From the Valley of Virginia.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]To-day, previous to the departure of one of our cavalry companies, the Union Cavalry, by a unanimous vote of the company, struck off "U," which stood for Union, and went with only a "C" on their caps. It is now the "Se-(C.)-session Cavalry. Strong disposition exists hereabouts to strike the "U." out of the dictionary, as we are not for the Union, nor unwilling to fight those who are.
Troops are taken care of and quartered by our people, and there is much contention among citizens to get enough of the "sogers."
Farmers haul in provisions for them — some ready cooked — and make them take it along when they go on. The right spirit prevails among our people. Rockingham has covered herself all over with glory. I hope it is so all over the State. Virginia is aroused. She is pluck to the back-bone, and the hireling mercenaries of Abraham will soon find out they have "awoke the wrong passenger."
Thousands of reports reach us daily — some too ridiculous to be believed. Some are well founded, as an occasional messenger comes from the telegraph office at Staunton.
To-day the Springhill (Augusta county) Rifles were presented with a beautiful Southern Confederacy flag by the ladies of Harrisonburg. The presentation speech was made by C. C. Strayer, Esq., and the flag was received by Col. Doyle, of Staunton, on behalf of his boys. Both speeches were very fine, and many wet eyes were in the multitude.--As the companies passing have only now and then an occasional flag, the ladies of this place have prepared another for presentation, and it is already upon a handsome staff.--There was also a flag presented to the Harrisonburg Cavalry this morning, previous to their departure, by the same fair hands. The presentations took place from the portico of the Exchange Hotel.
Our Home Guard is organizing and enrolling. It embraces this Magisterial district, which will be divided into smaller districts, each district under a Captain. The whole force will be about four or five hundred men. These men are armed with their own home rifles, to which they have been used since childhood. A committee of seventeen men has been appointed to procure eatables for the families of those soldiers who are gone, and they are directed to call at each house and see if anything is wanted. A depot for the stowing of provisions is secured, and all articles are taken there, and from there distributed, under the supervision of an agent. So you see none of the soldiers' families will suffer or want for anything. In the meantime, large crops are in the ground, and the "chance is good" for a supply of all the necessaries of life, notwithstanding the war.
Excitement has been pretty high all day, yet all seem to appreciate that war is upon us, and will meet the issue like men. Numbers are preparing to follow the companies that are already gone from here, and the tide will continue to flow on. All are determined, and no blanched cheeks give expression to the horrors of war, but rush on to defend the right. Such people may be exterminated, but never conquered. Pen.
