The enemy Beyond Staunton — the Warm Springs occupied.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] Staunton, Aug. 26, 1863.
As your telegraphic column in yesterday's paper announced, there have been for several days anticipations of a raid upon this place.
On Friday last a dispatch was received by the commandant of the post, from Col. Jackson, that there was a considerable force of the enemy in Highland county, between him and this place.
Gen. Imboden, who was near Harrisonburg, was apprised of this, and promptly moved his force to the vicinity of Staunton.
It has been since ascertained that about two thousand five hundred of the enemy's cavalry made their appearance at Monterey on Thursday last, while the Court was in session, and captured the Court and all attending, and about one hundred horses.
Subsequently all the men were released, except Mr. D. M. Anvill, who was at the beginning of the war Commonwealth's Attorney for Barbour county, Capt. Myers, and several others.
Mr. A. had been once before in the clutches of the enemy, and had served his time in camp Chase.
Instead of keeping on to Staunton, as was expected, the enemy crossed over to Huntersville, the county seat of Pocahontas, and Col. Jackson, who had been stationed there, after some skirmishing, fell back to the Warm Springs.
On Monday morning this place was thrown into considerable excitement by the arrival of couriers, stating that the enemy had driven in our pickets at Buffalo Gap, twelve miles west of this.
Immediately parties intending to leave commenced to make preparations for doing so; but there was not the slightest indication of fear or panic.
On the contrary, never have I seen a more calm and determined community.
The citizens, en masse, were called out by Gen. Imboden; but, even before this, they had rallied to the Armory, been organized and armed.
Besides the convalescent soldiers, the citizens extemporized an artillery company and two infantry companies, and the cavalry Home Guard, formed on the preceding Saturday, was largely increased.
The whole town presented an attitude of defiance.
Men of over 60, with boys of 12 and 15, took their places in the ranks and shouldered shot-gun or rifle with alacrity.
By mid-day it was ascertained that the report of the couriers was incorrect, and the danger was not so imminent.
The people were dismissed, with orders, however, to gather in the same organizations at a moment's call.
Many seem to feel disappointment, mingled with relief, so keen had they become to meet the invading foe. This they will do, and I feel sure no small number of the enemy will find themselves able to reach our town.
I learn that the county also is bristling in arms.
This region has been ever prompt in our great struggle, and I rejoice to know that even men who have seemed slow before proved their true pluck on Monday.
The war is evidently toning up our whole people.
Yesterday news came that Jackson, after a skirmish, had fallen back, leaving the Warm Springs in the enemy's hands.
It was thought they were making for Milboro.
The Western train came down crowded with parties from the Springs, where great consternation had prevailed. Massanutten.
