The Equinoctial — presentation — Scarcity of specie, &c.
Norfolk, Sept. 28, 1861.
The southeast storm which commenced yesterday morning, increased in violence until about nine o'clock last night, when the wind changed to northwest, and the stars shone from a clear sky — temperature cool and bracing.
To-day is all that human nature could wish for in the way of charming weather.
The steamer Willism Selden went down towards Sewell's Point yesterday with a gay and joyous party of ladies and gentlemen, whose object was to participate in the ceremonies and enjoyments on the occasion of a flag presentation that was expected to come off in a grove near the shore.
The storm, however, interfered and prevented the contemplated good time.
The anchor was cast, but this was dragged by the steamer: and, to prevent accident, the chain was cut, and minus anchor and small boats the steamer returned to the city.
It was a very perilous adventure and at one time the danger of going ashore somewhere near Old Point and falling into the hands of the enemy was quite imminent.
The presentation took place last night at the National Hotel.
The flag, which is much admired for its beauty and design, was presented by Capt. Lyon, of Petersburg, to the Petersburg Ragland Greys, in behalf of Mrs. Ragland, of the Cockade City, the donor.
The speeches were admirable — very eloquent and finely adapted to the interesting occasion.
The entertainment was one of rare interest and enjoyment, the feasting, dancing, and congenial socialities continuing until a rare hour.
The Federal steamer Octarara came up to Craney Island yesterday from Old Point, under a flag of truce, with several ladies and gentlemen going South.
They have arrived here.
Among the passengers are Southerners of high character and ample means, including an ex-member of Congress, his lady, and his beautiful daughters.
The accomplished ladies tell of indignities, privations, and actual sufferings at the Federal Capital calculated to excite the wrath of every truehearted man, and which will increase the feeling of contempt for the vile creatures who so grossly abuse a power and authority from which they are to be hurled, and which will deepen the thunder tones of the battle cry for vengeance that now echoes from hill to valley through the length and breadth of the Southern land.
I have information this morning from the bay shore.
No marine disasters are reported, but the storm is believed to have been exceedingly heavy at sea and for many miles down the coast, and there is no doubt much damage has been done to the shipping.
The Confederate steamer Kahukee is getting ready to go down again with a flag of truce.
Several ladies and gentlemen will take passage for Old Point, whence they will proceed to the North.
The great difficulty in getting specie, even for small change, is a source of general complaint here, as well as in Richmond and other cities.
There is however, not as great an issue of small notes as is reported elsewhere.
Something should be done, if possible, to bring out the specie from the hiding places, such as old stockings, drawers within drawers, &c. There is, no doubt, a large amount hoarded.
In some cases there are, perhaps, men who, ‘"at the midnight hour, bend over their heaps and hold strange communion with their gold."’ It is hoped some good plan may be devised to relieve the public of the serious inconvenience alluded to.
No important war news to report.
Latest intelligence from the camps along the coast includes nothing specially interesting.
The troops are impatiently awaiting an attack from the Federal vandals, and are prepared for any number of Hessian hirelings that can be mustered to fight against the glorious cause of Southern liberty and the eternal principles of honor and human rights. 