From Norfolk and the vicinity.
--From Norfolk it is stated that Butler is rigidly enforcing his order requiring all persons to take the oath of allegiance to the Lincoln Government. Large numbers have taken this oath in Norfolk, and every male citizen of Portsmouth, except three. These are Dr. Arthur R. Smith, Wm. H. Wilson, and Fisher Matthews. These gentlemen, we hear, positively refuse, and say they will suffer any consequence.In Nansemond and Princess Anne counties all citizens residing between Bernard's Mill and Portsmouth have taken the oath. Many of these, if not all, are loyal to the Confederate Government, but they have no alternative save banishment from their homes. Bernard's Mill is the outer picket station of the Federals.
Six citizens of Nansemond county have been sentenced by Butler to six months imprisonment for whipping a negro. We could learn the names of but three, viz: Wright King, Cornelius Bidgood, and John B. Wright. The reported fight near Elizabeth City turned out to be only a skirmish, and resulted in nothing of any consequence.
