The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-12-10

NORFOLK, Fec. Z, 1891
discharges of heavy ordnance were heard
here Yesterday, In the mo ping, and indeed
who came up last evening from Old Point in
the steamer that Wen. down With ,g of
truce, state that the firing was in the direc-
tion of Ne wport News, and tn 1t was con
tisued until night. There were loud and
quick reports of rnusketry rs we'll as of Gag
non. The beating OF the drum was also dis
tirctly heard
employed in running between Fort Monroe and
Newport News, and it is not improbable that
fight took place not tar from the latter
place yesterday.
was in the Confederate service, left b is com
mand short time since, and escaped to Fort
Pickeus.
Baker, who is a native of South Carolina,
Is quite well known in our city, where he
lived when hOstilities commenced, having
nad charge Of corps OF marines at the Navy
Yard. He resig ned in April and Subsequent
ly went South. His conduct, If the statement
Is true, is mysterious, aud ii the is one o +
real desartion, his conduct is in a high degree
traitorous and perfidious.
The message Of Lincoln is recorded here,
by Intelligent men, as a laborei attempt TO
deceive every body; as q deliberate mi>state-
ment OF the coHdition of affairs North and
South, and, altogether, a tame affair-a
com moination OF falsphoods, buEgiinglys put
together by the vulgar despot, and Vanished
over by the cunning third-rate Yankee $ "a tes-
man, Seward.
Mr.. James A. Farmer, of this city, has been
appointed by Commodore Forrest, master
workman in the blacksmith department OF
the Navy Yard.
l doubt not the selection will prove highly
judicious, and of great advantage TO the Gov
errment. Mr.. Farmer is very experienced
and ingenious skillful mechanic, of great in :
dustry, decision and frmness of character,
and Will doubtless exert himself to the ut
| most of his ability in advancing the interest
~ Daftf n
connected with his important department Of
mechanical operation III the great national
establishment over the river. In this par tic-
ular branch OF the public service the veteran
Commodore Will nnd IA lAr. 4. a valuable and
faithful coadju or, and he has evidently con-
suited The interest of the service IN making
the appoin tment
Tie sound of drum and fife is heard in our
streets to-day; beautiful Confederate flags
are waving in the breeza, and troops are
moving about; butthe particulars l withhold,
rs is my custom.
Our sister city of Portsmouth has set Il no.
bic EXAMPLE TO other cities in regard to sup
plying the people with wood. The Council
has directed the purchase OF 500 cords of fire.
wood Tor distrIbn ton among the needy; and
authorized the purchase of |, 900 cords to be
retailed 10 the clti1 at four dollars per cord
One OF the citizens, too, has contracted for
the purchase or Il large quaatity OF wood,
which he intends to sell at a very moderate
advance upon the cost. These means Will pu [
q stop TO speculation by hard hearted money
lovers, supply the people with wood at a rea-
s5nabie price, prevent much suffering and
distress, aud afford great relief at time wne en-
IL Is most needed.
Tns good people OF Norfolk and Princess
Ann counties send in plentiful quantities of
superior poultry, vegetables, &c. The market
to-day is we'll supplied win turkeys, geese,
chickens, eggs, wild fowl ysters, egetables,
Sc--1or all OF which they get good prices
IroTa ihe crowds III attendance at the market
place IN search OF good things for dinner.