Norfolk, July 31, 1861.
Among the countless outrages that have been committed on our sea-coast by the myrmidons of Lincoln, there is one which deserves special attention, and which furnishes additional proof of the utter abjection and demoralization of the Northern army.
While the last of the coffee from the old wreck on the beach near Wash wood's, was being carried across the sand to a boat that was to take it thence to knott's Island, a Federal steamer came up near the shore, under a flag of truce, and an officer aboard inquired of one of the wreckers that went down the shore to meet him, ‘"what vessel that was ashore, and what her cargo consisted of;"’ and, upon being informed, without further conference, backed the steamer out to sea a short distance and fired several shots at the wreck, one or two taking effect in her hull.
After becoming tired of wasting their powder and ball on the wreck, which seemed to be a hard mark to hit, they fired a shot or two at the wreckers and laborers, who had by this time made the most of their way across the sand.
One of these shots is said to have passed between a man and his son, yet without doing either the least injury.
But what adds insult to outrage is, as my informant tells me, that all this was done while the white flag was floating at the steamer's masthead.
Who ever heard of such barbarity — an enemy coming up under a flag of truce and then prostituting the privilege to the vilest purpose!
Such malicious outrages only confirm us in the belief that the North, with only a few exceptions, is mad on masse; yes, mad in the worst sense of the word; and, as history teaches us that fanaticism seeks its destruction in blood only, we should prepare for the worst.
A rumor has been circulated in the city to the effect that a considerable engagement took place last Sunday, at the New Inlet, N. C.--A gentleman, just from the eastern part of that State, says that he heard heavy bring in that direction on the 29th, but know nothing about the cause or result of it.
The farmers of the surrounding counties speak in most encouraging terms of their fine crops, and many of them say they intend, if the war continues, to give gratis all they make, above their family support, to the soldiers. With such patriotic providers, and such cheering prospects of good crops, what a task Lincoln will have to starve us out!
But it seems that ‘"Dr."’ Winfieldum Scott can't bear to see the poor, half famished ‘"rebels"’ starve to death, if ‘"Dr."’ Lincoln can; for just see the provisions he gave us at Manassas, to feed our hungry troops, and the guns he gave us to kill squirrels, birds and other game to eat; besides, see theliot of medicines he gave us for our sick soldiers, and the many cannon to celebrate the 21st of July.
Now, while I write I hear heavy firing down below, in the direction of Sewell's Point, but am unable to learn the cause of it; probably the great Sawyer gun is at work again.
