From Norfolk.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Va., June 1st, 1861.
Depredations upon our coast by the Federal troops are becoming constant.
An idea of the character of their offences may be found in the following, which is reliable: Shortly after their arrival at Newports News, a number of the soldiery — some in a beastly state of intoxication — went to the residence of a highly respectable farmer in the neighborhood, and drove the whole family from the house with out a moment's notice, who were compelled to seek the woods for safety.
The negroes on the place ran from the house in all directions, and it is thought the farmer will lose these, together with all the articles he left behind, but is grateful that he escaped with his life.
The troops were exceedingly insolent, and stated that they were free that day; that no officers were with them, and that they intended to do as they pleased. The family, in which were two young children and an old lady, about 70 years of age, wandered about in the woods all night, and the next day arrived at a place of safety, where a letter was written by a lady who was in the party, from which I am permitted to make these statements.
The letter betokens great distress, and the relation of it is so heart-rending, that I will make no further comment. We are here furnished with the brutality of these wretches who make plunder an object of their best ambition — and who hearken not to the cries of distress.
I learn, from an equally reliable source, that an officer from Fortress Monroe, with a body of soldiers, went over to Hampton a day or two ago, and broke into the store of a respectable citizen of the place, who was in the store at the time, and who, immediately on the officers' entrance, shot him dead on the spot. He was immediately swung up by the soldiers — Further particulars of this affair I did not learn.
The trains for the past day or two have brought new accessions to our forces, and negro laborers have come from a distance to assist in the work of our fortifications.
A list, I am glad to hear, has been opened at the Gosport Navy-Yard, for the benefit of the family of the heroic Jackson, who so nobly defended the Confederate flag.
The subscription list is limited to only one dollar, in order to allow as many as possible to subscribe. A large amount will doubtless be realized.
