Matters in Norfolk.
The Yankees are publishing a paper in Portsmouth called The Old Dominion. A copy of that journal, of Thursday, gives us some insight into the way affairs are progressing in the unhappy city of Norfolk.--Among the events of the week was a "grand surprise serenade" to Brigadier-General Jas. Barnes, Wednesday night, at the residence of that officer, on Freemason street. Remarkable to say, the General was not at all surprised, "as any other man might have been." but was, on the contrary, so self. possessed as to allow "all the facetious and genial nature of his soul to lavish a sincere welcome" on the serenaders. Mr. J. G. Shaw, the President of the Board of Trade, who got up this surprise, addressed the General in an effort which we feel bound to copy entice:We come here to-night in a very impromptu manner — we come as merchants and adopted citizens of Virginia--loyal men and true, every one of us. We come in a complimentary way, to shake hands with you as the representative of the Government we are the subjects. You are the head; we are merely pilgrims in the "journey of life," (financially speaking.) You are he judge and jury; we come, General, to pay our respects to you, and, in behalf of the gentlemen present, allow me to congratulate you.
The General responded, welcoming his guests in "an easy, military way," and furnishing them something to drink. The serenading party was composed of the Norfolk Board of Trade, three Yankee paymasters, two quartermasters, two New York newspaper reporters, and one Yankee sawbones. This nice tea party then proceeded to serenade "Hon." L. H. Chandler, a native of Massachusetts, representing the Norfolk district in the free nigger Congress at Washington. After this the patriotic horn-blowers retired to roost in the Atlantic Hotel.
We read in this paper that Dr. Arthur Watson, of Accomac, who represented that county for several sessions in the Legislature of Virginia, has gone to Norfolk to practice medicine. Norfolk, like Richmond, is swarming with restaurants. Here are some of the names advertised: "The National," "Hygeia," "European," "St. Charles," "American House," "Oxford Hall Restaurant," "Arcade Saloon," "Manola Saloon," "Gem Saloon," "The Bugle," "Friendship Restaurant," "Grocker's," "The Office," "Washington Hall," "Break O'Day House, " and "Cafe de Paris." The theatre there is in full blast. H. W. Gossin, a tragedian, was pleasing the Yankees there with Virginius.
