THE GREAT INSURRECTION: More Federal Troops Thrown into Virginia; Heavy Ordnance for the Intrenchments; Reported Concentration of Secessionists at Boonville (6/17/1861)

The Sanitary Commission created by order of President LINCOLN, for the purpose of supervising the condition of the Volunteer forces, closed its first session in Washington on Saturday, and adjourned to meet in New-York on Thursday of next week. The work of the Commission has been confined thus far to organization and inquiry, preparatory to practical efforts in behalf of the troops. The inquiries made comprehend the entire scope of sanitary measures. It is hardly necessary to say that this Commission may work great good. I am glad to believe that it will produce results in the highest degree beneficial to the army in the field.

I imagine the newspaper correspondents are making more of the alleged indignation of the Government at the premature divulgence of its plans of operations than the facts justify. The Reporter of the Associated Press is anxious that the Government should take possession of the telegraph and stop all special reports, leaving him a monopoly of the business. The specials have a natural, and perhaps commendable, desire to make the most of a few grumbles from the War Department, by way of magnifying their own importance. These two motives prompt the little tempest in the reportorial teapot, which has been noticed for the past few days. The fact is, none of the reporters enjoy any facilities for ascertaining what projects are really contemplated by those planning and conducting the campaign. Each reporter looks on, and keeps his ears open.

Time to hear from the other side for a change:

Daily Dispatch Vol. Xviii — no.137 Richmond, Va. Monday, June 17, 1861

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Richmond Dispatch

Monday morning.......June 17, 1861. Virginia State Convention.Third day--[SECOND SESSION] Richmond, June 15.

The Convention was called to order at the usual hour, PRESIDENT JANNEY in the chair.--The proceedings were opened with prayer by Rev. J. L. Burrows of the Baptist Church.

The Committees were called upon in their regular order, but no reports were submitted.

The President then announced that he had received a letter from COLONEL RICHARDSON , a member of the Convention, assigning as the cause of his absence the military duties devolving upon him at this time at Craney Island. The letter was ordered to be read.

The Chair next announced the members of several special committees ordered yesterday to be raised. The most important is the committee of seven, appointed to confer with the authorities of the Confederate States, on the general subject of the relations existing between them and the State of Virginia JAMES BIGBOCK is the chairman of this important committee. The other special committees filled by the Chair have in charge matters connected with the public works and internal improvements, looking to the better defence of the State.

MR. FISHER is chairman of the committee to whom was referred the ordinance abolishing the Board of Public Works.

Some little sensation was excited throughout the Hall by a statement from MR. TREDWAY to the effect that a member whose name I gave was announced as a member of a special committee, while it is generally understood that that member is now in the ranks of the enemies of Virginia.

The matter was laid over for consideration in secret session, and a report received from the Committee on Finance, authorizing the Treasurer to pay the artist who executed the ordinance the sum of one hundred dollars. The amount claimed was one hundred and fifty dollars, but the committee reduced into the amount reported. The report was adopted.

The general commendations of all who have carefully examined this beautiful specimen of calligraphy, and the universal praise lavished upon Mr. William Flegenheimer , the artist, are, doubtless, esteemed by that patriotic citizen as a full equivalent for the reduction in his account made by the committee. MR. TREDWAY , of Pittsylvania, who, by the way, is endowed with the rare faculty of driving straight at his point, without deviation or circumlocution, submitted a resolution providing for a select committee of seven to inquire into the best and proper mode of proceeding, by criminal process, against persons known to be disloyal to the State.

MR. TREDWAY explained and enforced his resolution by referring to the total inadequacy of our existing criminal law, especially in respect to the crime of treason, to punish traitors and hoped the committee would at once report an ordinance which will enable the State to vindicate her dignity and crush out her traitorous and unworthy children.

The Committee on Military Affairs requested to be discharged from the consideration of a resolution referred to it yesterday respecting the construction and repair of bridges, but the accessibly for such defensive works having been insisted on by the mover of the resolution, especially when our western frontiers are menaced by the invader, it was, by general consent recommitted to the same committee.

MR. HOLCOMER off red a resolution providing for a committee of five to consider and report on the propriety of an immediate adoption by Virginia of the Constitution of the Confederate States. Carried, as was also a resolution requesting the Governor to communicate the number and grades of officers appointed by him in the Provisional Army of Virginia up to the time that our military operations were transferred to the Confederate authorities. The Governor was also requested to urge upon the proper officers of the Confederate Government the importance of immediately supplying the unprovided volunteers of the State with suitable arms; but this resolution was referred to MR. JAMES BARBOUR 'S Committee on Confederate Relations.

On motion of Mr. A. M. BARBOUR , the name of the standing Committee on Federal Relations was changed to Committee on Foreign Relations.

The President announced several communications from the Executive of the State, one of which submitted two names for appointments, and as these communications must be considered in secret session, on motion, the galleries and lobby were cleared.

The secret session commenced at 11 o'clock, and continued until after 3 o'clock, when an adjournment was ordered to Monday morning at 10 o'clock.

The best feeling prevails throughout the Convention, and regardless of past difference of opinion all unite as a band of patriots and brothers in devising the best means for the expulsion and chastisement of the insolent invader.

The vote on the Ordinance of Secession. The injunction of decrees having been removed from the proceedings of the Virginia Convention, the Whig gives a statement of the vote on the Secession Ordinance, on the 17th of April. It appears that a substitute offered by Mr. Scott , of Fauquier, was voted down — years 74, nays 67. The question was then taken on the adoption of the Ordinance submitted by Mr. Preston , and resulted as follows:

Those who voted in the affirmative are-- William M. Ambler , Marmaduke Johnson , William B. Asion , Peter C. Johnston , James Barbour, Robert C. Ke . L. Augua R. Hiskey , John J. Kindred , George B. ow, Jr, James Lawson , James B. ea Walter D. Leake , Peter B. Borst , Wm. H. Macfarland , W Bouldin , Charles K. Mallory , William W. Boyd , James B. Mallory , Thomas Branch, John L. Marve, Sr. John C. Bruce , Fleming B. Miller , Frederick M. C. bell, Horatio G. Muffet , John A. Campbell , Robert L. Montegue , Allen T. Caperton , Edmund T. Morris , William P Jeremiah Morton , John R. Cham lise, William J. Seblett , Mantings Chairman , Johnson Cr k, Samuel A. Coffman , William C Parks , Raphael M. Conn , Wm. Ballard reston, James H. Cox , Geo. W. Randolph , Richard H. Cox , Geo. W. Richardson , John Cri Timothy Rives , Havey Deskins, Robert E. Scott , James B. Dorman , William C. Scott , John Echols , John T. Sowell , ler W. Fisher , James W. Sheffey , Thomas S. Flournoy , Charles R. Slaughter , William W. Forbes , Valentine W. Southall , Napoleon B. French , John M. Speed , Samuel M. Garland , Samuel G. Staples , H. L. Gillespie , James M. Strange , Samuel Graham , William T. Suthorlin , Ferdall Gregory, Jr, George P. Layle , William L. Goggin , John T. Th nion, John Goods, Jr., William M. Tredway , Thomas F. Goode , Robert H. Turner , F. L. Hale , Franklin P. Turner , Cyrus H John Tr, L. S. Hall , Edward Waller , Lewis Harvie , Robert H. Whitfield , James P. Holcombe , Samuel C. Williams , John Hughes , Henry A. Wise , p H n Samuel Woods, Lewis D. Isbell , Benj. F. Wysor — ss. Those who voted in the negative are-- John Janney , Pres't J. G. Holladay , Edward M. Armstrong , Chester Huchard, John B. Baldwin , George W. Hull , George Baylor , John J. Jackson , George W. Berlin , John F. Lewis , Caleb B g s William McComas , George W. Brent , James C. McGrew , William G. Brown , James Marshall , John S. Burdett , Henry H. Masters , James Bu ley, Famuel McD . Moore , Benj. W. Byrae , Hugh M. Nelson , John S. Carlile , Logan Osborn , John A. Carter , Spicer Patrick , Sherrard Chamans, Edmand Pendleton , C. B. Conrad , George er R. Y. Conrad , Samuel Price , James H. Cou h, David Pugh , W. H. B. Cus John D. Sharp , Marshall M. Dent , Thomas Sittington , William H. Dalany , Barwell S lock, J Earley , Alex. H. H. Stuart , Colbert G. Fugate , Cha ma J. Stuart , Peyton Gravely, George W. Summers , Algern Gray , Campbell Tar Ephraim B. Hall , William White , Allen C. Hammond , Williams C. Wickham , Alph Haymond , Walt T. Whey --55. James W. Hoge , Those who voted in the negative are-- John Janney , Pres't J. G. Holladay , Edward M. Armstrong , Chester Huchard, John B. Baldwin , George W. Hull , George Baylor , John J. Jackson , George W. Berlin , John F. Lewis , Caleb B g s William McComas , George W. Brent , James C. McGrew , William G. Brown , James Marshall , John S. Burdett , Henry H. Masters , James Bu ley, Famuel McD . Moore , Benj. W. Byrae , Hugh M. Nelson , John S. Carlile , Logan Osborn , John A. Carter , Spicer Patrick , Sherrard Chamans, Edmand Pendleton , C. B. Conrad , George er R. Y. Conrad , Samuel Price , James H. Cou h, David Pugh , W. H. B. Cus John D. Sharp , Marshall M. Dent , Thomas Sittington , William H. Dalany , Barwell S lock, J Earley , Alex. H. H. Stuart , Colbert G. Fugate , Cha ma J. Stuart , Peyton Gravely, George W. Summers , Algern Gray , Campbell Tar Ephraim B. Hall , William White , Allen C. Hammond , Williams C. Wickham , Alph Haymond , Walt T. Whey --55. James W. Hoge , At fifteen minutes past four o'clock, the President ( Mr. Montague in the chair) announced the result of the vote, and declared the passage of the ordinance. Subsequently, the following members changed their votes from the negative to the affirmative:

William C. Wickham , George Baylor , Alpheu. F. Haymond , C. B. Cour d, George W. Berlin , Allen C. Hammond , Hu Nelson , Colbert C. Fugate --9. Algeruon S. Gray , William C. Wickham , George Baylor , Alpheu. F. Haymond , C. B. Cour d, George W. Berlin , Allen C. Hammond , Hu Nelson , Colbert C. Fugate --9. Algeruon S. Gray , The following members who were absent when the vote was taken, asked and obtained leave to record their votes in the affirmative:

John R. Kiley , Robert E. Grant , Addison Hall, Alfr d M. Barbour , John Q. Mair , Paul Morell , John R. Kiley , Robert E. Grant , Addison Hall, Alfr d M. Barbour , John Q. Mair , Paul Morell , Messrs. Thos. Maslin and Peter Saunders were absent on account of sickness when the vote was taken, and were not subsequently present. ARTICLE GENERAL JOHN BANEHEAD MAGRUDER , the Hero of the "Peninsula, " is from Caroline county, Virginia. He is sometimes called the "Prince" Let him be promoted with the title of Duke of York.-- Fred. News .

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch the battle at Bethel Church.additional particulars.

Yorktown, Va., June 14th, 1861.

In the various letters written from Yorktown giving an account of the late battle at Bethel Church. I see no mention of the battalion that was first on the field that occupied Bethel a week before the battle was in the heated the engagement, and received the thanks of Col. Magruder himself for its mootness — I refer to the Virginia battalion, under command of our gallant Major E. B. Montague , consisting of the Halifax Light Infantry under Capt. John Grammer ; Chatham Grays , Capt Werth , and a part of the Old Dominion R tl s. Capt. Dickerson . Tuesday evening, June 5th. Capt. Werth was ordered to Bethel Church with his company, and one Howitzer, Capt. Brown commanding, and on the morning of the 6th, Major Montague followed with Capt. Grammer 's company, a part of Capt. Dickerson 's company, one Hawitzer; Nottoway Cavalry, Capt. Jones ; Charles City Cavalry, Capt. Donthat On the evening of the 7th our commander, Major Montague having heard that the enemy were landing on Pocosin River, at the distance of some eight miles from Bethel , immediately ordered his battalion to that post, where it remained until Col. Magruder visited us on the 8th, and ordered the battalion to the Halfway House, two and a half miles from Bethel . On the morning of the 10th. Major Montague , at 1 A. M., marched his battalion to Bethel Church Immediately on reaching the Church, the battalion threw up a small breastwork to the right of the Church, to defend the interior of our camp, and a howitzer battery placed parallel some fifty yards to or left Immediately before the commencement of the action, Capt. Werth 's company was ordered to assist Col. Hill , and a North Carolina company placed at our breastwork. We were thus for an hour and a half in the most exposed position on the field, exposed to an enveloping fire from the enemy's cannon, and a diagonal cross fire of musketry. The shot and shell, canister and grape, fell thick around us. A horse was killed a few yards from our entrenchment, and but for the interposition of Providence our company would have been cut entirely to pieces. Shells burst around us and cannon balls fore the trees to pieces in every direction. The Halifax Light Infantry, under Capt. Grammer , was on the extreme, right, and a North Carolina company in the same entrenchment to our left. The name of this company I have not learned. Our gallant Major walked several times up and down the line, counseling coolness, and added his example to precept. When the howitzer in the field was accidentally disabled by the breaking of the vent wire in the touch-hose, and had to be hauled in the woods and abandoned, and Col. Stuart 's command was ordered in, Col. Magruder ordered Major Montague to take Capt. Grammer 's company and the Wythe Rifles to the south of our former position, to prevent a flank attack on the Howitzer Battery--The battalion advanced for half a mile, exposed to a dangerous cross fire, in perfect order, Major Montague on foot heading his command, eliciting for their perfect order and coolness the praise of Col. Magruder himself Whilst all behaved with coolness, the Halifax Light Infantry, under command of Captain Grammer , and the North Carolina company stood unflinchingly for an hour and a half exposed to a most dangerous enlaluding fire and diagonal fire of musketry, unable to fire a gun; and, in the movement to protect the flank of the Howitzer Battery, the Halifax Light Infantry were exposed, for half a mile, to a cross-fire. They at least deserve mention. Colonel Magruder , in his official account of the battle, his done this battalion justice; but, as only a few will see this account, I ask, as a simple act of justice, that this be published Colonel Magruder , since the battle, is certain that we were attacked by upwards of five thousand men, and between three and four hundred of the enemy killed and wounded. As a piece of interesting news, of which you have not yet, I believe, become possessed, I will mention that, on the 12th, Captain Davis , Lieutenant Lea , and Dr. Martin , of the New York Firemen Zouaves, came with a flag of truce from General Butler to our out-post, to treat with Colonel Magruder in relation to their dead, wounded, and prisoners. The result of the interview has not transpired, except that one of their prisoners was exchanged for one of ours. It is said by military men that this is a positive recognition of us, as a belligerent power, and will be so regarded by the nations of Europe.

A Participant. YORKTOWN, VA., June 14, 1861. In the special correspondence of the Dispatch, dated June 11. I perceive some inaccuracies, which I know you will cheerfully correct. Your correspondent states that "on Saturday last the first excursion of considerable importance was made. A detachment of 200 infantry, and a howitzer gun, under Major Randolph , and a party of 70 men and another howitzer, under Major Land , of the North Carolina Regiment, started different routes to cut off a party which had left Hampton ." The latter part of the sentence above quoted is correct; but the former is not consonant with the facts of the case. When information was received at camp that a marauding party of the enemy were pillaging the house of Mr. Whiting , three and a half miles from Hampton , Col. D. H. Hill , of the North Carolina Regiment, asked for a detachment of 30 infantry to volunteer their services as a support for our howitzer under Major Randolph , and immediately 34 men of Company F, of the North Carolina Regiment, stepped forward, and reported themselves ready for the duty. The Howitzer was under the direction of Major Randolph , the infantry of Lieut. F. N. Roberts , of Company F, and the whole force was commanded by Lieut Col. C. C. Lee , of the North Carolina Regiment. This party came up with the enemy a short distance below Mr. Whitching 's, and as soon as the Federal hirelings perceived their approach, they fled like startled fawns. So precipitate was their flight that they left behind haversacks and booty, and seemed to be in tent on saving their lives only.

Col. Lee 's command took one prisoner, and this was the first capture made in the skirmishes preliminary to and provocative of the battle of Bethel Church.

Col. Magruder yesterday thanked the troops engaged in the battle of Bethel, and complimented them highly for their steadiness and courage in the field, and their subordination and propriety of deportment in the camp. In the course of his remarks he stated that he was authoritatively informed that the enemy's force at Bethel Church was 5,000 men and five field-pieces. Take it all in all, I think it may be safely asserted that the Confederate troops achieved a victory at Bethel Church, which for brilliancy is without a parallel in the annals of history.

Musketeer. CAMP YORKTOWN, 11th June, 1861. I'll give you some items about the fight we had on yesterday. First of all, the enemy had not less than four full regiments, and the prisoners say five. We had only fourteen hundred and seventy on the field, and or those not more than seven or eight hundred fired a shot. From the first gun to the last was three hours and twenty minutes. Our position was at Bethel Church; our right and left flank protected by a miry swamp. The enemy occupied a hill on the opposite side, and between us was a valley and a creek over which was a bridge. The enemy advanced by the flank, right in front, four ranks on the double quick. The Naval Howitzer which we had in position raked their line with grape and canister from right to left, and yet they stood three fires from this piece before they came down to quick time. The enemy crossed the swamp below the bridge and tried to storm a redoubt occupied by the North Carolina volunteers, situated to the left of our centre battery. They were met by a sheet of fire which rolled death and carnage into their ranks. The Captain of one of the assaulting companies sprung in front of his company, and waving his sword, cried to his men " Forward Company B, the day is ours" Just then one of the North Carolina boys bellowed out, "I can take that fellow down," and red, the officer fell dead at the crack of the musket; the ball had penetrated his heart. He had on a fine gold watch, a splendid sword, and eighty dollars in gold. He was formerly Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifth Regiment New York Volunteers, but being upon a visit at Old Point, volunteered impromptu to lead Company B. New York Third, and paid for his fun. We buried him at sunset. The Carolina boys behaved with all the coolness of veterans, and delivered a deadly fire upon the enemy, which drove them back across the creek. The Howitzer rifle cannon did dreadful work; the shot striking on the right flank would go entirely through to the left. (The enemy advanced by the right flank, and never formed line of battle) One of these shot went through and through a farm house, and through a Yankee on the other side, and then cut a fine free half down. The hole in the man was about the size of a common water bucket. In the first of the battle the enemy threw forward four companies of New York Zouaves to cross the creek at a ford a mile below. Col. Magruder then ordered the Chatham Grays, 85 strong, with one Naval Howitzer, under command of Capt. W. H. Werth , to defend the ford to the very last extremity. Capt. Werth , with his command, left their redoubt on the right, and crossed a wide open field within four hundred yards of the enemy's battery, which was then pouring shot of all kinds and shell around them, about as fast as hail, down the side of the stream at a double quick, whilst the Zouave regiment was at the same speed going down on the opposite side, both aiming for the ford. The Virginians trotted the mite first, got possession of the ford, planted their gun, ambushed the infantry, and waited for an attack; but the Zouaves did not like the looks of things, and put back to the main body without once getting in range. All the trees around Bethel Church are cut all to pieces, and the foilage stripped off by the musket balls. The fire was terrible, and shot tell about as fast as any man would like. Not more than seven hundred of our troops got into the fight, owing to the fact that the enemy confined his attack chiefly to the centre, thus leaving all the troops posited to defend the flanks nothing to do but to play a quiet game of seven up. The Southern troops displayed remarkable coolness and determination, and made all the movements under fire with as much precision as it they had been on a common drill. We lost one killed and five wounded, besides four horses and mules laid hors de combat. The enemy lost, as near as can be ascertained from signs, and the prisoners, about one hundred and fifty killed and three hundred wounded. We have found them scattered all through the woods and marshes dead, having crawled away to avoid being scalped, as they all think we indulge in this luxury. They carried off their dead during the fight in four horse wagonlouis, and the road to Hampton was red with blood for six miles. Knapsacks canteens, haversacks, shoes, hats, military overcoats, blankets, rms and accoutrements, were scattered over the same road, whilst corpses were here and there found weltering in their blood. In the pocket of the Captain who was shot by the North Carolinian, was found a letter to his wife, stating that they were about to march against the "traitors," and would scatter us before them like chaff before the wind. He made a sad mistake. If they had whipped us at Bethel, they were to have attacked this place the next day.

After the fight we all started to march here, upon empty stomachs and weak legs, and at two o'clock this morning we arrived, completely used up by twenty four hours constant hard labor. So much for the battle of "Bethel Church."

Volunteer HEADQUARTERS COMPANY A, THIRD REGIMENT VA. VOLS. YORKTOWN, JUNE 13TH, 1861 In the various communication published in your paper relative to the battle of Bethel Church, no mention is made of the remaining Companies of Col. August 's Regiment, the Life Guard, Young Guard and Southern Guard, being the only companies referred to. As a simple act of justice to those interested. I solicit the publication of a brief explanation of their absence. On Wednesday, of last week, the Regiment was ordered to Williamsburg, and that night six of the companies marched for that place, leaving Company A of Henrico , and the three companies referred to above, to follow next morning. Early on Thursday, the order to Williamsburg was countermanded and the four companies under command of Lieut. Col. Stewart , in company with the Howitzers and North Carolina Regiment, took up the line of march to Bethel Church. About three miles above that place, Col. Stewart 's command was detached from the main body and marched to the head of Black river for the purpose of defending the mass, the road to that place leading to both Hampton and Newport News, and defined a very important position. The Life Guard, Young Guard and Southern Guard, were subsequently taken to Bethel Church, and Company A, was left to protect the bridge. On the morning of the battle our company was placed in a proper position to resist an attack, and would have been able to have held it against a greatly superior force We were not called upon, however, to test our mettle at this place.

At ten minutes past ten o'clock a vidette advanced at a rapid ram and informed us that our services were needed at Bethel Church the company marched off promptly at a double quick and arrived at that place, and took position in the redoubts that had been evacuated by the Life Guard, and other companies, but a few moments before, marching the distance of two miles in 15 minutes. Our orders were to hold the redoubt against all odds, and if any idea could be formed of the dispositions of our men, by their demeanor, the order would have been obeyed to the letter. Although not directly attacked, our men were exposed to a severe fire, but maintained their position until the enemy retreated. The coolness of Col. Stuart excited the admiration of his men, and I feel assured that it our whole regiment had been present, we would have made our mark

While the enemy were on the field three of our members volunteered their services and went out in the woods near the battle field, and captured a man who had acted as a guide for the Federal troops.

It was officially stated at review to day that the forces of the Confederate army numbered 120 men, while that of the enemy amounted to 5,000.

Henry Wyatt , the young man who was killed at Bethel Church, was formerly a member of this company, and was well known to most of our members,

M. W. H.

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. War experience of the Virginia Life Guard Yorktown June 12, 1861.

I notice with much surprise that a correspondent in camp from another quarter of our glorious State intimates that his command has not been very well treated, having been made to march several miles over night, and says it was a very fatiguing operation.--Now, I will not presume to sit in judgment on his statement, but will, for his comfort and the information of the numerous friends of another Richmond company, give you an account of their experience since they were marched into service, as I have it from the lips of one of their members, and I will be personally responsible for the correctness of the statement. When the Virginia Life Guard left your place in connection with the Third Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, they had the hearty good wishes and prayers of a host of relatives and friends they were transported to their first destination, King's Mill Lauding, per steamer, and their first essay in military life was to encamp on the side of a ploughed hill, and, with nothing but a blanket beneath and one above, passed the night; marched next day, at 12 o'clock, five miles, to Williamsburg; rested one day, then marched at eight o'clock every morning three miles, worked on entrenchments, and returned in the afternoon. This lasted three days. Then marched at night to Yorktown, a distance of twelve miles--rested a few days; marched twelve miles toward Hampton, worked one day, obstructing road and in thing embankments; then marched two miles to Bethel Church, which is fifteen miles from Yorktown , rested a while, and were called out at 2 o'clock in the morning, without breakfast, and made an entrenchment fifty feel long, four feet wide, and four feet deep; had a cup of coffee, and in a short time were called upon to engage in the first marched battle of the campaign — the battle of Bethel Church; had the honor of firing the first infantry shot at the invaders of our soil, and were kept in trenches to meet any movement of the enemy for two hours; then ordered to march two miles to take position in the woods, a endeavor to prevent the passage of a regiment of the enemy, one thousand strong, while they had only sixty-two men on duty; remained in this position four hours, keeping strict watch, and no enemy coming, had to march twelve miles there to return to Yorktown, where they are now stationed.

I have no doubt that, if this meets his eye, the writer of that article will say we are contented, while the Virginia Life Guard say, God helping them they will march during the night and fight during the day, until human strength shall fall, and count it but a labor of love if they may promote the cause of liberty by aiding our gallant armies to rid our fair heritage of the desecrating foot of Northern invaders.

In conclusion I will say, they are all well and hearty though somewhat sunburnt, and ready for another pull at the Hessina.

R. Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. Eager for the Fray. Camp Ashland, June 13th, 1861.

This morning's paper tells us of the fighting on the Seaboard, and makes us quite dissatisfied to remain so inactive in our camp. I mean so inactive in relation to fighting. True, we are drilling twice daily and perfecting ourselves rapidly in the art of war; but it is too tame a life for us. We either want to pick them off with our carbines on the northern border, or rush impetuously upon their opening batteries. Comparatively few of our men are sick and these are under the charge of Dr. Thomas L. Hunter , a gentleman of high attainments in his profession.

On last night Capt Field was serenaded by the fellows. It is scarcely necessary to say he responded to the compliment very handsomely. He is a gallant commander and has endeared himself to us all.

It does our hearts good to have our friends visit us, more especially our wives, whose letters never come without admonitions to be strong, brave and manly Among our visitors at present, we see the venerable and gentlemanly Mr. Jno. Morton , of Charlotte C. H. and Mr. Paul Carrington , of the same county. We only wish that more of our friends would visit us; it encourages and speeds us on in a great, holy and just warfare, a righteous cause, one that Heaven itself smiles upon. W. M. F. ARTICLE An old lady of Alexandria, Va., complained to the commanding officer the other day that the Michiganders robbed her of her geese.

From Norfolk. [special correspondence of the Dispatch.] Norfolk, Va., June 16, 1861. A gentleman from Pig Point yesterday told a gentleman of our city, that firing was recommenced in the direction of Hampton . He distinctly heard the discharge of guns from about sunrise until 10 o'clock, when it ceased. This leads me to inter that the Federal troops are being driven farther into Hampton; and you may not be surprised to hear, in a day or two, of another engagement.

In regard to the action at Bethel Church, a dispatch was received here yesterday, stating that over five hundred of the Federal troops were killed. I think some truth may be placed in it.

The bravery of young Wyatt , who was shot on the Confederate side, while about to perform a noble duty, is highly commended here. His part in the action certainly justifies the sympathies of us all.

I regret to learn that an interesting little son of Mr. Nottingham , of our city, was drowned on Thursday while bathing. It seems the little fellow was seen going down in the direction of the river, when an old gentleman stopped him and begged him not to go, assuring him he would certainly be drowned "No," said he "I can swim," and proceeded on his way. From that time nothing was seen or heard of him until the afternoon, when some boys, while enjoying the same sport, struck something with their feet, when the body of the little boy arose on the surface. He was taken to his home, and was soon after buried.

Luna.

Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch. Patrick county. Meadows of Dan, Va., June 10th, 1861. It affords us great pleasure to inform your readers that old Patrick is ng, and her sons at the sound of the bugle are enlisting to march in defence of their ever-dear and renowned Old Dominion. The County Court of Patrick have made a levy of $1,400 for the campaign of volunteers. There are four volunteer companies made up in this county.--The first, commanded by Capt. A. M. Lybrook , 88 strong, has marched to the seat of war; the second, commanded by Capt Jeffererson T. Lawson , has swelled out to 108, which will leave in a few days for its place of rendezvous, (Lynchburg) In both these companies the "red mouthed Yankees" will find some sharp shooters and brave boys to deal with.

We are all in good spirits. Men, women and children rally under the "Stars and Bars. " We all feel that the God of Battles is in our side, for our cause is the same that our fathers' was in 176--righteous, holy and just. P.

The fight at Aquia Creek.

The following supplementary report of the fight at Aquia, from Captain Lynch , shows a most commendable desire to do justice and recognize merit among all who shared with him the battle and the victory:

LETTER Naval Battery, Aquia Creek. June 9, 1861. Editor Fredericksburg News--Sir:

-- sly oni report of our recent contests with the enemy was rendered as brief as possible — embracing only the names of those who were legitimately engaged. But, as there were several instances of individual gallantry by volunteers, some of whom reside in this vicinity, I deem it proper to give publicity to them.

To this I am the more impelled, by the slanderous assertion can't upon them by the commander of the enemy's flotilla.

Had that officer, whose characteristic traits long since earned for him in his profession the cognomen of "Yankee Ward ," for once violated his instincts and been sincere, he would have stated that men were seen running to wards, as well as from, the batteries, mostly bearing ammunition. The attack on Wednesday evening was repelled with spirit by Commander Thorburn , as I did not reach the battery until very near the close of the engagement.

In writing my official report, I labored under the impression that the shot from Capt Walker 's battery during Friday's engagement tell short, although it diverted the fire of the enemy; but the admissions of that enemy prove the fire of the rifled battery to have been effective, and that my impression was an erroneous one.

During Friday's attack, Lieut. Barnes , of the Safford Guards, bore a message from me to Capt. Walker , and returned with his reply; his course being along the causeway over which the enemy's shot was sweeping.

On the same day, too, if I remember aright. Lieut. Botts , of the Washington Guards, came to the battery, and tendered his services.

On Saturday, Lieuts. Yancey and Eckies of the Tennessee volunteers, with two others whose names I unfortunately do not know, volunteered their services at the guns, just before the conflict. I stationed them nearby to be ready in the event of casualties. One of them bore a note from me to the mainland during the hottest of the fire, and two or three others went for and brought ammunition. So far from trepidation, one of the messengers stopped upon the causeway and picking up a shot which had fallen near him, brought it in as a trophy.

Capt. Sener of the Washington Guards was present during the day's conflict, and volunteered to extinguish a fire kindled at the inner end of the wharf, but I withheld consent.

Capt. Wise , of Company E Richmond volunteers, was by me throughout Saturday's engagement, and while the enemy's fire was hottest, volunteered to go for infantry to repel an apprehended landing of the enemy under cover of the smoke. Before recognizing Capt. W., I twice ordered him, the last time peremptorily, within the redoubt, for next to damaging the enemy it was my duty to preserve the lives of those around me. These are all the individual cases I can call to mind. The demeanor of the men at the battery is so worthy of commendation, that it would be invidious to particularize, even if they were not mentioned in my official report. Being short of ammunition, our guns were worked discreetly, but now we are prepared to warm them thoroughly.

Very respectfully, W. F. Lynch . An important consideration. There is said to be very little difference between the uniform and appearance of the Southern and Northern soldiers, and hence it becomes of the highest importance that some measure should be employed to distinguish them. The Enquirer says:

"At first, there is danger, that when the forces meet upon the field of battle, and after the first shock are broken up into small fighting squads, who will roam here and there in search of enemies, many a brave man will fall by the hands of his comrades, who, in the excitement of the moment, will fall to recognize him as a friend.

"Americans, to a great extent, strongly resemble each other, and where the volunteers of both sections have been equally exposed to the sun, the Southern soldiers, except as regards intelligence, cannot be separated from those of the North. Let steps be therefore taken to remedy this defect at once.

"Attach a badge, a stripe, or a mark of some description to your coats or shirts, which will be known to all by a generally disseminated order from headquarters. Take pains to maintain a distinction between your true blooded Southerner and your mercenary enemies, and when upon the field of battle you draw your bead upon a man, or plunge a Bowie-knife in his heart, you will not have the melancholy thought, affecting you like a nightmare for a lifetime afterwards, that you killed a friend instead of an enemy.

"Let this subject be agitated by the press of the South, until it receives the attention of those who have the remedy in their hands.--Mistakes enough have already occurred to furnish a warning"

SHARPE 'S CARBINES.

--The Southern Federal Union says that while the President had a large cavalry force in Virginia, it is understood he is somewhat deficient in the arms proper for that service. Gov. Brown , of Georgia, was informed of this fact, and promptly offered to loan President Davis five hundred new Sharpe 's Carbines, in first rate order, with a full supply of cartridges. The President at once accepted the offer, and the Carbines have been shipped to him at Richmond.

TORIES IN TEXAS.

--The Austin (Texas) State Gazette has been informed of a secret "Union Association " forming in that State. The matter is being investigated, and the treasonable plot will be effectually broken up. There are no doubt a few Johnsons. Etheridges and Hickses in Texas, but they will be taken care of whenever they venture to show ther heads.

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