From Norfolk.
aid to the Charleston sufferers--‘"Heavy Firing"’ below — Preparations for Christmas, &c.[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Dec. 19, 1861.
I am gratified to state that our citizens are subscribing liberally for the relief of those who have suffered so greatly by the great fire in Charleston.
Prof Kneringer, assisted by Prof. Panli, and the talented amateurs of the Ninth Regiment Virginia Volunteers, will give a concert to-night in the opera House, fer the benefit of those who have been reduced to want and distress by the late fire in our sister city.
Heavy guns were heard here again this morning, the sound coming apparently from Old Point.
These discharges of cannon are getting so frequent that they excite now but little concern.
It reports are true about the attack that is to be made on Norfolk, and about the great preparations that are going on in New York and Boston for that purpose, we shall shortly have more noise than usual between this location and Old Point.
Many of our people have already commenced preparations for Christmas, intending to have a good time in spite of war times and high prices.
Just eight months ago the incendiaries of the North made a diabolical attempt to destroy the Navy Yard — to burn and sink all the ships, smash the splendid machinery burn all the store houses, blow up the magnificent dry dock, and commit other rascally depredations generally.
The manner in which they were frightened off leaving the best of the valuable public property uninjured, is too well known to be repeated here.
A large number of exchanged prisoners are expected here to-day, by flag of truce, from Old Point.
The weather continues fine, and our troops could not have more charming days to prepare for the rigors of winter and to put all thing in readiness for the hospitable reception of the Yankees, should they be really disposed to pay us a visit. 