Smyrna times., 1861-11-07
western Virginia The Rebels Giving
up the Contest.

The appointment of Gen. Lee, of the Confed-
crate army, to supersede Gen. Zolcoffer, who
Is leading the Invasion of Eastern Kentucky,
| indicates the entire aba andonment, for the sea.
son, OF the rebel campaign in Western Virgin
ia. There was abundant reason for rebel dis.
| couragemeDt in thu deserted theatre of war
Gov. Wise made a complete wreck of his rep-
utatIon, not only as an upright man, but as a
ethcIent leader, in his brief campaign in the
valley OF the Kanawha. He went forth from
Richmond on his errand west of the mountains
literally as Saul did, breathing threateniDgs
and slaughter" against those he was to oppose
but he found mere human nature than heroism
among Western Virginians. The Secession.
lists did not volunteer as he expected-they did
not rush enthusiastically 10 his standurd-lhey
dld not bring their guns and their ammunition
their meal and their -four, their horses and their
nerds, and offer all to Gov. Wise, a free gift
rom VIrgInlans on the altar of their seeded
State. On the contrary, Wise recruits were
| lew. They were mostly loafers and vagab bonds
"Iewd fellows of The baser Sort" cowardly and
addicted 10 stealing. The men ofproperty pre-
tered staying at home to campa rgnlng under
Wise. And as for their meat and flour, their
cattle and provisions, they held such articles
only for sale at round prices, and did not re-
celVe Confederate scrip, even from the late
Governor OF Virginia, and the laureled CONQUER.
or OF John Brown, in payment for their farm
produce
Wise was diapponted- mortified then
exasperated. Before he had been long soldier
ing in Western Virginia he lost all control of
his naturally unbalanced temper, and was rag
ing like madman, cursing and damning the
population indscrminately, seizing and con-
hscaIlng whatever his ragged rebels needed
| md ha En-l In laft ttko
pursued by Gen. Cox, with the flames of
burning steamboat, destroyed by him n mere
wantonness and vandalism, lighting his igno-
mlnious retreat.
After Wise came Floyd, the feon patron OF
! the Confederate rebellion. He marched ffIy
/ tnIles-trom Lewisburgh, the county town OF
Greenbrler, 10 the Gauey River-on his way
10 VanquIsh the enemy that had driven Wise
out OF the kanawha region. His essay was
reflection on Wise's courage or generalship,
and angered the doughty Ex-Governor. But
Floyd achieved nothing but a retreat from Car
nitex Ferry, betnre the rifles of Gen Rosecrans
The two defeated rebels were sent sick, sor.
rowiul, fighting and in disgrace to Richmond
TO end heir quarrel, and Gen. Lee superseded
them both.
But the cold winds and rains of the noun
taIns have put an end 10 the campaign on the
UauIey. Both armies have fallen back. The
COntederates ore now at Lewisburgh, where
they were two months ago. and Gen. Rose
| Grams holds the mountain gate of the Kanawha
Valley. Fifty miles separate the late combat.
ants. There is no further need for Lee in the
mountains, and he is sent to Kentucky to help
! sublugate State that refused to secede.
This is ominous of hard work in Kentucky.
1t Lee quits Virginia. he will not leave his reg
ln mill - -
| through the heart Of Kentucky, effecting
Junction with Buckner, Polk and Pillow, con.
centrstlng at Louisville, and make that city
and Cincinnati winter the combined rebel for.
ces. Our correspondents in Kentucky unite in
foreshadowing mighty movement Of the reb-
els upon that State. II is thought to be mat
ter OF life and death with the rebels-involying
the very existence Of their cause-to break
through Kentucky, reach the Ohio river and
conquer their Winter supplies. The govern
meut will not fail TO defeat such attempt.