From Norfolk.
movements of the enemy on the North Carolina coast — gunboats in Albemarle — reported capture of Plymouth--Governor Wise--Affecting scene, &c.[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Feb. 14.
The information of the enemy in our rear has inspired our people with vigilance, and a determination to resist his aggressive movements to the best advantage, and with every possible means.
Nine of the Federal gunboats are reported over the bar at the mouth of North river, in Currituck county, North Carolina, and several of their side-whell gunboats passed into the mouth of the Albemarle and Chesapeake yesterday, and three of them came up the Canal sufficiently far to fire shot and shell among the Confederate forces at the Canal bridge.
Active preparations are going on to give the Yankees a reception that will be honorable and creditable to the defenders of the soil.
Of the movements of our troops, I shall of course say but little now. That they will do their duty upon the battle field, no one dares to doubt.
About thirty Federal gunboats are reported in Albemarle Sound, and several steamers of large size are among the vessels at Roanoke Island.
The enemy have in their service men who are fully acquainted with the location of the towns, villages, rivers, roads, and swamps.
But they are carefully watched, and it is very doubtful, with all the advantages they seem to possess, that they will succeed in making much progress towards Norfolk and the Navy-Yard, which now appears to be one of the great objects of the Burnside expedition.
Elizabeth City (only partially burned) and Edenton have fallen into the hands of the vandals.
Plymouth, also, it is reported, is taken; and it is expected that they will proceed up the Roanoke towards Weldon, for the purpose, of course, of getting possession of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad.
The Confederate steamer Arrow arrived this morning from Currutuck, having communicated with a steamer sent down to Roanoke Island under a flag of truce.
She brought up the bodies of Captain O. J. Wise, Lieut. Wm. Selden and Capt. Coles. Capt. Wise was pierced by three balls, and Lieut. Selden was shot through the head.
The Yankees who saw Captain Wise during the fierce and unequal contest, declare that he displayed a gallantry and valor, never surprised.
Alas, that he has fallen in a contest not unequal.
But, who has fallen more honorably, more nobly?
Young Selden, too, died at his gun, while gallantly fighting the enemy that had gathered in so superior numbers upon our shores.
Last night, when the steamer arrived at Currituck, Gen. Wise directed that the coffin containing the remains of his son be opened.
Then, I learn from those who were present, a scene transpired that words cannot describe.
The old hero bent over the body of his son, on whose pale face the full moon threw its light, kissed the cold brow many times, and exclaimed, in an agony of emotion: ‘"O, my brave boy, you have died for me, you have died for me."’
That powerful old hero of Eastern Virginia, as famous for the generous impulses of his soul as for his indomitable bravery and prowess — recovering now from his illness — and nerved perchance, more strongly, by the great loss he has sustained, will fight the enemy with an energy and a determination that will scarcely be successfully resisted by the congregating enemies of freedom and humanity.
A soldier named Maloney, of the Montgomery Guards, was shot and killed yesterday by his Lieutenant, Gilmore.
It appears that the deceased resisted the guard that had been ordered to arrest him. The case comes up this morning for examination before the Mayor. 