From Fredericksburg.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Fredericksburg, July 3, 1861.
Several very amusing incidents occurred on board the St. Nicholas before and after her seizure by Col. Thomas and his gallant followers.
Among them, I will mention one which occurred after Capt. Hollins was taken on board at Point Lookout: The Captain (Hollins) was, as a matter of personal safety, disguised, and although well known to Captain Kirwan, was not recognized by him until after the freak of nature (!) which transformed the old French woman into the terror imparting Zouave, Col. Thomas.
But before the disguises were thrown off, Capt. Kirwan observed ‘"sly"’ winks passing between the French woman and the disguised naval officer, and very naturally thought he had discovered an intrigue, and called the attention of some of his friends, predicting ‘"some fun."’ One can readily imagine his astonishment when the true state of affairs burst upon him, and he became familiar with the much-abused profession, privateering.
The brig Monticello, I learn, may be, at a very small cost, converted into a gunboat, and probably will be when the attention of the Naval Department is called directly to the matter.
Your correspondent ‘"L. H.,"’ from Urbanna, falls into a great many errors in regard to the engagement at Mathias' Point.
He mentions one or two companies who were engaged in the fight, while there was only one, Capt. Gouldin's company, Sparta Greys.
The Pawnee, as you say in a note, was not present, and the horses were taken Tuesday evening instead of Thursday.
Five vessels-of-war are lying off Aquia Creek this morning, and an engagement is hourly expected.
Three of them are stationary, the others moving about as though about to come within range. M. 