Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-11-21

From eyeuts OF recent occurrence ii wonld
: appear as ii the interest of the portentous
drama now unfolding itself was about to be
Transferred from Virginia to the West. The
Old Dominion, erewhile the theatre of so
many startling episodes, seems to have set
tied down Tito comparative quietude-the
only exception in several weeks to the mo-
nOtony of uudisturbed camp life being the
fierce struggle and splendid triumph at
Leesburg. Since then, although the northern
and Western journals elsInor for an advance
movement. and those protesting to have ac-
cess to official sources ever and anon de-
clare that Gen. Mcclellan lie about to do
SEINE mighty deed OF glorious emprize, the
youthfuis Achilles fingers in his tent. and
manifests no disposition to encounter the
Hector of the Confederate hosts If, indeed,
we may credit Democratic authority Nc
Clellan has confessed that he dares not Fl eht
on the Potomac-at least thus AYERS that old
New York politician, Levi Chat6eld.
4 We, however. are not disposed TO ascribe
the Inactivity of the Federal armies in Vir-
ginia to the dread of being defeated by our
troops. We rather think it is in pursuance
of new line OF policy designed TO harass
aud injure the CoHfederates at points deemed
more vulnerable. Instead of attempting the
arduoas task of penetrating our lines along
s the Potomac, the Yankees have resolved to
vex cur seacoast with predatory expeditions
and at the same time 10 concentrate over
Ewhelming forces in Kentucky and Missouri,
with view of freeing both these States Of
the presence of Southern soldiers, and OF
threatening the Confederate States lying
within the valley of the Mississippi. We
have no doubt whatever that the n, ary ST.
multaneous attack upon Port Royal, the as
sault at Belmont, and the burning of bridges
in East Tennessee, were part and parcel of
preconcerted plan, aud were strictly in &C
cOrdance with instructions. The Belmont
affair had been so thoroughly arranged before
hand, and was expected TO be carried out
with such complete success, that the Chicago
Tribune, on the very day OF the fight, informed
its readers that in all probability Columbus
was at that time in possession of the Federal
forces. IT is generally understood that whilst
Grant and McClernand, with 5000 FederaIs,
were 10 cut to pieces tbe incoasid rable for
ceS occupying the shore opposite Columbus.
a larger body was TO assail the troops at the
latter place and carry it by storm. This not
able scheme failed. though one portion of it
was fairly tried. The Yankees did do their
best to aHnihilate the handful of men at Bel
mont, but by dint of timely reinforcemenIs
we annibilated them As for The secOud act
OF the PR posed tragedy it never came off
and was probably postponed indefinitely in
consequence Of the mishaps which followed
from the moment the curtain Was raised.
lu"fe II, UbWtfcI, uO IcdsOU 10 DtllcNr
that Yankee desperation will pause here.
The truth is, something must be done. or
Lincoln and his satellites will confess them
selves unable to make an impression on the
South. Being foiled at all points in Vir-
GINA, they must strive to achieve some sue
cesses in the West, aided 10y the prestige OF
whatever conquests they may effect with
their enormous naval strength, over the scat
tered batteries which protect the Southern
shore. For this reason heavy reinforcements
have been lately poured into the border
States of the West, and we doubt not that
McClellan's command has been weakened in
order that troops might be dispatched to
Kentucky and Missouri, and to the Yankee
feet now roaming 10 Southern seas. This
may account for the inertness lately exhibit
ed by the Napoleon of the West He does
not care to fight without his full quota OF
soldiers. Ii is possible, therefore, that for
some time there m y be no more battles in
Virginia On the other hand, there is
every reasonable ground for expecting fierce
and terrible conflicts in Kentucky and Mis-
souri,. We take it for granted that the Con
federate authorities are duly apprised of he
change OF programme OF the Federalists. and
that they either have already adopted, or
will forthwith adopt such measures as are
best calculated to thwart the projects of the
enemy. The best way to worst the Yankees
is to meet them in their march and give them
battle. To do this requires brave soldiers in
sufficient numbers, and we'll equipped. Our
own opinion is, that with from eighty 10 a
hundred thousand men the Federals can b.
driven out of Kentucky, while Cincinnati and
other free-soil cities may be exposed to the
danger of invasion. With the same number
we have not doubt OF our ability to march
from one end of Missouri to the other. and to
lIberate that noble commonwealth from the
presence of the insolent and cruel foe But
early action is required. Too much procras-
tination has already been permitted. Delays
and il-tmed indulgence to traitors have
doubled the difficulties of the work to be ac-
complisbed. Let our action henceforth be
prompt and vigorous, and our treatment OF
the disloyal in accordance with their deserts
N O. Bee.