From Southwestern Virginia.
the Probabilities of a fight in Kentucky--an interesting entertainment — Tabtean Vivants — movements of troops.[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Abingnon. January 1, 1862.
Although this is the commencement of a year which will prove the most eventful in all our history, the tongue even of rumor is silent, and war news is voted out of fashion.
Marshall is still at Paintsville, a most appropriate place, it must be admitted, for an artist to sketch his victory over Moore's forces, should they attack him. Buell still in doubt whether it would be good policy to march against Johnston.
Indeed, the best informed persons express the opinion that there will be no fighting in Kentucky this winter.
It is certain that there is no news here which justifies the belief of an early attack any of our lines.
In the absence of all matters touching the war, I will present a short sketch of a very recherche entertainment this evening on the part of the ladies of Abingdon and some of the gallant gentlemen of the it consisted of music on the plane, violin, and to which were added interesting tableau vicants, the whole under the management of Prof Whiff, late of Petersburg.
I do not propose to refer to the performances in detail, but chiefly to the parts performed by members of the regiment.
It is sufficient to remark that Prof. Whiff and lady showed themselves familiar with the silence of music, and that the fair daughters of Abingdon acquitted themselves quite handsomely.
The first of the 56th who appeared on the stage were Adjutant Goods and Capt. Nicholas--the former performing on the violin, and the latter on the in conjunction.
The Adjutant played, as a gentleman at my bo remarked, ‘ "a fiddle;"’ and in reference to the performance of Capt. Nicho friend of his said that ‘"Billy is a very handy little fellow with his banjo"’
Lieut. Flournoy sang bass to the tune of Annie Laurie, of which Miss Lettle Johnston sang the air Lieut Field, Lieut. Wichie and several others, were on the stage, and acted the parts allotted them.
The of the evening, however, were the speeches of Lieut. McPhall and Lieut. Jones.
When the tableau of the ‘"Country Wedding"’ was over, four calls were made for McPhall.
That gentleman came forward and delivered most stirring and eloquent speech.
In view of the departure of the regiment to-morrow, the Lieutenant took occasion to tender the thanks of his brother soldiers to the people of Abingdon for the kindling hospitable manner in which they had cared for them here.
He ensured them that ‘"through life we will grasp your hands."’ I will not consume your space in reference to the remarks of Lieuts. McPhall and Jones.
They were both happy efforts and elicited continued rounds of applause.
To-morrow the long march to Gen. Marthall's command commences.
It used not surprise you it some brave fellow falls by the way. The road is long, and dairying to the constitution of men who never endured the asperities of a Whiter campaign.
The sanitary condition of the regiment is not altogether flattering, and it may turn out that Bowling Green would have been a better place for the 56th than the road to burg.
But the necessities of the service must be met, and with firm step and firmer confidence in the justice of the cause, Col. Stangater will read his men to gloater the grave.
Occasional. 