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Richmond — McClellan.

The accounts from Virginia are cheering, indeed. Even before the evacuation of Yorktown by the rebels, the Richmond politicians and people had begun to apprehend what must sooner or later be the result; and we find the newspapers of that city in a great rage about the panic prevailing in the Confederate capital, on account of the headway McClellan was steadily making on the peninsula. They abused the Davis Government for indecision and inefficiency, invoked the military authorities to risk everything at Yorktown, and at the same time counseled the citizens not to be in too great hast to imitate the example of the insurgeant Congress by taking refuge in flight. While professing faith in the ability of the secession armies to hold the capital, these journals advised planters not to forward their tobacco to Richmond, as it would be better that it should be destroyed than sent where there was "even a faint prospect of its contributing to the aid and comfort of the enemy." Unionists became encouraged, and some were bold enough to placard the city with writings on the walls of stores and dwellings, expressive of hopeful and confident sentiments in relation to the early appearance of the Federal army.

But if such was the condition of the public mind in Richmond several days ago, what must it be now, when the formidable fortifications in and around Yorktown are in possession of the National troops, and McClellan is swiftly pursuing the defeated and demoralized forces of Johnston and Magruder? What is there to arrest the dismay and consternation of the palpitating populace or check the insane ravings of the horror stricken press? The defeat and ignominious flight of the rebels from Yorktown can certainly leave nothing to hand a hope upon for the astonished and affrighted rebels of Richmond.

Our reports do not show that the apprehensions for the safety of the Confederate Capital are by any means unfounded. The Federal gunboats have reached West Point, forty miles up the York river, followed by Gen. Franklin's division, which was left on board of transports to move immediately on its being ascertained that the enemy had fled from Yorktown. Twenty thousand more soldiers have by this time proceeded in the same direction whilst a large force of cavalry, horse artillery and infantry are harassing the rear of the fugitives. If the present movements are successful, a great number of the rebels will be headed off, and Johnston's army deprived of the principal part of its ordinance, ammunition, baggage and transportation. Gen. McClellan is making good his assurance to the Secretary of War that "no time shall be lost," and that he will "push the enemy to the wall." Who knows but that by this time next week the flag of the Union will wave over the State House and Statute of Washington in the Capital of Virginia and of "Dixie?"

Some of the common scolds belonging to the insatiable fanatical party are making the bold and fruitless attempt to produce dissatisfaction in the public mind with the result of the operations on the Peninsula, for the purpose of derogating from the fine military abilities shown by Gen. McClellan. The loyal people however, cannot be convinced that they are not gratified with what he has accomplished. Accounts from the army under his command are unanimous on the point of his great popularity with his soldiers, and many who went to the seat of war to scoff at him remained to admire and praise his genius, after witnessing his achievements. It is undemable that there has been a great reaction in regard to Gen. McClellan that gallant commander who has so long withstood calumny and reproach in patience and silence, bids far to win laurels as will put to the blush the designing persecutors who have so relentlessly pursued him. We have been a believer in Gen. McClellan from the start, and heartily rejoice that he has so nobly vindicated himself by his acts.