[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch]
camp Bartow--the "Boys" in fine spirits — troops paid off, &c.
Camp Bartow, Sept. 4th, 1861.
Camp Bartow is situated on a beautiful slope of the Alleghany, at its western base, whence we have a magnificent view of Old Cheat — the abode of owls, panthers, rattlesnakes, Yankees, et omne id genus--as he lifts his sombre head high up in the western horizon.
The pure, sparkling waters of the Greenbrier glide smoothly along at the foot of this inclined plain, in which we have, at present, cool, yet delightful, bathing advantages.
‘"The boys"’ are in the finest spirits, and are anxiously awaiting the command ‘"forward march"’ and a fair chance, (which we have, unfortunately, never yet had in the Northwest,) when they will certainly prove to the world that the spirit which, in days of yore, nerved the arms of our ancestors, and bade them strike for ‘"God and their native land,"’ still exist in the bosoms of their posterity, and that Heaven never intended these mountain fastnesses to be the dwelling places of victims of tyranny.
The hardy sons of Pocahontas manifest a willingness and determination to drive the foe from Virginia's own sacred soil that can never prove abortive.--Their unerring rifles have sent many of the thieves to their long homes; and at present, Mr. Yankee, deeming discretion the batter part of valor, is careful to keep within his own lines.
The nights are growing cool, and our blankets are consequently very comfortable.
I could give you a correct statement of the number of troops here, and the quantity of Jeff. Davis' thunder, were it prudent to do so; but at present it is our policy to its low and keep dark until the day of conflict comes, when, by the help of a just God, Gen. Jackson, and our own strong arms, we expect to give you an account of another ‘"panic,"’ and another ‘"race"’ toward-- not Dixle's, but Yankees' land.
The paymaster is here, and we are being rapidly paid off. J. L. H. 