From Norfolk.
flag of truce — Stringent liquor Law-- paroled prisoners — Yankee Designs, &c.[special correspondence of the Dispatch.]
Norfolk, Feb. 24, 1862.
The steamer West Point went to the Roads yesterday, under flag of truce, carrying down and bringing up passengers.
While in the Roads in communication with the Federal steamer, Hon.
Howell Cobb and Gen. Wood met on board the West Point, and a long interview took place.
Gen. Huger has issued an order preventing the sale of ardent spirits or wine, or a mixture thereof; therefore ‘"all bare, drinking shops, or other places where liquor is retailed, will be immediately closed, and any one found violating this order will be promptly dead with."’
The prisoners captured by the Yankees at Roanoke Island were released on parole on Friday, and a number of them have already arrived here.
The sick and wounded have been placed in a building used as a hospital in Elizabeth City.
It will be seen by telegraphic dispatches from this place that large reinforcements are to be sent to Gen. Burnside, which will probably give him an army of, perhaps, 40,000 men. Some suppose that an effort will be made soon by the Federal General, at Soaroke, to get up in their country as far as Suffolk, for the purpose of cutting off our supplies.
It is said, too, that an effort will be made by the Lincolnites to send a large force up Nansemond river to Suffolk, to meet the army from Roanoke.
It is not impossible that they design to attempt to get possession of the railroads, and force their way up into the country towards this city of Richmond.
And it is very doubtful that they will succeed.
It is certain, however, that they will not be allowed to do so without a proper effort to drive them back to their wooden walls.
The Yankees say they are determined to retake the Navy-Yard, and they have a special and venomous spite against Norfolk, but and venomous spite against Norfolk, but there is much less dread here, than some may suppose, of any such calamity.
It is reported here to-day that the French government has requested from the Northern and Souther Governments an armistices of thirty days I do not know what foundation there is for such a rumor.
The weather is clear and bright again.
For weeks we have had rain, and cloudy, foggy and unwholesome weather.
It is hoped now there will be a continuance of such pleasant, clear, and sunshiny days as this, so that the roads may become passable and way matters progress towards a termination glorious for the South. 