The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-05-27
FROM HAMPTON.



HAMPTON, VA, May 21, 1851
There seems to be considerable activity at
Oid Point; IN fact, the arrival of troops during
the past few Weeks-the stopping of vessels OF
all ciaSaes--the frequent movement of large
bodies of men--the numerous vessels taken
and now 1T anchor at that place-giveS it an
importance, which we have never before
known Old Point to possess.
The Minnesota" is there, and numbers of
transport vessels are arriving and deDarting
every week. Nine regiments are eXpected
every day, which Will give force of 13 600
at that place.
Why large q force at Old Point? The
readers of your paper Will be curious TO know.
They are not necessary for the defence of that
post-from three to five thousand would be in
iinltely better. The supply OF water has been
small, and with IL, 900 soldiers stationed there
very soon there would be a great want.
The troops are, doubtless, intended for two
or three points OF attack. This peninsulGr of
country between the York and James rivers
Will soon be i'll the possession of the enemy
unless something is done TO prevent il. The
great importance OF possessing this section is
wen understood by officers at Fort Monroe
better than by sCme OF our friends. | refer
you 10 an article in the Tribune written by
some one, probably an officer at Old Point
There are tye volunteer companies organ
lied in this county, elizabeth city) We hear
of the noble deeds of other counties, but we
must let the pub lie know what has been done
by the patriots here Counties having as
some have-l2 and $1,000 inhabitants, have
l.
tie Elizabeth City county, with less thar . 900
Inhabitants, has now five companies.
We have been at work, and in good earnest
though under the 3 guns At Old Pom, which now
threaten destruc tlcn TO our property and our
lives, and the lives of those near and dear to
us. We have worked on and will continue to
labor for the freedom of our own soil, our
homes, our State.
Well done old EliZabet City! Proud am I
OF my old-my native county. Though the
enemy Id great numbers Is at our doors, we
must, we VIII stand up and defend our fire.
sides, though no assistance has been or prob
ably will be sent Let our brave yolun-
teers make this peninsula "the Thermopy-
lH' of Virginia. We have no Laonidas to
lead us, but let every man be himself Leon
idas, rather than give up The fairest portion OF
| the Old Dominion to Lincoin's myrmidons -
The very idea of "falliag back 20 miles be-
fore we make stand, is sufficient to stir the
blood of every true man ia our midst. What
desert our homes and les.ve behind us defence
less women and children and not strike IL
blow 1t will not do
We hear it rumored that armed men from
Old Point Will probably be al the polls next
Thursday. Should it be SO, you win hear of
the commencement of the fight in true earn
est. We now nave the modification of see
ing soldiers from Old Point in possession Of
certain parts OF our county; but to see the
polls iii their possession, would be beyond all
endurance.
Our guards have been driven back and we
have had 10 place them some distance this
side OF Mrs. Ciopton's residence, on Mill
Creek.
The guard on the Bay shore, com posed of a
number OF the Old dominion Dragons, re-
sisted the approach fstealthiiy) OF soldiers
from Old Point TO the place where the guard
was picketed. They have, therefore, advanced
nearly one mile on Virginia's soil Step by
step, they are coming towards us
The battle which took place between the u .
>. vessel Mon ticelIo, two tug boats, and the
battery at Sewell's Point, on Sunday even
ing, was witnessed by large numbers of our
citizens. great many guns were fired, all
in full view OF this town. On the house tops,
the wharves, and various other places, large
crowds were seen anxiously awaiting the re-
suit. All seemed cool. Very little of wild
excitement was manifested but every one
looked on calmly, hoping TO see the vessels
well whipped.
We could not ascertain the damage done the
Monticello. They keep their secrets well at
Old Point. She moved slowly back, under
the guns of the Minnesota, having given mp
the fight about o'clock
We are expecting every day to see it rernov-
ed. You will then hear OF larger ships being
brought into action.
Our troops here win go into camp in few
days, or as soon as the tents are ready.
CHESAPEAKE.