NORFOLK PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

TRANSCRIBED BY DONNA BLUEMINK

 

THE YELLOW FEVER

IN

NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH,

VIRGINIA,

1855,

as reported in the

DAILY DISPATCH

Richmond, Virginia.

Note: Correspondence usually dates from the previous day(s) so there may be repetition between news and correspondence of various dates.

September 6 to 11, 1855.

6 -- 7 -- 8 -- 10 -- 11


Main Street-Atlantic to Commerce Streets, North Side.
Facts and Figures About Norfolk. "Norfolk As A Business Center:
Its Principal Industries and Trade."

by Cary W. Jones, Virginian Presses, 1881, page 13.

September 6, 1855.

Virginia.

THE SICKNESS IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–From the correspondence of the Petersburg Express we gather the following information:

In Norfolk, seven of the servants at the National Hotel had died. Among the deaths are both of the firm of Jenkins & Wren. Among those who are down with the fever are J. Hardy Hendren, town Sergeant; Mr. Jeremiah Hendren, his father, and one of his daughters; Capt. Page, U. S. N.

"Spectator" says:

"We regret to say that the fever has broken out in the Orphan Asylum: several cases were reported yesterday (none, as yet, fatal) in that refuge of the fatherless and motherless little innocents.–We trust that their 'Father in Heaven (the only one they have to appeal to)' will look down upon them with mercy and compassion, and visit them lightly."

Three nurses from Charleston, S. C., had arrived at Weldon en route for Norfolk.

In Portsmouth, the following deaths had occurred:

Miss Laura Williams, daughter of Patrick Williams, deceased. Mr. W. and a sister of Miss Laura's died a few days ago. Mrs. J. A. Williams and Anne also, who are about the last of a numerous family. Nearly every member is now dead, or else have the fever, except one, and she is the wife of Mr. Lemosy, of the telegraph office, now in Boston with her husband. She will find a deserted home when she returns. Negro man of W. Gunter; Wm. Watson; child of George Thompson; Mrs. Bullock; negro man of John Tees; Mr. Sullivan; a negro of W. Hodgsdens; Mrs. John D. Cooper; negro of Wm. Brooks; Wm. Cowdery; Wm. Murphey; Joseph A. Bilisoly, jr.; Thomas Green; Miss Caroline Williams and others.

Mr. Doughterty, mail agent on the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, was down Monday, but whether with the fever or not is not stated. Dr. William Collins, President of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, is not sick.

CASE OF WILLIAM B. CAIN.–The Petersburg Express refers to the case of William B. Cain, who died in Richmond "after an illness of twenty days," and asks for information in regard to it, as it will be of interest to refugees to know how long the fever will lurk in the system before making its appearance. We can state the case with certainty, some particulars having come within our personal knowledge. Mr. Cain came up from Norfolk about twenty days since. He was sick when he arrived here, but refused to call in a physician. He somewhat recovered from that indisposition, which had lasted nine days, and called at the Dispatch office to get us to state, for the benefit of his friends, that he was in Richmond and well. We did so. Two days after that, on Monday, he was taken ill, carried to the city hospital–without the limits of the city–and died on last Saturday. His first attack lasted nine days, his convalescent term two days, and his fatal illness six days.

NOT DEAD.–Mr. Benjamin Peddle, of Norfolk, before reported dead is in Baltimore in good health.

CONTRIBUTION.–The village of Lawrenceville has contributed two hundred and twelve dollars towards the relief of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

RETURNED.–Rev. T. G. Keen, the noble Baptist pastor of Petersburg, who went to Norfolk, has returned. Mr. Jacob Crowder and wife, who had both passed through an attack of the fever in Norfolk, also arrived in Petersburg, Tuesday.

FEMALE PHYSICIANS VOLUNTEERING FOR PORTSMOUTH.

Miss Ellen P. Snell writes from Saratoga Springs to the Board of Health of Portsmouth, as follows: We have found three thoroughly educated Female Physicians, who have had considerable experience in ordinary practice, and who are willing to come on and do their utmost in prescribing for and nursing the sick there. If assured upon good authority that their services are really needed, and would be acceptable. Newspaper accounts cannot always be relied upon, and therefore they prefer awaiting the assurance from you that shall authorize their starting upon so perilous, yet truly benevolent an undertaking. Should you consider it necessary for them to come on, I will be glad to accompany them, and add what I can in laboring for the suffering and dying of your afflicted city. I await your early reply with much anxiety. The party, if they come will bear their own expenses with the truest sympathy and respect.

Lexington, Va., Sept. 4th.

The contributions for the aid of the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth have amounted to–so far–from citizens in the town of Lexington, $338.25; the Va. Military Institute, $260; Rockbridge Lodge, I. O. O. F., $80, expects to get $100; the Rockbridge Alum Springs, $63; in all about $741.25.–The subscription will, no doubt, amount to $1000, from the whole county of Rockbridge.

Dr. Graham of this place, intends going to Norfolk to nurse the sick. He is a noble-hearted philanthropist, and will soothe the pillow of suffering victims in Norfolk. He has had some experience in the treatment of yellow fever in Charleston, S. C., but, will only act at first in the capacity of nurse, till he becomes better acquainted with the disease. F. S.

THE FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

Our accounts from Norfolk and Portsmouth continue of the most appalling character. We refer the reader to them. How long is the fever to continue? is now the inquiry on every mind. We trust it will soon show signs of diminution. It is now nearly 60 days since it began, and usually after 60 days it begins to lessen its virulence and fatality. But as this latitude is higher and colder than those where the fever is most common we confidently hope that when it begins to decline it will do so with unusual rapidity.

DEATH OF DR. GOOCH.

Dr. Philip Claiborne GOOCH died in Norfolk on Tuesday night. Thus has fallen a young physician of very great attainments, and a young man of the most generous and honorable impulses. He was about thirty years of age. He had graduated with distinction in this country, and afterwards passed much time in the colleges of Paris, where he pursued with zeal the study of his profession. He left his office in this city, and tearing himself from friends and relatives, went to Norfolk to do what his art could to relieve the sufferings of the afflicted there. He has fallen a martyr to his humanity.

DEATH OF DR. GELBARDT.

Dr. Leon Gelbardt died in Petersburg yesterday morning about 3 o'clock, as was declared by his physicians, of yellow fever. That noble-hearted gentleman, Charles Campbell of Petersburg, had taken the Doctor to his own house where he had every care and attention, possible, paid him. Dr. G. was a native of Prussia, and was born near the town of Elbing. He came to this city some two years since as a converted Israelite, and as such delivered several discourses in the churches here. He then entered upon the practice of medicine, which he continued in this city until he repaired to Norfolk a short time since and volunteered his services. –While his manner was singular and excited, he was a kind-hearted and humane gentleman, the best evidence of which is his self-sacrifice in going to Norfolk.

RELIEVING THE SICK.

One of the few rays of light that illumines the gloomy horizons of our sister cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk, is the benevolence and beneficence which their distress has elicited from their fellow men. The exhibition of these noble qualities has not been confined to any section, nor to any religious denomination. The spirit of love and humanity has been as wide as the country and has burned alike in the breasts of the Roman Catholic and Protestant. Large numbers of nurses from each of these religious creeds have hastened to the scene of danger and of woe, and proved that, though worshiping at a different altar, yet, in works of love and mercy, each is a Good Samaritan.

The liberal amounts contributed for the aid of the poor sufferers, and the personal assistance of those who have gone to their relief, must make the most misanthropical think better of human nature. Mercenary and material as is the spirit of the age, its kindly sympathies are deep and abundant, and it only needs that the rod of such an affliction as the pestilence descends, to make refreshing and life-giving waters gush forth. It humiliates the pride of man to see the fair fabric of the human body withered in a night; to behold the beautiful, the good, the great, cut down like the grass of the field; but it elevates our respect for our nature when we behold man clinging to his fellow, and cheering and sustaining him in his sorrows, and shedding the light of a God like benevolence about the dark gate of the tomb.

First and foremost among those who extend aid to the sufferers in time of pestilence should be ranked the nurses, clergymen and physicians, who voluntarily leave their own healthy and happy homes, and without any expectation or desire of reward, hasten, at the peril of their own lives, to the rescue and relief of the sick and dying. The world can never do honor enough to such benefactors of their race; to such noble and self-sacrificing natures. Amid the disgusting selfishness and hideous heartlessness which the panic of pestilence so frequently develops, how refreshing these glorious specimens of generosity, heroism, and that true Christianity which shows itself by deeds, rather than words.

THE HAMPTON COMMITTEES.

By telegraph from Washington we learned yesterday that the Committee sent there from Hampton, had failed in the chief object of their mission–the obtaining of Old Point Comfort for the purpose of removing the inhabitants of the infected cities to that place. We refer the reader to our telegraphic head for the particulars.

The Committee which visited this city being disappointed in not seeing the Governor called on Col. Munford, Secretary of the Commonwealth, and had with him a long and interesting conversation upon the subject of the afflictions of the people of Norfolk and the best mode of relieving them. The failure of that part of the scheme of the two Committees which looked to Old Point as a place of refuge for the afflicted communities, left but little ground to hope that any plan for their general removal could be matured. Discouraged in this more expansive project, they did not fail to consider matters of less magnitude, but of very great importance to the people whose good they were humanely trying to subserve. One of these topics is the subject of the following correspondence:

Col. G. W. Munford, Sec'ry of State,
Exchange Hotel, Sept. 5, 1855.

DEAR SIR.–Since our interview this morning, it has occurred to this committee, as a valuable suggestion, that a part of the next contribution made by the generosity of your citizens to alleviate the suffering in Norfolk and Portsmouth, be appropriated to the purchase of a few horses and an ample supply of forage, of which latter article both places are entirely destitute. Such a donation would meet one of the pressing necessities of those noble members of the Medical Profession who still survive, many being engaged in their arduous and heroic duties without the ordinary facilities which are at all times essential, especially at this period, which is valuable beyond computation.

In conclusion, allow us, in behalf of those whom we represent and for ourselves, to thank you for the cordial sympathy which you have exhibited for our suffering fellow-citizens, and to acknowledge the courtesy of our own reception.

Very respectfully, your ob't serv'ts,
Committee: James Barron Hope, George Booker, John B. Carey,
R. H. Vaughan, W. R. Willis, and others.

______

Richmond, Sept. 5th, 1855.
To Messrs. J. Barron Hope, Geo. Booker, J. B. Carey, R. H. Vaughan, Wm. R. Willis, and others, Committee.

Gentlemen.– I have, a few moments ago, received your note suggesting that a part of the next contributions for the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth be appropriated to procure a few horses and an ample supply of forage, to enable the members of the medical profession to perform, with efficiency, their arduous duties.

I have had a conference with the Mayor of our city, and we concurred in the suggestion that the Ministers of the Gospel in our churches, tomorrow, shall be requested to take up collections for the object mentioned by you. It will afford our citizens pleasure, I am sure, to contribute liberally, and we will endeavor to take prompt measures to accomplish your humane wishes.

Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
George W. Munford

PROGRESS OF THE FEVER IN NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.
Norfolk, Sept. 4th, 5 P. M.

There is scarcely a family in the city that has not one member or more sick with the fever. This keeps those that are well at home nursing the sick, and the streets in consequence present even in the day times a completely desolate and deserted appearance. Affairs, instead of getting better, seem to grow worse, and if the work of death continues as it did yesterday, very few of the whites will be left in the course of five or six weeks. 45 deaths in one day is an awful mortality out of a population of some six thousand, all told, and we believe is unparalleled in the history of the ravages of yellow fever even at New Orleans. To our other distresses we have to add now that of being unable, from the scarcity or workmen, of burying the dead as expeditiously as they should be; and numbers yesterday lay on their beds putrefying, and rendering the atmosphere deadly poisonous on that account. Even the commonest boxes cannot be procured enough to meet the fearful demand!–The grave diggers, not being able to dig single graves, have resorted to the expedient used in time of war, and have dug large pits or trenches, in which the coffins are placed in tiers one above the other, and the whole covered with quick lime and dirt! This to be sure looks rather barbarous, but it is perhaps the best thing that can be done under existing circumstances. Our doctors are going night and day, visiting and relieving the sick as far as possible, and their deeds of heroism (for it is heroism of the highest kind) deserves to be recorded in letters of gold.

We have many physicians with us from the North, and how they have escaped so far is wonderful. While the natives are falling hourly, they still keep up, active and untiring in their exertions to restore the health of their patients, and cheerful and undismayed in the general havoc transpiring around them. We sincerely hope that they may pass through the deadly ordeal unscathed, but greatly fear their philanthropical endeavors will be arrested by the wily fever, sooner or later.

The illness of the late Wm. E. Cunningham was very short, scarcely three days. It was thought on Sunday night that he was greatly better, and in a fair way of recovery, but the treacherous disease–as deceitful as the serpent that beguiled Eve–held out hopes only to blast them in the bud,–and while his friends cherished the illusive hopes of his rallying, the angel of death was already hovering o'er him with uplifted dart! He died the next morning at 10 o'clock.

Dr. Moore informed us today that the disease had assumed a very malignant form, and that many of the new cases were troubled with non-secretion of water, which is a symptom highly dangerous, and formidable to overcome. It was this affection that hurried off Jno. G. Hatton, Ignatius Higgins, Dr. Constable, T. Farman, Mr. Hallette, Dr. George Halson, Paxton Pollard, and many more. Others that are now down, are suffering from this cause grievously. Very little hopes of recovery can be entertained for persons thus affected.

We learn this morning that Mr. O'Keefe, the Catholic minister, is very ill, and not expected to recover. His loss would be deeply regretted.

Purser Fitzgerald, U. S. N., is lying very ill; old Mr. Shuster is dying. We are glad to state that Dr. Wm. Selden is getting well rapidly; Jno. Williams, Clerk of the Court, is also recovering, and Marshall Ott, one of the officers of the Howard Association. W. D. Roberts, Esq., our delegate elect to the Legislature, we regret to learn, was taken down with the fever last evening; also a young sister of John S. Lovett, the whole of Mr. Bates' family, and two children of Millar's. Mr. Peter Moore's wife and son left town for the country last Thursday, were taken with the fever on Friday, and died yesterday. Thomas, son of the late Rev. Mr. Dibrell, is dead. Mr. Kirkpatrick, stone mason, is very ill; also old Mr. Jeremiah Hendren. Marsden Smith, Esq., is up and doing very well.

There were 40 burials today. We note below some of the latest deaths: Miss H. Wilson; J. W. Harwood; H. Coneman; Mrs. Benton; Mrs. Beveridge; Miss S. Parks; Miss Partridge; W. Todd; S. C. Hutchins; J. Kilgrove; J. Kulman; slave at Mr. Humphreys; colored woman, Catharine st.; M. Bennett, Geo. Shuster; colored man at Mr. Dixon's; Lt. Whittle's eldest son; Mrs. Chandler, boarding house, Main st.; Mrs. Dr. Todd; Jos. Rosson; Jesse Dudley; Mrs. Shuster; Thos. Dibrell, Anne Drayton; son of Edw. Delaney; Hugh Rogers; daughter of Mr. Smiley, Church st.; wife of Mr. Capps, Church street; Mr. Butler, chief clerk of Bloodgood & Col.

At the City Hotel Hospital there have been 30 deaths from yesterday up to this morning! We regret to say that Dr. Craycroft of Philadelphia was taken sick with the fever last night, and carried to the Naval Hospital this morning.

We think the idea of removal to Fort Monroe, a very human one, and hope that it will be acted upon promptly and without delay. The Commandant of the Navy Yard today ordered all the carpenters in the yard at work, to make boxes and rough coffins for our numerous unburied dead. This will be good news to our citizens, as numbers of ill-fated victims have been lying in their houses two days, rotting and putrefying, for the want of even common boxes to bury them in! VERDAD.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Halifax C. H., Sept. 3, 1855

Olive Branch Lodge and Union Encampment of Odd Fellows', at Halifax C. H., Va., have contributed $150 to the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and I am informed that a list of subscription is going on among the citizens in this county, to make the sum nearly $800. Yours, respectfully. A SUBSCRIBER.

Portsmouth, Va., Wednesday, Sept. 4th.

Thinking some of your readers would like to hear something from our sickly city, I will take advantage of the present moment to write a few lines.

Our city presents a most melancholy condition. Business being suspended and every one having left the city who had the means to do so, leaves us, I assure you, in a truly desolate condition. Portsmouth shall never forget the valuable services rendered by Drs. Howle and McDowell of your city, who have been untiring in their arduous duties.

Norfolk is suffering equally as bad from the pestilence–and perhaps at the present time more so. I am extremely sorry to inform you of the illness of Drs. Gooch and Crow, of your city. The former is at the National Hotel, in Norfolk, and Dr. Crow is at the Naval Hospital. Their untiring energies having brought on an attack of the disease.

The physicians are quartered at two different places. Mr. Wilson, who lived in a very handsome cottage on the bank has given it to the physicians and it is now occupied by Drs. Webster and Walters, of Baltimore; Drs. Howle and McDowell of Richmond, and Dr. Kennedy of Pennsylvania, and the balance are at the Crawford House. Mayor Fiske is improving. The disease appears to be of such a malignant form that the physicians inform me it will yield to no treatment whatever, being the genuine African fever. I pray God that in a short time I may write with different feelings.

Yours truly,
S. L.

PORTSMOUTH

A private letter communicates the following deaths as having occurred in Portsmouth Tuesday.

Mr. Bingley, father of Miss Sophia Bingley, who died a few since; Robert Tatem; Mrs. Joseph A. Bilisoly, and her son Joseph; and Richard Williams.

Mrs. Bilisoly lost a daughter and grandchild before she died. Mrs. Tatem, mother of Robert Tatem, was sick. She had lost a daughter and son; Richard Williams is the thirteenth member of his family who is dead of the fever!

The following person were also sick in Portsmouth at last dates: Richard and Sarah Eskridge, children of Rev. Vernon Eskridge, Chaplain in the Navy, who was very active in his exertions and ministrations among the sick in the Naval Hospital. Mr. Wm. B. Collins' wife and three children were all sick, and Mr. James W. Ashton, clerk of the Post Office. This gentleman is the last but one of the post office clerks left on duty.

There were seven deaths in Portsmouth yesterday morning before 9 o'clock.

WE RECEIVED NO NORFOLK PAPERS of yesterday but got the Argus of Tuesday, from which we clipped the following items:

Much sickness prevails amongst families residing on Bermuda street. In the family of Mr. J. K. Hodges, his son Edward, aged 19, had entirely recovered. Misses Sarah Ann and Emily Hodges were both down with the fever, but, as we learn from a private letter, were improving. Rest of the family well.

Dreadful Condition.–We have now about 7,000 people left in the city, and among these the mortality is positively awful–worse than anything yet written of the visitation of the plaque. On Sunday there were upwards of fifty burials, and what is the most painful part of the matter, is that all the bodies were not buried that ought to have been–such is the demand of dead mortality for its final home.

Two doors from where we are writing there lies a festering corpse, which has been decomposing for nearly forty-eight hours. The house is empty with the exception of its dead occupant–the fourth corpse in the house within a week. But one or two children of the afflicted family left, and they in the hospital sick.

Public Dispensary.–The Savannah Delegation has taken charge of Mr. Robert S. Bernard's prescription store, under the auspices of the Howard Association–and are now ready to dispense prescriptions at any hour of the day or night. Dr. R. J. Nunn of Savannah, an eminent chemist, has chief charge. He is assisted by others of the delegation. A noble undertaking.

Contribution.–A contribution of $10 has been received from Gen. Winfield Scott.

Deaths.–Among the names of the dead not before reported by us we find the following:

Ed. Daly and wife, corner Church and Main streets; John Ryston, Market square; Miss Parks, at the jail; Mr. K_elman [possibly Kulman], corner Church and Charlotte streets; __ Fitzgerald [probably Purser Fitzgerald].

The Hospital.–A Charleston physician, who visited Norfolk speaks of his arrival there, and says: The Hospital was entirely unregulated, and 200 patients, many of them negroes, were crowded into it. An apothecary shop, however, had been opened in one of the rooms.

The buildings were divided into wards, each of which was committed to the charge of the different delegations. Wards Nos. 2 and 3 had been assigned to the Charleston delegation under Dr. Williman, and the whole establishment began to assume an order and efficiency, the effects of which were soon exhibited. On Thursday night seven died, and Friday and Saturday there was no death, and several cases were convalescing.

Want of Nurses.–The same physician says: "The great want is of nurses. I was sent the next morning after my arrival to attend upon a sick family, and found the mother and three children all sick in bed; the husband had died during the afternoon; there was no one but a negro child, about three years old, to do an act of service, and no person but the Doctor had looked upon them for the space of 48 hours before. Of the desolation, some idea may be formed from the fact that the apothecaries at the City Hospital were endeavoring to nurse a baby, whose father and mother, and every relative had died; they took it by turns, and washed and cared for it as well as they could.

Dogs.–Dogs, deserted by their owners, and without food, were howling through the streets, and made the place more dismal.

The Character of the Disease.–A Charleston physician thinks the disease the same as that which periodically afflicts that city, though our Portsmouth correspondent is informed by the physicians that it is genuine African yellow fever.

Aid.–In Staunton there has been $507.50 raised.–In Raleigh, N. C., Sunday, $315 were raised.

Letters from Norfolk, in the Baltimore papers dated Monday say:

A meeting of the Board of Health, to which all the physicians now in the city were invited, was held yesterday afternoon for the purpose of devising plans for the government of the new city hospital. A committee, consisting of Drs. Fenner, Beard and Campbell, of New Orleans; Reed of Savannah; Huger, of Charleston; Morris, of Baltimore; Freeman of Philadelphia, and West, of New York, were appointed to frame rules and regulations for its future management. Much good, it is believed, will result from this meeting."

A letter dated Monday morning, says that the sister and brother of Mrs. Storrs are both down; that Mr. Hendren is recovering; that a prisoner is the jail, named Button, died on Sunday; that the rest of the prisoners had revolted, but had been secured by Capt. Hicks and others; and that the family of Capt. H. are sick, and he himself very feeble. Mr. Diggs, who had just recovered from a spell of sickness, was engaged in assisting in the management of the prisoners in the jail.

Mr. Garnett, City Surveyor, is dead. Rev. Mr. O'Keefe is much better. Mr. Walters, of the National Hotel, is improving. He has lost no less than twenty-one servants by the epidemic.

Dr. Smith, of Columbia, Pa., and a nurse who came with him, are both down at Norfolk. Mr. Olin, of Augusta, Ga., on behalf of the Samaritan Society of that place, arrived Monday evening.

The Norfolk Herald, of Monday evening, has the following items:

The Southern Aid.–The Mayor and Board of Health have adopted resolutions expressing their thanks to the Virginians in New Orleans, Savannah and Charleston, for sending on physicians and nurses and tendering to the persons thus sent a cordial welcome.

Volunteers.–Among the efficient nurses who have lately arrived in the city is Mr. Henry Myers, from Richmond, who is doing good service.

Deaths at the City Hospital.–W. R. Todd, 29, Chapel Hill, N. C.; Sophia C. Hutchings, 4, Washington City; James E. Kilgrove, 12, Norfolk; Miss Delia Erickson, 12, Sweden; John Erickson, 47, Sweden; Mr. Saunders, 40, Norfolk.–total 6.

In Portsmouth, Drs. Crow, of Richmond, and Ringer, of Philadelphia were down with the fever. The latter made his will. Dr. Hodges, and a brother of Dr. Maupin were removed to the hospital Monday.

Many persons who died of the fever on Monday in Norfolk and Portsmouth were wrapped in canvas and buried, there being no coffins ready.

The nurses who have been sent to Norfolk and Portsmouth by the Can't Get Away Club, of Mobile, are all experienced; three of them having been among those who were sent to Savannah last season.

An order was received in Baltimore, Tuesday, for one hundred more coffins.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
THE NORFOLK COMMITTEE IN WASHINGTON.

Washington, Sept. 5th.–The Committee from Norfolk, here for the purpose of obtaining the use of Fort Monroe as a place of refuge, have failed in their object, but left satisfied that the President had done all in his power to alleviate the distress of the inhabitants of the infected cities.

SECOND DISPATCH.

Washington, Sept. 5.–In response to the request of the Norfolk committee, the President, after consultation with the Cabinet, has caused an order to be issued to the commandant of the Gosport Navy Yard, giving him direction to advance a month's pay to the employees who wish to leave, and to close the yard if necessary; at the same time directing commandants of other navy yards to employ the refugees.

With regard to Fort Monroe, the President assigned as a reason for not granting the request that there was no suitable place to remove the troops and occupants numbering 1500 in all, and this would be required for preparation and removal.

He said the subject of relieving the sufferers had caused his early return from the Virginia Springs, and several Cabinet meetings had been called to consider it.

He gave the committee on behalf of the Cabinet $325, stating that his own private resources were at their disposal.

The committee afterwards met at Brown's hotel and appointed a sub-committee to request the Howard Association of Norfolk and Mayor of Portsmouth to meet them at Hampton on Friday, to devise other means for removal and relief.

The committee leave here this afternoon.

September 7, 1855.

THE PROGRESS OF THE FEVER.

We give today all the information we have with regard to the fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth. We refer the reader to the details. We are happy to see that there is a slight falling off in cases and deaths. God grant it may be the turn in the disease that foreshadows its steady abatement.

DR. GOOCH.

We are gratified to state that the announcement of the death of Dr. Gooch in Norfolk was incorrect. He was very ill at last accounts, and, it was feared, beyond recovery, but while there is life there is hope, and we trust that our gallant young townsman, who has put his life in imminent peril for the sake of suffering humanity, may be spared to gladden by his return the hearts of his relatives and friends.

ANOTHER MEETING IN RICHMOND,
To Deliberate on the Matter of Relief for
Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The reader will find a report of the proceedings of a meeting of citizens of Richmond, yesterday, at Metropolitan Hall, to consider what was best to be done for the relief of our afflicted fellow citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth. The meeting was immense, and the sympathy which pervaded it of the most intense character.

The idea which appeared to predominate was that of removing the populations of the two cities. This idea is one which is, of course, prompted by the most humane and active sympathies, and one that is so plausible that everybody is likely to fall into it.–A little reflection, however, will show that the scheme is hedged in with difficulties, if not insurmountable, at least nearly so. Even the Norfolk Argus looks upon it as impracticable. It says, "We fear that there are too many sick amongst us, and too many difficulties in the way, for the scheme to be practicable."

A committee, however, is appointed with discretionary powers, and we hope they will direct their energies to succoring the people who are now struggling with their afflictions in the noblest manner. They are improving their police, redoubling their energies, cool weather and frosts are drawing nearer–there was at last dates a slight abatement in the pestilence; and now let us from the outside help to encourage the besieged, by sending them provisions and everything that strengthen their energies and cheer their spirits. This is the way to help Norfolk and Portsmouth.

APPLICATION FOR FORTRESS MONROE.

The National Intelligencer is satisfied that the President could not have acquiesced in the wishes of the committee from Hampton, consistently with his obligations to others, however great might be his sympathies with the afflicted people of Norfolk and Portsmouth. It is satisfied it must have given the President pain not to yield to the appeals of the committee. The Star thus states some reasons why the Fortress was not granted:

"Including the families of the mechanics and laborers employed in the arsenal and on other Government works at Old Point, the number of persons necessary to be removed is full fifteen hundred. The buildings on the Point are not sufficient for the accommodation of more that one-third of those for whose use they are asked. Over-crowded with fugitives fresh from Norfolk, the fever would of course break out with virulence there and extend to Hampton, almost within a stone's throw, where there is a temporary town, and a considerable one, of fugitives, who, leaving early, have so far had very few cases of the fever among them.

To be of any service to the sufferers at Norfolk, the Old Point buildings should be surrendered to them at once, which is not possible, as the fifteen hundred now on the Point could not possibly be removed until shipping to that and could be chartered and brought round from New York; and the Government has no place whatever in which to locate those to be thus removed against their will and deprived of employment."

CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE AFFLICTED.–The people of Winchester, in public meeting have appointed committees to take up collections for the people of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

At the late Greenbrier County Fair, at Lewisburg, there were subscribed $88.55–raised by the Lewisburg Histrionic Society, $15.

Of the $400 contributed by Charlottesville to the relief of the sufferers, $50 were contributed by the Masonic Lodge.

Philadelphia.–Up to Wednesday, at 12 o'clock, there had been collected in Philadelphia sixteen thousand and ninety-eight dollars, for the benefit of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Over $800 were added to the subscription of Baltimore on Wednesday. The relief committee of that city are sending daily supplies of provisions to Norfolk and Portsmouth.

LIBERALITY OF THE BALTIMOREANS.–The Baltimore City Guard have placed at the disposal of the Hampton Committee a number of tents for the use of the people of Norfolk and Portsmouth should it be determined to remove them.

HOSPITAL CLOSED.–The Baltimore Patriot of Wednesday evening, states that Dr. Muller had returned to Baltimore,–the Hospital with which he was connected having been closed. This was the Julappi Hospital,–the club and other building of the old race course, near Craney Island, having been converted into a hospital, with that name, as our readers have been informed. The location was highly favorable, to the treatment of the disease, the air being pure and free. It was, however, very inconvenient of access.

NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

We presented yesterday a brief telegraphic statement of the result of the interview between the Hampton Committee and the President. The Washington papers contain full accounts of it. The members of the committee were introduced to the President, by Dr. Simkins, on Tuesday evening. The Rev. John C. McCabe, of Hampton, Chairman of the Committee, addressed the President as follows:

"We appear before you, sir, as the representatives of a sorrowing, disease-stricken, and death-smitten people, a committee appointed at a meeting held in the town of Hampton on yesterday, composed of a number of the citizens of Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton, to wait upon the President of the United States, and the appropriate Heads of Departments, to ask that relief which the awful exigencies of the case require, and which the resolutions we now submit most respectfully ask. As chairman of that committee, I am somewhat anticipated in my remarks by the appalling facts which must each day reach the ears of your Excellency, as borne upon the wings of the telegraph or through the media of the public prints; and yet, sir, startling and terrible as are each day's official reports from Norfolk and Portsmouth of the progress of the yellow fever in those cities, they fall far and fearfully short of the awful reality.

Norfolk and Portsmouth are now, sir, but little more than vast charnel houses, and their unburied dead are, perchance, at this moment, attracting the keen scent of the ravening vultures. Thousands of people of those devoted cities, have fled panic stricken; and would to God the rest had flown. Had it been so, sir, we would have been spared the recital of this tale of woe, and your Excellency the pain of listening to a story whose burden is desolation and death. Mr. President, physicians are falling at their posts; nurses are dying at bedsides; and the ministers of the cross of Christ, as they stand at the couches of the sick and dying are struck down

"Dumb and shivering."

Business is almost entirely suspended in both cities. The city of Norfolk has but a nominal government, and nearly every private dwelling is converted into a mort house, and from almost every chamber comes out a wail–for death is there. The remaining population of these seemingly doomed cities are too feeble and too few to give efficient help to the sick and the suffering; and ere long, unless God stay the destroyer, and the strong arm of men in power, be stretched forth in their behalf, the total depopulation of those places by death, must be the result, and the Genius of Desolation will sit in ghastly and gloomy triumph, sole master of their ports and marts. The resolutions which we herewith present, will to some extent explain, what is it we desire, and we submit them, in a just and abiding confidence, that as a man, and as the Chief Magistrate of the country, in the welfare of every section whereof we believe you feel an interest, you will suggest and afford the belief which must be immediate to be available.

To which the President responded in a brief but feeling manner. He expressed the most heartfelt sympathy for the unfortunate sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth, stated that the subject had caused him much anxious consideration, and induced him to shorten his visit to Virginia, and hasten his return to Washington, indulging the hope that some mode of relief might be afforded by the intervention of the Federal Government; and concluded by assuring the committee that he would co-operate with them in any legitimate action that might be determined upon.

The President then entered into an unreserved conversation with the members of the committee, in which the practicability of various plans was discussed.

The committee retired, with an invitation from the President to call at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning, at which time they met him and a final audience was postponed until 10 o'clock. This was had, but resulted unfavorable in reference to obtaining Fortress Monroe for the benefit of the sufferers–the difficulty of removing the troops being in the way of an immediate possession, which would alone be desirable.

The President manifested the strongest disposition to comply with the wishes of the committee, and though failing in this specific object of their mission, the committee retired impressed with the conviction that he had done all in his power to aid them in their wishes.

As an evidence of this fact, there were several extraordinary meetings of the Cabinet called at his instance.

Just before the committee were to take their leave the President placed in the hands of the Rev. Dr. McCabe, the chairman, a contribution of $325, to be used for the benefit of the sufferers, contributed by himself and the members of the Cabinet, with the assurance that a handsome sum would be raised in the departments, and immediately–modestly but generously tendering his own private purse still further, if occasion should require.

The committee then took their leave.

The committee had an interview with the Secretary of the Navy during the day which resulted in the order to the Commander of the Navy Yard, Gosport, already explained. An order was also issued to Mr. Loyall, Navy Agent, to remove from Norfolk to some neighboring location. Mr. Secretary Dobbin expressed the liveliest sympathy with the afflicted people of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Correspondence of the Dispatch.
Rockbridge Alum Springs, September 3, 1855.

During divine service yesterday, it was announced that Col. Smith or Mr. Frazier, would receive contributions in aid of the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth, and I hope to be enabled to report a respectable sum. M.

Norfolk, Sept. 5.

We enquired of one of our prominent ministers yesterday–a man who has acquired the esteem of the community by his fearless devotion to the sick and dying, during the prevailing epidemic–what he considered, taken in a pastoral sense, was "devotion to duty, the only source and inspiration of a true courage, and a genuine practical piety." He replied that in the exigency of times like the present, he only considered that Pastor possessed of genuine practical piety and devotion to duty, who had the moral fortitude (the only true courage) to stand by his congregation, and minister to their spiritual wants, even at the sacrifice of his own life. Thus spoke out "the real ring of the metal," of a gallant soldier of the cross, and a true minister of God! And every noble and worthy spirit, whether he be preacher, layman, or sinner, will fully concur in the Reverend friend's definition of "devotion to duty and genuine practical piety," not only in a pastoral view, but in every other view by which the manhood and Christian charity of man can be judged! We need not add that the mass of our community hold the same opinion as that expressed above, which some who are now absent will find out when they return, after "the heat and brunt of the battle" is over.

The application for coffins to the Howard Association this morning have been as numerous and pressing as the solicitations for office at a Minister's Department in Washington. The names of the applicants are put down in regular order as they come, and so served. The eagerness with which the applicants press their claims is horribly ludicrous, and yet not to be wondered at, when we take into consideration the fact that many have friends and relations lying dead at home, who have been rotting on their beds two days or more, awaiting a box or coffin to be buried in! We were pleased to learn that nearly all were duly served, owing to the kindness of the Commandant of the Navy Yard, who yesterday set all hands to work making coffins, and sent over this morning forty ready for use.

Among the list of prominent citizens who have lately fallen, more than a passing notice should be taken of Wm. Henry Garnett, a zealous officer of the Howard Association, who devoted his time day and night to searching out and removing destitute sick patients to the Julappi Hospital, and who never flagged or faltered in his Samaritan course, until arrested and rendered powerless by the invisible destroyer. No man possessed a warmer heart than William Henry Garnett–no man evinced a greater sympathy for the sufferings of the poor around him, or displayed greater exertions in relieving their wants–and no one has fallen more true to the line of his duty, or more faithful to the end!

In taking a walk this morning on Bute st., we heard the most agonizing and heart-rending screams issuing from a dwelling over the way, that we ever listened to. It seemed to rise like the last despairing shriek of a drowning wretch, utterly bereft of hope, taking his final plunge under the overwhelming waters! On enquiring, we found that a man lay there ill with the fever, delirious and raving, and that it was found necessary to confine him by force to his bed to prevent his leaping from the window. The poor fellow died in a few hours after, tortured to death by the consuming fever, and furiously frantic to the last!

Bray B. Walters of the National Hotel is very ill.

We have to notice the arrival (and they could not have come in a more appropriate time) of 110 coffins from Richmond, and 40 from Hampton. About 150 more is expected today from Baltimore.

There were not so many new cases last night; there has also been a falling off in the number of deaths. Among those taken since yesterday, we note Mrs. Howlett, Miss Almira Thayer, Frank Spangler and wife, Wm. Jones and three children, and N. C. Whitehead, Esq., acting Mayor of this city.

Mr. Clack, of New Orleans, has been appointed chief of police, pro tem.

Miss Anna Searles and Mrs. Harmanson, of this city, have died in Baltimore, with the vomito.

John Rogers, George Drummond, Warren Wing, Tom Corprew and Wm. Walters are up and doing well.

Gosline, the murderer of Murphy, has died in jail with the fever. W. P. Burnham and Mr. Boothby are dying. Eight died at the City Hospital last night; 6 were taken down at the National Hotel.

We notice some of the latest deaths: Thos. Dixon, Mr. Pumphrey, (carpenter), Curtis Morse, Mrs. Custes, Magazine lane; Mrs. Christopher, Bank street; Mary Boyle, Bank street; Edward Dodd, Mrs. James T. Elliott, Nina Baylor, daughter of H. H. Newsum; Anthony Lovett; Mrs. Mallory, mother of the late Miss Laura and Patty Mallory; Thomas Eldridge; Alex Ballance; Mrs. Hickle; Mrs. L. Parsons; G. Phillips; Master Robinson, son of Wm. V. Robinson; Mrs. G. Washington Camp, wife of the Cashier of the Exchange Bank; Mrs. Holden, 72 Bute street; Mr. Luten, Water street; Thomas Keating, Fen church street; Miss Roselia Griffin, Market Square; Thomas C. Dixon, of the firm of Dixon & Hallett; Henry Rudder, Cabinet maker, aged 35; Reuben Butler, of Surrey county; Hugh Rogers, and 5 negroes.

The weather is damp and unfavorable–wind from the Northeast, with a cold drizzly rain. VERDAD

Norfolk, Sept. 5, 1855.

Editor Dispatch:–Yellow fever at this place is abating a little; only one case admitted at the Howard Association Hospital.

Dr. Gooch, from Richmond, I am sorry to say, is very ill, and not expected to live. The number of deaths in the city for the last 24 hours is forty-three–in Portsmouth thirty-one.

Mr. Marks, of New Orleans, the Superintendent of the Hospital, was accused of robbing the trunk of Miss Lewis, who died a few days ago. He was identified by one of the children after being put in jail. He confessed the crime and gave up the property, amounting to over $1000–strange to say he was released. He is about 5 feet 8 inches high, dark complexion, curly hair, quick when spoken to; his address is very good. Pass the scoundrel around.

Henry Myers takes charge of the Hospital today, and is giving the highest satisfaction to the Association. Yours, M.

Norfolk, Sept. 4.

RICHARD H. and CHARLES ENGLISH, of Richmond, are here doing heroic service in attending the sick. They are unremitting in their attention, and the patients under their charge have done remarkable well. Mr. D. Pike, is also here doing all he can for the afflicted.

It gives me much pleasure to say that Dr. J. T. HARGROVE, of Richmond, has shown an intrepidity during his stay that is worthy of all praise. He has been eminently successful, and is much spoken of on this account. The Doctor is a worthy gentleman–in common parlance, "a good fellow"–and is also a good physician. I am glad that he is rapidly growing into favor and consideration, for his personal and professional merit.

HENRY MYERS is second assistant at the Hospital in this city and is doing good service. W. D.

WE HAVE THE Norfolk Argus of yesterday; but we are heartily sorry to see that the editor has come to the determination to abandon the publication of his paper for the present, and he announces that it will be issued no more until cooler weather and returning health shall enable him to do so.–But one compositor–Mr. Benjamin Charles–was left at his case. Mr. James H. Finch, the indefatigable foreman of the Argus, had been compelled to quit. Six colored pressmen had, one after another, been taken sick at this post, and the worthy editor says it is no longer of any avail to fight against Providence. We trust he may soon resume in health and prosperity. We gather an item or two from the Argus:

The Number of the Dead.–The Argus says that the deaths in the city, for the twenty-four hours ending 2 P. M., the 5th, amounted to 33.

Timely Aid.–Dr. R. M. Miller, a former citizen of Norfolk, but now of Mobile, arrived with five nurses on Tuesday. He and his nurses had gone to work manfully in the Hospital. He is an old acquaintance of yellow fever.

Police Arrangement.–Mr. Franklin H. Clack, of New Orleans, son of the late Captain Clack, of the Navy has been appointed chief of police, with pretty strong authority. This was done to promote order and secure the prompt burial of the dead. It is hoped Capt. Clack will improve things in his department. It will do much to diminish disease. The Mayor delegated to him the same powers that he himself has over the police department.

The orphans.–The poor orphan children are congregated in Christ Church Lecture room, where they are said to be well provided with competent matrons and every necessary.

We learn that JAMES DIBRELL, youngest son of the late REV. ANTHONY DIBRELL, is very ill in Norfolk.

The Norfolk Herald is also suspended until the 1st October.

PORTSMOUTH.
(By Telegraph from Weldon)
Sept. 6, 3 o'clock, p.m.

There were in Portsmouth, yesterday, twenty-three deaths. Five physicians were sent to the hospital.

Dr. Wm. Collins, President of the Roanoke and Seaboard Railroad, is ill at a friend's house, six miles from Portsmouth–it is supposed he has the fever.

The Norfolk Argus of yesterday morning reports the deaths in Portsmouth, for the 24 hours ending the 5th, at twenty-one.

Among the dead in Portsmouth is Luke Perks, a native of Wales, formerly of Richmond.

LOCAL MATTERS.

PUBLIC MEETING.–At the request of the Mayor a large and highly respectable meeting of the citizens was held at Metropolitan Hall, yesterday afternoon, to take steps for the relief of the sufferers by yellow fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The meeting was called to order by Judge Wm. W. Crump, on whose motion JOSEPH MAYO, Esq., the Mayor of the city, was called to the chair, and Mr. THOMAS U. DODAMEAD was appointed secretary.

The Mayor, on taking the chair, addressed the meeting at length, in one of the most feeling, effective and appropriate reports that we ever listened to, at the conclusion of which, he offered the following resolution, which after a spirited discussion were adopted:

"Whereas, it appears from the fearful progress and malignant character of the pestilence now devastating Norfolk and Portsmouth, that nothing short of the removal of the population will stay its ravages, therefore,

Resolved, That a Committee of Thirteen was appointed to devise means for the attainment of the object, and especially for the transportation and maintenance of such of the indigent and suffering of those cities as may desire shelter in a healthier location.

Resolved, That said Committee be authorized to appoint such sub-committees as the may think proper.

Resolved, That the said committee be instructed to communicate at once to the Howard Association of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and to the Mayor of said towns that they are requested to send up such persons here as they may think proper to consult with the above committee as to what is best to be done in the premises, hereby requesting the said committee to act promptly and to incur any expense which they may deem judicious for the benefit of the citizens of Portsmouth and Norfolk.

The resolutions on being put to vote, were adopted, and the Chairman instructed to appoint the Committee.

Whereupon, the following gentlemen were appointed to said committee:

Committee: Dr. Robt. Archer, Wellington Goddin, Luther Libby, Thos. Dodamead, Wm. H. Haxall, Chas. Ellett, H. K. Ellyson, Geo. W. Munford, John M. Gregory, Jas. A. Cowardin, John P. Ballard, Daniel H. London, John S. Caskie.

On the motion of Mr. John H. Gilmer, Joseph Mayo, Esq., the Mayor of the city, was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Thirteen.

Henry K. Ellyson, Esq., offered the following resolutions, which after being discussed at length, were adopted:

Resolved, That the President of the City Council be requested immediately to call a meeting of that body for the purpose of appointing a committee on the part of the Council, to cooperate with the committee of citizens just appointed.

Resolved, That the Council are hereby earnestly requested to make such appropriations from the city treasury as may be necessary to carry out the objects of the resolutions adopted by this meeting.

There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER.–Yesterday was most rigidly observed as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God for having blessed our city with unusual good health throughout the past summer, and of prayer to Him to remove from our sister cities, Norfolk and Portsmouth, that death-dealing scourge with which they are now sorely afflicted, and which without His merciful interposition, bide fair to depopulate and render them barren wastes. Throughout the day business was entirely suspended and the doors and windows of all the stores closed. Religious worship was held two or three time in the various churches, and collections taken up to purchase horses and provender for the use of the physicians in the infected district. It was gratifying to observe how strictly the recommendations of the Mayor and City Council were carried out, all sects and classes seeming to feel the importance of the occasions and the necessity for returning thanks to a merciful Providence for having spared them and their fair city of visitation of that disease which carries desolation on its track.

September 8, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

PEOPLE OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH IN CHARLOTTES-VILLE.–The Advocate of Charlottesville says:

Our population has had for several weeks large accessions from Norfolk and Portsmouth of many agreeable and charming families who have left those cities in consequence of the yellow fever.–Our three large and well-kept Hotels are crowded. Of the Norfolk and Portsmouth visitors their health has been fine, and not the slightest apprehension need be felt that they could bring the fever into this healthful valley of ours.

REV. TIBERIUS GRACCHUS JONES AGAIN.

MESSRS. EDITOR:–The Rev. Tiberius Gracchus Jones, is defending himself, in a letter in the Dispatch of the 29th ult, against the censures cast upon him for not being at his post of duty in Norfolk, while the pestilence is raging there, says, among other things:

"During the prevalence of the cholera in Norfolk, several years since, I remained through it all, though one prominent pastor, in feeble health, (whom no one, I believe, for a moment censured) left the city and repaired to the mountains."

Now, Messrs. Editor, what impression is the foregoing words calculated to produce upon the minds of the reader! Certainly none other than this, namely, that "the prominent pastor, in feeble health, left the city and repaired to the mountains," simply to escape becoming a victim to the cholera. Now, do the facts in the case justify such an impression? The clergyman to whom he evidently refers–then rector St. Paul's–remained at his post, visiting the sick and burying the dead of the pestilence, till he himself taken down with the disease, or what was treated as the disease, and so prostrated that he was for weeks wholly unable to perform either pulpit or pastoral duty. This prostration, supervening upon health already shattered, continued so long as to induce him to believe that he might never again be able to resume the duties of his place, and, acting upon this conviction, resigned it. The vestry of his church declined accepting his resignation, and, with a generosity which that "prominent pastor" can never forget, urged him, instead of resigning, to take a year's recreation, while they would continue his salary. Yet, fearing that he would not be able even at the end of a twelve months' recreation, to resume the duties of the place, and feeling therefore that he would be doing wrong to keep them another day in a position where they could not call to their church a clergyman who could perform all the services they needed and required, he immediately wrote another letter to the vestry, wherein he resigned his charge irrevocably. And having thus resigned, he "left the city and repaired to the mountains"–not as the words of Mr. J. seem to the minds of many to indicate, as a fugitive from the pestilence, to return again when it had disappeared, but as one wholly disabled to labor anywhere, and leaving a place whose duties he could not perform, to be filled by one who could perform them. If he had been able still to labor, a "prominent pastor" would scarcely have "left the city" when he did but would have remained, and considered it a privilege to have even died in serving the noble church and congregation of which he was the rector.

If Mr. Jones can discover any analogy between his own case and that of the clergyman to whom he refers, it must be acknowledged that his powers of discovery are very great. That a "prominent pastor" did not dread the cholera then raging in Norfolk in his congregation, is not affirmed; but that he "left the city and repaired to the mountains," to escape becoming its victim, is indignantly denied. He does not deny to Mr. Jones the right to choose his own line of conduct, either to remain at the post of duty, or to desert it in the hour of danger; but he does deny to him the right of so stating the actions of others as to make an utterly false and erroneous impression. The reverend gentleman understands the use and force of language too well, not to perceive that his words, "one prominent pastor, in feeble health, left the city and repaired to the mountains," taken in connection with his subject, are susceptible of an interpretation in utter conflict with the facts of the case. Whether or not he designed to make the impression which his words have made upon the minds of some who are not cognizant of the truth, and the whole truth of the matter, can be known only to himself and his God. We do not charge him with an intention to mislead. Most persons, however, will be able to distinguish between a soldier who was borne from the field of conflict, wounded and disabled, and one whom some very uncharitable persons represent as having run from it.

Salt Sulphur Springs, Monroe co., Sept. 1, '55.

P. S.–Norfolk and Portsmouth papers please copy.

THE FEVER

We are rejoiced to learn by our accounts that, though the fever is still dreadfully destructive in Norfolk and Portsmouth, there is a ray of light breaking upon those cities. There seems to have been some abatement for two days. This is the 62d day of the fever, the weather has become more decidedly autumnal, and we may hope that the disease will steadily decrease until it ceases to exist. This is the time, however, to continue our exertions to succor the afflicted communities.

P. S.–Telegraphic reports from Baltimore and Petersburg state that accounts received in those places represent the fever as worse in Norfolk. We cannot explain this contradiction of the direct accounts received here. We incline to our letters as to the condition of the disease. If there is anything like the great want of food, as the Baltimore accounts say, that can certainly be soon supplied.

THE HAMPTON COMMITTEE to Washington passed through Baltimore on their return home, and had an interview with Mayor Hinks and several of the Common Council, during which the Mayor offered on the part of the authorities and citizens every possible facility which could be desired in the accomplishment of the plan of the committee. Amongst the facilities tendered, were tents for four thousand persons; for which the committee made most feeling responses. Thursday, a subcommittee of Dr. McCabe, Dr. Simkins and John B. Whitehead, President of the Common Council of Norfolk, were appointed to wait on the President (as reported by Mr. Falls, who was present,) told the committee that he had no constitutional power to remove the families of officers or privates from the barracks, but that he would issue an order for the immediate removal of the new regiment now forming, as well as the artillery and band, in order to allow the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth to occupy their places, leaving it discretionary with the families of the soldiers to follow them or not.

According to the National Intelligencer, the committee "retired without obtaining the desired boon."

The committee returned to Baltimore, where upon a conference with the committee of the City Council, an encampment upon Craney Island was determined upon, and the Mayor immediately published a call for tents. A number of the volunteer companies offered their tents, and a number of persons volunteered to go down and put them up.

Before the committee was deputed to Washington to renew the application for the Fort, Mr. N. Falls, under the impression that the difficulty in the way of yielding the Fort was the time it would take to remove the troops, offered to do so with the Bay line boats of which he is president in 12 hours–engaging to take them, their camp equipage, &c., to New York, Philadelphia, Washington or Ft. McHenry. After the committee had gone to Washington the Board of Managers of the Baltimore House of Refuge tendered to the President, for the use of the soldiers at Old Point, the buildings under their control. The President sent the following dispatch:

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6–3-1/2 P. M.–To John S. Wright, First Branch City Council:–I have answered the committee from Norfolk, and assigned reasons which I thought ought to be regarded as satisfactory. It pains me to be constrained to inform you that the proposition of your city authorities does not tend to remove the difficulties. FRANKLIN PIERCE.

The Baltimore American says that upon the return of the committee, the whole plan of removal to Old Point was abandoned, and the encampment at Craney Island resolved upon. Mr. Muller recommended a sufficiency of tents to accommodate 8000 persons, to be pitched upon Lynhaven Bay, and the immediate removal of the people of the infected districts to that point.

Aid for the Afflicted Cities in Baltimore

The news from Norfolk received at Baltimore, on Thursday, stimulated the sympathies of the people of that city very much. It was reported in Baltimore that not more than 1,400 white persons remained in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The following letters were received from the President of the Howard Association.–The first is in answer to a communication from the Baltimore committee, stating that their funds were getting low, and asking if the Association had money in case that of the committee gave out:

Steamer Louisiana, Sept. 5,
F. A. Levering, Esq.–Dear Sir: We are in want of 300 more leeches. Send 50 coffins next trip.–Continue your supplies until you are broke, and then, if we are in funds, we will remit with out orders. Again accept my thanks for your prompt attention.
Respectfully,
W. B. Ferguson, President Howard Association.

The following additional letter was also received:

Howard Association, Sept. 5, 1855.
F. A. Levering, Esq.–Dear Sir: Again I have to write having written this morning on board the steamer Louisiana. I now wish 50 barrels of crackers and 500 loaves of bread; also 50 shovel-mouth bread pans, large size; soap and candles.

There was no bread baked today in the bakery of the city, as all hands were sick, whilst the proprietors ran away. Soap must be had, as well as candles for the sick.
Respectfully,
W. R. Ferguson, President Howard Association.

Thursday morning, before these letters were received, large supplies were sent from Baltimore, including six hundred loaves of bread and fifty barrels of crackers:

During the day Thursday, $929.50 were collected, but the provisions gotten ready for yesterday would reduce the fund in the hands of the Baltimore committee to $1,000.

The present subscription of Baltimore amounts to $13,473.78.

ENCAMPMENT AT CRANEY ISLAND.

We learn that the committee from Baltimore, with 30 tents, will arrive at Hampton this morning. They will erect the tents at Craney Island, or on the farm of Mr. Joseph Segar, near Hampton.

DR. GOOCH.

We are happy to announce that Dr. P. C. Gooch was living yesterday morning at 6 o'clock, and was reported to be better, and hopes were entertained of his recovery.

A MEETING OF THE REFUGEES from Portsmouth and Norfolk was held in Baltimore Thursday, at which the contributions from different quarters, and especially from Baltimore, were appropriately acknowledged. It was stated at this meeting by Dr. Banks, that a meeting would be held in Hampton Friday at which a delegation from the Howard Association would be present, to consider what was best to be done for the people of the infected cities.

MORE AID FROM HALIFAX.–The sum of $305.16 has been sent by citizens of Halifax county, to Messrs. Barkesdale & Read of this city, to be forwarded to the authorities of Norfolk and Portsmouth. Of this sum Jno. R. Edmunds, Esq., subscribed $100. If a few other counties would follow the example of Halifax, there would be less need of the subscriptions out of the State.

ONE WAY TO HELP THE SUFFERERS.–The hackmen of Washington intend to appropriate the receipts of their business, next Monday, to the relief of the yellow fever sufferers. The movement reflects the highest credit on this useful class of our community.

LOCAL MATTERS.

AID TO NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–The Committee of Thirteen, appointed by the meeting of citizens, held a meeting yesterday in the City Hall, the Mayor in the Chair, and H. K. Ellyson, Secretary.

A committee was appointed to procure six horses and forward them by the boat of this morning.–Thy were also authorized to buy such provender as they deem necessary, and forward the same with the horses.

A committee from the Common Council communicated the resolutions adopted by their body, and said committee were invited to take part with the committee of Thirteen in their deliberations.

A committee of Messrs. Dodamead, Ellyson, Gregory and Saunders, were appointed to procure provisions, and to correspond with the authorities of Norfolk and Portsmouth to ascertain what supplies are needed, and to request them to make daily requisitions upon the city of Richmond through the Committee.

The chairman was requested to transmit the proceedings of the public meeting of Thursday to the authorities of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and to assure them that if it be their pleasure to remove their citizens, or any portion of them, the committee will aid them with funds and other assistance, in any manner they may desire.

Col. George W. Munford was appointed treasurer of the committee.

The committee adjourned to meet at the Exchange Hotel, this after-noon.

During the meeting the Mayor announced the amounts of the contributions at various churches, a list of which will be found else-where.

CITY COUNCIL.–A called meeting of the Council was held at the Chamberlain's Office yesterday morning at 10 o'clock, to devise means for the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth, in accordance with the resolutions passed at a meeting of citizens on Thursday afternoon in Metropolitan Hall, Messrs. Mills, Snead, Crutchfield, Saunders, Butler, Dibrell, Stearns, Fry, Scott and Talbott.

The President, after calling the Board to order, read the resolutions adopted by the meeting of citizens on Thursday afternoon, which he prefaced with a few pertinent remarks. He did not believe it practicable to remove the residents of the infected districts, knowing as he did that many of them had standing invitations to leave there for more healthy locations, but positively refused to do so. He also doubted the propriety of shifting the duty and privilege of aiding the sufferers, from the shoulders of the citizens to the corporation, every one of whom are willing to contribute to the extent of their means. He felt it a pleasure to do all in his power as a representative and a citizen, and had no doubt that the other members of the Board were prepared to do all in their power to relieve the sufferers.

Dr. Mills concluded his remarks with the following preamble and resolutions, which were discussed at length and then adopted:

"Whereas, at a meeting of citizens held at Metropolitan Hall on the 6th instant. resolutions were adopted requesting the Council to appoint a committee from their body to confer with one appointed by that meeting for the purpose of devising means for the removal of the populations of Norfolk and Portsmouth to a more healthful locality; and also requesting the Council to make such appropriations from the city treasury as may be necessary to carry out that object. And whereas the Council while deeply sympathizing with the afflicted citizens of our sister towns, and sincerely solicitous to contribute in any and every legitimate manner to their assistance and relief, are doubtful of the right or propriety of appropriating the money of the city treasury for any purpose so evidently without the intent and contemplation of the Legislature when granting the powers delegated in the charter of the city.–Therefore,

Resolved, That the Council will make whatever appropriations may be necessary to secure proper attendance so such of our fellow-citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth as may be sick in our city, and to provide them with every possible comfort.

Committee:
In accordance with the first resolution offered by Dr. Mills, the following gentlemen were appointed said committee:

Jefferson Ward–Messrs. Stearns and Butler.
Madison Ward–Messrs. Ayres and Quarles.
Monroe Ward–Messrs. Saunders and Crutchfield.
Health Officer–An ordinance was reported and passed, establishing the office of "Health Officer," at a salary of $5 per day, and Dr. Albert Snead was unanimously elected to fill the office. The ordinance makes it imperative on the officer to visit any person suspected of being afflicted with an infectious disease, and to notify the Mayor whenever it may be necessary to have the sufferer removed to the Hospital.

On motion, the Council adjourned.

DONATIONS TO THE SUFFERERS.–We understand that the following amounts were collected at the various churches on Thursday last, to aid the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers: St. James Church, (Episcopal) $397; Rev. Hoge's church (Presbyterian) $385.67; 1st Baptist church, $341; Trinity church (Methodist) $247.97; 2nd Baptist church, $150; Jewish Synagogue, Mayo street, (Henry S. Jacobs) $65.97; German Synagogue $101.50; Leigh street Baptist church, $50; Asbury chapel (Methodist) $43; Oregon chapel, (Baptist) $7; German Lutheran church, $10.

HENRICO MEETING.–A large and intelligent meeting of the Justices, officers and citizens of Henrico county, was held at the court house yesterday, to take steps for extending relief to the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

The meeting was organized by calling Thomas S. Dicken, Esq., to the chair, and appointing Benj. J. Duval secretary.

The following resolutions were offered and adopted:

Resolved, That the sympathies of this meeting be tendered to the citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth in the present mournful and distressing affliction with which it has pleased an all-wise Providence to visit them.

Resolved, That the Justices and Officers of Henrico county and five other citizens from each magisterial district thereof to be selected by the chairman of this meeting, be appointed a committee to solicit contributions for the aid of the suffering citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth; and that the members of the said committee pay to the Treasurer of this meeting such contributions as they may receive, who shall transmit two-thirds thereof to Norfolk and one-third to Portsmouth.

On motion, James Ellett, Esq., was unanimously appointed Treasurer of this meeting.

The Chairman then proceeded to appoint the following gentlemen to act as a committee with the justices and officers of the county court:

District No. 1–James M. Gunn, Thomas L. Lyne, Elder Thomas Burford, John W. Fussell, Robert H. Styll.

District No. 2.–Elijah Baker, Thomas J. Starke, Dr. Richard S. Vest, Wm. Catlin, Geo. W. Barker.

District No. 3.–James B. Saelton, Nathaniel Matthews, Fendal Griffin, Peter W. Glenn, Dr. John M. Sherpard.

District No. 4.–Chas. Philips, Dr. Z. S. McGruder, Benj. W. Green, Zera Barnum, Geo. G. Exall.

On motion, It is ordered that the resolutions of this meeting be published in one or more of the daily papers published in the city of Richmond.

On motion, It is moved that this meeting do now adjourn

THOS. S. DICKEN, President.
B. J. DUVAL, Sec'y.

AID FOR NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.–The sub-committees of this city have purchased and will send down by the Curtis Peck this morning, five horses, (which, with the one contributed by Mr. J. P. Ballard, of the Exchange Hotel, will make six,) for the physicians of Norfolk and Portsmouth; twenty-five bales of hay, 50 bushels of clean oats and 50 bushels do, contributed by John J. Brown, of the firm of Deane & Brown, making 100 bushels in all; and 20 barrels of crackers, which, with 20 barrels sent by the Augusta, make 40 barrels of crackers sent.

MORE AID FOR THE SUFFERERS.–The members of Springfield Division Sons of Temperance, at a meeting held last Thursday night, subscribed $30 to the fund now being raised for the relief of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers.

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
The Fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Baltimore, Sept. 7
.

The details by this morning's boat from Norfolk and Portsmouth are truly awful. People are suffering from famine as well as pestilence.

The deaths for the twenty-four hours ending at 2 o'clock, P. M., on Thursday were not less than seventy.

Many physicians and nurses were sick.

Mayor Fiske was improving.

There were thirty-seven burials in Potter's Field, on Wednesday, in one pit.

In Portsmouth, six physicians, principally from the North, were sick.

RELIEF FOR NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

BOSTON, Sept. 7.–The merchants of this city yesterday contributed $1000 for the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers; and Alpheus Hardy, on behalf of the merchants, has $3000 more, which will be remitted immediately. A large meeting was held here today, at which the Mayor presided, to devise further means of relief, and a committee was appointed to raise money, &c.

PHILADELPHIA, Sept.7.–The total sum sent from this city is $16,000.

BALTIMORE, Sept. 7.–This morning, $3000 more was paid in at the American office, and a public meeting has been called for tomorrow, to devise further means or relief.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 7.–The merchants of Washington have remitted about $1500, and $300 subscribed from other sources, makes the total sum sent from this city $6000.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
From Norfolk and Portsmouth.
Norfolk, Sept. 6th.

The lowering clouds have cleared away, and a bright sky, and cheerful sunshine, has taken the place of the late damp atmosphere and gloomy weather. The change is a very favorable one for both well and sick. And we trust that we have now reached the culminating point of the epidemic, and that henceforth a declining tendency in the fatal fever may be plainly perceptible. Heaven knows we have suffered, "as town never suffered before," by the desolating march of the insatiate destroyer, and sincerely trust that, through the mercy of God, we have passed the worst. There have been up to this time, from the commencement of the epidemic, 800 deaths. O'Brien & Quick, buried within the last six day 135! Other undertakers have had their share, and the greatest proportion of deaths have occurred within the last three weeks. Two or three days this week run up the ill fearfully–45 and 40 burials in one day, does not take long to amount up to hundreds.

The Howard Association is constantly receiving letters from absentees abroad, requesting the officers to look after their servants, (the lazy blacks whom they left behind,) and see that they do not suffer from the want of provisions, medical attendance, &c, but not a dime do these absentees–many of them rich in this world's goods–send, as a contribution to our afflicted and destitute poor, and not even to pay for the aid they expect from the Association, for their negroes, whom they left at home upon "the commons," totally unprovided for, to "root pig, or die." One of these "whole-souled" liberal gents writes that as the contributions to the Howard Association are made for the benefit of the people of Norfolk, he trusts that his servant will be allowed as much meal, bacon, &c., as will comfortably support her during his absence! And this man is wealthy, and yet has not contributed one mite towards the relief of the destitute widow, orphans and suffering sick of his native city! The Association intend to make a public expose of these letters, with the writers' names attached in full, after the fatal scourge will have passed away, when some highly unique and interesting developments may be anticipated.

We have heard of the following "streak of luck," that lately befell two faithful nurses in Portsmouth. A Mrs. Maclin having the fever, and being deserted by her relatives, was waited on attentively by two nurses of the masculine genius. One of the nurses attended on her just twenty-four hours; the other seven days, when she died. The lady made a will before her death, and bequeathed $700 in money to the first nurse, and a house and lot valued at $1400 to the other, being all that she was possessed of in the world! We give this as an incitement to other nurses to "go and do likewise," as the above, and who knows but what they may be in many instances not only gratefully thanked, but liberally rewarded. J. D. Marks, arrested for robbing the late Miss Lewis, was liberated this morning, we understand, on condition that he would point out the place where the stolen jewelry was secreted. He did so, and immediately made tracks for "parts unknown."

We regret to say that Mrs. Dr. Whitehead has been taken down very sick with the fever; also, Thomas Hardy, Esq., of Ferry Point. George Randolph, John Adams, and the eldest daughter of Capt. Young are dying. Joseph Marden, Esq., Clerk of the Exchange Bank was taken down last night. G. W. Camp, Esq., shocked by the death of his wife, is not expected to recover. Twenty-six died in Portsmouth, up to sunset last evening. We note below some of the latest deaths: Betsy Bradley, Nancy Sorey, Lucy Griffin, Miss Mary Malony, Thomas Carson, Thomas Woodfin, J. P. Howell, Mrs. Fanny Smith, James Ryan, William Martin, Miss Roselia Griffin, daughter of Mr. Lockwood, Mrs. McNally, Mrs. John Allmand, Miss Alice Chandler, Miss Rorsha Chandler, daughters of the late Mrs. Dr. Chandler; Charles Bottimore, Mary Bradford, (free col'd;) John Small, custom house officer; daughter of Mrs. Davis, (died at Ocean View;) Mrs. Elkanab Ballance, Mrs. Thos. Owens, Mrs. Henry Howard, col'd man, Hawk st.; Wm. P. Burnham, Mrs. Gowan, col'd woman, owned by C. Constable; Mrs. Whitehead, wife of Wm. C. Whitehead, Esq.–total heard from 32. W. D. Roberts, Esq., is dying; he made his will this morning. Dr. George Cowdery, and Augustus Cooke, Esq., were taken down last night. There were seventy burials yesterday–many of them having been lying over for coffins forty-eight hours. VERDAD.

HOWARD HOSPITAL.
Norfolk, Sept. 6.–8 o'clock, P.M.

Editor Dispatch: The fever is a little on the decrease in the city. Mr. Solloman, of Baltimore, one of the assistant druggists at the hospital, has just died. Mrs. Wilson, one of the nurses, is also dead. Mr. A. B. Cooke, head clerk at the hospital, is very ill with the fever. Dr. Gooch still lives. Today admitted in hospital 14 cases– 9 whites and 5 negroes. Discharged 8 persons–4 whites and 4 negroes. Deaths to this hour three, all whites.–David Pike, of your city, taken with the fever, is doing well. Number of deaths in the city today 35. I have plenty of work. Yours, &c. H. M.

DEATH OF THE CITY DELEGATE.–We learn that W. D. Roberts, Delegate elect from the city of Norfolk to the Legislature, is dead.

DEATH OF GEORGE W. CAMP.–We learn by telegraph, via Weldon, that George W. Camp, Cashier of the Exchange Bank, died Thursday night. Our correspondent "Verdad" reports both him and Mr. Roberts as very ill.

THE FEVER.–We also learn by telegraph from Petersburg, that reports were received there that the fever in Norfolk was "alarmingly on the increase." This does not correspond with our letters direct from Norfolk, which represent the disease as abating a little.

PETERSBURG, Sept. 7, 9 P. M.

JAS. H. FINCH, foreman of the Norfolk Argus, came here yesterday afternoon, was seized with the fever this morning, and now lies dangerously ill at his brother's residence in this city.

John D. Perks, son of Luke Perks, of Richmond, is dead. C.

DR. THOMAS HOWLE, of this [Richmond] city, has been attacked with the fever, in Portsmouth, and has been carried to the Hospital.

We are glad to learn that DR. CROW, of this city, who was carried to the Hospital a few days ago since, is better, and it is thought will recover.

PORTSMOUTH.
Telegraphed from Weldon, Friday, September 7.

There were only twelve deaths in Portsmouth yesterday; and it was considered that the fever was decreasing.

John Collins, brother of Dr. Wm. Collins, President of the Roanoke and Seaboard Railroad, had suffered a relapse, and was dangerously ill at the Crawford House.

Dr. Wm. Collins was at last accounts no better, and was still at a friend's near Portsmouth.

MAYOR FISKE, we are glad to learn is still improving. It is highly gratifying to hear that one who has labored so hard as he has done to relieve the sufferings of others should have passed through the fever and be now convalescent.

THE FEVER IN NORFOLK
Norfolk, Sept. 6, 1855.

To attempt a description of what is going on here, to assay to give you a correct idea of the extent and fury and power of the fierce and fearful visitation would be futile. So far as my reading has extended, history furnishes no parallel to the dreadful and heart-rending mortality in our small remaining population; and the same, or even stronger remarks apply also to our sister town across our beautiful river. The deaths here have recently numbered fifty, sixty, seventy–aye, very nearly eighty, per day, in our remnant of a population of about six thousand, or at more, seven thousand! The rich, the poor–old and young–white and colored–all have been indiscriminately leveled down by the disease which now holds fearful sway in our once happy city, throughout whose streets, avenues and squares there reign a silence and a desolation that are sickening and oppressive beyond description.

The physicians seem to be driving races on every street, and the members of the Howard Association are vigorously pursuing their invaluable labors all over the town–sending nurses, food, medicine, and aid of every kind. Of the generous aid from abroad, too much cannot be said. The physicians, nurses who have come, and the funds and goods sent from other cities inspire all here with a deep sense of gratitude; and an incalculable amount of good is being thus effected, and suffering and want, to a fearful extent, prevented.

There are many individual cases of deep interest; many instances of loss, bereavement and affliction that are calculated almost to make the heart bleed. The calamity comes down with crushing weight upon us.

A few days ago, I was one of three (one a physician) who stood conversing in the street upon the subject that fills the minds of the people now. All three were soon attacked–one in your city, where he died, the doctor is also dead; but, thanks to a kind Providence, I am pronounced out of danger, and am able to sit up and write. I was attacked with a chill, which was soon succeeded by pains in the head, back and legs. As you may feel interest enough in it, I will give you the treatment that succeeded in my case. I was fortunate in having the benefit of the skillful attendance and experience of Dr. Robert H. Gordon, a graduate of your excellent Medical College, (and who has been unjustly censured in some quarters.) He has charge of the City Hospital, (where hundred of cases have been successfully treated,) together with his able assistant, Dr. George L. Upshur, another very valuable member of the regular profession here.

It is common to give about 10 grains of calomel; but this will not suit every case. My feet were immersed in water, with mustard and salt thrown in and stirred; then I took a large wine glass of castor oil; this operated well. Then, the fever being very high, I took 10 grs. quinine; 2 hours thereafter 5, and 2 hours after 5 more. This nearly broke the fever, and I seemed to be getting better; but it was discovered that the stomach was not sufficiently cleansed, and a seldlitz powder was taken, and two more doses of quinine (5 grs. each) conquered the disease. I was kept warm and still in bed, drinking warm tea, lemonade and eating ice, and the appetite gradually returning, I was allowed to take soup and such other things as the stomach seemed able to bear. This is the 9th day and I am strong enough, as you see, to sit up and write a little.

I am admonished now of the propriety of closing this hasty letter, which is three times as long as I intended. Hoping your beautiful city may escape the scourge, I remain,

Yours respectfully, F.

SEPTEMBER 10, 1855.

The following letter appears in the Baltimore Sun of Saturday. It makes known the wishes of the people of Portsmouth, relative to the proposition for their removal, and it also makes known their wants. It might reasonably be inferred that with regard to removal, at least, the people of Norfolk are not differently situated or inclined from those of Portsmouth:

PORTSMOUTH, VA., Sept. 5.

My Dear Sir: Your communication of the 3rd of September, suggesting the removal of our suffering people to encampments, &c., was referred, by a meeting of our citizens, to a committee who were instructed to report upon the feasibility of the plan proposed. After a careful consideration of the subject, and the personal consultation with many of our citizens, that committee reports: First–that the suffering of our people, the multitude who are sick, and the great numbers who are sorely bereaved by the unsparing pestilence, leaves none of us in a situation to avail ourselves of your very generous proposition. Secondly–that whilst our distresses constrain us thus to decline your suggestion, our necessities compel us to implore your assistance to relieve the suffering and feed the destitute. We are so stricken, my dear sir, that we know not what to do, save to suffer, and hope in God. Almost every man in our community requires and receives assistance from the charities that have been so freely given to our people, and our disbursements amount to, at least, eight hundred dollars per diem–to attend the sick, bury the dead, feed the destitute, comfort the widow and care for the orphan.

If a committee of heroic men and women would visit our place, spend but a day and acquaint themselves with our miseries, I know you would do even more than you have done, because you would know how to do it. The charities received by this town have, in money, amounted to about sixteen thousand dollars, besides a considerable amount in provisions, hospital stores, &c., whilst in Norfolk, with a population not much exceeding ours, their receipts have been more than three times as much. I think this arises from a misapprehension of many at a distance who suppose that Portsmouth is a part of Norfolk and that we receive a portion of all that is appropriated for her relief. We do not blame Norfolk for this, we only explain it for ourselves.

I begun this, my dear sir, as an official communication; I have, inadvertently, extended it. Community of suffering has made us all friends here, and we hopefully look abroad for the same feeling. I have all the time remembered, too, that we were once friends, and my present mood would render me again familiar.

Very truly yours, &c.
G. W. PEETE, Ch'n Ref. Com.

To Wm. M. Kemp, M. D., President Health Office, Balt., Md.

P. S.–We are now suffering for the want of mattresses, covering, pillows complete and clothes for infants from 1 up to 5 years old. G. W. P.

The President of the Board immediately appealed to the people of Baltimore for contributions. The appeal was nobly responded to. Clothes, provisions and money were freely contributed. Of money, upwards of $2,000 were subscribed Friday, and Friday evening and Saturday morning the boats for Norfolk carried down a great variety of articles for the comfort and support of the afflicted people of Portsmouth. Mr. Peete, in a letter to Mr. N. Falls, of Baltimore, specified the following articles as needed which were all promptly forwarded:

4 dozen mattresses, pillows and covering; 2 dozen cots; 12 boxes best tallow candles; 10 barrels crackers; 2 hhds. shoulder bacon; 4 bags coffee; 2 barrels white sugar; 6 kegs lard; 6 kegs butter; 2 barrels (in pint bottles) porter; 2 do. ale; 12 boxes soap; half cask good Port wine; 6 doz. brandy, and a daily supply of bread–say 100 pounds–for the hospital.

The provision committee in this city, in the last two days, have forwarded very considerable amounts of many of the articles in this list, which we copy as a sort of guide to the benevolent who are disposed to aid the afflicted.

AID FOR NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

MORE NURSES.–The Charleston Courier of the 7th states that seven more nurses left that place that morning for Norfolk. It adds that these seven make forty in all sent by the Howard Association of Charleston to Norfolk.

STAUNTON.–The people of Staunton and vicinity have contributed $507.50 to the sufferers of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

WHEELING has sent another remittance of $500 for the sufferers.

BALTIMORE.–$3,000 was collected in this city Saturday for the sufferers at Norfolk.

SHOCKOE SPRINGS, N. C.–We hear from the Milton Chronicle, that $550 have been contributed by the visitors at these springs for the benefit of Portsmouth and Norfolk.

NURSES.–The Charleston Courier of Thursday, states that four nurses were sent to Norfolk by the cars Thursday morning. The Howard Association of Charleston had advertised for more nurses.

CONTRIBUTION OF CHARLESTON.–The executive committee of the Howard Association acknowledge $1214.25 contributed by merchants and others of Charleston, for the benefit of the sufferers in Norfolk and Portsmouth.

MOBILE.–The Mobile Advertiser of the 1st inst., announces that Dr. Obermuller, an experienced physician of that city, has offered his services to the Mayor as a nurse for Norfolk, which offer has been accepted. The Mayor has advertised for more nurses, with the view of sending them to the afflicted cities.

FARMVILLE.–We learn from the Journal that the citizens of that place and a part of Prince Edward county, have raised about $500 for the Norfolk and Portsmouth people.

CHRISTIANSBURG has sent $105 for the people of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

PETERSBURG CONTRIBUTIONS.–In addition to the sums already sent from this city to Portsmouth, we are pleased to state that yesterday Mr. James McIlwaine, of the firm of Paul & McIlwaine, and Mr. Henry C. Hardy, of the firm of Rowlett & Hardy, collected among our citizens the sum of $600 for the benefit of Norfolk, As the sums already collected in this city were solely for the relief of Portsmouth, all our citizens who feel desirous of adding to the money now being raised for Norfolk can leave their contributions either at Paul & McIlwaine's or at Rowlett & Hardy's for that purpose. Let those who can spare give according to their means–the cause is an uncommon one. EXPRESS.

THE HAMPTON COMMITTEE, appointed to visit Richmond to confer with his Excellency the Governor of Virginia, in order to render some aid to their afflicted fellow citizens of Norfolk and Portsmouth, take this method of returning their thanks to Capt. Davis of the steamer Curtis Peck, for the hospitality tendered them and for his kind and courteous attention on their return passage. HAMPTON, Sept. 6th, 1855.

AIDING THE SUFFERERS.–Campbell's Minstrels will give one of their most attractive entertainments at Metropolitan Hall this evening, the receipts from which are to be appropriated to the relief of the Portsmouth and Norfolk sufferers.–Every person who has a quarter to spare should purchase a ticket tonight, and thereby aid in a praiseworthy cause.

MORE AID FOR THE SUFFERERS.–Liberal Grove, U. A. O. Druids, of this city, have written to their brethren in Portsmouth, directing them to draw on the Lodge here for $50. This donation is certainly a most liberal one, coming as it does from an order whose numerical strength is very small.

CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS.–The amount collected in the various Churches in this city, on Thursday last, for the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers, is $1,867, divided thus: St. James (Episcopal) $397; Dr. Hoge's $385.67; 1st Baptist $340; Trinity $224.53; 2nd Baptist $106.51; German Synagogue, 11th st. $101.75; Mayo st. Synagogue $65.97; Sycamore $65; Union Station $42; Leigh street Baptist $43.70; Methodist (Manchester) $35.36; Duval st. Chapel $15.50; African $18.26; German Lutheran $10.05; Wesley Chapel $8.80; Methodist (Oregon Hill) $6. –making $1,866.10. To this add general contributions of various gentlemen, sent in to the Treasurer, $168.50 cts. Total $2,034.60. In addition to this, are a number of contributions, sent by various benevolent orders, the exact amount of which we are not able to give at this time.

LATEST MAIL NEWS
From Norfolk and Portsmouth.

We are this morning enabled to publish but a meager account from the infected cities. Our correspondent in Norfolk is sick with the fever and can get no one to fill his place, and there are no papers issued in Norfolk and Portsmouth. In Portsmouth we have been unable to find anyone to report for us. Our accounts are therefore brief and unsatisfactory. Our correspondent from Norfolk in his letter of Friday night says:

NORFOLK, Sept. 7, '55.

I regret to announce to you that I was taken down with fever last night, and am now confined to my bed. I passed a very bad night, but feel better this morning, and my physician thinks I will be up in a day or two, my attack, in his opinion, being a mild one.–I had selected a young man to continue my correspondence; but he, poor fellow, is down too.
Yours truly.

P. S.–Dr. Huger, who attends me, says that the disease has abated considerably, and the No. of new cases since yesterday is very small.

On the other hand Dr. Maund, a physician who went up to Baltimore, Saturday morning, reported that there were not as many cases as usual Friday, but that the disease was more virulent in his character and more fatal in its effects.

And yet again a telegraphic dispatch forwarded from Baltimore to the Northern papers Saturday, says:

"The Norfolk boat brings tidings of a decrease in the number of deaths, and also, that the new cases are easier managed than previously.

The same dispatch says:

Dr. Morris writes that there are but two physicians from the North now at Norfolk but what are down with the fever.

Dr. Marshall, of Baltimore, is dying.

We received the following telegraphic dispatch last night from Weldon:

Sunday, Sept. 9.–P.M.

"I deeply regret to inform you that Dr. Collins, President of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, and J. W. Collins, of the Crawford House, Portsmouth, died yesterday.

Dr. Thomas Howle, of Richmond, died early yesterday morning, at the Naval Hospital.

George Chambers, jr., died also yesterday.

Whit. Ashton, a very estimable young man, Deputy Postmaster of Portsmouth, died in the United States Hospital, Friday.–He was the main reliance of the Postmaster, Mr. Cooke, who is absent.

Yesterday there were fifty deaths in Norfolk–still a frightful mortality. In Portsmouth there were twenty-three.

Bray B. Walters, of the National Hotel, is certainly dead. He died Friday –and a most estimable man he was.

Dr. Wright, formerly of Edenton, North Carolina, who has been rendering good service, is sick with the fever.

I am glad to say that Dr. Gooch, who lies sick in Norfolk, is certainly better–and I am also gratified to be able to say that Dr. Crow, also of Richmond, who is sick at the U S hospital, was much better yesterday.

Dr. N. W. Whitehead, of Norfolk, although once reported dead, is much better, as also is his daughter.

Samuel Wilson, who has labored for some time, the last notary and the last officer in the Bank of Virginia in Portsmouth, has closed that institution and left.

A letter states that many of the deaths in Norfolk, Friday, were of the oldest citizens. The inability to get the names must leave the absentees in a state of great anxiety.

We are enabled to correct the statement with regard to Robert Tatem, who has been reported as dead. He is alive and at Hampton, where he is making arrangements to remove his mother and sisters.

We learn that the daughter of Capt. Harding, of the Coffee is down with the fever.

This, with the following very interesting letters is all that we can publish this morning with regard to this afflicting and intensely interesting news:

Hampton, Sept. 7, 1855.

The returning committee from Washington arrived this morning. The result of their interview with the President of the U. States and Secretary of the Navy, you have already chronicled. This committee reported to the adjourned meeting of the citizens today through its chairman, as did also the Richmond committee through R. H. Vaughan, Esq. Rev. Dr. McCabe handed over the sum of $325 received by him from the President and a few members of the Cabinet, as a donation to the Norfolk and Ports-mouth sufferers, to Fayette Jones, Esq., Chairman of the Corresponding Committee.

Tomorrow morning there will be a deputation down from Baltimore with tents, &c., and, God willing, we go right to work in making immediate shelters to which a portion of the sufferers can flee. It was decided at a meeting last night, just before the "Louisiana" left Baltimore, to erect these tents on Craney Island, but, upon reflection, this location is deemed to near to Norfolk to be desirable, and the water surrounding it is too shoaly to admit the ready landing either of families or supplies.

Joseph Segar, Esq., has most nobly and generously tendered the committee the use of his land for the purpose desired, and it is presumed the place will be ready in two or three days for occupancy. The committee speak in the highest and warmest terms of the meeting they had with the Mayor and President of the Board of Health of the city of Baltimore on the evening of their return from Washington. These gentlemen also met with the refugees at the meeting at Barnum's yesterday morning, and offered to cooperate and furnish "material aid" in money, provisions, tents, or any thing else.–Truly, Baltimore is a noble city, and the Mayor and the members of the Board of Health sterling and noble gentlemen. As soon as it was known to M. N. Falls, Esq., the President of the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, that one of the objects of the mission of the committee was to procure the removal of the good people of Norfolk and Portsmouth, he promptly and courteously offered to place at the service of the sufferers two of his large steamers to transport them without fee or reward, to the place decided upon for a location.

I regret to say that Mr. Ferguson, one of the officers of the Norfolk Custom House, is very low tonight at Burcher's Hotel, in Hampton, with fever. He will probably be dead before this reaches you.

Miss Mary Jones, sister of the late Past Midshipman Jones, and daughter of Mrs. W. Jones, of Norfolk, (both latter deceased with the fever,) is also lying ill at the same Hotel with the disease. Should this young and beautiful lady fall a victim, she will make the fifth member of this interesting family, who have gone to the grave within less than a fortnight. It is said of the Jews, that on their return from their captivity, their old men wept when they remembered the glorious past, and contrasted it with the sad present. With feelings akin to these, when the families of Norfolk and Portsmouth, shall go back to their homes, when the pestilence shall have departed. Oh! God, what a return will it be! Desolated chambers will be there–vacant chairs shall be at almost every fireside, and every board–familiar voices be heard no more–childless parent will exchange sad greeting, and orphan children will weep in each other's arms.

The congregations of the churches will be moving panoramas of funeral drapery, and the tones of recognition when friend meets friend, will sound as hollow as the first handful of fresh earth cast upon a coffin. And this last word reminds me of a portion of the freight of the Louisiana last night, on her downward trip. There were barrels of bread and crackers, and boxes of candles and lemons, and other things to sustain and cheer life among the stricken ones–and 150 coffins, all for Norfolk and Portsmouth. It was a lovely night, the moon shone out with mild and subdued beauty, the stars seemed

* * * * "Telling a touching story,
Of friends long past to the kingdom love,
Where the soul wears its mantle of glory!"

The boat rode right gallantly over the huge billows of the Chesapeake, but there, before me, around me, piled in tiers of three and four deep, were those sad, silent, dark coffins! My imagination filled each gloomy tenement with a corpse–cold, pale, ghastly! floating, floating, floating, –on, on, on,–where? I thought of those lines of Campbell, in his "Last Man." I associated them with Norfolk and Portsmouth, and the coffins, and the departed. Norfolk–Portsmouth, one hundred and fifty coffins! Those

"Cities had no sound or tread,
And ships were drifting with the dead,
To shores where all was dumb!"

Thirty of these were a present from a kind-hearted undertaker in Baltimore–God bless him for his generosity–but only think of such a present, a present of thirty COFFINS!

You shall hear from me again, as soon as the "city of tents" is erected, and begins to be tenanted. OATS.

P. S.–Sept. 8.–Miss Mary Jones is much better this morning, but poor Ferguson can not last more than two or three hours. Mr. W. T. Walthall, formerly editor of the Mobile Advertiser, has gone to Norfolk on behalf of the Church Brotherhood of the P. E. Church of Mobile, to assist in nursing the sick. Mr. Wm. Miller of the same city, is here assisting in the noble task. This gentleman, and his brother Dr. Robinson Miller are sons of the Rev. B. M. Miller, the former Rector of the St. Paul's, Norfolk. Walthall and the two Millers are Virginians.

NORFOLK
Sept. 7, 1855.

Today we admitted twelve persons to the hospital–five deaths. We have at present eighty-three cases in the hospital, who are doing quite well. The disease in the city is not on the increase. Wm. D. Roberts, jr., member elect to Legislature from this city, died this morning. He was a fine man, and will be a loss to the city.

Thinking you would like a list of officers at the infirmary, I here send them. Dr. Gooch is still living. H. M.

Officers in Howard Hospital.

Visiting physicians, Dr. Fenner, N. Orleans; Dr. Reid, Savannah; Dr. Huger, Charleston; Dr. A. L. Bignan, Augusta; Dr. Miller, Mobile; 1st druggist, John W. Handy, Philadelphia; Assistant druggists, A. J. Gibbs, Philadelphia; E. Jackson, Charleston; Superintendents, A. B. Cook, Norfolk; H. Myers, Richmond; Dr. Robertson, West Indies; Bookkeeper, G. Reid, Norfolk.

THE FEVER.–The Baltimore Sun of Saturday, remarking upon the tenor of its information, says: "We have at last a gleam of hope–a foreshadowing of the probability of returning health to the horror-stricken cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

THE PERKS FAMILY.–The Petersburg Express, in noticing the death of John Perks, says he was a machinist well known in that city. His father, Luke Perks, formerly of this city, and his mother, Mrs. Hannah Perks, died before him. Two daughters are all that remains of a family of five.

SEPTEMBER 11, 1855.

VIRGINIA.

Norfolk and Portsmouth.–We take the following information concerning the fever in Norfolk and Portsmouth, from the Petersburg Express, all the family of Ignatius Higgins who are alive are down with the fever. The wife of Purser Fitzgerald and his son Charles, are reported to have died of fever in Baltimore. The widow and son of W. B. Burnham, dec'd, are dead. The wife of John Ferrett, of the Exchange Bank, is reported dead. Mr. Guy, the Chief of Police and family are up; R. S. Bernard, the druggist, is very low; Henry Burgess, cabinet maker at Salusbury's has suffered a relapse; Wm. Murphy's family are sick. Mrs. John Seldon and her daughter, Virginia, are down; Samuel R. Borum recovered; also A. F. Leonard and W. S. Forest of the Argus, are recovered. Mr. Gatewood, of the Beacon, it is hoped will recover; Wm. Walters is up. Rev. O'Keefe is up; also Rev. Mr. Wills. Mr. O'Keefe's sister is down; Mr. McEwen, foreman of Herald is well; Webb, another printer, is down; Marshall Ott, dead. Miss Saunders, daughter of Mr. Saunders of the Farmers' Bank of Norfolk, is dead.

Mr. Solomon Cherry, of Norfolk, is at Weldon, N. C. He has been very ill, but is recovering, and looks exceedingly feeble. He was one of a "mess" of seven who determined to brave it out. Five of the "mess" have "passed away," and the remaining two are left very much enfeebled in health and deeply depressed in spirits. He has mourned the loss of friends until the fountain of his tears has dried up. He is indeed one of nature's noblemen, and will return as soon as his health is somewhat recruited.

Robt. McDonald, printer in the Transcript office, died on Friday night.

The Portsmouth Transcript has the following:

Deaths.–The following is a list of the deaths in this town since the 30th ult:

Aug. 31.–Luther Barrot, Wm. Collins, Geo. Bowser, col'd, John Mesly, Mrs. Davis, negro boy at Crawford House, J. M. Drewry, Michael Nee's child and 2 at Hospital–total 10.

Sept. 1.–Mrs. John B. Davis, Mrs. Foster, son of Wilson Williams, Wm. Bone, Ann Black, son of Thos. L. Johnson's son, Samuel Brewer, Wm. T. Owens, Harry, a free negro, J. D. Cooper, Thomas Rudd, Sr., Wm. Woodly, Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Lorant, Miss Fanny Land, Geo. Hope, Malachi Williams–total 17.

Sept. 2.–Mrs. Patrick, Wm. Fay, Mrs. Cox, daughter of M. B. Langhorne, dec'd, child of Rich'd Eastwood, Miss Sophia Bingley, negro woman of Miss Thompson, Patrick O'Donnell, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Macklin, Miss Findley sister of Mrs. Macklin, Miss Tatem, James Mullen, Mrs. Cherry, wife of Jeremiah Cherry, Mrs. Davidson, Miss Williams, daughter of the late Patrick Williams, Wm. Ford, child of Mrs. Elizabeth Cherry, negro woman of C. A. Grice, child of Mrs. Margaret Robbins, negro woman of Capt. Benthall, John Earl, Mrs. Cockerin, negro man, negro woman of D. Scott, Jesse Oakley, and 5 at the Hospital–total 31.

Sept. 3.–Negro woman of Mr. Gunter, William Westin, child of Mr. Thompson, Miss Ghio, Col. Chas. Cassell, Mrs. Chas. Bilisoly, Mrs. John Lash, Negro woman of W. W. Davis, Mrs. Bullock, child of Wm. Etheridge, negro child of John Tee, Michael O'Sullivan, negro of Hodsden, Mrs. John D. Cooper, negro of Joshua Ballentine, negro man of William Brooks, R. Cox, Mr. Bullock, jr., and four at the hospital–total 22.

Sept. 4.–Caroline Williams, Miss Reed, Thos. Green, Joseph Bilisoly, son of Charles, Geo. Taylor, Mrs. White, Robt. Buchanon, Samuel Richardson, John Land, Michael Burke, Mrs. Coleman, Mary Gafney, John McQuinn–total 13.

Sept. 5.–Washington George, Mr. Heatly, John David, child, Richard Williams, Mrs. Michael Lynch, Dr. Nicholson, Mr. Foster, Mrs. Pullen, child of John West, Miss Buckner, George Willis, Mrs. Pierce, Luke Perks, child of Mrs. Parker, child of Charles Simmons, Mrs. Keeton, and five colored–total 22.

Sept. 6.–Child of Robert A. Graves, Pat Nevin, Mr. Fisher, Mr. Cofield and son, Jno. Brice, Michael Toole, Mrs. Wm. G. Morney, Mrs. Applewhite, child of E. O. Conner, James Totterdell, child of John Whitehurst, Mrs. Buchanon, two colored and 4 at the Hospital–total 19.

The Transcript has the following review: Dr. Howle it will be recollected died on Friday morning:

Few men are left. The merry hearted do sigh. The mirth of tablets ceaseth. The noise of them that rejoice endeth. The joy of the harp ceaseth. Every house is shut up. There is a crying in the streets. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone. In the city is left desolation. And the gate is smitten with destruction. Such is not an inapt description of Norfolk and Portsmouth.

Since the last issue of this paper, on Friday the 31st. ult., the doings of death has been ceaseless.–The grave, like the barren womb, still saith it is not enough. Upon an average, twenty-five have died here since the Transcript made its appearance, and we suppose about fifty in Norfolk.–Eight, yea, nine of the physicians, who nobly came from abroad and boldly entered the very jaws of death, have had the fever and seven of them are now at the Naval Hospital, Dr. Smith, Dr. Bryant, Dr. Crow, Dr. Howle, Dr. Kennedy are there.–Among the deaths which we have recorded are good and true men. We must commemorate John Woodly. The writer of this helped to close his eyes, and saw the last of him on earth. A more noble-hearted, generous, kind, benevolent and exemplary young man we have seldom know. Jno. D. Cooper was a sterling man, honest, industrious and firmly adherent to principle. But we must pass on. The Mayor of Portsmouth, we are happy to tell our friends, is decidedly improving; the feebleness and prostration, under which he has been laboring for some days, are giving place to comparative strength, and with him, the fatal crisis has passed.

We saw the Rev. Mr. Delvin on Wednesday. He has passed through the disease, and was out again doing his duty, and then on his way to visit a sick stranger who had sent for him, and who had come among us to help us. We trust that oil and wine will be poured in and that his wounds will be bound up. The fever continues as bad as ever. Indeed the number of deaths during the last week has exceeded that of any previous week. Dr. Rizer of Philadelphia, who has been most active in his attendance upon the sick, left on Wednesday afternoon. He had been to the Hospital sick. We understand it is his design to return as soon as he shall regain his strength. Drs. Cobert, Webster, Walters are all hard to work. More physicians have been written for to supply the place of those sick, and to divide the labor, which is and has been too arduous for the few engaged in this charitable work.

Speaking of the volunteer physicians, it says:

Seven of these noble men are now at the Hospital sick–Drs. Bryant, Asprill, Crow, Kennedy, Howle, Marshall and Smith. We learned that Dr. Bryant was ill, but he was much better yesterday. The Rev. Mr. Chisholm of St. John's Church, who has been so energetic in the discharge of his duties among the sick and dying, we conversed with yesterday morning. He was then apparently as well as the writer of this. He is now an inmate of the Hospital. The sun is out in all his glory and heat, and the roofs are dripping with the night's accumulation of moisture.

THE FEVER.

The accounts generally which came to hand yesterday, represent the fever as abating. We have no doubt that a turn has taken for the better; and that though there may be some days yet so black in the infected cities as to occasion temporary fears for the worse, the disease will steadily diminish until extinguished by a merciful frost or two.–We refer the reader to our details, not perfect. They are not so bad as they have been, but yet appalling enough, God knows.

DR. GOOCH.–After several days of doubt, of hope, and fear, and heartfelt anxiety, the fate of this young physician and townsman of our's is settled. He died Sunday night.

AID FOR THE SUFFERERS.–We have to acknowledge from Messrs. Powers & Duke $22 for the benefit of the afflicted of Norfolk and Portsmouth. This sum was received at their Daguerrean Gallery, yesterday. With a commendable benevolence, they set apart their receipts for the day to this humane object. Their generous contribution shall have the proper destination.

AID FOR THE SUFFERERS.–We have been favored with a letter from Wm. H. Barrett, Secretary of a Committee of Lafayette Lodge, Norfolk, acknowledging two remittances of $70 and $158 from Friendship Lodge, No. 10, I. O. O. F., of this city. The letter expresses in feeling terms the gratitude of the recipients for the aid sent them, and draws a sad picture of the trials and affliction of the people of Norfolk. It is addressed to E. A. Clopton, Henry J. Cook, D. W. Hopkins, and others, committee of Friendship Lodge.

MESSRS. JOHNSON & PUGH, of this city have handed us a letter from Capt. R. W. Bowden, of Norfolk, Treasurer of the Howard Association, acknowledging a remittance of $70, made by Messrs. J. & P., on behalf of several citizens of Halifax county, for the benefit of the sufferers.

LATEST MAIL NEWS.
Portsmouth, Sept 8, 1855.

I arrived here this morning about 9 o'clock, after spending the night in the town of Suffolk. Our company going down was not a very large one, consisting of a couple of physicians, Marshall Hutchins, Esq., of Portsmouth, two ladies and myself. The physicians were on their way to Norfolk, and one of the ladies was going on to act as nurse in the Naval Hospital here. Yesterday afternoon, a free colored woman from Charleston, S. C., came on in the cars, having been induced to leave her home for the consideration of forty dollars per month and her board paid.

The approach to Portsmouth cannot be mistaken, and is terribly marked by the newly turned earth, under which the victims of the fever have been laid. It extends for hundred of yards, and in many spots is studded with stakes, upon which are marked the names of those who rest beneath. This has been done by some friend or relative, who contemplates if life is spared to him to remove and again inter the bodies. This sight is perhaps the saddest in Portsmouth. Here lie father and mother, sister and brother, the rich and poor, the prepared and the unprepared! This last is the most terrible thought of all, and as we turn shuddering aside we ask, where are they now? Where are they?

The scene of desolation as you pass down High street is sickening, at least to those who have never seen a "plagued" city before.–The stores along the street are closed, and many of the building which have been deserted have the entire upper stories open. Through one of the upper windows of a dwelling house, I saw the toilet glass, perfume bottles and little ornaments which ladies use, scattered carelessly about. My companion told me that the fair owner–one of the handsomest girls in Portsmouth–had become a tenant of the grave, and her family had fled from the place.

The passerby is met at every corner nearly by coffins. Coffins made in every shape–flat-top coffins, raised coffins, red coffins, and white coffins. In Suffolk they are making coffins at the rate of ten or twelve per day, and sending them down.

The fever here I think is abating, as I hear of a very few new cases yesterday or today, though the deaths have been quite as many as usual. There were eight deaths this morning, and fifteen during the rest of the day. Of course this is an unreliable statement, as it is impossible to get a full and correct list of the persons who die. The hearses and dead carts are running all day and a part of the night, but you cannot guess at the number of subjects their drivers deposit under the sod.

Mr. Marshall Hutchins, the only efficient policeman of Portsmouth now alive, is doing his duty nobly. There are to be three more appointments in the police, of whom I hear Henry Hopkins and Henry Humphreys are two.

The Crawford House is open at the expense of the city, for the accommodation of the physicians and nurses. At dinner today, we sat down with six of the former and one of the latter–she being the nurse who came down on the train today, and expects to go on duty tomorrow. She is a young, meek-looking woman, who does not evidence physical strength enough to go through the trouble she will have to encounter. Two of the physicians are Germans, and all seemed to be in high spirits. Whether this last fact can be regarded as a good omen in an epidemic, I leave the public to decide.

Dr. Thomas P. Howle, of Richmond, died this morning at 3 o'clock, at the Naval Hospital. He was taken down Thursday, had the black vomit last night, and breathed his last this morning. Poor Tom! he has fallen a victim to that goodness of heart which always characterized him. In health he was a generous companion, and in sickness and sorrow a patient, attentive friend. Dr. Crow, of Richmond, is much better, and Dr. McDowell is hard at work.

I cannot portray to you the scene in Portsmouth, or the effect of the epidemic on the inhabitants. It appears as if a terrible calamity had befallen the city by an explosion or conflagration, rather than the result of disease. Those persons who remain are calm and self-possessed, and look upon death and its paraphernalia in a business sort of way that is truly refreshing to a poor timid devil who has ventured into the town with the most terrible forebodings as to the possibility of his ever seeing his friends or inserting his legs under his own dinner table again. I could not help noticing one fellow that came down with us to Bowery's Hill.–He was uneasy from the time he left Suffolk, and had whistled more tunes than I had thought the musical imagination of any living man could conjure up. At times he could assume quite a defiant look, and gaze around so fiercely that I was quite afraid of an offensive demonstration against the mail agent, who he eyed very intently during the whole passage. As we approached Portsmouth, however, his courage went out with a burst, and he quietly alighted at the Hill named, to wait for the evening train to return.

The fever is raging more terribly in Norfolk than it is here, and the sight in the hospital is truly distressing. Long rows of beds contain patients who are perfectly delirious, and the air resounds with their cries and imprecations while they are strapped down with linen to their beds. In this situation they have the black vomit, and the sight presented is truly awful. Let physicians elsewhere be what they may, those in Norfolk and Portsmouth are heroes, and nothing less. No man can go through the scenes which they encounter with a degree of courage a peg or two above that of common people.

They want of coffins is severely felt both in Norfolk and here, and though we see such numbers of them, the supply is not equal to the demand. Poor Walter Scott, who died in Norfolk, was shouldered by a nurse, carried downstairs and packed into a square box with another subject, who died a few minutes before him, and hurried off to the trenches.

At the corner of High and Crawford streets here, there are stationed about twenty colored women, who have fruit and vegetables for sale. They are solemn, sleepy looking creatures, and looking at them is enough to give one the premonitory symptoms.

Mayor Fiske, I learn, intends, directly he can get out, to publish a list of those persons who have died at the Naval Hospital, which will be of interest to a great many.–As now, nobody, except those in the institution, knows who died at the hospital.

I cannot close this letter without a slight tribute to Mr. J. G. Holliday, the acting Mayor. He is a noble fellow–though I have heard that said so often in Richmond and the towns between there and here, that it sounds commonplace to repeat it. He seems to have the good of his fellow citizens more deeply rooted in his heart than any other earthly object. From morning until night, and often at night is he laboring in their behalf, and it is a matter of surprise, when we look at his careworn countenance, that he has not sunk under the labor or anxiety which have so plainly placed their mark there. Holt Wilson, Esq., of the Virginia Bank, is another who towers up among the throng who are doing good, and is unremitting in his efforts to alleviate the suffering of those who need his good offices.

The following is a list of those who died from last night up to 8 A. M., this morning. Robt. Bullock, Mrs. Pike, Mrs. Goudy, Henry Hardy, Miss Webb, daughter of Geo. Webb, dead; Miss Parker, daughter of Smith Parker, dead; Jos. George, son of Henry George.

Those who died yesterday, are: Mrs. Elizabeth Johnston, Mrs. York's child, Louis Crammer, Thos Mountjoy, Wm. Wallace, 2 orphan children of Jno. D. Cooper, at Academy; a son of Mr. Spratt, and infant child of Mr. Robt. T. Scott, Miss Susannah Reed, daughter of Geo. Reed, deceased child of Josiah E. Hodges, Jacob Miller, child of Mrs. Bohanan, Mr. Holland, Miss Alleda Vermillion, daughter of Jno. Vermillion; Mrs. J. Williams, Martha Tee, (colored;) Charlotte, colored; Mourning Myers, (colored.) This list is from the undertaker, and cannot be incorrect.

Mr. John Perks, formerly of Richmond, is not dead as I have seen it reported. On the contrary I had a cordial shake of the hand from him today, and you know that is a habit to which corpses are not much addicted. Poor fellow! he has recently buried his father and mother, Hannah and Luke Perks. They were both advanced in age and could not withstand the dreadful ravages of the fever.

Dr. Collins of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, and John W. Collins of the Crawford House are dead. Dr. C. lives some distance from town and lost his life by coming in during the day and leaving about dark. –Poor fellow! he has given his life as forfeit for his rashness. Mr J. W. Collins was for some time at the point of death and died at a late hour today. Geo. Chambers, Jr., whose death I have to record, lost his life chiefly from imprudence. He experienced a relapse after being nearly well, and death ended his sufferings.

Dr. Bilisoly of this place, has I learn, met with marked success in his practice during the epidemic. I believe his unites, as far as possible, the homeopathic and allopathic modes of practice, and finds the combination eminently successful. He has, I learn, at least 250 patients under his charge.

The white covered wagon for the Hospital has just left Mr. Holliday's office with six patients. They are all who have been sent there today.

The want of provisions is felt here sensibly, and I think it would be a good plan if persons desiring to contribute to Portsmouth would direct their gifts to Portsmouth, and not the Howard Association of Norfolk. We have received very little so far of the contributions made–not our share by any means. Could not the confectioners of Richmond unite and send a quantity of lemons here. We need them above almost everything else save articles of food. I hear a good deal of praise bestowed on Baltimore and Petersburg, but I have yet to hear the generosity of Richmond receive a word of commendation. The office of the Sanitary Committee is besieged with applicants for food, and Mr. S. T. Hartt, the humane member of the committee who gives the orders, performs a most laborious duty in attending to the afflicted. He is beset from morning till night with applications, some of which are impositions, and detecting those which are, is a heavy duty of itself. One colored woman came into the office today, and asked for rations for herself and two "little white orflins," who had been left without a protector by the death of both parents.

The "plague fly" disappeared Thursday and leaves us in doubt as to whether its disappearance is a good or bad omen. They are insects very much like mosquitoes, except with large wings, and their bites greatly inflames the flesh and raises great knots on it. When they came here their bellies were red, and when they left they had become yellow.

Dr. Pete is much better. His wife is at Suffolk, and it was with great difficulty that the devoted woman could be restrained this morning from coming down on the train and periling her life to be with him.

The following is the whereabouts of the following physicians who have come here: Dr. Gelbardt, dead; Dr. Mierson, of Philadelphia, gone home; Dr. Cole, do., gone home; Dr. Rizer, do., went home with the fever, but returned here today; Dr. Aspill, do., ill at Hospital; Dr. Handicrib, do., ill; Dr. Bryant, do., dead; Dr. Kennedy, do., ill; Dr. Marshall, of Baltimore, dying; Drs. Webster and Walters, of Baltimore, still up; Dr. Howle, of Richmond, dead; Dr. McDowell, do., still up; Dr. Crow, do., better.

Dr. R. B. Berry, of Memphis, Tenn., and Dr. T. Y. Flournoy, of Arkansas, went through to Norfolk today.

Some trouble has been experienced by the Board of Health here, with physicians who are totally incompetent to do any good by prescriptions, and are unwilling to fill the position of nurses. One of these gentlemen has received a note from the Board, admonishing him that his services were unneeded, and has left the place. He was much affected upon receiving the intelligence, and burst into tears.

Among those who will certainly die, are Robt. Ballentine, Crawford House.

Mr. Harrison Keily, ferry master, was taken to the Hospital this morning, and Stephen Pace. Mrs. James Tottendell is dying. Miss Simmons of Gosport is dead. T.

HAMPTON, Sept. 9, 1855.

Poor Ferguson of the Norfolk Custom House, breathed his last at Burcher's Hotel, in this place yesterday afternoon, about 4 o'clock, and was buried by the Odd Fellows, of which society he was a member, about 5 o'clock. Miss Mary Jones, I am happy to state is improving, and her friends have hope now that she will recover. The family of the Rev. Mr. Eskridge, Chaplain of the Navy Yard, Gosport, I am sorry to say are down with the fever in Portsmouth. The prayers of the congregations in this place were offered up today in their behalf. The Washington Committee reported proceedings on Friday, and a new committee was formed immediately, styled the "Hampton, Norfolk and Portsmouth Relief Committee," of which the Rev. J. C. McCabe of Hampton, was made chairman.

On yesterday the steamer Georgia arrived with the tents, and a letter from that whole-souled gentleman, M. N. Falls, Esq., President of the Baltimore Steam Navigation Company, tendering any further aid in men, money, or anything else needed in order to carry out the wishes of the Committee. Wm. E. Bartlett, Esq., of the Baltimore City Council came down at the same time, clothed with full powers by the Mayor of Baltimore to do anything that might be required in carrying out our project of colonizing those from Norfolk, who might feel disposed to avail themselves of the movement. Mr. Bartlett was accompanied by Mr. Talbot of the "Baltimore Clipper" newspaper, and by the following gentlemen who volunteered to come down, and help erect tents: Jno. Rea, James E. George, J. R. Jones, C. Dove, M. Johanas, J. R. Bedford, and Wm. Poole, Esq'res., and nine others employed, paid by the Baltimore City government, for the same purpose. They were met by Rev. J. C. McCabe, and Charles L. Collier, Joseph Freeman and E. T. Blanine, Esq., of the Relief Committee, and forthwith proceeded to the grounds of Mr. Segar, where all hands went to work with a right good will, and in a few hours forty tents rose like beautiful monuments with their spires pointing to the heavens. It was a noble sight to see this work going on; the Purser of the "Georgia" Mr. Parks was there with his beaming face, coat off and at work; so was the Captain, so was the Baltimore Committee, so the Hampton Committee. In a few house "The Falls Encampment" (named in honor of M. N. Falls, Esq.,) was gleaming in its beauty, looking in the distance, like a little city of marble temples.

About 2 o'clock, P. M., the flag staff was planted, and the boat's flag, a large National ensign was hoisted amid three as hearty cheers as ever were given by brave hearts and honest voices. The gentlemanly proprietor of the land was there distributing his hospitalities, and every man seemed to feel that he had his reward in the noble consciousness of doing his duty. The Chairman of the Relief Committee ordered two hundred single mattresses, which will be down in Tuesday morning's boat from Baltimore. A detachment of the "Hampton Guard," Capt. Jno. B. Cary, are guarding the tents until the refugees arrive, which we hope will be Tuesday morning, the Chairman having opened an immediate correspondence with the President of the Norfolk Howard Association, W. B. Ferguson, Esq., and also with the acting Mayor of Portsmouth. Isn't Baltimore a noble city? and are not those Baltimoreans the finest fellows in the world?–Honor, all honor, to her Mayor and Council,–Honor to M. N. Falls, to Bartlett, to them all. Deep sympathy has been manifested from many quarters. Large contributions have been made from many sources, and noble men from many sections have been liberal, most liberal, but may we not use the language of inspiration and say of Baltimore–"Many daughters have done virtuously, but THOU excellest them all."

It is said that some of the physicians of Norfolk and Portsmouth advise against a removal now,–they are wrong. I consulted with an eminent physician in Baltimore, conversant with the disease, and he says, let them be removed, all that can. As an evidence of the propriety of this view, I would remark, that of the cases which have appeared in Hampton among the refugees, (and the only cases so far, have been among those) fifty per cent have recovered.

It is reported here that Dr. Lawson, chief of the medical staff, U. S. A., arrived this morning at Old Point for the purpose of making enquiries relative to the situation of the fort, and the practicability of removing the sick thither. Of course the report will be unfavorable, although the Dr. I presume, is not one of the old Grannies who believed the disease contagious. I think the Government might now safely offer the fortress, for I do not believe it would be accepted. Our tents will be well strawed, and those for families floored with plank if necessary. It is proposed, if our Norfolk and Portsmouth friends avail themselves of this arrangement, to make a chapel of one of the Marquees, and hold divine service there on Sabbath afternoons.

It is also said that Commodore McKeever will not avail himself of the Secretary's directions to close the Navy Yard, and discharge the workmen, notwithstanding the Secretary has ordered a month's pay in advance. Be it so, the Commodore is a gallant gentleman, and I have not a word to say against his motives. I think, however, he is decidedly wrong, and hope that time will not recognize me as a true prophet.–Our Richmond Committee speak in the very highest terms of those gentlemen, with whom they were brought into official contact, as well as of all others whose acquaintance they made.

I will try and keep you advised of the course of things in this region, and in the mean time remain, Very truly yours, OATS.

SUFFOLK, Va., Sept. 9.

The citizens here held a meeting yesterday evening to consider the resignation of Messrs. Jenkins and Pedan, two of the town trustees, who had resigned because the people showed no disposition to sustain them in enforcing the quarantine laws against Norfolk and Portsmouth, and left them to bear the anger of those who the laws offended, while in truth the good people of Suffolk themselves should have shared it with them. The meeting passed resolutions full endorsing the action of the trustees, whereupon the resignations of those gentlemen were withdrawn. The quarantine here, it seems, is actually necessary, as were it withdrawn, the town would be filled with negroes from Portsmouth, whose owners are desirous to get them out of the infected district. This class of population above all others are apt to bring disease into a town by their filthy mode of living.

Several loads of coffins are sent from here daily by the trains for Portsmouth. They are made for Ex-Mayor Stokes, who has ordered them. They are nearly all raised top coffins which are very popular in Portsmouth just now; every man wanting his relative to go the grave in a raised top.

The hotels and many private houses here are filled with refugees from Norfolk and Portsmouth, who look with painful anxiety each day for the arrival of the train which may bring them intelligence of the recovery or death of some relative or dear friend.

Seven nurses–four colored and three white–from Charleston, S. C., passed through here yesterday en route for Portsmouth.

Norfolk, Sept. 9, 1855.

There have been six deaths today at the hospital, and six cases admitted. Everything is going on quite smoothly. Our physicians are doing wonders; they seem to understand their business.

Dr. Reid and Dr. Campbell are the most successful in their treatment. They rarely lose two out of ten cases. Dr. Gooch is certainly dying–he cannot survive tonight. Mr. Daniel Pike, of Richmond, died yesterday. He was buried shortly afterwards in a private lot in the burial yard. Every care has been taken to have his grave marked, so his friends can remove his remains when the fever abates, if they feel so disposed. You must warn the good people who have left here on account of the fever not to return until a heavy frost, as our doctors anticipate a great deal of sickness should they do so. Tomorrow I will give a list of all those who have died at the hospital since it has been in operation. Thirty-two deaths in the city today. Yours, H. M.

P. S. –R. S. Bernard, the principal druggist in the city, has just died.

Richard Gatewood, jr., of the Beacon, has also just expired. H. M.

AMONG THE DEATHS FRIDAY, were Mr. Whitten, clerk in the house of Tabb & Co.; Mrs. Harwood, wife of Henry Harwood; Mrs. Ferrett, wife of late Mr. Ferrett, of the Exchange Bank; Miss McGowan and Miss Selden, of Smith's Point; Mrs. Reynolds, mother of Mr. Reynolds, of the Howard Association. J. Hardy Hendren, Deputy Sergeant of Norfolk, is out of danger.

Dr. Francis Higgins, as we learn by a private letter, is lying ill in Philadelphia, where he went to recruit his health.

WE MAKE THE FOLLOWING extract from a private letter from Norfolk to a friend in this city:

"Tell our friend that Mr. Henry Myers has fully justified his high recommendation. He is worth his weight in gold; and I verily believe has the power of ubiquity–being found in almost every place where he is wanted. Such reliable men as he, are just what we have wanted to bring order out of chaos. Every thing seems to be going on first rate at the new hospital, (the old City Hotel.) The sick are well provided for, and attended by the best physicians and nurses–in proof of which the deaths have not averaged more than four a day our of 60 to 70 cases.

John F. Small, a printer, is dead. Thomas S. Boothe, also a printer, is dead.

The same letter says that Dr. S. D. Campbell, who was sent on by the Virginians of New Orleans for the relief of Norfolk, attends to private practice and has an office at the National Hotel."

Telegraph, Petersburg, Sept. 10.

By way of Weldon I have the following particulars: Dr. P. C. Gooch of Richmond, and Daniel Pike of of the same city died in Norfolk yesterday. There were twenty-five deaths in Norfolk yesterday, and twelve in Portsmouth.

In Suffolk, eighteen miles from Portsmouth, Thomas Riddick, a little son of the proprietor of Riddick's Hotel, died of the fever this morning.–He had never visited the infected cities. His death caused a panic among the citizens of the place, and a flight has commenced.

The train on the Seaboard and Roanoke road which came into Weldon today, was shrouded in mourning, through respect to Dr. W. Collins, the late President of the road.

Eighteen nurses from Savannah and Augusta went through Weldon today for Norfolk, under charge of Mr. Doryea. Yours, O.

[SECOND DISPATCH.]

PETERSBURG.–Sept. 10, 8 P. M.–Information has been received here of the death of Dr. F. L. Higgins, of Norfolk, in Philadelphia, yesterday. A child of Rev. Mr. Wills died yesterday, also Mrs. Mary Long, wife of W. F. Long of the Norfolk News, North James street.

In Portsmouth, Sunday, John Nash, ship carpenter, died. The following are among the dead:–Mrs. C. T. Myers, Mrs. Geo. Topping, Mrs. Jas. Tottendale.

Drs. Marshall, of Baltimore, and Smith, died yesterday, in the Naval Hospital, Portsmouth.

Robt. T. Scott, keeper of Provision Store, is dying. Reverend Mr. Chisholm is improving, and Rev. Vernon Eskridge is doing well.

Jas. H. Finch, Esq., of the Norfolk Argus, who arrived in Petersburg a day or two since, is dying. Yours, X.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF NORFOLK AND PORTSMOUTH.

Holt Wilson, Esq., Treasurer of the Fund for the Relief of Portsmouth, acknowledges the following contributions:

Arthur Emmerson (contribution of an unknown friend,) $50.
Hardy & Bros., (additional contribution of Jas. C. Johnson, Esq., of Edenton, $200 having been previously received,) $200.
Thos. Matthews, Cash, Lewisburg, Va., $506.90. Thos. Matthews, Esq. Cash from Lewisburg, $39.50. From same $5.
Hardy & Bros., (contribution of citizens of N. Carolina,) $100.
Rev. Jno. D. Mitchell, Lynchburg, $7. Cash through the same from a Delaware farmer, $1.
Cert of Deposit R. H. Batte, Teller, $60.
John Millington, $150.
J. A. Smith, Cash $58.32.
Cash, $10. Cash $5.
John Otey, $10. do. do. (half for Norfolk,) $20.
Sweeney, Rettenhouse & Co., $103.
C. Dewey, Cash, $384.
W. W. Pierce, Esq., $49.71.
Hebron Baptist Church Southampton–through Rev. T. Hume, $15.
Wm. R. Galt, Esq. Buchanan, $10.
Episcopal Church, Raleigh, through Rev. Mr. Mason, $178.
W. H. Fowle from Sweet Springs, Virginia, $336.25.
E. M. Lewis, Cash, through the untiring and indefatigable Mr. Webster, Chairman, $402.
$175 from the citizens of Columbia, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, August 30, 1855.
18 bags of meal from Edenton, N. C.
Thos. C. Tabb, on behalf of Visitors of White Sulphur Spings, $506. 50.

RACHEL, the great actress, has subscribed $1000 for the relief of the Norfolk and Portsmouth sufferers.

Continued.

Previous Page.

INDEX.