The Daily Dispatch: may 23, 1861., [Electronic resource]

Portsmouth, Va., May 22, 1861.

The battery at Sewell's Point was again the object of interest yesterday evening. A steamer from the baboon's squadron about Old Point and the mouths of our rivers, approached this battery and shots were exchanged. The respectful distance, however, maintained by the infernal invader, proved to be without the range of our guns. This was a source of regret, for we did not wish to waste a grain of powder. Captain Colquitt, the gallant commander of the accomplished Light Guards from Georgia, now has charge of this battery. In the former sparring he had to cool the ardor of our braves. He made them an eloquent speech of fifteen minutes, which had the desired effect, and then suiting the action to the word, himself aimed the shot which told upon the Monticello. The shell which the steamer tired yesterday evening fell near the battery without exploding-- the fuse having re fused, and thus thwarted the devilish designs of its operators.

I saw yesterday the two fine-looking companies from New Orleans — the Light Guards, Captains Rawle and Girardi, of the First Regiment Louisina volunteers. They were uniformed in the Zouave style. After forming, they gave three cheers to the ladies of Portsmouth, some of whom were on the balcony of the Ocean House, and then marched into the cars to be conveyed to Manlove's, a farm about three miles distant, near the railroad, where they will pass the night.

I saw Col Blanchard, Vincent, and Commander Harrison, at the Pinner's Point battery, which I visited yesterday evening. Col. Bins of the 1st Regiment Louisiana volunteers, and a graduate of West Point, having also served in the Mexican war. He now commands all the troops in this city and vicinity, on this side the Elizabeth. Col. Vincent is a native of Norfolk, and attached to the Louisiana volunteers. Commander Harrison, formerly of the Navy of the U. S., but who is now of the Confederate Navy, has charge of the battery at Pinner's Point.

The Old Dominion Guards, Capt. Kearns, of this city, are tented at this battery, but there will be an additional force detailed here, as Commander Harrison requires such a force in order to perform the necessary duties and thus fulfill the expectations of the public — Now that Col.Blanchard is here, no doubt this additional force will be at once sent. I learn that through the exertions of Col. Samuel M. Wilson, President of the Seaboard Railroad, Col.Wright, with the 3d Regiment Georgia volunteers and the Louisiana companies, was enabled to reach his destination into the interior, through the heavy rain on Monday night, which drenched so many in this vicinity in tent or on watch.

Old Dominion.