From Norfolk.
the destination of the Federal fleet--death of a Lieutenant — serious Accident--Bishop Meade--affrays, &c.[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Nov. 4th, 1861.
The probable destination of the fleet is still the most fruitful subject of conversation and interest in our city, and much anxiety is manifested to hear something definite and reliable from the Yankee fleet that left last week to attempt a grand exploit somewhere on the coast.
Lieut. Samuel Cowles of the, Montgomery True Blues, Third Regiment Alabama Volunteers, died on Friday night, at the Hospital of Saint de Paul, after a short illness. --Yesterday the remains were carried over to the depot of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, to be conveyed to Montgomery.
The deceased was held in high estimation by a large number of friends, and especially by the members of the regiment to which he was connected, and was noted for his gentlemanly qualities and superior military skill.
A grand military and civic bail will take place at Craney Island on Wednesday night. A large number of persons will go down from Norfolk and Portsmouth to engage in the gay amusements of the evening.
I learn also that A. G. Newton, Esq., the gentlemanly proprietor of the Atlantic Hotel, is engaged in liberal preparations for a similar entertainment, to come off on Thursday night next, in the capacious halls of his splendid establishment.
A gay and happy assemblage will be there to participate in the agreeable and healthful exercises of the social and joyous occasion.
The fashionable circles of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and vicinities will be represented, and the display of beauty and gracefulness will doubtless be very attractive.
The Right Rev. Bishop Meade, who was expected to officiate in the P. E. churches here yesterday, having been detained in Petersburg on account of indisposition, will probably not arrive here for several days.
Saturday night at a late hour it was discovered that Mr. Wilson Capps, formerly street inspector of this city, had been very seriously injured by the kick of a horse.
He was found in an insensible condition, his skull having been terribly fractured, and a large quantity of blood having been discharged.
Doctors Moore and Tunstall were in attendance, and succeeded in affording some relief; although I learn that the injuries to the head are so severe that but slight hope of recovery is entertained.
Hampton Roads is now almost entirely cleared of vessels, and the wide expanse of water will probably remain thus unoccupied until the ‘"crippled ducks"’ come in from sea.
Several affrays have commenced here recently, but the quick interposition of the city police and the Military Guard soon put a stop to the disorderly proceedings.
The promptness with which all violations of the peace of the community are quelled is highly commendable to all concerned.
His Honor, Mayor Lamb, and General Huger, in command of the forces at this station, deserve the thanks of the public for the good order of our city.
A considerable time has elapsed since a disturbance, attended with bloodshed, or seen less fated by has been auction here.
The weather is remarkably bright and pleasant, and our gallant troops at the various camps and entrenchments are actively engaged in erecting quarters, and getting ready to encounter the storms and snows of winter time. 