Correspondence.
Floyd's Brigade.
Aringdon, Va., April 1, 1862.
To the Editors of the Dispatch:
After many struggles and privations in our Western campaign, amid the cold and exposure of camp, the perils incident to fields of deadly strife, the tediousness and hardships of a march one hundred miles across the Cumberland mountains, from Murfreesboro' to Chattanooga, and a rough and unpleasant trip from the latter place to Knoxville, and a still worse and more hazardous one from thence to this place, we are once more on Virginia soil.
Our regiment (the 56th Virginia) has been in Kentucky and Tennessee for some time past, and every heart was thrilled with joy when the announcement was made that we would again breathe the pure and in vigorating air of our native Virginia.
It is not known definitely how long we will remain there, or at what point we will again meet the defiant foe in deadly conflict.
To the Editors of the Dispatch:
We are willing to strike again for the defence of the Old Dominion and the South, and will rally around its banner of liberty, like the Scottish Highlanders around the cross of fire, and if God favors us it shall ever float over our heads in undisputed triumph.
Gen. Floyd relinquished the command of the brigade at Knoxville. Most of the regiments constituting the brigade had previously re-enlisted for the war, and had left to enjoy for a time the quietude and comforts of home. The remainder of the brigade is now commanded by Col. Wm. D. Stewart, of the 56th Virginia regiment.
Our regiment, the 56th Virginia, has sustained some losses from deaths recently. The men died from diseases contracted amid the cold, exposure, and intense suffering endured at Fort Donelson.
I regret to mention the death of Capt. R. B. Patterson, our late Quartermaster. He died of typhoid fever. He was a popular and efficient officer, and his loss is much to be deplored. Lieut. Ferguson, of Company D, wounded at Donelson, has since died.
Capt. D. C. Harrison, of Company "K," 56th Virginia, who was killed at "Donelson," on the 15th of February, was a gallant and chivalrous officer. He was a Presbyterian minister, and his demeanor at all times was that of a Christian gentleman. I recollect distinctly at Donelson on Thursday morning about daylight, when at every moment we expected the enemy to charge on our breast works, he ordered his company in line, and repeated the 27th Psalm, and afterwards offered up the most fervent and eloquent prayer that I ever had the pleasure of listening to His death was in accordance with his life, noble and Christian like. He was truly a brave man, and the character of his valor is well described in the language of a distinguished modern writer:
"The brave man is not he who feels no fear,
For that were brutish and irrational;
But he whose noble soul its fear su.
And bravely dares the danger nature shrinks from."
Our sick have been generously received into the private houses of the citizens of this place and treated with the utmost kindness and care. The people of Abingdon are openhearted and generous, and are enthusiastic in the cause of the South Lieutenant Hilliard W. Carter, of company "A," 56th Virginia, has been recently appointed our Quartermaster. He is a young man, prompt and energetic, and of steady business habits, and fully competent, and will no doubt discharge the duties of his office to the satisfaction of all. From the best sources of information, the command of Gen. Humphrey Marshall, between this place and Pound Gap, is in fine fighting condition. Everything, however, in that direction is at present quick.
There has been an almost incessant fall of fain in this section recently, and the roads are nearly impassable. Our encampment is beautifully situated, and surrounded on all sides by lovely landscapes and grand and picturesque mountain scenery. It has been named Camp Floyd, in honor of our recent Commanding General.
