Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
affairs in Williamsburg.
Williamsburg, Va., May 28, 1861.
The people of your vicinity and Western Virginia may flatter yourselves that you are in the midst of a revolution, but you are not in that situation until you witness the scenes which we of this peninsula witness.
We are surrounded by troops; some are from Richmond and some from other parts of Virginia.
We of this city witness scenes which we have never beheld before — the marching and counter-marching of soldiers.
The witnessing of the citizens of Hampton and surrounding country, who seek shelter in our midst, give us forebodings which cannot be contradicted of the awful scenes which are carried on in those places.
I am informed by many that the soldiers of Old Point are stealing negroes, lambs, hogs, and everything of any value which they can lay their hands upon.
It stirs us up to madness (and I think it should the whole South) to see such acts as these carried on — to see the hoary headed citizens, the young and helpless, leaving their old homesteads, being driver away by mercenary soldiers.
We have here at present many soldiers from all quarters, and are expecting more daily.--We are expecting a battle every moment, and our brave soldiers are impatient for the fight.
Would that they could meet them in battle hand to hand ! I know that they would conquer in a fair battle.
We of this city feel confident that no great accident can befall us. since we have so many brave soldiers in our midst to defend us. All that we wish for is a fair battle.
In the name of Henry, ‘"Let it come."’
Williamsburg, Va., May 29, 1861.
Having seen an invitation in your columns for your friends at the different camps to send you information, I avail myself of your kindness, and seat myself to write you some news.
The Third Regiment is now here, and is quartered in the College of William and Mary, a fit place for such men — men who are ready and willing to die in the cause of their State.
The old College has been as true as ever, every student has left and is now enlisted in some company.
All honor to this old nursery of herons.
A fide company of Cavalry passed through here yesterday — destination unknown.
They are all anxious to have a brush with the Yankees.
Even while I write another one has just passed.
We have now a large number of men in the city, and they seem to have a fine time.
I heard one of them say last night--‘"Look here, Bill, if our friends at home knew what a good time we were having, they would not be uneasy about us, would they ?"’ And Bill said--‘" No siree,"’ and off they went singing ‘"Hurrah for old Virginia."’ The citizens of Hampton are coming here in crowds, and the old city is filled to over flowing.
The camp is all finished, and presents a fine appearance.
I hear that it is to be called Camp Page.
By-the-way, I forgot to tell you that the soldiers go out serenading every night, and invariably they are asked to walk in and help themselves to anything they want.
More soon. Grape ot
