Additional from Norfolk.
Through conversation and reliable facts from unquestionable sources, we are additionally advised in regard to the evacuation and destruction of the works at
Norfolk viz. That the
Navy Yard was successfully fired and destroyed by a party of eight or ten Marylanders, under command of
Lieutenant Spotswood.
The dock was blown up by pyrotechnics, under direction of
Mr. Thompson also at
Maryland, its gates and end being effectually blown out, so that the damage may be considered irreparable.
Every building and shed in the yard was totally consumed, except the moulding department, which unavoidably was left uninjured, owing to the want of proper combustibles.
Having laid waste everything, and applied the torch wherever practicable, the ‘ "firing party"’ proceeded to St. Helena, opposite, destroyed or burnt all the quarters there, and arriving at
Portsmouth, fired every pound of cotton and tobacco, &c., leaving naught but ashes in their wake.
Such was the success of the party under
Lieut. Spotswood, that scarcely anything of value was left untouched or intact — all was complete wreck and destruction.
All steamers and vessels in both ports were burned and consumed to ashes, the old ‘"
United States"’ being filled with rock and sunk in the harbor.
After leaving the latter place, a party of Marylanders, under
Lieut. A. P. Butt, burned all the quarters and Governernment buildings below
Portsmouth and
Suffolk.
Thus the enemy, in occupation of those places, will find nothing but ruins and ashes to reward their labors, We are indebted for these items to
Messrs. Macguire,
Hager, and
Barr, who were participants in the incendiary duty, and acknowledge our indebtedness for their politeness and attention.
