From Yorktown.
[Correspondence of the Richmond Dispatch.] Yorktown, August 21st, 1861
To-day one month ago principle triumphed over an almost demoralized despotism, and the great American question which is of so much importance to us was advanced many steps towards its solution.
The question which prior to that time was looked upon by foreign powers as an enigma, has now assumed the common appearance of a problem.
The rule for the solution of which can be found in Southern valor, spirit and determination.
The first equation of this problem was solved on the 21st of July, according to this rule by the vigilant and valiant Beauregard and Johnston.
For a few days past lowering clouds — not of gloom nor portentous of evil, but of acceptable rain and truly refreshing showers — have been gathered in the firmament, and have excluded from view the blue canopy of Heaven.
There has been much sickness in this place for several weeks past.
The measles and typhoid fever have been most prevalent — especially in the First North Carolina and the Sixth Georgia Regiments.
Death has visited the army in this section in the forms most dreaded by a soldier.
The latter regiment has moved its encampment out upon the field where Cornwallis surrendered — it is about one mile from the wharf, such as it is. So that the number upon the sick list is daily diminishing on account of purer air and the cool weather for the last two or three days, which is not so congenial with fever.
The current report that Gen. Wool has taken command of the Hessian forces at Old Point, has awakened a general feeling of liveliness among the troops at this point, upon the supposition that they may soon have an opportunity offered for liberating this section of the Old Dominion from the vile and despicable horde who are urged on to their desperate work by a worthless crew — more blood-thirsty even than the foul instigators of the French Revolution.
But the time for epistolary condemnation of them and their acts has passed.
We ask of them but one favor, and that is, to come out of their strongholds and give us a chance to finish the solution of this great problem.--While history is being made at such a rapid rate upon this continent, to be liberal, we should like for a page or so to be devoted to their memory, as it is not the general opinion that such a self-destructive animal can long survive
I hate to trouble you and the Dispatch with any monotonous details of the transactions about Yorktown, as nothing is acceptable with the public except something of an exciting nature; yet we do not wish to be forgotten, but rather have it remembered that we are both ready and willing to entertain Yankee visitors at any cost.
But be assured that if Gen. Wool does call upon us, that the Dispatch shall have the full particulars from your friend, "Minimus." 