the blockading fleet — the Richmond Grays — arrest of a Unionist — affair for the police.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Sept. 30th, 1861.
Yesterday, at 4 o'clock, a first-class sailing frigate was towed up to Newport News and came to anchor.
The entrance to
James River is, therefore, now well blockaded, there being two large frigates off the point.
The steamer
Adelaide, one of the regular steam-packet Bay Line between
Norfolk and
Baltimore, is still at the
Government wharf; at
Old Point.
On Saturday, seven vessels in the offing were boarded by a Federal steamer, and a number of small vessels were entering the bay. There are now in and about
Hampton Roads two first-class frigates, one sailing corvette, two transport propellers, one side-wheel steamer, four small propellers, thirty-two schooners, and three old coal hulks.
The Richmond Grays, of
Richmond,
Capt. Elliott, will engage their quarters to-morrow.
The following is a copy of a permit found in possession of a man recently arrested near this city:
"Head's Department of Virginia,"Fortress Monroe,
July 10, 1861.
"
John Doe having taken the oath of allegiance to the
United States, and having given his parole of honor not to take up arms against the
United States, or give aid, comfort, or counsel to the enemies of the
United States, he will receive the protection of all the troops of the
United States.
"Benj. F. Butler,
‘"Major General Commanding."’
Saturday night,
Mr. Wm. G. Webber, of this city, and a farmer named
Shepherd, residing near the
Wash Woods, in Princess Anne county, were arrested at the residence of
Shepherd by members of the Princess Anne Cavalry, and brought to this city yesterday.
The charge was that
Webber, who had been refused permission to go North, had gone down to
Shepherd's with the intention of getting off to one of the
Federal ships, and that
Shepherd was aiding him in the effort to effect his escape.
They appeared before
Mayor Lamb yesterday, who, ascertaining no proof against the parties, held them to bail for their appearance before the
Mayor's Court to-day.
They were accordingly present this morning and the case was transferred to the military authorities, who discharged
Shepherd and sent
Webber back to the
Mayor, with the statement that some of the citizens thought he should be detained here.
The
Mayor having no authority to require him to give bail, he, too, was accordingly set at liberty.
