From the Seaboard.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.] Norfolk, Va., May 13th, 1861.
Our city is now all alive with soldiers, yet they continue to come in from all quarters except the North, and yesterday we were elated with the hope of getting recruits from that quarter too, upon learning that Com. Pendergrast intended to visit us in the afternoon, for the special purpose of piloting out the steamer Wm. Selden, which our authorities here seized, a few days ago, and thought proper and prudent to detain for a little while, at least, but I reckon the Commodore's absence will be overlooked, when it is remembered that piscivorous animals sometimes have the gout
But, if the Commodore should continue much longer to be as successful in capturing fishing smacks and oyster ‘"pungies"’ as heretofore, it is to be feared he will acquire for himself a fame that Old Abe and his minions may fancy that the English Admiral Nelson, himself, would have envied.
Every train brings in additional troops.--Troops from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, and different parts of our own State, are continually pouring in and taking up their quarters in and about our city. It is currently rumored that a company or two of Indians is expected here soon to assist us in beating back the invading foe.
Norfolk, May 14, 1861.
The news for the past few days in our city has been almost entirely devoid of interest, otherwise you would have heard from me. I wish (if they are disposed) that we could have a little brush with the enemy, so that I might, or (in case I should fall) some one might, be able to have something to communicate that might prove of interest to your readers; for really if this state of things continues much longer, I am afraid some of our soldier friends will die of ennui.
A sad and fatal accident happened to a member (Second Lieut. Storrs) of the Alabama Regiment on Sunday night. He was (purely accidentally) shot and killed by Mr. Hunt, then on duty as sentinel. His remains were conveyed to Portsmouth last evening, from whence they will be sent by rail to his former home in the sunny South. How sad the occurrence; and what makes it still more so, the deceased had, only two days prior to his leaving home to help us fight our battles against a common foe, been united in the holy bonds of matrimony to one of the South's fairest daughters. May God sustain and enable her to bear this sore affliction, and may she be comforted and derive solace from the fact that he met his death (although accidentally by the hands of a friend) in defending the rights of his beloved country. His bereaved companion, fond relatives and friends may rest assured that they have the deep, heart-felt sympathies of every Virginian.
Our market is literally crowded with all kinds of produce, and sold at very reasonable prices.
Our city and our sister city, Portsmouth, and vicinities of both, are pretty well packed, and almost ready for any emergency. Our batteries at almost every point are in good order, and will speak for themselves if occasion requires.
Portsmouth, Va., May 15, 1861.
It is said that Col. James Gregory Hodges, of this city, has been removed from the command of the 3d Regiment of Volunteers.
This, I hear, is an unpopular move with the regiment, but so are other moves regarded as strange which have been made and adhered to in this locality.
Brigadier-General Gwynn, with his staff, will visit to-day the batteries recently erected on or along Nansemond river.
It seems that John Morris, the quondam valet or servantman of the late Commodore Barron, has been retained in the service of the family. He is the steward of Pendergrast, and has been permitted by the powers that be in Norfolk and hereabouts, to visit Norfolk, make his purchases, and return to the Cumberland. He was arrested in Norfolk, and upon examination produced his permits. He was consequently discharged, but given to understand by the ‘"roving bullies"’ that if he repeated his visits, permit or no permit, he would be ecclesiastically dearth with — not burnt, but turned over to the secular arm.
The Minnesota, Commodore Stringham, is on Old Point, whence messengers from the British bark Volant, and the Swedish brig Tyrus, were permitted to communicate with their consignee in Norfolk.
The Norfolk L. A. Blues have come up from Carney Island, where they have been hard at work erecting the battery at that most important point.
One hundred and fifty men from Fort Monroe have taken possession of Mill Creek Bridge and the well of water on Captain Clark's place, which is now guarded by a force of seventy-five men. Mrs. Clopton's place is also threatened by Capt. Dimmick. Hampton was excited; but the Ape's soldiers held and hold possession. The small trees and undergrowth between the gunner's house and the water fronting the Navy-Yard have been burnt. This is on the public property known as St. Helena, where the battery to be raised is now progressing.
The chief work at the Navy-Yard is the manufacture of gun-carriages and the removal to the interior (up the road and by water through the canal,) of the big guns. There is here an eleven-inch gun, which ought to be sent at once to Carney Island. Some of the big shot intended for it I saw piled in front of the ordnance building. Carney Island is its appropriate place. Let it be sent there at once. What do you think, General and Commodore?
The weather is delightful. A cool and refreshing breeze from the North, with a westward tendency, is prevailing.
Navy-Yard, Norfolk, May 14, 1861.
It would surprise even ‘"Old Abe"’ himself to witness the great activity that prevails at this place.
A large number of hands, supposed to be over 1,000, are employed in mounting cannon, raising the saultled ships, hc., at this time.
Diving bells are used in the latter.
A boat that came here to-day from down the river, reports that the small-pox is raging among the enemy at Fort Monroe. They are pitching their tents outside the walls of the fortress.
The steamship Seldon, which brought the mails from Baltimore the other day, is detained here for the present.
Our Navy-Yard will soon be impregnable. Port-holes are being made through the walls around the Yard, and heavy cannon planted, which will defy any attack that might be made. A lofty mound, near the big gate, is fortified by sand bags and three heavy pieces of ordnance. Norfolk and Portsmouth are all right on the secession question. Confederate flags float everywhere.
Norfolk, May 15, 1861.
I paid a visit to the encampment of the Alabama Regiment yesterday afternoon, and was much pleased with their drilling.
They went through the manual, as every expert soldier should do, with precision.
There were ten companies in the line, and they all went through the orders as one man. They receive a great deal of praise from the ladies, who are paying daily visits to them.
I also visited the Louisiana troops, who are at present quartered at the Fair Grounds.--They number over one thousand men, every one of whom can and will do his duty when he is called upon. They also attract much of the attention due to such a noble and heroic band. May laurels ever crown their heads.
Pig Point, Nansemond Co., Va. May 18th, 1861.
The work at this place is under the management of Capt. Young, of Norfolk, aided by Mr. Galt, the Sculptor.
Capt. Young is an old soldier of the war of 1812, a brave man, and though now upwards of eighty years old, appears as active as a boy of sixteen. Mr. Galt is well known to the country as a sculptor, and left his studio several weeks ago to assist his native State in defending herself in any capacity by which he could act the most useful.
The Portsmouth Riflemen, the oldest company of that city, numbering 126 men, and in command of Capt. Owens, are stationed here.
They are a fine looking set of fellows and are determined to do their best in this great struggle.
By request of the company, Rev. R. R. Jones preached to them this afternoon on their camp-ground. His remarks were fully calculated to fill every mind with seriousness, and I could see now and then huge bears stealing down the checks of those brave men.
We are very much annoyed here by the presence of one of Lincoln's ships just off the mouth of the James, and out of our reach. It seems that her object is to seize all boats, large and small, that may attempt to pass by her. Day before yesterday she chased a small boat under the guns of this Point, having on board a bearer of dispatches to Gen. Gwin; and yesterday she seemed very indignant that a poor free negro should attempt to catch a few oysters within five miles of her. They fired at him several times, and though entirely out of reach of her guns, he feared the noise and retired to the shore. She will no doubt be attended to bye and bye.
Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
letters from Camp Mercer.
command of all the country between this point and the Potomac, including Camp Mercer. He is a most thorough soldier, and everything that is entrusted to his hands will be executed in the proper and most expeditious manner. Capt. Beverly's troops from Spotsylvania, numbering 65 good men, well mounted and armed with sabres and five-shooters, were mustered into service last Friday.
Fredericksburg, as you know, is one of the eldest towns in the State, and each soldier here will bear testimony to the fact that it still retains all its ancient ‘"old Virginia hospitality."’ Each house is offered as the soldiers' home, and the pleasant smile of the host that greets him at his threshhold, fully attests the hearty welcome. Every day some of the ‘"boys"’ dine in town, and those that take a gastronomic view of the times think that old Fredericksburg is the finest garrison in the Southern Confederacy.
Headquarters, "Camp Mercer,"Near Fredericksburg, May 14, 1861.
Capt. Cary yesterday, accepted his Lieut. Colonelship, and will be, it is reported, at once placed as officer in command over this rendezvous, where military from Caroline.
Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, and perhaps from elsewhere, are to centre.
Company F having too many members by law for one company will be made into two companies, and officers elected accordingly.
The Fredericksburg companies are all doing their duty, and are all ready for service anywhere. The Fredericksburg Artillery had a new election of officers the other day, and on yesterday were ordered off on secret service. The officers are C. M. Braxton, Captain; Jno. Alexander, 1st Lieut.; Mr. Marye, 2d Lieut.; Chas. Goolrick, 3d Lieut.
We have dress parade every evening, and are twice a day regaled with fine music from the Brass Band under Capt. Adams, of this town — besides we see scores of the prettiest ladies, plenty of fine horses, and other Virginia attractions, daily. What if every now and then some of us do get put in the ‘"guard-house"’ for being over time, and what if the ‘"double quick"’ is rather hard for warm weather?--we are fully paid for it in the way of other innocent amusements. You may rest assured that we don't want to go back soon.
We have here several efficient and fine companies from Caroline and Spotsylvania — From the former county are the County Cavalry and the Riflemen, all in good trim, and from Caroline are two companies of Infantry, armed with modern weapons, and fully prepared for immediate service. There is also a Cavalry and a Rifle corps, besides the Home Guard, in addition to Co. A, and Co. B, and the Artillery belonging to Fredericksburg.
