The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-12-20


During the past week it was widely ru-
Tnored that Norfolk would surely be attacked.
Indeed, so sanguine We're some that the
prediction would come true, bets were
freely n ade; but as yet they have not made
their appearance. Nor is il probable they
Will tor some time 10 come, as they are little
disposed 10 undertake ad ven ture to our
CITY, iraugnths 1t would be with such dan >
gerous consequences. The heavy firing of
yesterday wah merely the practiCing of heavy
ordnance. en- the wind is from the North
the sound Is very distinct, but when from
the South, to Us 1t is sometimes scarcely au-
dible.
We were recently shown r new invention
III the way OF Il splendid rife cannon, which
far suFpasses anything OF the kind we have
ever seen. 1t was made in Petersburg ar5
from the name OF its maker, receives the name
OF the "UIy sun The great advantages
gained, Is the frequency With which il can De
1ired,-the breach never becoming hot from
constant firing. Every difficulty II our Old
pieces Is entirely obviated, and as Il field
piece IL Is highly useful, ana we woals4 say y
dspensable.
We learned yesterday that about thirty
ships were in the Roads, but we understand
tney are oeSAheo 10 dIHerent points along
the coast.
\ few days ago. some splendid shooting
WAS done at CreEey Island by one of our
large guns at that point which we deem,
worthy OF mention 4 buoy was placed
some distance down the river as q mark
Before ten shots had been fired il was torn
III pieces. STs, what think you, if a ship
should attempt passage2 What would be
the consequences? The gun was aimed by q
Sergeant in one of the Petersburg com0a-
mics. Colonel Smith, CT the Virginia Militia
ry Institute, WAS present, and was highly
pleased with the result.
Our worthy Mayor, yesterday, called u
meeting at the Court House TO devise means
for the relief Of our un fortunate brethren in
charleston. Appointments We're made in the
several wards 70 collect funds, and no dou uht
Il good sum will be realized, This heavy
calamity upon the good citizens of Charles
ton must excite the deepest sympathy OF us
all.
Mr.. John Williams, whose arrest and i'm
prlsonment in Fort Lafay ette has been men,
toned, we are glad gay has been released
and Is now with his family i'll Baltimore.
he IS under bonds for 10000 not to return
again 10 Virginia, or take up arms against
the Federal Government. Mr. w, by his
many good traits, was endeared 10 many of
Us. and his urbantty and kindness Uill long
be remeul bered III connection with the Boston
line OF steamers, oil which he was agent. By
his direction, all OF his househ old and kitchen
furniture was disposed OF yesterday public
auction.
The winter quarters for our volunteers in
this section are rapidly advancing toward
com pletion.
Entrenched Camp, distant about two miles
from this city, in pleasant location, is one
OF the most agreeable encamPments we have
lately visited. We have often heard the eX-
pressions, as perhaps we would sit down to q
nice, we'll spread table, Oh the poor SOL
diers." But could you see, Messrs. Editors,
the Richmond Grays, for instance, of your
city, feasting on the many delicacieS that our
market affords, you would at once see how
unnecessary the expression. We may safely
say our troops want no better fare. And
there, too, are the Juniors, - and many other
companies We have not the space to mention,
and all attem pting TO vie with each other
whenever ladies are on the ground, to show
them the greatest atten tions. LUNA.