Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1861-12-28
A BATTLE EXPECTED.

There is general impression that great
battle is about to take place in Kentucky.
Not only here at the north, but at the south
also, the expectation of such battle is ex-
pressed The Richmond Dispatch of the 23d
inst. says Gen. Buel is pushing forward the
federal troops in Kentucky for an attack in
force on the rebel army under Gen. Sydney
Johnston, and that "a grand engagement
within few days seems unavoidable" The
movements in Kentucky, as reported on both
sides, certainly indicate that such conflict is
about to take place there. But we are now so
accustomed to hear that something decisive is
son the eve" of being done, that many persons
among us wiki not credit the possibility of such
battle until they get the official report of it,
and see the prisoners taken.
If Gen. Buel does move successfully against
the rebel army under Johnston, and crush it
out, he will do great service TO the country
and win reputation sufficient 10 satisfy his
ambition for the present. Such success
would expel the invaders from Kentucky, give
US secure hold on Tennessee, circumveut tile
rebel force in Virginia, and prepare the way
for an immediate and Overwhelming advance
down through the gulf states to New Orleans !;
and Gen. Buel would at once become our fore
most military hero. Undoubtedly those mill
tary officers who will show most ability and
win most reputation, in the course OF this war;
may turn out to be those of whom least has
been said. The loyal people of the country
I. All
er, and they would rejoice to accept one with
out making the conditions tov difficult. This
longing for great and successful military
leader has led to that extrayagant over-esti-
mate of the value of Irregular army officers"
which has embarrassed rather than helped the
military service. Something will be gained.
when it is understood that man may be an
accomplished drill officer, artierist, or engin-
eer, without being capable of great generalship
or fit to command an important expedition.
Gen. Pope of Missouri was not counted
among the Select" of the regulars, for he Sc.
cured his present grade only by entering the
volunteer service. Nevertheless he proves to
be one of the very best officers in the field inn
measurably superior TO some others from
whom more was expected. Gen. Sherman,
who commands in South Carolina, was great
when at the head of his lannon's battery. He
was an admirable artillerist, and every way
equal to that command. He may prove him.
sell equal to every requirement of his present
command; but, while waiting for him to do
this, we cannot help feeling that it would be
better to have Gen. Dix or Gen. Banks at the
head of that force where great executive capac-
ity, rather than great skill with artillery, is
required. We do not say this to disparage
Gen. Sherman. Not by any means. We
speak in this way because it is sometimes for
gotten that man may be master of one posi-
ton without being competent to fill some 9TH
ers, and that special military accomplishments
can never supply tile lack of that order Of
mind and those peculiarities of character which
are indispensable to success at the head
of such military enterprise. Not much has
been said of Gen. Buel. Those who know
him best have confidence in his ability bul
there was confidence in his predecessor who
failed. We have not been sparing of confidence
in The lIntried men placed in command of our
troops, and herein we have done well, even
though it should appear that some of them
have not responded faithfully TO this con
fidenee. Gen. Buel is likely 20 prove worthy
Of it, and we shall not be surprised to hear
within few days that lie has fought great
battle and won a great victory the greatest
of the war.