Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
snow — the Union--complimentary dinner, &c.
Harrisonburg, Va., Jan. 2, 1861.
On Sunday last snow fell all day, and since then the sleigh-bells have made the holidays merry.
The snow is fifteen inches deep, and continued to fall for thirty hours. To the poor this has been, so far, and may continue to be, a memorable winter, and possibly may cause much suffering in various parts of the country.
Monday night was the coldest of the season.
No one here seems to believe in the possible perpetuity of the Union.
Since Black Republicans treat so contemptuously Southern and conservative efforts for saving the Union, all are looking forward to the "last resort," which will probably be the quickest way to settle the question.
Conscious of the ability of Virginia to take care of herself, our people have no fear of the result, and are fast becoming Secessionists.
Public sentiment here about is fast becoming averse to Mr. Lincoln's being allowed to take his seat.
If Maryland claims the District, from indications here Virginia is ready to back her.
Last night the Valley Guards complimented their brave and gallant commander, Capt. S. B. Gibbons, with a dinner, which was served in the best style at the Exchange Hotel.
Good music, handsome ladies, magnificent entertainment — with toasts, speeches, &c.--and a fine array of military gentlemen, in full uniform, made the whole pleasant, and gave evidence of the appreciation of the military ability of Col. Gibbons by his company.
(He is Captain of the Valley Guards, but holds the rank of Colonel in the General's Staff of the 7th Brigade.) He intends a trip to the South.
The number of marriages in this county in December was 15.
The Richmond mail arrives here about 12 hours behind time since the recent snow storm.
The proclamation of the President, appointing Friday next as a day of fasting and prayer, will be very generally observed here.
A number of patriotic citizens have issued a call for a meeting on next Court day to take measures to equip and uniform new volunteer companies, already organized, and attempt to organize other companies and uniform them, and procure arms, &c. Rockingham will be found ready for any emergency.
She has already one regiment of volunteers, uniformed and equipped, and no doubt will soon be able to send two regiments of drilled men to the defence of Virginia, at the call of the Governor.
One company, the Letcher Rifles, of Brock's Gap, in this county, should they be called to service, will make a reputation for themselves equal to the famous Morgan Riflemen of revolutionary memory.
They are mostly stalwart mountaineers, who are used to hitting a deer's eye by starlight, and woe to the men who encounter them.
Pen. 