Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
from Phillippi.
Headq'rsN. W. Va.,Army, Phillippi, May 30th.
I am forced to preface this by saying that I wrote you from Grafton, and mailed the letter last Monday, but doubt that it was ever sent.
Capt. G. W. Hull, of Highland, left yesterday on express for your city.
I did not learn the fact until he called in great haste for aid, and therefore I had no time to drop a line.
You will perceive that from politic motives our first move was a retreat from Grafton, under the impression that a superior force was advancing rapidly on that point, and we could not afford to hazard the loss of valuables that would be difficult to replace.
Reinforcements are advancing to this place rapidly, but I am not at liberty to hint their future direction; but one thing is certain, that there will be a fight very soon, if the party opposed can be found.
Everything is now in readiness for a forced march, with a universal determination to fight.
I send this by an Express for Staunton, to be mailed, as there is said to be between here and S. one of Abe's boys, who possesses a strong propensity for news in general, and likes to take the first peep.
Therefore, time being up, I must close by saying that the troops are all well, and in fine spirits, and spoiling for a chance to hear the full music of their instruments.
In honor to the dear ladies of this place, allow me to say that they seem to be happy in cooking for the men, and are sending in to the quarter master their comforts in line of blankets, which cannot be obtained, and are much needed.
I am drooping for the eight of the Dispatch. No. more at present from Bowin. 