From Norfolk.
a severe storm Prevailing — probable destruction of some of Lincoln's fleet — another flag of truce — an Atrocious outrage by some of the Polish brigade — the ‘"Richmond Dispatch,"’&c.[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Nov. 2, 1861.
Last night, at a late hour, the wind commenced to blow very heavily from Southeast At about ten o'clock there were vivid flashes of lightning and very loud peals of thunder To-day a storm of great violence is raging here — rain falling in very heavy showers.
On the coast the wind is blowing almost a hurricane.
If the Federal fleet has not made a safe port somewhere, we may reasonably expect to hear that some of the vessels, at least, have been driven ashore and lost.
Should the storm overtake them south of Hatteras, they will, in all probability, be blown ashore near the Cape.
There seems to be but little doubt that this storm will cause great disaster to vessels along the coast, and to those that encounter this tremendous gale, though some distance out to sea.
A steamer came again yesterday afternoon to Craney Island, from Fort Monroe, with a flag of truce, bringing about twenty persons, mostly Southerners, who will shortly proceed on their journey homeward glad enough of a chance to get back to ‘"Dixie Land."’
It was rumored that a member of the Polish Brigade would be executed yesterday, having been found guilty of a criminal offence, deserving the punishment of death.
But the execution was postponed until next Friday.--The offence for which he was condemned to be executed was revolting to a high degree With three others, he was concerned in a great outrage at the residence of a farmer living near Portsmouth, whom they securely tied, and afterwards took forcible and improper liberties with his wife.
One of the four was shot, but will probably recover.
An effort is being made by the friends of the condemned man to have a new trial before a civil Court, he having been tried and sentenced by a Court Martial.
The others cone rued are awaiting trial.
The Richmond Dispatch, with its well filled columns of interesting war news, is still eagerly sought after, purchased, and read — The manly tone of its editorials is admired and approved by thinking men in our community.
Its valuable suggestions relative to important questions connected with the stupendous civil war that now distracts and agitates the country from its contre to its circumference, is duly appreciated, and it is believed that its influence will tell with decided effect in favor of the righteous and momentous cause of Southern independence and human liberty, while the indomitable spirit of enterprise which has characterized its onward progress, gives it a strong claim upon Southern encouragement and patronage.
10:45 A. M.--There is a lull in the storm.--The clouds are apparently becoming thinner, and the sunlight is struggling to fled its way through the dense vapory masses.
But the wind a ill howls furiously around the corners, like a chained beast, impatient to be free, and there is but little indication, if any, of an armistice in the elemental war, that seems to threaten destruction to the enemy's fleet that passed out to see with so much pomp and show a few days ago.
There is a report that some of the Federal ships belonging to the fleet have returned, and are again sheltered in Hampton Roads, but I doubt the correctness of the rumor.
The ships are doubtless somewhere upon the ocean surges, driven before the winds that sweep the boundless main, and tossed by the mountain waves.
A few days more, and we shall hear from them.
May they be scattered like chaff, and our enemies entirely disappointed in their intentions to inflict injury upon the gallant Southern sons of freedom. 