From Portsmouth.
flag Presentation--Withdrawal of a candidate for Congress — Capture of active Yankee &c.&c.[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.]
Portsmouth, Oct. 21, 1861.
On last Saturday the ‘"Virginia Defenders,"’ a volunteer company belonging to this place, received a flag from the ladies of the city.--The presentation speech was made by James Barron Hope, Esq. It was worthy his high reputation — classical, ornate, and eminently appropriate.
It was received in behalf of the company by Lieut. J. H. Gaylee, whose address evinced fine abilities as a speaker.
Samuel Mr. Wilson, Esq., in a card in this morning's paper, withdraws his name as a candidate for Congress.
This will be regretted by a large number of the voters.
It is regarded by many as very desirable that a reliable State- rights man should be secured at this time to take part in the councils of the next Congress — Such Mr. W. is known to be, while his fine talents, and his practical business character, would make him stand prominent among the intelligent and efficient men who, we trust will compose that body.
It is hoped that other candidates will follow the example of Mr W., and thus prevent the election of one who, it is suspected, is put forward by our so-called Union men and broken-down politicians.
We have some few of these so called Union men left among us. They, for the most part, profess attachment to us, but there is an evident leaning to the opposite side.
This morning a live Yankee was brought up from Pig Point.
He is a Lieutenant in Lincoln's navy, and was attached to the Minnesota.
His statement is that he deserted, having become disgusted with his associations.
He gives a great deal of information, and seems to be well posted.
It is said that a portion of the Federal fleet below has been sent off since Saturday.
Unco. 