Our Correspondence.
arrival of Southerners — Lincoln on his Travels — affairs down the, River — the Medical beard — benefit exhibition — match manufactory — the weather, Etc. Norfolk Sept. 18, 1861.
The Federal steamer Fanny Cadwallader came up as far as Craney Island yesterday afternoon, with a flag of truce from Old Point having on board two gentlemen and their wives, from New York, and whose residence is in North Carolina.
They state that their trunks were thoroughly searched by the detectives at New York, and sealed.
The search also took place on their arrival at Philadelphia, and finally at Old Point by Picayune Butler's Massachusetts female.
I learn here that it was currently reported in New York, that Old Abe and Seward had reached that city to avoid the noise made by Gen. Beauregard.
I am informed by passengers just up to the city from Craney Island, that there are two large vessels lying off Newport News.
There are six at Old Point, four of which are of large class.
There is nothing of special moment to report from the Roads.
The steamer that runs regularly from the city to Craney Island, is not allowed at present to take passengers other than soldiers on the afternoon trip.
Some opposition is manifested towards the Medical Board now in session in this city.
The objections are made by surgeons in the army, some of whom refused to submit to an examination.
Others, however, greatly approve of the new arrangement, as it will secure the services of gentlemen of skill, which are so essential in time of battle.
Mr. Nixon, the proprietor of the painting representing the bombardment of Fort Sumter, &c., will give an exhibition to-night at the Opera House for the benefit of the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society.
Three negroes, belonging to James S. Garrison, Esq., of Princess Anne county, have made their escape, and have probably succeeded in reaching the Federal ships at Fort Monroe.
Our enterprising to was man, Capt. Henry Fitzgerald, has established a friction match manufactory, and is furnishing the article in plentiful quantities and of good quality.
After several days of very sultry weather, we now have a delightful temperature, the wind blowing a cool and gentle breeze from the sea — a charming day for drilling, parading, promenading, fishing, sailing, fashionable display, and a good time generally.
This fine weather is highly favorable for the recovery of soldiers who are sick, the most of whom are now convalescent.
War matters are quiet hereabouts.
No heavy discharges of cannon are heard here to-day, but the busy work of preparation goes bravely on. The officers are prompt, active, and vigilant, the men strong and vigorous, and but little, if any, fear is entertained here that the braggadocios of the North will succeed in reaching this place, or even carry out their iniquitous design to drive out the inhabitants and reduce the place to a heap of smouldering ruins.
A compliment to the people of King and Queen.
King and Queen Co., Va., Sept. 14.
As I am about to bid adieu to pleasure, and leave the pleasant county of King and Queen, where I have been sojourning for the last two weeks, I feel it my duty to inform your readers of the kindness and hospitality with which other sick soldiers and myself were received.
Through the kindness of our respected Colonel, quite a large number of us were granted a furlough for two weeks; and for the purpose of recovering from the effects of the many diseases that we contracted while in camp at Yorktown, were brought up to the pleasant and healthy county of King and Queen, of which county the noble-hearted and generous citizens had voluntarily offered to take us to their pleasant homes, and care for us during our illness.
I am happy to say that nearly all of us are well, in fine spirits, and on the way to our camp to resume our duties.
Who would not recover even from — I had almost said — a bed of death, with the attention and kindness that we have received from the good people with whom we have been staying?
Though we were sick and far from our sweet, sweet homes in Carolina, we found mothers and sisters whose kindness and attention, through God's providence, have restored to us strength and vigor.
While among them, we received every attention that we could have asked for even had we been at home, and wished for nothing that we did not receive.
The ladies, (God bless them, and we'll protect them,) made for and presented to us many valuable articles of clothing, which will add greatly to our comfort during the cold and stormy winter; for which they will please accept our warmest emotions of gratitude.
For we are sure that with those articles upon us we can never be chilled by the cold blasts of winter, unless we forget those angelic creatures by whom they were presented.
And can we do that?
No, never.
Oft, and I fear in vain, will we wish to return to those pleasant and beautiful hills of old King and Queen, to listen with an attentive ear to the sweet songs of its fair and beautiful daughters, who we now leave with the deepest regret.
But when we recollect that we leave them to protect and defend them, the thought cheers us and bids us hasten to our camp and prepare to meet and repel those vile wretches who would destroy their sweet homes, and most cruelly and brutally use them for their kindness.
We assure them that the Yankees shall never disturb them if our lives can prevent it. The physicians, too, were very attentive to the sick.
They left their homes, and perhaps neglected their own families, to minister to our wants; for which may God reward them, Surely if there is a people on earth that the soldier should love and God should bless, it is those of King and Queen.
Fifth Reg't North Carolina Vols. 