Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-05-22
interesting from Virginia.

LYSCHBURG, Va, May Is, 1861.
DEAR PATRIOT No incident of note since
my last; there seems to be a comparative
lull in the general excitement; the people
are beco ming more used TO the rattle of the
drum and the glitter of the bayonet. Every
plan of our military leaders is being executed
il earnest and with great activity and ener-
gy. The entire line of railroads have been
converted into military camps from Rich
moud in the direction towards Alexandria,
Aequia Greek and Harper's Ferry, and every
thing so arranged that the whole force, in
GLIDING those in camp at this city, and on
the line of the Orange and Alexandria Road,
can be brought together by means of signals
and telegraph within very short time.
Most of the Virginia forces stationed at
Richmond have been removed to Manassas
Gap, in Prince William county. q miles
from Alexandria, and at convenient points
to each of the banks of the Potomac river.
On the night of the 18th inst, the drums
sounded an alarm at Harper's Ferry aud the
different regiments were hurried from their
camps and placed in battle array. The news
was that the Virgihians were beaten at
Sheph erdstown by the enemy and that they
were crossing the bridge in large numbers.
Three regiments marched on foot Immediately
10 the spot, IL miles, making the distance in
% hours, and during the entire march in the
night, they were in the midst of heavy
rain and hail storm-goirg through marshes,
bitches, &C.; but upon reaching Shepherds
town they were grieved to learn there was
not even the slightest chance for a fight.
They returned and are now waiting for the
enemy. L have reliable information that
900 men and ten cannon had left the Relay
for some point on the Potomac in Virginia.
Telegraph communications are cut off.
We have about 5000 soldiers in camp in
this city, they are provided and ordered to
march in the direction of Harper's Ferry and
Alexandria as fast as possible, all being well
provided with arms, tents, &C., &C., before
| they leave. No day passes without the ar
rival of two or more regiments from the
South, and as many are ordered in the direc-
ton of the Potomac.
We have some bad news from Northwestern
Virginia, in regard to the proposed division
of the State, and the 1000 men who offered
their services TO Lincoln; this however needs
confirmation, and it is not generally credited
| by those in this section of the State who are
| in constant communication with the North
west.
A private letter from Manassas Gap,
Prince William county, informs me that over
200 deserters from Washington are there
forming regiment to aid Virginia. Large
numbers of BaltimOreans continue to arrive.
A battle is daily expected at Harper's
Ferry, or some point on the Potomac; we
are prepared for it.
Arms are scarce here, bat they are being
made as fast as possible; and it is impossible
to supply the demand that is being made by
volunteers. | could make no estimate of the
number to-day in the field and ready for &C
ton, but there is host of them, and no mis-
take. Col. W. B. Bates regiment from NASH
vile is encamped in this city, all in good
health and fine spirits; they are being fur
nished with rifles, tents, &C., &c. They have
orders to march Immediately after their equip
ment is complete. They are required to take
an oath for II months service, if not sooner
discharged. They will go to or near Harper's
Ferry. L enclose a table of distances, with
names of depots and stations where the troops
are to be stationed.
Yours, &C., G.F. A.