From the West.
Positions of Wise and Floyd — rumors — telegraphic communication, etc.
Lewisburg, Va., Sept. 23, 1861.
Editors of the Dispatch: I send you the following items, which you can use as you see fit:
Gen. Wise is fortified a little this side of the top of Sewell Mountain. His position is a very strong one, commanding all approaches.
Gen. Floyd has entrenched himself at Meadow Bluff, 15½ miles West of Lewisburg, and some eight miles, I think, east of Gen. Wise. The North Carolina and Georgia regiments which were on their way to join him, but which had not arrived when he so gallantly three times repulsed a greatly superior force, have since then strengthened his force.
A splendid Mississippi regiment passed through town this afternoon to join Gen. Floyd. It was one thousand strong. The men were fine in spirit. The regularity of its movement, and the close order of the men, and the absence of stragglers, indicate much more than ordinary discipline.
Generals Floyd and Wise, according to common report in town, have both declared that before Rosencranz shall enter Lewisburg they will die opposing him.
There is a variety of rumors constantly on the wing in regard to the movements of Rosencranz. Some say that the has been near to General Wise and has retired to Dogwood Gap — others that he is slowly approaching, while many think that he will not dare leave Gauley after his severe loss and failure to grasp his supposed prey. Cortainly, he can be sure that Generals Floyd and Wise, and their men, will fight to the last. The last battle at the heights of Gauley has opened his eyes to the fact that our brave troops will dispute every inch of ground with him.
Telegraph poles, to be delivered within ten days, on the road between Staunton and White Sulphur Springs, are called for by special advertisement posted in our streets. This indicates the erection of a line to this place immediately. It has become, indeed, a military necessity.
General Lee went to General Floyd's camp on Saturday morning, escorted by about twenty-five of the Greenbrier troop. The object of this visit has not transpired. He passed through this place. The Greenbrier militia are in the field with General Floyd.
