The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1861-11-21
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Advertiser.
THURSDAY. 81.

The news received by the Yankee may be
considered as very favorable to The Union cause.
The rebellion has now reached that point when
the strength and zeal of its supporters are to be
put to a severer test than they have yet had.
Thus far all has been enthusiasm on the part
of the rebels, sustained and increased by the
success and victories which they have met.
Amply supplied at the outset, by robberies Of
arms, munitions and other property of the ma
tional government valued at millions, which
were absolutely necessary to commence and
maintain their rebellion, they have hitherto
hardly felt the need of further supplies from
abroad. But the period is evidently approach
ing, when their wants will imperatively call
for supplies that can only be obtained from
abroad and as the blockade, (Which, by the
way, is the most extensive that the annals of
modern OF ancient warfare have recorded J, is now
being enforced with such rigor as to efectually
bar commerce., the people OF the Southern States
must soon be compelled to endure the severest
want. The winter months, with their cold
winds and rains, demand warm clothing, shoes
and fuel, and these are mainly imported from
abroad. Without them no army can long be
kept together, nor any people long remain con-
tented.
The latest advices, as will be seen by reference
to our foreign news columns, record the rebels
in Virginia retreating from the line of the Puto-
mac. This has evidently been done for the pur-
pose of fastening an engagement with the Union
forces in the neighborhood of Manassas, where
the Bull Run battle took place, and where they
hope to meet a like success. should the latter
pursue them. But probably Gen. Mcclellan
will only fight when his forces are so arranged as
to be able to succeed in what they set about.
An important item Of news is received regarding
this General. He has asked that the supreme
command of the army of the Potomac shall be
con6ded to him and his request has been ac-
ceded TO by the President and his advisers. Gen.
Mcclellan, then, assumes the position of Com
mander-in-Chief, above the President and zen.
Scott, SO far as pertains to military matters at
the East. This is a step that has long been
needed, and will tend more than anything tc
ensure success to the Union forces. 4 military
dictatorship, in time of trar, with supreme COM
mand in all war matters, is what every govern
ment should confde to its COMMANDMENTS Chief,
as necessary to the unity and safety of the
The retreat of the rebel forces in Virginia has
probably been owing in part to the recall of
their troops by the several Governors of the
States, to repel The threatened invasion
of the coast by the secret naval expeditions
have been sent from New York. The
withdrawal of these forces from the rebel army
in Virginia has probably weakened it's strength
80 greatly as to make the retreat a necessity.
Up to the 18th or Goth Of October, the naval
expeditions 1.-TWO had left New York and Fortress
Monroe.) had not been reported as having landed
1t any Southern port. The next mail may bring
- sn-,o NOUS IF -hai- nnnvan,ants