Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-04-26
Correspondence Of the Petersburg Ezpress.l
NORFOLK, April q, 1861

You were informed last night by telegraph Of the pre-
variations being made by the Northern barbarans for the
destruction of Fortress Monroe There be no doubt
Of the truth of the information furnished if human tes
toony can be credited. ye-wi:nesses-reliable gen.
temen reported the facts as they saw them.
All the houses outside the fort have been evacuted,
and several of the families that occupied them now
IN this cy Servants owned here and hired at the fort
have been returned their owners, without word OF
explanation. These people and Others report that
for two DAYS the troops have been Kept busy breaking
small arms spiking cannon, and herwise destroying
property Also, that several excavations have been
made in the walls oil the ior, evidently Win tue lnten
ton obowing it up.
One of the five large steamers that went up the bay
Yesterday with troops touched at Old Point and took
on board one thousand Col. IeRussy the COM
mandant went on her. When taking leave of his wife
and other ladies' he heard to say that they would
all be together again in few days." and that there
would be no fighting"
From these facts it would APPEAR to be the policy of
the Lincoln goyernmentto destroy and abandon all the
Notifications in possession in the Southern States and
to concentrate the whole power al It's disposal ior tue DE-
fence of Washington.
This morning several loud and prolonged reports were
heard in the direction OF Old Point and it thought
that the work of destruction had commenced. But the
Baltimore boat arriving shortly afterwards, reported
that the walls were still standing and apparently every
thing was uiet in that neighborhood Tie firing, it is
bound either for Baltimore Richmond, it is imposs-
BILE TO ascertain
Yesterday paid visit to the Fair Grounds, where,
and in the neghborhood the Petersburg companies are
ouartered The men all capital spi its, and seem
greatly to epoy the novelty Of campfe They are COM
oraby quartered in houses and tents, and have good
bedding provided.
While cut there witnessed a novel and most impress
sye spectacle The Rev. Mr. Plat from your city was
in the Camp having come down o loo after the spirit
nal health and comfort of SO many of his parishoIers
The men were mustered for dress parade, which being
oyer they were thrown into three sides OF hollow
square He asked permission to say few words to the
command which Of course was readily obtained The
companies where then htoyn into appropriate position
and Mr. Plst proceeded to address the few words OF
advice announcement and comfort. He eDjoneJ upon
them especially the practice of morality and the ooser-
vance Of their religions duties His address listen.
ed to with marked attention, aId during Its delivery
many were moved to tears
At its conclusion he proposed that they should ali
unite in PRAYER when Immediately every soldier in the
ranks at once dropped upon his knees The scene was
in the highest degree impressive and produceda visible
effect upon all present.
understand that prayers are held regularly in the
camp night and morning. Such sold ers are invincloe
learn moreover that Mr. Plat proposes to spend some
time here staying at camp quarterng with the men,
aud experimenting ther religious exercises Such de-
votion is worthy Of all praise and cannot fail to accom-
plisb muts5 god. He will be heartily welcomed, sd
b;s services dulv snnrAoiated. IDA.