the weather — Federal Aliens — the courtesies of war — arrests--General Court-Martial — Presidential ticket — candidates for Congress — Theatricals.
Norfolk, Oct. 12, 1861.
Contrary to general expectation, the stormy and gloomy weather which has prevailed during almost the entire week, continued to-day.
There were signs of clearing off yesterday, but it has thickened up again this morning, as if the wire-pullens of the winds intended to get up a sea scene with effect against Yankee blockading ships and those that man them.
You will hear of trading vessels running the gauntlet in this spell, but the less you publish of such details the better.
About mid-day, yesterday, some eighty odd of our "alien enemies" left for the land of Yankee despotism, under the usual flag of truce.
I saw some of them moving down Main street towards the steamer, carpet-bag in hand.
Their cast of countenance was mostly melancholy, but of neither the proud nor the fantastical sort.
They wore a solemnity of appearance not free from the tincture of apprehension, but they passed on without molestation, and with little notice.
Orders were out for the arrest of two other suspected persons, who would have been nabbed had they made their appearance on the boat; but they wisely kept out of the way.
There have been objections made to the frequent interchange of flags of truce between the Federal squadron in our waters and the Confederate authorities, but they do not appear to be well founded.
The only object and effect of such flags is to mitigate, as far as possible, the horrors of war; and, when they are used in a timely manner, they are promotive of civilization.
All history shows that humane nations continually resort to them.
I am a believer in the courtesies of war; and would willingly revive the mutual bearing of the brave "Melek Rik" and the polished Saladin in that respect.
Three arrests were made among the "aliens" by Captain J. F. Milligan, before the boat left for the enemy's boat, viz: Of one W. P. Montague and his wife, and a third customer by the name of Lukins.
Montague was arrested at the request of Lieutenant Fairfax, Confederate States Navy, through Commodore Forrest, by order of General Huger.
It is alleged that he had taken an oath of fidelity to the Confederate States, at the Gosport Navy-Yard, where he was employed as a workman, and it was not deemed allowable for so flexible a citizen to carry information into the enemy's country.
The parties arrested were sent to the Navy-Yard under guard, and are now in custody at the yard.
The general court-martial, which convened at the Tanner's Creek encampment last month, has reassembled in our city and is now proceeding with the various subjects proper for its action.
The following is a list of the officers composing the court:
Col. Chambliss, 41st regiment Virginia volunteers; Lieut. Col. Cantwell, 2d regiment North Carolina volunteers; Major Lunday, 6th regiment Virginia volunteers; Major Brockett, 12th regiment Virginia volunteers; Major Forsyth, 3d regiment Alabama volunteers; Captain Bonham, 3d regiment Alabama volunteers; Capt. McKenny, 6th regiment Virginia volunteers; Capt. Nash, 41st regiment Virginia volunteers; Capt. Lyons, 12th regiment Virginia volunteers. Judge Advocate.
The ticket of Presidential electors which has been suggested by the editorial corps of Richmond contains the name of Cincinnatus W. Newton, Esq., of this city, as the candidate for this (second) district.
Mr. Newton is a son of the venerable Thomas Newton, deceased, who in times gone by represented our people for so many years in the United States House of Representatives as to obtain the appellation of "father of the House." Mr. Newton has himself represented this city in the Virginia Legislature with credit and efficiency.
He was an "old-line Whig" at the time when that very respectable party had existence; but of late years has kept out of the political arena.
Since our civil troubles commenced he has been a warm supporter of the cause of Southern rights.
As he is understood to advocate the election of Davis and Stephens, I presume there will be no opposition to him in the district.
There will be a second performance of the "Amateur Histrionic Association" of the 12th Regiment of Virginia Volunteers, at the New Opera House to-night.
The programme is a rich and varied one.
The first performance, on Thursday night was largely attended by the ladies and gentlemen of the city.
There have been quite a number of public performances by amateurs in the several regiments stationed here, given for the benefit of the Ladies' Aid Society; and I am glad to say that in every instance a considerable sum has been realized and contributed for the wants of volunteers and their families.
God speed the ladies in their noble work!
A large number of candidates are in the field for Congress in this district, some of them stalwart champions and well worthy of honor; but it is certain that all of them cannot be elected.
It would be well for the Southern Rights men to hold a convention, and agree to concentrate upon some one nominee of true and tried qualities, and elect him to a seat by what would be really the voice of the people.
P. S.--As I close my letter, the clouds seem to be getting thinner.
They may break away during the day. 