The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-10-03

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We have received information from Norfolk. by
way of Fortress Monroe, Of most important
character. appears that great preparations are
being made by the rebel authorities at Richmond,
along the James and York rivers, and at Norfolk.
for some purpose Of an offensive character 1t is
their intention to send down the James and York
rivers strong body of troops, accompanied by
heavy ordnance, for the purpose Of occupying
Yorktown and other positions on both rivers, and
for siege operations. Indeed, accounts have
lllready been published of the arrival of troops
and coiumbiads at Yorktown. They are also
putting the steamers Jamestown and Yorktown in
lighting condition The Merrimac has been under.
going thorough repair, is nearly completed is iron
clad, and powerfully armed. Two sailing vessels.
of-war, which had been sunk at the Navy Yard at
Norfolk at the time of the evacuation by the Union
forces, have been raised and put upon thorough
war footing. 1t is also stated to be their purpose
when all this is ready to throw large land force
upon Newport News, with heavy artillery, at the
same time the Merrimac and the two sailing vessels
are to leave Norfolk, and the two steamers James.
town and Yorktown will come down the James
river. The rebel vessels-of-war are to engage the
feet while the army are attacking Newport News
by land, preventing the assistance expected
from the Union vessels in case of
any such an attack, reaching the troops. If
these plans prove successful the rebels in
tend to assault Fortress Monroe ITSELF Us they now
consider that as q strategic point Of the highest
and most vital Importance, it being in connection
with the free entrance of the Chesapeake Bay, the
base Of operations by which the Union government
can most effectively carry out its course of action
along the Southern coast The rebels, however
intend to wait for such opportunity to carry out
their plans, when it shall so happen that, by some
naval movement, but few vessels will be at
Old Point, and these they expect by this sudden
man@uvre soon to conquer Doubtless this. in
connection with the facts developed by the
authorities OF Washington will explain, in great
measure, the recent movements before that city.
The rebels have found that they cannot safely
attempt to enter the capital; they have also found
they cannot cross the Potomac river in conse-
quence Of the recent equinoctial storms and
freshcts, and the presence Of General Banks
column, nor can they easily cross into Maryland
from Aqua Creek. They have therefore adopted
this method Of attack, as it would doubtless strike
both ways, by giving them more probable chance
OF taking the city of Washington, and also check
ing the operations of the government. along the
Southern coast.
The victory at Hatteras Inlet is evidently
IN be followed up by another expedition
FIT m New York city, if we may Judge by
thu signs around u.s. Five steamers have sud.
denly been chartered within day or two
past and are now coaling for voyage
and fitting up with berths for the accommodation
of large number Of troops. In addition to these
transports some six or seven gunboats are al
anchor in the waters around the city, all ready to
sail upon receipt Of orders. Governor Morgan
and Adjutant General Hillhouse arrived in tho
city last evening, and to-day win commence the
consolidation of the miscellaneous incomplete
regiments in our vicinity. All this looks Ike It'd
carrying out of some plan determined upon by II
government for another naval expedition. IN
Eunboats are for bombarding and attacking pr
poses, and 1t would seem as if the transports, which
are now Citing up, are intended to carry the reg