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From Norfolk.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]

Norfolk, September 4, 1861.
This morning, between 9 and 10 o'clock, heavy discharges of ordnance were distinctly heard here in the direction of Hampton Roads, but no information has yet been received sufficiently reliable to justify any definite-statement. It is not improbable that there has been a short engagement between one of the yankee ships in the Roads and one of our batteries.

Yesterday morning at 8 o'clock, one of the Federal steamers on the coast fired at Knott's Island, about 30 miles South of Cape Henry. I have not learned whether or not any damage was done.

It is insisted by some that there are iron floating batteries at Fort Monroe, while others declare that the statement is utterly without foundation in truth. I do not believe, after getting all the information possible relative to the matter, that there is any floating battery at Old Point.

I am gratified to state that Mr. Thos. J. Lassiter, of this city, has been reappointed mail-route agent on the Norfolk and Petersburg Railroad, an office which he has held for more than a year to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Mr. L. richly merits the implicit confidence and high esteem which he enjoys. Any public trust would be safe in his hands, as he is of the class of men who are prompt and vigilant in the performance of duty, of the sternest integrity, and securing respect by pleasant and unobtrusive manners.

The Richmond Grays continue to occupy the Military Academy building and grounds, pleasantly situated about the centre of the city. The general health of this company is excellent, and, indeed, the condition of all the different companies in and about the city, in regard to health, is as good as could be expected in almost any part of the world.

The number of deaths among the troops stationed here has been very small, comparatively, and much less, I believe, in proportion to the number of men in camp than has been reported in other parts of the State.

The reported death of Lieut. Wm. Sharp, of this city, at the battle of Hatteras, is not confirmed. He is doubtless among the prisoners.

The public schools of Portsmouth were reopened on Monday, and quite a large number of pupils were entered.

A ‘"character concert"’ will come off tomorrow night, in the Opera House of this city. It will be given by the ‘"Amateur Minstrels,"’ of the 31 Regiment Alabama Volunteers, for the benefit of the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society. It appears that some of the regiment, who possess superior musical genius, have formed a singing club for their mutual pleasure, and for the purpose of relieving the monotony of camp life; and, having made considerable progress, have laudably determined upon the plan above mentioned to aid the ladies in their noble and assiduous effort in behalf of sick and needy soldiers. The tender of their services has been accepted. The arrangements are being made for the musical treat, and the worthiness of the object will no doubt insure a large attendance. Considerable time has elapsed since there was any public entertainment here, owing, of course, to the warlike demonstrations which have engrossed the heart, mind and talent of the country.

Our city continues quiet. Good order prevails. The people are waiting for news, the soldiery ready and anxious for a battle.

Sept. 4--1.15 P. M.--There is no definite intelligence of consequence from the Roads or from the coast below.

Another flag of truce hence to Old Point is talked of, but it is not certain that any will be sent down for a day or two.

The weather is very bright and pleasant, but there are indications of a ‘"blow,"’ which will not be uncommon at this location at this stormy season of the year.

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