New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-05-09
FEELING IN VIRGINIA.

Core pgLdence 81 The Y. /. IElbune
DErRor, Nay 6, 1861.
One week ago Yesterday left the little village OF
Hemeusyille abont 70 miles south of Richmond, VIZ
giuia, and coming through he latter place and wash
inglon, reached lefe two days since.
NV progress from Hemensyie 70 Richmond and
through the State Of Virginia was uninterrupted.
It's true was closely watched, az s every one, be
he stranger or natye but further than lhs suffered
no inconvenience.
As passed on apparently engaged with my own
business and paying htlle need what transpnng
around me- attracted but little attention, and excited
no suspicion. But once was spoken to, and that Was
in the bar-room of a hotel in Richmond.
The room was filed for such il the excitement that
but little business r doing and the who have not
volunteered have lite ese to do than oongregate in
saloons and barrooms, and, under the inspiration Of
cheap whisky, discuss the conCiion OF public affairs.
Perceiying a stranger among them, one looked up,
and, without much regard for courtesy convention
ares, demanded TO know where was from. re-
Piled u!thiuGy, at the time telling him that did
not Ike his s,ye-tLat it wac too mperous and per-
elopory; and that az q Southern man, felt bound 10
recent IT, and trusted tha, it would not be repeated
NV answer rather pleased them, and my G. ,ming to
be Southern man, and resenting their treatment ar
such, won their confidence, and | was overwhelmed
with questions as to the progress OF the Secession
movement in my locality. OF course, gave glow
ing account OF il, stating that every man was aiming
10 r.pe the Northern hordes who were about 10 at
TEMPT their destruction.
They were hghly delighted with the account, and
was asked 10 take drink and carry back 10 the yalor
of emeDsvle the best wishes OF the barroom
patriots of Richmond.
Nothing il heard and seemingly nothing is thought OF
bat Secession. Eastern Virginia, 30 IA as was able
II. &
son. Delnied and Infatuated with the dream of glO-
rious Southern Confederacy, and ezed by the pas
sonae appeals OF eloquent pdr2aDs they pause not TO
count the terrible cost, bnt ding out at once the BAN
ner of rebellion aud boldly launch tho ark containing
theif earry all upon Tie fierce, uncertain waves of
revolution.
The greatest enthusiasm prevails among them, and
the utmost confidence is felt in their ability to beat
back their INVADER and by carrying the war into The
Northern States, they expect TO wiring from the Gov
ernment an Acknowledgment o. heir independence.
Outside OF ri hmond they It'll labor under the deu-
sion that n, the North large armies aud vsst sums Of
money are being collected for the aid of the South.
They have heard nothing OF the vast Preparations
the North making and OF the perfect unity OF senti
ment in favor of the Union. They the warke
strength Of the North by the strength Of the Repub-
ican party and count every opponent OF Mr.. Lincoin
M an ally Of the South
In Richmond, tie true state Of affairs begins 10 be
understood and gives evident uneasiness and alarm.
The idea Of meeting a united North. with ts over
whelming prepondermce OF men and money, Is calcu-
lated to create apprehension as TO the result.
But these demonstrations come 90 late 70 prevent
the revolution. The leaders Gnd their followers
brave men, and viii fight, though with the certainty
of being beaten, and fight desperately and well.
There is no use in us at the North understanding
our adversary The Southern troops that came under
my notice were mostly young, athletic men, and APP
parenily well skilled in The arts OF war. Their Or ling
was excellent and their target shooting accurate.
Their enthusiasm great and their circumstances des
perate and our Northern troops vii. find them mean
antagonists upon the f,ld Of battle.
say this not 10 discourage the troops but TO pre-
pare them for the stern conflict " hich must ensue.
II is far better that they should know accurately the
strength and character Il the foe and prepare 10 meet
them than TO rush into the conflict in ignorance Of the
foe and suffer defeat.
The number of men in arms at the South is greatly
over-estimaed, especially ia Virginia. saw but few
men in Richmond though las been reported by tele
grapi at the North that 1900 there assembled
Ii my oIinon that less number Of men 10 proper
ton 10 the population enstng at the South than at
the North.
The blow and bluster IL for effect at the North They
have great contempt for Northern men, ard esteem
them ell towards, and expect to brighten them with
out scarcely filing gun.
trust before many days they may get disabused Of
this error, and they may learn that Northern troops
fully their equals in bravery and prowess upon the
battlefield. B.sr.