From Norfolk.
[special correspondence of the Dispatch]
Norfolk, Va. May 17, 1861.
Yesterday I had the pleasure of visiting the old shipment of the Third Regiment of Alabama Volunteers, which are stationed just beyond Armistead's bridge, being removed only a few hundred paces from the city confines; and indeed does the tented field present a war-like appearance, and the thorough discipline of the sturdy soldiers attract large crowds of ladies and gentlemen every afternoon to witness their superior drilling.
Impudence and rascality seems to be the order of the day with the Government at Washington, as is again exhibited in the landing of troops at Hampton, where it is rumored they are disturbing and harassing peaceable and unoffending citizens, and from witness, it is conjectured, they will proceed by land to Richmond, where their intentional doings can only be inferred from what they have time and again openly declared them to be.
Lincoln seems to still persist in refusing not only Confederate States ships permission to pass Old Point, but he demurs in granting British ships that privilege, and in all probability will continue to do so until the Old Lion gets fully mad, springs to his feet, and brings a rear that will make the Ape quake with terror, and his ‘"rotten fleet"’ return home.
By the afternoon train from Petersburg which arrived here at 6 ½ o'clock, Capt. Vickety, of the N. L. A. Blues, received eight fine horses and three mules, with two pieces of artillery and several wagons, intended with the former equipage for the thorough fitting out of a company of Flying Artillery also, by a special train that arrived last night at 9 o'clock, Major Gen. Ler, accompanied by Col. Francis H Smith, arrived here.
Sero 