From Norfolk and the vicinity.
--From
Norfolk it is stated that
Butler is rigidly enforcing his order requiring all persons to take the oath of allegiance to the
Lincoln Government.
Large numbers have taken this oath in
Norfolk, and every male citizen of
Portsmouth, except three.
These are
Dr. Arthur R. Smith,
Wm. H. Wilson, and
Fisher Matthews.
These gentlemen, we hear, positively refuse, and say they will suffer any consequence.
In Nansemond and Princess Anne counties all citizens residing between Bernard's Mill and
Portsmouth have taken the oath.
Many of these, if not all, are loyal to the Confederate Government, but they have no alternative save banishment from their homes.
Bernard's Mill is the outer picket station of the
Federals.
Six citizens of
Nansemond county have been sentenced by
Butler to six months imprisonment for whipping a negro.
We could learn the names of but three, viz:
Wright King,
Cornelius Bidgood, and
John B. Wright.
The reported fight near
Elizabeth City turned out to be only a skirmish, and resulted in nothing of any consequence.