From Norfolk
[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, April 27th, 1861,
Yesterday afternoon the Petersburg Artillery, Capt Nichols, and the Norfolk Artillery, Capt. Vickery, were sent down to Craney Island, to protect the works now in progress of construction at that post, under the direction of Major R. Henry Glenn, of the Engineer Department. Craney Island is, in my humble opinion, the most important point for the defence of this city, and should therefore be garrisoned with not less than one thousand men, and from thirty to forty pieces of heavy ordnance.
The present works will mount twenty two guns, and it is the general opinion of judges who have made careful examinations, that, so far, it is perfect.
The length of the battery is about five hundred feet, and the height of the earth breastwork about five feet. I learn that it is the intention of the Engineer to place barrels, end up, on the top of the breastwork, which, together with the spaces between them, will be filled with dry sand, well rammed; and then, the whole covered with sand to the depth of two feet. We up-country people, as you are aware of, place great confidence in a battery made of cotton.
Such, I am told, will do very well in ordinary cases, but where there is a probability of having red hot shot thrown in, the cotton would be fired, and the men driven out by the suffocating smoke.
I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with Major Glenn, but having noticed particularly his manner of procedure, I am confident he is just the officer to be in charge of the works.
He is a modest, unassuming gentleman; has very little to say, but has much done.
The Georgia battalion is quartered at the Naval Hospital, and the Petersburg and Richmond troops at the Fair Grounds.
The men are in excellent spirits, and are ready for a fight.
Richmond. 