From Petersburg.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Petersburg, April 27, 1861.
Three companies of the Second Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, Col. Kershaw's Regiment, arrived in this city at 9 o'clock this morning, and were welcomed by a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen.
Had the hour of their arrival been generally known, the vast square in front of Jarratt's Hotel would have been inadequate to accommodate them.
As it was, the reception they met with was undoubtedly most gratifying to the several corps.
After breakfasting at Jarratt's, they were escorted to the Richmond Depot by the Home Guard, the streets through which they passed being liberally overhung with flags of various descriptions and devices.
At the corner of Bank and Sycamore streets the companies were halted, and gave three rousing and enthusiastic cheers for a beautiful Palmetto flag that was hung over the street in honor of South Carolina and her brave troops.
From every window, door and balcony on their route, they were greeted by the waving of handkerchiefs from fair hands, and encouraging smiles from sweet lips, which brought forth cheer upon cheer in response.
On arriving at the depot, the troops were eloquently addressed by Judge T. S. Gholson, who spoke in merited terms of the brave stand their noble State had taken and maintained from the beginning of our present difficulties, and expressed his confidence in the success of the Southern cause, when sustained by such brave hearts and willing hands.
Capt. Casson, who, in the absence of Col. Kershaw, commands the troops, replied in an appropriate and patriotic manner.
The beautiful silk flag presented to this Regiment by the Charleston ladies, was the cynosure of all eyes, and created general admiration.
All honor to the gallant volunteers of the Palmetto State, who so nobly and so promptly respond to the call of Virginia.--Their services will be appreciated.
A novel but interesting feature of the present contest is the conduct of the negroes. --They need no forcing, not even persuasion, but volunteer most willingly to assist in any manner they can be of service in our defence.
Besides the 100 who left this city for Norfolk to aid in the erection of batteries below that city, I hear of a number more, who, now willing to be outdone in patriotic duty, have come forward and offered their services.
And this is not all. Those who are able to do so, contribute money; one man, I hear, has given as much as $200 to aid in defraying their expenses.
An agent has been sent to North Carolina to contract with Gov. Ellis for the purchase of arms for the use of the new companies now forming in our city.
North Carolina having recently seized a large quantity of firearms she will, of course, spare us a portion of them.
Capt. H. H. Cocke, of Prince George county, has resigned his position in the U. S. Navy, and accepted a place in the Navy of Virginia.
He is stationed for the present on James River.
The Home Guard, Capt. D. G. Potts, now number nearly 200 strong, able-bodied men. Each day they parade, they appear with fuller ranks than before.
It is really a fine-looking company, and with but one drawback — the members are allowed to arm themselves as they please, and the dissimilarity in their weapons, is striking but uncouth.
A new Cavalry Company, to be called "The Home Guard Troop of Cavalry," was organized last night, and elected William Pannill, Esq., Captain. Mr. Pannill is an elegant gentleman, and will make an excellent officer.
The business of the city is entirely suspended. Mon CŒur.
