The Burnside expedition — the Designs of the Federal fleet--Norfolk its destination, &c.
Norfolk, Jan. 7, 1862.
So much has been said and written about the Burnside expedition and its probable destination, that it is like and old worn-out song, sung until it has lost its music, and ceases to charm the ear of the listener or to excite emotions of interest or concern in his mind.
And yet there may be some who would like to know the last news about the grand Burnside fleet, that is to commit so great depredation somewhere on the Southern coast, fire off cannon, explode bombshells, batter down forts, fire upon dwelling-houses, send conic rifle shells through the sick wards of hospitals, steal negroes to enslave them and compet them to work for $8 per month — clothing deducted — and engage in other dignified proceeding, to be represented in the Northern papers as brilliant victories.
There are new rumors about the ‘"grand armada"’ of gun-boats, rotten hulls, and dear-bought transport ships.
Of course they are to come into Hampton Roads, take their position under the fort — scarcely eleven miles distant--have a drunken spree at Segar's Hotel, and then come in grand style up to Norfolk, leveling the Sewell's Point batteries to the ground, knocking Craney Island clear from its foundation, and piling it up over the main land, blowing up old Fort Norfolk and the magazine, demolishing the splendid stone structure and model hospital on the opposite shore, taking quiet possession of Norfolk and Portsmouth, helping themselves to the Navy-Yard and so forth and so on. But to be a little more serious — a gentleman recently from the North, says the expedition is intended for Norfolk; and the correspondent of a Western paper says it is certainly designed for the waters of Eastern Virginia, including the Elizabeth, of course, and its branches.
Let them come is the almost unanimous voice of the people hereabouts.
We are tired of waiting for them, and shall doubtless have to wait much longer before any serious attempt is made by the Yankees fleet to come up hither--Quid times?
Caesarem vehis.
I have reliable information direct from the Roads.
There are about a dozen Federal vessels lying near Old Point and Newport News, including transports; besides which there are a few sailing vessels.
The large number of coasters reported in the Roads, having come in on account of the easterly wind, left last night and this morning, the wind having changed to northwest, and the weather becoming clear and pleasant again.
Our city is unsusually quiet.
There is occasionally a street disturbance, but it is quickly suppressed.
There are not as many troops visiting the city as formerly.
Street discipline and and rigid compliance with military rules and regulations are required by the able officers in command of the division of the army in this vicinity.
The winter quarters of the different regiments are generally well located and comfortable.
The soldiers are thoroughly drilled, well clad, well armed, and equipped, and are ready for a battle, and prepared to receive the enemy whenever he may have the bravery or the foolery to attempt a visit. 