Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
troops from Southwestern Virginia--the release of Nelson, &c.
Abingdon, Va., Aug. 26, 1861.
A few months ago one would have thought that no more fighting man would have been needed from this section of the State.
But it would have been a mistake; for although two regiments have been sent from this and the surrounding counties, (ten companies having been raised in Washington county,) yet more volunteers have to be raised here.
Several gentlemen are making efforts to raise more companies in this county.
Col. James T. Preston and Col. A. C. Moore are both endeavoring to raise regiments.
Both are clever gentlemen, and it is hoped that such may succeed in their landable undertaking.
I have been informed that the crops in this and the adjoining counties are very good -- There have been hard rains on several occasions.
The people here are satisfied with the course pursued by our Administration towards Mr. Nelson, of Tennessee.
Whilst here he was treated with kindness.
No insult or any unbecoming act was offered him.
Everything looks dull here.
There is but little business doing by any one.
Nearly all of the young men have ‘"gone to the war."’ Offices, stores and shops have been vacated by the pastille youths of the town.
Emory and Henry College has commenced its session.
How many scholars have been entered is not known.
Another session of the Female College in this place has commenced, but I have not heard how many young ladies have come in, I know but little about the school; but, from all I hear, it is regarded as a good school for a country town.
The weather is quite pleasant here at present.
The crops are good, rarely ever better.
Z. 