(Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.)
sword Presentation — orders to march — the Dispatch, &c.
Thos. Artillery Winter Q'rs. December 29, 1861.
Yesterday, Rev. F. McCarthy, Jr., a member of our Company, presented to our 2d Lieutenant, E. J. Anderson, in behalf of the company, which was drawn up to witness the ceremony, a beautiful sword — the one noticed in the Dispatch a few days since-- "as a memento of their admiration and gratitude for his gentlemanly, benevolent, and gallant conduct." The speeches were brief, but to the point, and the boys gave three rousing cheers when the Lieutenant closed.
On the day of the Drainsville fight, our company was ordered to hitch the horses and cook two days rations, instantly.
We were in perfect ignorance of the skirmish that caused the order; and, as we had given up all hopes of another general engagement with the Yankees, the cry ‘"to arms,"’ came like a thunder-clap from a clear sky. Numberless were the speculations indulged concerning our destiny.
Some guessed it was Winchester, some Yorktown, while some thought McClellan had turned fool, and was advancing on Centreville.
Night closed in cold and dreary, only one blanket was allowed on such a march, and great suffering stared us in the face.
We were greatly relieved when we heard the cause of the alarm, and were ordered to unhitch and go to bed.
Richmond has treated our boys very well, but she does not know yet what valuable service we have performed.
I may tell a few things another time.
We are very fond of the Dispatch, and buy it up eagerly whenever it is brought into the camp.
Telegraph. 