Our correspondence.
Norfolk, Sept. 7, 1861.
The Federal steamer Harriet Lane is reported in Hampton Roads, where she was towed from the Carolina coast.
She will probably soon be furnished with an armament and coal, to supply the deficiency occasioned by getting aground near Hatteras.
I learn that the Federal War Department has determined to establish a naval station at Hatteras Inlet, and that large quantities of coal and ammunition will shortly be stored there.
Our Government is acting promptly, with a view to disappoint the confident expectations of the Hessians, prevent their depredations in the waters of Carolina, and to rout those who should not have been allowed to get possession of the fortifications at Hatteras.--But I will not give particulars of the movements which are known to be in progress.
Different opinions are expressed relative to the engagement at Hatteras, and the brave boys at some of the forts below our city are eager for a chance to show their skill at gunning.
Old Craney Island will prove a terror to Lincoln's ships, should they venture within range of our guns.
On the defence of this small island, now so well fortified and so handsomely improved, depended the safety of the ‘"old borough,"’ and of Portsmouth and the surrounding country in 1813, and should Lincoln's war vessels open upon our fortifications, our safety may again, in a great measure, depend upon the strength and power of its batteries.
Now, as in the last war with Great Britain, it is supposed the enemy may attempt a landing at some point on the bay shore; but the attempt, nearly half a century ago, was, unfortunately for John Bull's fighting men, made at Craney Island, which, as is well known, was defended in a manner that reflected lasting honor upon the noble band of heroes who took part in that important battle, as well as upon the State and country at large.
The bravery and enthusiasm exhibited by our small force on that occasion, and the complete success of the day, rendered the repulse one among the most decisive that occurred during the war. The enemy had an armed force of 4,000 men, 2,600 of whom succeeded in landing two miles below the island, and the action was commenced by that division, while the landing at the island was attempted by 1,500 men in fifty large barges.
The British fleet, consisting of twenty vessels, seventy-fours, frigates and transports, lay off Newport News, and were in readiness to cover the attack of the boats.
The quick and galling fire by the Virginians, the confusion of the enemy, the terrible execution of the guns at the Island, and the hasty retreat of the enemy's forces, are matters of history which need not be repeated here.
That excellent company, the Petersburg Light Artillery, has just passed through some of the principal streets, with their strong horses and polished guns.
The men look well, are in fine spirits, and will do good service whenever called to a position upon the battle field.
I saw to-day an invention recently patented by Arthur Hall, a Virginian, which will no doubt come into general use in the army, and be held in high estimation in every camp in which it may be adopted and used.
It is a mattress, which can be readily changed, by means of hinges, hooks, &c., into a table and writing desk.
A valise and port-folio are also included in this admirable and convenient contrivance for camp life; and the whole arrangement is so compact as to present, when packed up, which requires but a few moments, the appearance of a small shallow box. The invention is pronounced by officers and others to be the very best thing that has yet been made for the use and comfort of the army in camp and the inventor will no doubt be highly rewarded for his ingenuity.
There were heavy showers of rain here yesterday and last evening, attended with a considerable electric display.
To-day the weather is very hot and sultry.
The Richmond papers are eagerly sought after, and purchased, and perused with great interest.
The cheerful noises of the clamorous and dingy news-boys are heard in every direction, announcing great battles and glorious victories achieved by the invincible forces of the South. G. 