The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-10

war, he sad:-"A war of invasion may, however have
its disadvantages. Its line Of operat ions may become
too deep hat is, the end to be attained may be very
distant from the base Of operatons), which is always
hazardous In enemys country. All tho natural and
artificial obstacles, such mountains rivers dciles
forticatons, &C.. favorable TO defence, but difficult
to be overcome by the invader. The local authsr
ties and inhabitants oppose instead Of facilitating
his operations; and patriotism animate the
defensive army fight for the Independence Of its threat
ened country, tho war may be long and bloody. BmT
political direrson be made IN favor Of the invading force,
and its operations be attended nth success strikes The enemy
at the heart, pa,alyse all his military energies and d1s
him of his nrilia,y resources, aus promptly trmtahgthe
coatskn
THE FALLING BACK OF THE TROOPS IN MISSOURI AND
KENTUCKY.
Several small bodies of troops have been for
time scattered about in various parts of the troubled
States OF Kentucky and Missouri and when they had by
order of the former commanding Generals reached the
neghborhood Of the borders of the seeded States and
apparently about to advance upon the rebels
their ground, they chagrined 10 find the
commanders give orders for them all TO fall back upon
certain particular posts Tho natural inquiries Of the
military reader Of the said intelligence would be "Wha
are they retreating fors" and "Why do they not
advance and whip the rebcls on their own groundf"
Gen. Halleck shows plainly that the movement is but
part OF his settled policy (and doubtless that
meets the cordial approval Of the Commander in Chief
for he says''The first and most important rule in Of
fensive warfare is keep your forces much
trated possible This act not only prevent misfortune,
but ricory since, by its necessary operation you
the power OF throwing whole force upon any
exposed point OF your enemy's position"
Some writers have made exceptions TO this rule of
General Hallecks, viz
1st. When the food and forage Of the neghborhood in
which you act have been exhausted and destroyed and
your magazines from any cause unable supply the
deficiency, of two things must be done--eher you
must to the place where these articles abound you
must draw from them your supplies by attachments
%. Small detachments should be sent to feel tho
way for the main body to draw attack, and
risk one body for the security Of the other.
Sd. When you have complete evidence of the actual
probable nsurrccon in your favor of town pro-
vince Of your enemy, Of division Of his army, you
must support this inclination by strong detachmens and
4th When, by despatchng detachment, you may be
able to intercept convoy reinforcement coming to
the aid OF your enemy.
General Haleck, however contends that these ap.
parent rather than real EXCEPTIONS To the rule
centration.
SHOULD THE ARMY BE ALL IN THE SAME PLACE?
On this question the commander Of the Department of
Missouri puts forth a decisive negative. He says
'Ths rule does require that all the army should
cupy the position. Far from it. Concentration
requires the main body be in immediate support
ing reach" He intmates that the invading forces
should be located that open hand placed upon
the map Of the country should represent their posi-
ton the fingers indicating the location Of the several
detachments thrown out important strategic lines,
and which should be able to be readily drawn in as
closing the hand, upon the principal and central mass
ifnDO hie
doubtless accounts for the the various br
gades scattered about Missouri the former
of the West to points upon the railroad lines, all within
easy distance Of each other and readily accessible
from st. Louis. The same fact applies to Ken
tucky, and gives denial to the reports
of disastrous retreat of army in that State The
falling back is but portion of preconcerted plan
based upon authorities similar to the above
SHOULD THE ATTACK BE VIGOROUSLY FOLLOWED UP?
All writer's agree upon the affirmative in relation to
this point. General Halleck says:-whatever measure
be necessary to open your route to these objects
promptly taken, and you subsist yourself at
the enemys expense your movements must be more
rapid than his. Give him time to breathe-and above
all give him time to rest-and your project blasted
his orages will be completed and his gazincs filed and
secured; the roads of approach will be obstructed
bridges destroyed and strong points taken everywhere
and defended.
Iisw pagy this short but important truism has been
verified In tho present war During tho engagements in
Western Virginia, but more especially at laurel Hill,
Rich Mountain, &c. how long did General Mcclellan allow
his enemy to rest after he first attacked hm9 Compare
lively time at all Attack after attack fell upon the
reDes until, in the Of short week, the whole
party were routed their general killed. and Western vr-
ginia saved How different in Missouri. LexagiAsas
besieged, but no help was there by order 60 Hm-
mande of the department Price got possession OF the
place and the Union troops and although the commander
made great show Of advancing upon him. and left St.