Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
the departure of troops from Richmond — Incidents on the way — old Williamsburg — her beautiful Ladies,&c.
Williamsburg, May 26, 1861.
I write this letter in a Lecture Room of old William and Mary College, and am surrounded by a number of ‘"Young Guard,"’ who are, like myself, intent upon writing to the ‘"loved ones at home."’ Judging from the Greek quotation from Euripides which is boldly traced upon the black-board that swings from the wall of the room which we inhabit, this must have been the lecture room of the Greek Professor.
The College, as your readers are aware, has been vacated some time since by the students and professors.
The muses have fled, and the iron-eyed Mars now rules over these classic precincts.
Our Regiment (the Third) left the Central Fair Grounds yesterday morning about six o'clock, and straightway proceeded to the wharf at Rocketts.
Not a member of our company knew his destination, and many conjectures were formed on the subject.
In sooth, we were entirely in gloom thereto, until the Glen Cove hove within sight of King's wharf.
Our trip was a delightful one, and nothing occurred to stifle the cheerfulness and contentment of the soldiers.
We remained at the wharf at Rocketts about three hours, waiting the storing of baggage and the systematic arrangement of everything that would endure to the comfort of the regiment.
At 10 o'clock the Glen Cove left, and the huzzas of the men, and, that more touching tribute, the tears of woman.
After a pleasant sail of some hours, we observed a body of cavalry drawn up near the northern shore to salute us. The noble fellows seemed to have ridden hard for the privilege, and right lustily did our gallant soldiers respond to their loud huzzas.
Indeed, on either shore of the river, wherever there was a show of civilization, groups assembled to enliven us with their cheers.
We also observed several batteries in the distance, and the members of the several garrisons attached assembled to recognize us.
Each member of the regiment, before his departure, was ordered to supply himself with rations for a day. Of course a regiment, the size of the Third, could be but ill-victualled by the cooks of a steamer of as small size as the Glen Cove.
Consequently those who disregarded the order of their superior officer were compelled to fast until our advent into Williamsburg.
We arrived without accident of any kind at King's wharf, about 7 o'clock. After the disembarkation of the troops, the line was formed, and we commenced the march through forest and glen for Williamsburg.
The Life Guard and Henrico Guards, (Capt. Dance,) were detailed for duty at Jamestown, and returned aboard the Glen Cove, and probably arrived at their destination in a short time.--At 10 o'clock we entered Williamsburg, double file, and presented a fine appearance.
The ladies turned out en masse, and passed many compliments upon the regiment.
May we deserve them the more in future!
After a short repose from the march, we were ordered to ‘"fall in,"’ and were soon snugly ensconced within the walls of William and Mary.
We expect to leave to-morrow (Sunday evening) for some other locality.
Where, I do not know.
This evening we have a dress parade, which will be the only duty we have thus far performed.
The people of Williamsburg are extremely hospitable, and I never saw more refinement in social life in the largest cities.
I visited the parlor of a lady to-day which had been completely dismantled of its hangings and curtains.
They were all securely boxed for transportation inland at any moment.
The recent excitement at Hampton has created somewhat of a panic hereabouts.
May the wretches that thus produce such unhappiness and confusion be brought to a speedy and terrible reckoning.
More soon. C. B.
