Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
the War news — no Mails — Court day — secession flag and the public, Feeting.
The ‘"war news"’ has had a good effect, and the news of the shedding of the first drop of blood at Sumter cemented our people, and Rockingham is ready to ‘"let slip the dogs of war."’ The mountaineer, schooled to the use of the rifle from boyhood, makes his mark in the conflict, and are never subdued. The mountain passes of Virginia can defy the myrmidons of Abe Lincoln to the crack of doom. This is the section where Washington cast his eye for men to raise a bleeding country from the dust, in the days of the Revolution; and the defenders of American liberty (the Southern people) may look to us again to repel tyranny, (the North,) and not look in vain. We are ready.
This morning another flag of the Southern Confederacy floats from the Exchange Hotel, 15 feet by 11 feet, in place of the first one put up, which has become faded by the rains.--This new flag has seven stars in the circle, and the eighth (Virginia) moving in to join them — half on the blue field, and half on the white. It is a fine flag, and floats gaily from its high flag-staff.
A Black Republican procession passed through our streets to-day. They were fitted out from Rouss' dry goods house, and were intended as a sign for his store. They attracted universal attention. By the way, I heard him say to-day, he was willing to close his store at once and join an expedition to take Washington city; or ready at the tap of the drum to close up and leave his goods on his shelves and leave to take Fortress Monroe.--So his procession was only intended to create excitement that he may sell the more goods, so as to be ready. So you see the war news excites everybody — merchants, mechanizes, lawyers, laborers, and all are ready to fight, it the sovereign Convention will let them.
No business of importance was transacted in Court. At 12 o'clock the Court took a recess, and immediately after a meeting was called Dr. S. H. Moffett took the stand, and went in to a strong secession speech. To say he was cheered by the large audience present, does not begin to express the applause. His speech was able and eloquent, and had a telling effect when he came to the point, and asked the question : Upon what side are you, fellow-citizens of Rockingham, in this great revolution ? It would seem as if Patrick Henry or John Randolph was here, judging from the many voices, proclaiming as one voice the answer, ‘"the South ! the South ! "’
Immediately after Dr. Moffett concluded, James H. Skinner, Esq., of Augusta, was called for, and just as he commenced I was compelled to hasten to prepare this, before the mail would close.
Doctor Moffett bore down strongly upon the Convention. He asked the sentiments of the people as to what the Convention should do. The answer was unanimous : ‘"Secede and come home."’
As before stated, old Rockingham is now for secession, and so, I believe, are a majority of the State. Let the ball roll on. To-day was a glorious day in this county, and a reward to those who have so nobly borne aloft the banner of secession, which I hope may never trail in the dust. We send greeting to all to do likewise. Hastily, Pen.
P. S.--The military were out this morning, with a brass band, and fired 100 guns in honor of the Southern Confederacy, under the secession flag.
