--The
Pensacola correspondent of the Mobile Evening News writes (July 16) as follows:
‘
To-day the broad blue pennant of
Com. Mervin was transferred from the
Mississippi to a newly- arrived frigate, supposed to be the
Colorado.
No new arrival in the squadron within the last twenty-four hours.
’
Mark
Boothby, the sailor deserter of
Santa Rosa, is still below.
He is allowed all privileges desired, and kindly treated by our folks — in fact, a perfect lion.
In the city, yesterday, many little kindnesses were tendered him — particularly by the volunteers — juleps, cock tails, coblers, &c., were proffered him without limit.
Jack, like all his race, couldn't resist the temptation, and gave way once or twice to importunities of this character.
He expresses himself highly delighted with "rebel" treatment, and intends to pitch his tent among them for all time to come.
He is a pleasant fellow, and looked quite military, mounted on one of
Clanton's horses.
I asked him what sort of fellows
Wilson's Zouaves were.
He replied, he reckoned they were robbers, gamblers and thieves, as a good many jackets, caps, &c., were missing since their arrival; they were terribly in want of whiskey, a scarce article on the
Island.
They were about 600 in number, with considerable sickness in the corps.
He says the
Niagara has 500 men, and carries twelve 11-inch
Dahlgren guns.
There are not many batteries on the
Island, but they are of large guns and rifled cannon.
It is awful hot on the
Island.
He belongs to the
Niagara, but was left ashore, with others of her crew, to perform land service.
He says that he didn't like such service, and "cut stick. " He has been in the navy eight years; had just arrived in
Boston when the difficulties commenced — re-enlisted in the service, and sailed in the
Niagara for this place. --There are some over there who don't want to fight--
the rest don't care a red. From him we'll probably learn something of Lober, the fellow who swam over some few weeks ago, and now in durance.
A bark, flying British colors, arrived in the fleet this morning, and sailed about noon.
A fire occurred about noon to-day at the
Navy-Yard — destroying a large building, at the time occupied by a company of
Louisiana regulars.
No great loss, as old
Brown and his naval friends have promised to knock'em all down one of these days.
