Grand artillery review — Failure of Mails — no Northern News — Housekeepers' Troubles — the markets, &c.
Norfolk, Jan. 1st, 1861.
The grandest display of artillery ever seen in this part of the country was witnessed in our city yesterday.
The formidable looking procession marched in town in the morning, and were reviewed by Gen. Huger, who seemed well pleased with every company on parade.
After the review, the long line marched through some of the streets, with the rifled guns, howitzers, and field-pieces, drawn by well-trained horses, attracted the attention of a large number of persons.
Much disappointment was experienced by many persons yesterday, shortly after the arrival of the train from Petersburg, on learning that the mail had been left behind.
Further disappointment was felt last night on finding that no Northern news was brought up by the steamers from below.
There was a great noise about town last night.
Windows were rattled, rickety houses were shaken, and a great fuss raised, as if the ghosts were out on a frolic.
The old year passed away with a noise, and the new entered upon its eventful career amid cloud of vapor and dust, and the roar of the "wolfish winds." The stupendous events that have marked the progress of 1861 are known to the curious, listening world; of that which has just now stepped upon the stage, no earthly intelligence can tell; until its days shall also be numbered, and like its predecessor, it shall have receded away into the depths of sternity's vast ocean.
The case of W. B. Griffin, charged with killing J. W. Caffee, came up for investigation yesterday in the corporation court.
After an examination of witnesses, Mr. Griffin was discharged.
The Norfolk Day Book appears to-day on a whole sheet, and the proprietor states it will be so issued as long as a supply of paper can be obtained.
The troublesome business of changing places of residences, removing furniture, hiring servants, &c., is now going on about town quite extensively, and will continue during the week.
As we are mainly dependent upon the clouds for our supply of water, great complaints made now about the lack of this indispensable article of life.
Judging from the appearance of the weather to-day, we shall soon have rain or snow — perhaps both.
In our markets to-day, turkeys of small size are selling at $1.50, geese $1, chickens $1 a $1.25 per pair; fresh pork, at retail, 16½c., good beef 15, eggs 25, oysters $1 per gallon.
This being New Year's Day, the demand for good things is considerable, and many a joyous party will surround the social board, many a kind word spoken, and many a patriotic sentiment uttered.
A number of the officers at this station will call upon Major General Huger to-day, at his hospitable mansion, which will be open during the day for their reception, and where they will doubtless be cordially welcomed and entertained in the style of the true and warm hearted Southern war-veteran and patriot. 