Affairs on the Blackwater.
--A correspondent of the
Petersburg, Va.,
Express writing from the
Blackwater, says:
‘
The iron on the
Seaboard Railroad, erroneously reported, a short time since, as having been taken up by
General Longstreet's orders, and now being in our possession, has, in the last week, been seized by the
Yankees and carried, I suppose, to
Suffolk.
Steps were taken, whilst our army was investing that place, which would have secured to us that much needed article, had not circumstances rendered it necessary for
General Longstreet to withdraw his forces sooner than he probably anticipated.
On Friday, the 22d inst., the
Hampton Legion, with
Wright's and one section of
Webb's battery, were ordered below here to meet several gunboats, which were reported advancing up the river.
Upon reaching
Smith's ferry, information was brought them that two had landed at
Murfreesboro', stolen and destroyed 10,000 pounds of Government bacon, captured one barrel of brandy, and all hands got drunk and gone down the river rejoining over their
spirited achievement.
It is currently reported here, and generally believed, that the enemy are evacuating
Suffolk, or at least are about to do so. It is said that they are throwing up heavy fortifications eight miles this side of
Norfolk, and intend falling back to them.
Movements here indicate that the greater part of
General Pecks' army has been sent to
Hooker, and that
Gen. Lee is aware of it.
’