Daily National Intelligencer

Norfolk, February 5.

Invasion!—Yesterday several expresses arrived in town, from the bay side of Princess Anne county, giving the long-anticipated intelligence of a British squadron entering our waters. The squadron was stated to consist of two 74 gun ships, three frigates, a brig and a schooner, all standing towards Hampton Roads under easy sail. (On the receipt of this news, the alarm was beat thro' the town, and in less than an hour the 54th regiment paraded and formed at the appointed place of rendezvous (in cases of alarm) in Freemason street. It is with pleasure we state, that nearly the number which paraded at the usual musters were present on this critical occasion. The U. S. frigate Constellation, capt. Stewart, had anchored in Hampton Roads the day before, and it was feared she was the main object which the invaders had in view; and, unfortunately, it being ebb tide, she was fast aground on Willoughby Spit. The flood, however, made, and the ship was afloat, before the enemy hove in sight. She was immediately brought up the river and moored between the two forts. The recruits at the barracks were ordered down to Fort Norfolk, and the gun-boats stationed in the most favorable positions. In short, every exertion was made that lay within the narrow sphere of our defensive means.

In the town of Hampton a laudable alacrity was displayed by the militia, who turned out to a man, and remained under arms as long as it was deemed necessary.

We have learnt this morning, that the squadron were at anchor last evening in Lynnhaven bay nearly opposite the Pleasure-house, and that they captured several craft.

Herald.