The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

Norfolk, July 20.

On Saturday a public dinner was given by the Mayor and a number of the Citizens of Norfolk, to the Officers and soldiers serving in the Infantry and Cavalry from Richmond and Petersburg.

Never did we witness a scene so interesting as was exhibited on this occasion. To convey a just idea of it, in appropriate language, is beyond our powers, all that we can do is to make the attempt.

In the morning early, the 54th regiment, with the volunteer corps attached thereto, was paraded (with the exception of captain Taylor's cavalry detached on duty) in order to receive the Petersburg and Richmond troops, stationed at Portsmouth. The regiment moved to the foot of the bridge, and was there formed in two lines, with a space for the troops from Portsmouth to pass between. About 11 o'clock they arrived; the Richmond Light Infantry Blues, under captain Richardson, in front, followed by captain Bolling, Robertson's Republican Blues, then a detachment of the Petersburg militia, the rear was brought up by captain Randolph's Richmond Republican Blues. In this order they passed through the lines, receiving salutes from the officers, the colors, and the regiment with presented arms.

The regiment being again formed the whole of the troops then proceeded to the parade, where they were dismissed.

At 3 o'clock, the company, consisting of 700 persons, sat down to a handsome dinner, at which the Mayor presided, and col. SHARP acted as Vice President. After which the following toasts were drank.

1st. The people of the U. States--Unanimity of sentiment and friendship of action will ever crown their efforts with success--3 guns, 3 cheers.

2d. The President of the U. States--The measures his wisdom has resolved upon, it is our duty to execute with fidelity--3 guns, 3 cheers.

3d. The governor of Virginia--His prudence, promptness and vigilance to protect his country, merit and receive the tribute of sincere approbation of his fellow-citizens,--2 guns, 3 cheers.

4th. The Congress of the U. States--We look with confident expectation that the representatives of a free people will adopt every proper measure to avenge the national wrongs, and secure the national rights. 4 guns, 4 cheers.

5th. The constituted authorities of government--They are agents of our own choice, entitled therefore to our obedience, respect and confidence. 3 guns, 3 cheers.

6th. The army of the U. States--Having the benefit of more military experience, we will regard them as models for our example in the hour of danger. 2 guns, 3 cheers.

7th. The navy of the U. S.--Our flag has once been struck but the lustre of its stars is not extinguished. 4 guns, 6 cheers.

8th. The militia--Their swords although formed of ploughshares are so well tempered that they can reach the heart of a foe. 3 guns, 3 cheers.

9th. Our brethren from Richmond & Petersburg--When they heard we were in danger they flew to our assistance. They merit and receive our gratitude. 6 guns, 6 cheers.

10th. The British nation--We wish to preserve an honorable peace with them, but we dread not war, it is preferable to either insult or injustice--2 guns, 3 cheers.

11th. The memory of George Washington--Let it inspire every American to emulate his glory--6 guns, 6 cheers.

12th. The heroes of our revolution--The rich legacy of honorable independence which they bequeathed to us must never be impaired. -- guns, 6 cheers.

13th. Our brethren who were wounded and slaughtered on board of the Chesapeake--Their blood cries for vengeance, and when our government directs, vengeance it shall have, till then we can only mourn their loss and sympathize in their sufferings. 4 guns, 4 cheers.

14th. The nations in amity with us--May our peaceful relations long continue. 2 guns, 3 cheers.

15th. Abolition to all party distinctions--6 guns, 6 cheers.

16th. Arts and manufactures--our country furnishes every raw material. let us not be indebted to others for the workmanship. 2 guns, 3 cheers.

17th. The American Eagle--a prowling Lion has sprang upon her when unsuspicious, but she now defies his roar. 6 guns, 6 cheers.

18th. Our brothers now on duty--they live in our memory altho' absent from our banquet.

Volunteer From the Chair.

The Spirit of 76--It is again excited, may it never be extinguished, but like the lightening from Heaven, descend upon the structures and forms of tyranny, to blast them forever.

By the Spanish Consul.

The liberty of the seas --The nation that arrogates to itself the sovereignty of the ocean, and attempts to impose restrictions upon the free navigation of other nations, is the common enemy of mankind.

It was a source of heartfelt satisfaction to notice the harmony and order which prevailed during the whole of this day, upon an occasion, in which citizens of all parties were united. It was hardly possible to imagine that any occurrence would have so completely united the hearts and affections of persons who but a few weeks since recognised each other, but as objects of jealousy, suspicion, and hatred. A sense of common danger, a sense of the insult to the honor of our country united all, and verified the words of the President, 'That we were all federalists, we were all republicans.' In whatever view we have beheld the recent occurrence, we shall never regret it, should it prove the means of uniting the affections of our countrymen, and of extinguishing that rancorous spirit of party, that threatened the destruction of all social harmony and intercourse. So far as we can be the humble means of promoting a spirit of union, which this great crisis calls for, it will be our duty as it is our inclination, to devote all our efforts.

In the evening the company separated, with great order, and in the course of the day not a single occurrence took place which could disturb its harmony and pleasure.