The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-04-23
FROM PETERSBURG.
SATURDAY pril 90 1861

SATURDAY, April 20, 1861.
This day will long be remembered by the
peopIe of Petersburg. God grant that Ii may
not be day OF "mournful memories"--a SOL
emn anniversary which the widow and or
phan shall keep, with tears and bitter lainents
for the young and the brave who went with
high hopes but returned "never mair." The
volunteer companies rece ived orders on
Thursday to hold themselves in readiness to
start off at any moment. Since then all has
been hustle and activity-the ladies shaling In
the general interest, and lending their aid to
the arrangements of knapsacks and other
necessares. This morning was in tended for a
grand muster and supervision, but it was
destined to be a time OF momentous import
ance At an early hour the streets were
thronged Soldiers were hurrying to the rem
devious, crowds of anxious friends and rela-
tives followed, and soon the sound of trumpet
proclaimed the approach OF our cavalry.
Suddenly the scene changed-the people
turned back, the soldiers marched quickly by,
and it was whispered "they are ordered away,
and will leave directly" what thrill these
few words caused, and how many hearts beat
with con affecting emotions. Follow the crowd
their course is now downward eagerly they
rush to the depot. That gained, panse-a
little time remains, too precious to be lost
Alas! The cars are~ready, the "Good- bye"
must be spoken and then in a few moments
silence will reign, and gentle ones Will turn
away with aching hearts, to retraee their steps
homewards. With the exception OF the Light
Dragons, the whole volunteer force OF the city,
numbering over 400 men, and filling seven cars,
left the depot for Norfolk at o'clock. The
scenes at the depot previous TO the departure
of the troops, were the saddest and most i'm
pressiye | ever witnessed. They beggar all
descrip ton therefore it were truitless TO at
tempt TO describe them. Tears might be
seen and shrieks heard, that in their in
| tensity of feeling might call down an
| eternal punishment upon the miserable cause
of them at Washington.
Truly martial spirit pervades the whole
city; efforts are now making, aud with emf
nent success to form other companies. The
response of the people to volunteer for the de-
| fence of their native State is generous and
hearty The face of affairs in Virginia has
changed, and We are prepared to meet it.
John Ford, q brother OF the proprietor of an
extensive book establishment anu newspaper
depot was to day ordered to leave this city,
| on account of his approval of Northern men
aud means. 1t is stated that he has frequent
| ly expressed himself very freely on the pres
| ent condition of affairs, and always in ap-
proba ton of Lincoln's Government. To-day
he was advised to seek the society OF more CON
genial spirits, and warned that his presence
was neither needed nor desired here.
Everything like business has been complete
| lv suspended the tobacco factories have
| been closed, and the negroes turned out in
| state of wild bewilderment and alarm. Mer'
| chants are suffering by the crisis, and none
| tary affairs growing more precarlous eact
day.
| But the time for action has arrived. Their,
| is no time for regrets. TO your posts, then
| men of Virginia Look to God for support. G(
| forth as did the Israelites of old, and remem
ber that right must conquer; and though ty
| ranny wear a bold front, IL will quail anC
| eventually fall, before the cause OF truth anc
| justice. MON CGCR.