BALTIMORE, April 9 [1862].

A letter to the N. Y. Herald says the accounts of the progress of affairs at Yorktown which have reached this city through channels believed to be reliable, differ materially from the accounts furnished by the government.  It was known at Richmond when a portion of the Union army of the Potomac moved from Manassas to Washington.  It was known there when the corps de armie landed and were assembled at Fortress Monroe.  It was known there when Gen. McClellan and staff arrived at the Fort, and it was known there when the march on Yorktown commenced and the number of troops Gen. McClellan had wherewith to make the attack.  These facts convinced the Confederate government at Richmond that their hour was come unless they took instant measures to arrest the march of Gen. McClellan.  The fortifications of Yorktown were all that could be desired, both as to strength and armament, but Gen. Magruder had as yet only thirty-five thousand troops.  The withdrawal of such a large number of Union troops from Manassas rendered it necessary to keep the main body of the army of the Rappahannock along that stream, and from that army accordingly, Gen. Magruder has been largely reinforced.

Troops have been arriving at Yorktown and Gordonsville every day for the last week.

It is believed that Gen. Johnston and Jeff. Davis are both at Yorktown, and that Gen. Johnston is in command.  The number of rebel troops there cannot be less than 100,000.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, April 12, 1862, p. 1

Special to New York Papers

(Herald’s Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, May 21. – The President has decided that 50,000 more volunteers shall be accepted.  This is to fill up regiments which have been thinned out by sickness and wounds, and to for a reserve under drill for the future, which may be ready at the decisive moment.

Notwithstanding the solemn threat of certain Senators who hold their refusal to take up the tax bill interwoven over the head of the President, to scare or drive him into a compliance with the programme of conducting the war, the bill was taken up to-day and will be acted upon without delay.  It will probably be shaped and passed before the end of the month.  The impression prevails that Senator Simmons’ substitute is more simple in its provisions, and that the House bill will finally be adopted.

The armor of the Galena which was pierced by the projectiles of the rebel batteries below Richmond, was but three inches thick.

The gunboats on the Western waters are thinly plated but partially clad, which shows the necessity of the six inch plates that have been ordered for the three new gunboats of the Monitor style that are now in process of erection in New York.

The Monitor thus far has stood the fire with her five inch plates, but as guns of enormous caliber and projectiles of great momentum are in view, it is safe to increase the thickness of the armor.

(Tribune’s Special.)

It is not yet precisely determined what number of volunteers to call for, but it will not be far from 100,000, including those needed to fill up the old regiments.

It will scarcely be credited that hay is brought to the army of Virginia from Maine, and corn from Illinois, although these articles are to be had for the taking from premises abandoned by the rebels.  Their armies do not scruple to rob our men of all that can be moved.

A pontoon bridge has been laid and the Rappahannock can now be crossed at four different points.

Orders have been issued for two pairs of shoes and one pair of leggings for the infantry of the army of the Rappahannock.

The greatest activity prevails and striking news may be expected from this quarter before long.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3