Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.
Things in Petersburg. Petersburg, April 11, 1861.
After a day of the most intense excitement, arising from rumored dispatches said to have been received by a distinguished citizen of Richmond, a damper, in the form of a telegram direct from Charleston to a prominent citizen of this city, stating that there was no excitement, and no anticipation of an immediate fight, effectually cooled down the heated passions of our citizens to a very low temperature.
Whatever may be the feeling towards the fleet sent South by Lincoln, elsewhere, there exists but one sentiment with regard to it here, and that is, that it may be sunk to the bottom of the ocean, and not a vestige of it remain to tell of its former existence.
There is an intense desire to terminate the suspense now existing throughout the land, and which has well night become intolerable.
War, with all its entailments — blood, tears and gloom, would be a relief to the public mind, now almost worn out by the present state of uncertainty and indecision.
The Dispatch was in great demand here to-day, our people desiring to hear the effects of the freshet in James River.
The Appomattox is gradually calming down, after having done its worst.
In addition to the damage I recounted in my letter of yesterday, I learn that part of the trestle work at the Farmville bridge was washed away, but not sufficiently to cause the stoppage of the regular trains.
I learn that the damage done at City Point is in course of rapid repair, and the business on that road will go on without interruption.
The weather to-day is in striking contrast with what has been visited upon us for the past week; the temperature is as mild as could be wished, the sky as clear as the eye of beauty, and the atmosphere is purity itself.
Everything and everybody look as smiling and cheerful as though there was not a care to rest its burden upon them.
The ladies, for whose beauty Petersburg is justly celebrated, appeared upon the street, in throngs, and for their asks, if for nothing else, the clerk of the weather should gallantly continue his kindness.
A. F. Critchfield, Esq., of the Daily Express, is at present on a visit to New York, on business connected with his paper.
The circulation of the Express has increased so rapidly in the last few months, is to reader the purchase of an additional press necessary
Moncour. 