The
Yankees are publishing a paper in
Portsmouth called
The Old Dominion. A copy of that journal, of Thursday, gives us some insight into the way affairs are progressing in the unhappy city of
Norfolk.--Among the events of the week was a "grand surprise serenade" to
Brigadier-General Jas. Barnes, Wednesday night, at the residence of that officer, on Freemason street. Remarkable to say, the
General was not at all surprised, "as any other man might have been." but was, on the contrary, so self.
possessed as to allow "all the facetious and genial nature of his soul to lavish a sincere welcome" on the serenaders.
Mr. J. G. Shaw, the
President of the Board of Trade, who got up this surprise, addressed the
General in an effort which we feel bound to copy entice:
We come here to-night in a very
impromptu manner — we come as merchants and adopted citizens of
Virginia--
loyal men and
true, every one of us. We come in a complimentary way, to shake hands with you as the representative of the
Government we are the subjects.
You are the head; we are merely pilgrims in the "journey of life," (financially speaking.) You are he judge and jury; we come, General, to pay our respects to you, and, in behalf of the gentlemen present, allow me to congratulate you.
The General responded, welcoming his guests in "an easy, military way," and furnishing them something to drink.
The serenading party was composed of the
Norfolk Board of Trade, three Yankee paymasters, two quartermasters, two New York newspaper reporters, and one Yankee sawbones.
This nice tea party then proceeded to serenade "
Hon."
L. H. Chandler, a native of
Massachusetts, representing the Norfolk district in the free nigger Congress at
Washington.
After this the patriotic horn-blowers retired to roost in the
Atlantic Hotel.
We read in this paper that
Dr. Arthur Watson, of
Accomac, who represented that county for several sessions in the Legislature of Virginia, has gone to
Norfolk to practice medicine.
Norfolk, like
Richmond, is swarming with restaurants.
Here are some of the names advertised: "The National," "Hygeia," "
European," "St.
Charles," "
American House," "Oxford Hall Restaurant," "Arcade Saloon," "Manola Saloon," "Gem Saloon," "The Bugle," "Friendship Restaurant," "Grocker's," "The
Office," "
Washington Hall," "Break O'Day House, " and "
Cafe de Paris." The theatre there is in full blast.
H. W. Gossin, a tragedian, was pleasing the
Yankees there with
Virginius.
