From the Valley.
opening of Spring — fast day — successful skirmish — movements of the enemy, &c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Winchester, March 3, 1862
Saturday, the first day of March, was one of the prettiest and balmiest that we have seen for a long, long time.
It, indeed, was a spring day, and the troops enjoyed it very much — especially those who have endured the rigors of a Northwest campaign in the mountains of Virginia — and it was hoped that we should now have good weather; but, alas, it commenced snowing early yesterday morning, and continued during the day and night, and the ground is now covered.
Friday was observed by the citizens of Winchester generally as a day of fasting and prayer, in accordance with the recommendation of the President.
All the stores were closed, and the churches were well attended.
Quite a skirmish occurred Saturday morning near Martinsburg between Capts. Henderson's and Sheet's and the Yankee cavalry, in which we killed several, captured two and a number of horses.
One of the prisoners is slightly wounded in the head.
They state that Banks has a force of over 20,000 men, and that it is his intention to get possession of Winchester and the Valley of Virginia.
Perhaps he may find a few obstacles in the way!
The enemy are, no doubt, slowly but steadily advancing, and you may anticipate stirring news from hereabouts in a short time.
Gen. Lander's Yankee force is still at the Bloomery, seventeen miles North of Winchester, and will, no doubt, advance as soon as our forces engage Banks's column.
Our troops, under the lead of the gallant Jackson, are in fine spirits, and although the enemy may outnumber them, are eager for the fray and sanguine of success.
So mote it be!
Ned. 