officers at this place, having an admirably located Fair Grounds about a mile from town, with all the necessary improvements thereon to accommodate two or three thousand troops.
Provisions, too, can be had at half the price the Government is now paying at Richmond and other places.
This ought to induce the authorities to make arrangements along the lines of railroads leading to Richmond and other important points to establish camps, &c., where proper attention could be given the men and a great saving made to the State.
A dashing troops of horse, under command of Capt. Tate, has been got up here within the past week, and are now on a course of training, preparatory to leaving for the seat of war.
A rifle corps is also under way, with every prospect of organizing before many days.
Our Irish fellow-citizens are not behind hand, as I learn those engaged on the Virginia and Kentucky Railroad have formed a company, and are now awaiting arms from the Government, and vow, if they are not furnished shortly, they will march with pick and shovel on the Rail- splitters.
In fact, the war spirit is thoroughly infused into every man, woman and child in this county, and only a little Yankee blood-letting will abate the epidemic.
The Kentucky Regiment, Col. Duncan, 800 strong, and a detachment of the Alabama Regiment, Col. Battle, with 200 men, passed through here to-day.
The remainder of their men will be down to-morrow.
Col. Duncan treated our citizens, who had assembled in large numbers to greet him, with a speech.--He regretted the position of his State, which had but six thousand stand of arms, but was instructed, if Virginia would furnish the guns, to say that old Kentucky would furnish the men; and those under his control, though occupying a central position at one time, were now determined to give these Black Republicans --. Ruth.
