Our Correspondence.
trial of the Union gun at Old Point — Rip Raps — anniversary of Norfolk — balloons — ladies at work on winter equipments for soldiers, etc.
Norfolk, Sept. 16.
On Saturday, a number of the Federal troops had quite a busy and exciting time on the beach at Old Point.
They were engaged in testing the Union gun. The target was on the shore a long distance to Northward of the fort.
The greater part of the men who were at the gun, had taken their jackets off, and worked with much activity; but they were afraid to remain at the gun when she was fired.
Just before the string was pulled the most of the Yankee gunners would run off for some distance.
I have not ascertained the result of the trial of this mammoth piece of ordnance.
The flash was as the vivid glare of lightning.
Reports came booming across the smooth surface of the splendid roadstead like the deep, sullen roll of distant thunder.
A schooner is lying at the wharf at the Rip Raps, just in front of the Sawyer gun.
There are two sentinels in sight from Seawell's Point, on the fortification at the Rip Rape. Those posted on Saturday were, in blue shirts and pants, and carried Minnie guns.
On Saturday the steamer Hunter Woodis went up to the wharf at Fort Calhoun, but for what purpose I did not ascertain.
The weather is hot here again. Yesterday the various churches were well attended. A considerable number of soldiers were in attendance in the morning and at night. Yesterday, by the way, was the 125th anniversary of the Royal Charter of Norfolk Borough, which was granted by William Gooch, Lieutenant-Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, at Williamsburg. A vousiderable trade was done in the town before the grant of the charter. On the authority of the Virginia Gazette, of Nov. 26th, 1736, the charter was obtained by a petition of the enterprising and prosperous merchants.
There are various rumors here relative to the probable movements of the Federalists at Old Point, but all is mere surmise.
There has been much talk about the appearance of balloons in a northeasterly direction from the city. Many persons declare they saw a strange light moving steadily along. To-day another balloon is announced, floating gracefully over Hampton Roads, at a considerable elevation, somewhat above the region of the clouds. I do not think any balloon has recently been seen fromt the city; although, at this moment a number of anxious and curious citizens are gazing eagerly upwards, with the vain hope of secing the Œrial navigators.
A meeting of the ladies connected with one of the churches was held this morning, for the purpose of commencing arrangements for making coverlets and other articles that may be required by the soldiere in the winter. Contributions in behalf of the laudable object will be made by several gentlemen, and a large amount of work will no doubt be done for the comfort of the brave troops who are ready to defead our homes when the battle commences, and who will willingly risk their lives to rout the Yankees and drive them from our soil.
One o'clock.--A flag of truce has just left for Old Point in the steamer Arrow. A number of sailors went down. They were taken by our privateers and are bound North.
Two negroes made their escape last night from Lynnhaven Bay, and succeeded. I learn in getting on board the Quaker City.
