From Norfolk.
the weather and the Winds--recent events — coal supplies --the Independent Grays and the ladies — truce Flags, &c.[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Va., Oct. 9, 1861.
The weather here is very stormy, and judging from appearances and the direction of the wind, we shall probably have another storm, which will be specially annoying to the transient visitors to Hatteras.
I learn that during the storm that occurred some ten days ago, the cowardly Hessian troops there were nearly washed away, the tide rising several feet over the low and narrow piece of sandy land which they are holding in terrible suspense, until they shall be captured by the dauntless Southerners who are determined to drive them from the sod of the Old North State as soon as they are ready to strike a blow that will teach the intruders a lesson never to be forgotten.
I learn that the soldier who was so severely wounded a few days ago by balls fired from a revolver by an officer, has died; but as I have no direct information from the hospital to which he was taken, the report may not be true.
I believe it is generally conceded here that the shooting was justifiable in this affair, and may be regarded as a case of self-defence, as it is thought the unfortunate man would have made a desperate assault with his bowie knife had he not been so promptly disabled.
Much concern is felt here about the scarcity of coal.
The supply of anthracite having been exhausted some time since, and transporting bituminous coal here from Richmond or Petersburg is attended with considerable expense; besides, the grates and stoves are mostly adapted to the burning of hard coal.
Soft coal, as it is called, is selling here at 35a37½ cents. Wood, however, is plentiful — standing in the forests, if not for sale on the docks; and although the article is rather high, there needs be no great fear that our people will suffer from cold on account of the want of fuel.
The Independent Grays, of this city, express their sincere thanks to the ladies of the Episcopal Soldiers' Aid Society, for a much-needed supply of blankets and many other favors unexpected and unsolicited, and ‘"bestowed so quietly and with such grace as to make them as forgetful as possible of their indebtedness."’ In their card of thanks, the Gray's very appropriately add: ‘
"An untold amount of clothing has been made up by them for our volunteers.
The sick have been visited and studiously cared for — all who were in need and have made known their wants, have been provided with every nourishment and comfort that home could afford — in fact, everything that the greatest exertions could do has been done; and, in return, we can only say that these benefits shall be enshrined in our memory, and if even we are blessed with an opportunity to cope with our implacable and ruthless enemy, and to protect our good friends, we shall then give sure and unmistakable evidence of our gratitude." ’
Verily, the efforts and valuable assistance rendered by the ladies of the South in behalf of those who are battling for liberty cannot be over-estimated.
Their labors, personally and assidously, for the comfort of the soldiers, their words of encouragement, and the genial influence of their smiles upon our brave troops, in their struggles in the holy and righteous cause of freedom, will form many a thrilling chapter in the history of the present war, and descend far down the track of time, to be remembered by generations to come, to live in song wherever the voice of civilization shall be heard, or deeds of love, mercy, and heroism shall receive the award of merit and praise by the enlightened, the good, and the brave.
A flag of truce came up yesterday from Old Point, and probably no other communication will be had between our city and Fort Monroe for some time to come.
War matters are unusually quiet hereabouts at this time.
The discharge of great guns is but seldom heard, and all the preparations for conflict are going on with but little noise or excitement.
There are some rumors here of extraordinary arrangements and extensive preparations going on at the North for the hopeless work of subjugating a great nation, such as building ships, collecting troops, concentrating forces, provisions, equipments, horses, &c., &c. Meanwhile, the indomitable and vigilant men of the South, here and elsewhere, are getting ready for any emergency or any attempt of the enemies of liberty and civilization to carry out their iniquitous designs upon those who only desire an honorable and peaceful separation, and the enjoyment of those rights and privileges to which they have asserted a just and well-established claim.
In my letter of the 13th September, it was stated that Capt. George D. Parker's company, of the 6th Virginia regiment, had been disbanded without notice to Capt. P. The information came to me from a respectable source; but the Colonel of the regiment emphatically denies the statement, and it is therefore proper to give his denial through the same medium in which the statement was made. 