The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1862-05-20

commencement or the night, aud inflicted Such
heavy loss upon them that further retreat has
not been interfered with i'm that direction. The
Confederates feel renewed confidence in them
selves and their leaders, and are satisfied of sue
cess in the impending battles. Gen Johnston
was himself on the field and supcrintended the
operations of cur troops.
An account of the gallant part taken in the
fight by the 9th North Carolina Regiment, Col
d. X. McRae, will be found on the first page.
THE EVACUATION OF NORFOLK.
We lay before our readers the following addi-
tional particulars i'll regard to the evacuation of
the city of Norfolk by the Confederate authorities:
As was expected, the traitor Byers who stole
the Confederate steam-tug y. j. White, and went
to the enemy Thursday, communicated
such information to Gen. Wool. to precipitate
the occupancy of Norfolk by the Yankees and
hasten its abandonment by our troops. On Friday,
the enemy landed heavy body Of troops variously
estimated at from five to seven thousand at Ocean
View, some eight or ten miles in of Norfolk,
and commenced a march upon the city The
forces consisted of infantry, artillery and cavalry,
and the latter cutting off large portion
of Col. Chambliss' regiment, which had been
stationed near Sewells Point. Our forces thrb-
bic qucked towards the old borough, and made a
very narrow escape. IL Is Sdlu THAI Wien We
burnt Indian Poll Greek bridge, across Tanners
Greek, the Yankee cavalry were at one end Of it,
and would have seriously interiered with our
operations, but for the Beauregard Artillery, Of
Lynchbrg, who, by few welldlrected Shots
sent the Yankee horsemen fl ying beyond the reach
Of our guns.
1t is believed that all of our troops, arms, am
munition, GuartermasterS' and commiSsary's stores
were safely removed. All the buildings at the
I 4
fired and consumed. Some Of them, being fire.
proof, could not be so destroyed. The dry dock,
one of the most costly ard perfect establishments
OF its kind probably in the world, was blown up.
This dock is said to have cost 50 900, 0UO, aud
required several years for its construction
Several gunboats, which had just been CON-
pleted, aud received their armament, were burnt.
Four other gun5Oats the stocks and unfinished,
were also consigned to the fumes. The transport
William Selden and number of smaller Steamers
etc, were also burnt.
1t is generally believed by the few civilians
who did get off, that rot more than one hundred
males outside Of the army have left Norfolk.
Many females have left since it became known
that the city to be evacuated, and large
number who desired to leave, still remain because
of their Inability to get away. Soldiers inform us
tia: when they passed through Norfolk, Saturday
morning, they were everywhere met by groups of
ladies, who with tears in their eyes, implored heir
protection.
We understand that General Wool sent flag
of truce into Norfolk Saturday morning informing
the citizens That they would be allowed forty eight
hours to take the oath of allegiance to the Lin
coin Government. In the event of REFUSAL they
were coolly informed that they would be treated
as prisoners of war. We have not heard the reply
of the Mayor of that gallant city, whose people
have been turned over to the tender merclcs Of
Abe Lincoln. 1t is thus the tyrant cOnctiiutcS an
unprotected people.
THE STEAMER VIRGINIA.
The news that the Virginia had been destroyed
produced feeling of great sadness Apart from
the hopes connected with her future, there was a
pride felt in her late wonderful achievement
which gave the good ship place in the affections
of the people And it must have been an agony
to the commander and crew to apply the torch 10
vessel that had won fame as wide as the world,
and had gone unscathed through wars utmost
appliances.
We have gathered from a gentleman who was
on board, the following particulars Of the Eir-
ginas last days:
1t had been determined that the Virginia. after
the evacuation of Norfolk, should be brought into
James River. Commodore Tathall her commander
was requested by Gen. Huger to protect him on
the water side while he remained in Norfolk, with
the promise that twenty hours notice OF the time
OF the intended evacua ton should be given. The
Virginia accordingly lay at Sewelps Point The !
teachery Of Byers, who carried over the Con-
tederate tug boat A. j. White, to the enemy, |
revealed also the dismaEtIed condition of Norfolk,
and precipiated the coming of Wools troops anG
the departure Of ours. The evacuation was thus +
effected not only without the promised notice to
Commodore Tatnal but he was not aware of it !
until it was completed. An officer who was sent
from the ship to Norfolk to communicate with I
Gen. Huger, narrowly escaped falling into the .
cnemys hands.
Commodore Tatnall now, at o'clock on Satur-
day evening, had to choose between two courses
The Que WAS to brave Fortress Monroe and the
large fleet there, (incuding the Monitor and other
iron -cladS,) and attempt TO enter York Rlver-the
other Was to carry out the purpose of entering the
ames.
l he latter still seemed most eligible and was
determined upon Meanwhile, difficulties had in
terpoSed. The treachery of Byers bad caused the
enemy to send gunboars up the James the SAME
day They were also fully aware of the intentions
81 the Virginia, and prepared to obstruct them.
The pilots required that the Virginia should be
ightened to reduce her draught from twen-
.y-two feet to eighteen At IL O'Clock on Saturday
night the crew set about this heavy work The
ship Was thereby raised out of the wafer 81 rs ,o T