From Petersburg.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Petersburg, April 24, 1861.
Our city, which has been comparatively quiet for a couple of days, was enlivened today by the arrival of the South Carolina troops on their way North.
They marched through the principal streets leading from one depot to the other, halting at the Bolling brook Hotel.
On their arrival at the depot they were publicly welcomed by W. T. Joynes, Esq., in a patriotic address, to which Gen. Benham, the Commander, made a spirited response.
The greatest enthusiasm prevailed during their transit through the city.--Flags innumerable were suspended across the streets and flying from the principal buildings, and ladies from the windows waved their kerchiefs and lent their approving smiles.
The regiment numbers about 600 men. Their exposure to the sun for several mouths while in camp at home had bronzed their faces, and they were covered with the dust of the railroad; but they were a fine looking body of soldiers, particularly the Riflemen, a large number of whom are men of wealth and position.
They have the martial step and physical development indicating their ability to perform soldiers' duty.
The fourth company of volunteers which have been formed within a few days — the McRae Rifle Guards, Capt. James S. Gilliam, was organized last night, and Capt. G. went over to Richmond this afternoon to report to Gov. Letcher.
A posse of men have been stationed at City Point for several days, to act as a river police for intercepting vessels laden with provisions that may be in the act of leaving in our waters.
As many as four or five were taken in possession, having cargoes of wheat and flour, one of them containing nearly 1,600 bushels.
Our citizens were aroused this morning at half-past 2 o'clock, by the alarm of fire, which was caused by the burning of a few wooden buildings on Harrison street, nearly opposite our new Market.
The fire is said to have been kindled by the incendiary's torch.
The buildings were not of themselves very valuable, but the surrounding property, composed partly of the extensive buildings known as Oak's Warehouse, and several handsome brick tenements, would have involved a great loss, had they been consumed.
They were somewhat, but not materially, injured.
The loss on the frame buildings that were destroyed amounts to some four or five hundred dollars, only partially insured.
Many of our volunteers now in Norfolk are members of the different fire companies here, and their absence is seriously felt in case of fire.
I understand, however, that many gentlemen have volunteered to supply their places.
A slight thunder storm, accompanied by a copious shower of rain, visited our city this afternoon, which proved very acceptable in its cooling influence upon the air. Mon CŒur.
