From Norfolk.
How the Yankees Treat ‘"Contrabands"’ at rase Monroe — a Flag to be presented to the Petersburg City Guard--Col. De Legnal--promotion — the length of Laurs for the North, &c.[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk Jan. 2, 1862.
Intelligence recently received here relative to the treatment and condition of the colored people taken from their rightful owners by the Yankees, confirms the statement that their condition is deplorable and far worse than it was before they left the comfortable quarters at the homes of their masters.--Doubtless nine in ten of the unfortunate and deceived refugees from a state of comparative freedom to one of slavery that is really oppressive, would eagerly embrace an opportunity to return to those who have fed, clothed and protected them, requiring only a moderate share of labor in return.
At Fortress Monroe, for instance, where there are from 1,500 to 2,000 of them, negro men are paid at the rate of only $8 and women $4 per month — their clothing being deducted from their pay. They are required to labor hard, and the unfavorable change on their constitution is said to be killing them off quite rapidly.
On Saturday next the fair and patriotic ladies of the Cockade City, will present that excellent company, the Petersburg City Guard, with a beautiful and costly flag.
The pleasant ceremonies will take place at Academy Square, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
On Friday last that gallant officer, Col. De Lagnel, took charge at Craney Island.
The manly bearing, and well-known ability and bravery of this officer will doubtless ensure the love, respect, and confidence of his entire command.
It is announced by the Day Book of this morning that Col. R. E. Colston, of the 16th Regiment Virginia Volunteers, has been promoted to be a Brigadier General.
We mention with pleasure the promotion of that popular and skillful officer.
Persons writing letters to send to the North should not exceed an ordinary page of letter paper.
The number of letters being sometimes quite large, the time and trouble of reading long ones will compel the proper officers to neglect them entirely.
An excellent system of flags to be used by our Picket Guards, for reconnaissance, &c., has been introduced by that active office., Capt. J. F. Milligan, of this city.
It is believed that the new plan, if put in practice, will be very beneficial to the army, and tend greatly to the saving of life, and to the advantage of our forces.
The weather to-day is cold, blustering, and wintry.
Yesterday the temperature was mild and pleasant, fires being dispensed with by many persons. 