From Portmouth.
[special Correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Portsmouth, Va., April 22d, 1861.
We have had the hell hounds of Black Republicanism let loose upon us here.
Our Navy-Yard had been set on fire — supervised by McCauly, the Commodore, who, it is said, had been drunk for some time; and by Pendergrass, the white headed disgrace to the State of Kentucky, who commanded the Cumberland.
The Pawnee passed up to the Navy-Yard about 10 at night, when the huzzas of the vandals commenced, amid the once popular strains of Hail Columbia and Yankee Doodle.
All the small arms, during Saturday, were broken, rendered useless, and thrown over-board — the wretches (Pendergrass, the Commodore, and the infernal crew,) dealing destruction wherever their infernal hands could be employed.
The large shears for raising masts were cut away, and fell with a tremendous crash across the Germantown, then at the wharf.
As soon as the Pawnee came up and anchored, the hounds of the pirate Lincoln went ashore and commenced their outrages.
The sound of sledge-hammers was heard at Portsmouth, beating away upon metal, (the guns in the yard, it is supposed,) attempting to render them useless by breaking off the trunions. At or near midnight, or after the alarm of fire was heard, the Marine Barracks were discovered to be fired.
The whole front of the yard, facing Gosport, on each side of the Main entrance or gateway, has been consumed.
The Pennsylvania was fired, and presented a spectacle of grandeur seldom witnessed.
The Merrimac, Germantown, and all the vessels, except the frigate United States, were destroyed.
The two large ship-houses were consumed to ashes, with their entire contents.
The U. States has been subsequently towed down in the bite of Craney Island, but has since been towed off the Hospital.
At about half past 4 on Sunday morning, the Cumberland was carried out of the harbor by the Pawnee.
I am happy to inform you that the work of destruction in the Navy-Yard is not so great as we anticipated.
Although a train was laid, it is reported, to blow up the Dry Dock, it failed to be executed.
All the main buildings are uninjured.
The splendid victnalling house and all the timber sheds are whole and entire, and no damage but what I have stated.
On Sunday morning the Yard was taken possession of by our volunteers to protect the property.
I saw Governor Wise, who was looking well.
He was, as always, for action, action, action.
Our people went immediately to work to erect a battery on the former U. S. Hospital grounds.
They have worked like men. It is superintended by Col. Talcott and Major Walton.
The work will be completed as speedily as possible, and will command the approach to the harbor.
The battery is composed of eight ten and eight-inch Dahlgreen guns, and will play the devil with the invader, if he dares approach us. On the opposite side, a little to the northeast of us, at the magazine of old Fort Norfolk, batteries are also erecting, under competent management.
Gen. Walter Gwyan, our and your former citizen, has arrived from
South Carolina, to take charge of military affairs here.
Under such a gallant and efficient leader, educated at West Point, we have nothing to fear.
Our march is onward and to conquer.
I see victory already perching on our banners.
All our military are out, and enthusiasm pervades our people. 