Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
affairs in Lynchburg.
Lynchburg, Va., Nov. 26.
It would be a difficult matter to give a reflex of sentiment on affairs with us at the present time.
Politically, some are for a State Convention; some for a Convention and Conference by the Southern States, in order to devise means to rid the country of the perplexing difficulties which have sprung upon every side; others for keeping quiet, until it is ascertained what course of policy will be pursued by the incoming administration; while the secession feeling with many prevails to a considerable extent, as the only remedy for the deplorable state of affairs in which we have been plunged.
In trade and mercantile circles, as a matter of course, everything is in a deranged condition, and all interested are busily engaged devising means to relieve them from the embarrassing circumstances which have been precipitated upon them; in order to effect which, the political condition of the country, which is the prime mover and cause, must be taken in hand and settled on a permanent basis, and the vexed question of the day finally disposed of; until which time we can never expect, and need not look for, anything like permanent tranquility, but will be annoyed by the periodical recurrence of our present troubles.
This proposition must be apparent to all reflecting minds, and it is hoped that the good sense of the people both North and South will lead them to the conclusion to settle their political discord and strifes, both now and forever, if, indeed, we are to permit Yankeedom to have any hand in the matter at all, after the outburst of fanaticism so signally portrayed on the 6th day of the present month, by the overwhelming majorities given in the elevation of a sectional man, the leader of a party who declare eternal hostility to Southern institutions, to the Chief Magistracy of the nation.
Local affairs generally are without special interest.
For the past two days the weather has been intensely cold.
The Circuit Court has been in session for three weeks past.
The trial of W. W. Hardwicke, who was engaged in the shooting affray with the Messrs.
Button, on the 23d June last, is progressing and will probably be submitted to the jury tomorrow.
The first Grand Jury summoned refused to find a bill against the defendant; but at the instance of the prosecution, a second Grand Jury was empannelled and a bill was found, and after the acquittal of G. W. Hardwicke, the principal, the defendant was put to trial.
Some days were occupied in obtaining a jury, which had to be procured from the country, it being impossible to obtain one from among the residents of the city. O. K. 