Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
departure of troops.
Lewisburg, Va., May 16, 1861.
Since my last letter we have had considerable excitement in our community.
Companies "A" and "B," of the Greenbrier Rifles, have been equipped and forwarded to the wars.
The whole town turned out to witness their departure.
Company "A" left on Monday last.
On Sunday afternoon they marched to the Presbyterian Church, where, after several prayers and addresses by the pastors of the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, Rev. Dr. McKinley, Sr., pastor of the Presbyterian congregation, assisted by his elders, presented, on behalf of the Christians of Lewisburg, a copy of the New Testament to each man. There were few dry eyes in the large assembly.
On Monday afternoon, escorted by the Home Guard, they commenced their march.
They paused for a little while in the centre of the town to receive a beautiful flag, presented by the ladies of Greenbrier.
Capt. Dennis, in an appropriate speech, received the colors, and promised to defend them with all his power, and never to suffer them to be dishonored.--Then, amid the sobs of mothers and sisters, of fathers and brothers, they resumed their march for Jackson's river, en route to Staunton.
Company "B" left, this morning, when there was a repetition of the ceremonies of Monday, on the presentation of another flag.
The Home Guard are well-armed with flint lock muskets.
The Cavalry are in fine turn, awaiting arms and orders. 