From Norfolk.
[Special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Va., July 1, 1861.
It is evident that desertions from the Lincolnites at Old Point have recently taken place.
Several small boats have floated ashore at Sewell's Point with muffied oars, which warrants the conclusion.
They have been secured by our forces, and appear to be boats belonging to some large ship, probably the Cumberland.
It is likely the deserters made their escape at night, and after landing some distance up the bay, set these boats adrift.
Capt. Ferguson, commander of a company at the above Point, came into our city on Friday and brings us this statement.
Mr. Thompson, of whom mention was made in a former letter, states that the infamous Pendergrast presents a lock of depression which bespeaks of deepest sorrow, and it is said that his own associates do not respect him, and are actually afraid to place the least confidence in him.
There is great sickness, I am told, prevailing at Old Point.
This confirms the statement in a previous letter of the hospital being crowded with the sick.
Two daughters and a son-in-law of Capt. Guy, of our city, on their way to Norfolk, were detained at Old Point by the Lincolnites, and sent back to Baltimore.
The kindness and courtesy extended to those in our city who wish to join the North, is in striking contrast with the illtreatment our people receive at their hands.
One of Gen. Butler's female informants, availing herself of the last flag of truce from this city, was found to be the bearer of two letters from men in Portsmouth to Gen. Butler at Old Point.
The letters gave full accounts of our numbers, description of our fortifications, of points preguable — in fact, an entire description of everything available to the enemy.
Among other things, they stated that free speech was restricted here — that they dare not utter sentiments treasonable to the South, for fear of arrest; but that they held a "thinking club," held meetings often and thought what they pleased.
They also gave the names of the immortal 75 who voted against the Ordinance of Secession, and urged an immediate attack upon Norfolk.
The names of the writers were signed to them, which caused the arrest of one of them, named C. W. Bryan, who is now in the city jail, and will be turned over, I understand, to military authority.
The other one will be caught.
The woman having in her possession these dispatches was allowed to depart without turther search, but we warn her not to return.
I learn that Capt. McCarrick has captured another prize in North Carolina.
In the capture of the first one, he was chased by a Federal steamer, but she was not swift enough to overtake him. She had just transferred arms to some point and was returning, when she was taken.
There are two Southerners, sons of gentlemen in Portsmouth, on board the Minnesota, now in our waters, who cannot get away, and who are not allowed even the privilege of writing to their parents.
They have taken the oath and are not allowed to go further than the Fortress, at Old Point.
I hear that a flag of truce will leave our city to-day, when all who wish to leave us had better do so. We know of several who will leave, but we wish it was so that all unfriendly to us would go. There are those among us who should be forced from our city; men who voted against the Ordinance of Secession and who are now employed here.--They have by their votes — not to say their actions — attested deflautly their position, and ought not to be allowed to remain.
It is against our interest — at least no good can result from their presence.
Heavy firing was heard at Sewell's Point yesterday.
I have not heard the particulars.
The Richmond Grays, I regret to say, will probably leave us in a day or two for another point, where their services will be more needed.
Inspection at all the camps took place yesterday.
Our troops at this station are in good health and lively spirits. Luna.
