Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-10-30
GoYernment Armadn.


The great naval expedition which is to
capture the coast towns of the South, bring
aid and comfort to its loyal inhabitants and
restore The Union, has sailed, is sailing, or is
about to sail from Fortress Monroe. OF its
magnitude, 80 long as it was undetermined
kept profound secret, the public is now
fully spprised. Ofits destination, if reports
are to be believed, nobody but the Admins
trstion and the rebels are informed From
the character of its equipments, it is evil
dentiy intended 10 make desceOts upon the
coast, and to operate upon the land as well
as upon the seas and harbors adjacent; and
great expectations are entertained Of the
effects il is destined to produce.
Looking at the great expedition in the
light Of the impression which the list of its
material leaves upon the memory, it is a
huge collection of big ships and little ships,
chips Of war aud ships of transport, steamers
and sailing vessels, propelers, ferry-boats,
tugs and surf boats, wheelbarrows, amnuni-
top, horses, forage provisions and humanity.
The first idea is that the thing is overdone-
that the plan was bigger than was necessary,
and toe big to be fairly and consistently ex-
ecuted. This idea is confirmed by the deliy
ard consequent loss Of precious time that is
now occurring. The October and Novem
storms of Cape Hatteras are formidable even
to such ships ss the Great Republic. The
keys Of Florida are dangerous, even in less
tempestuous seasons; and how crowd of
Brooklyn ferry. boats are to live in these
eeas, when the winds Of winter are let loose,
is a question that nothing but the trial can
determine.
We nay be mistaken; but to us this thing
looks like an immense folly. There may be
no misfortune in ii; but there are so many Of
the elements Of misfortune apparent, that we
can not be enthusiastic. 1t has, if reports
ore reliable begun with disaster. lis coun
sells are already disclosed to the enemy, al
though they are a secret from the com.
mander of the expedition. Sailors are said
to he supersttious, and perhaps, in matters
of the sea, little sailor-superstition is allow
able. In voyage, q bad beginning is om-
iusus. The beginning Of the great naval
expedition looks unhappy; let US hope that
lutlG 10 chlAf auu SOAloEOi anu FlSOL
in its commander and officers to overcome
the malignant omens, and secure fortunate
result.
What the South will do to meet the power
of the great expedition, it is impossible to
cor lecture. 1t has not armies enough to de-
fend every approacbabIe place along so vast
length Of sea- coast, and probably will not
make the attempt. Judging from the char.
acter of Mr.. Lincoln, we are inclined to
believe that his paramount idea is to recon
quer the forts and take possession of the real
estate of the United States-its arsenals,
custom houses, and court-houses; and there
is reason to suppose that to this business tha
force of the expedition will be directed. Our
ships Of war, if they are lucky enough, will
blaze away at fortress and fortifcation; and
IS they will, in most cases. be but partially
manned, will take some of them; and then,
perhaps formally, the Union will be restored
according to the prediction of the prophetic
Seward, and our troubles will be over.