Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-07-24

Eastern Virginia IL soon to be the thsats- Of
ne great conflict Of arms which win Ill an i'm
,orsant page in history. The great Northern
rny has commenced its march towards Rich
nond, and soon il will be decided whether its on
ward tread will be seriously retarded before il
caches the strongly entrenched Capital Of the
Southern Confsderacy. The skill Of the South
rn officers and the vslor Of the Southern soldiers
viii soon be tested upon their chosen fields of bat
.ls- The engagements in Western Virginia have
hown vide difference in the character Of the two
Irmiss. In discipline, in endurance, in deter
nination and in bravery the Northern troops under
Gen. MCCLELLAN have manifested decided su-
Oeriority. The Confederate army before Rich
mend must be made up Of the best material Of
the South Ii is composed OF volunteers, and
they profess 10 be in arms to maintain those rights
which should nerve them to deeds OF valor. They
have led 10 believe that they would fight TO the
lass 10 achieve their independence The issue will
soon be upon them. III they make bold and gal
lant stand, even if borne down in the struggle.
hey will command thesympashy and respect that
brave men are ever entitled to. but if they
fail TO display the courage which has been
conceded 10 them, deep will be their
all. III they rs-ensct the scenes Of
heir army in Western Virginia, they will become
The ridicule and laughing stock of she world.
For the honor Of the American name. even if
IsAstriously defeated, we trust they will only
Yield after resistance worthy brave and chiv-
l-ous race. The result Of the conflict in East
m Virginia will decide the destiny Of the South
m Confeisracy. The overwhelming defeat Of
.as Confederate army in Virginia may not stop
he war, but il will virtually decide the contest
We shall look for the Confederstcs to put forth
every energy 10 hold she Federal forces in check
for il they are compsllei to retreat from Rich
nond, il must result in the generalization
# their army, and their cause throughout
he South. Ii they are unable 10 maintain their
position in Virginia. il will weaken rhatev er con-
idence foreign powers may have placed in their
.biIity to maintain their independence and 70
move all chance OF a recognition of their nation
lily abroad with the loss Of the moral effect that
recognition would give them. The Admins
ration and General Scorr of course fully appre-
richmond, but the importance fits results. We
IN NOT therefore doubt but they have the means
rovided 10 make success not only possible
ut probable The whole country will await
18th intense anxiety for the result Of
ne issue A defeat of the Federal forces
the movement Richmond will give
ope and courage TO the rebels, and inspire them
18th renewed zeal and enthusiasm in their cause
. effect would be to prolong and embitter the
1nfict. While on the other hand, the decisive
recess Of the Federal army, and the occupancy
q Richmond. would inspire increased confidence
=, shs ability Of the Governments to maintain its
tssrity and overcome the great rebellion Again
. repeat, the impending crisis will be watched
tn intense anxiety. equally alike by the people
4 the North and of the South. for its results can
t tail 70 have important if not decisive
airing upon the dessinies Of the Republic. We
-Iticipate the triumph of the Northern army, but
Il without fearful sacrifice Of life, that will
,dden the notes OF triumph.