New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-10-19
PROSPECTS OF A BATTLE ON OR
NEAR THE POTOMAC.

The rebel chiefs are either retiring their
forces in front of Gen. Mcclellan to Manassas
Junction, or they are making feint IN that
direction. Their annoyance by batteries oil our
transports on the lower Potomac Is doubtless
subordinate to ther general plan, whatever
that may be- We judge that they have become
satisfied that they can never cross the foto-
mac without certain destruction except on the
heel of a victory and they despair of winning
a battle in front of Gen. McClellan's lines
Hence they are now intent on drawing HIM on
TO their stronghold at Manassas, hoping to re-
peat there the lesson of Bull Run, and then
make their rush on Baltimore or Washington
Gen. Mcclellan of course understands them.
He will always be happy to see them on the
line of the Potomac and will let them push
forty or fifty thousand men across that stream
whenever they shall signify their purpose to
visit either of the cities this side. If they
want pitched battle on fair, open ground,
they will doubtless be accommodated at short
notice. And if their purpose is only to draw
him on to attack them in their stronghold, or
TO turn it and press on to Richmond, he will
doubtless do that alsO-wheneyer he sees ht.
We pretend to no knowledge of his purposes
would not know them if we could We
know enough, however, to assure us that,
whenever he does advance and force battle,
he will do it with full assurance Of victory
will do il because his own unbiased Judgment
tells him that the time for action has arrived.
If his superiors want a battle fought sooner,
they can have it, but not by him. If he fights,
I he will do it expecting to enjoy the fuu honor
Of his victory or bear the full responsibility OF
his defeat. In any case, he will take care
that civilians whether on or off the field, shall
not receive the credit or the blame.
We imply no censure on those who are urg-
ing the expediency of an advance and battle.
1t is the right of every one to make sugges-
tions: it is the duty Of the Commanding General
to give them such weight as they shall seem to
deserve. 1t is most true that, if victory is surely
within his grasp. a good many Of US would like
to see il hurried up. But who else on this side
knows 80 well as be ought to know what is
the number of the rebel soldiers in his 'front.'
the efficiency of their arms, the strength Of
their positions Who knows so we'll as he
the effectiveness of the Union troops under his
command, the perfection Of their drill the
abundance or paucity Of their munitions Evil
IDENTIFY, he knows when and where to fight, or
he is unfit for his post, and should at once be
superseded. Let there be no hesitation then,
in giving him advice; but let there be no more
on his part in accepting or rejecting it. He
stands or falls as he triumphs or is beaten
nay, more, the country must share, to great
extent in his fortunes. Let him receive, then,
information with open-hearted readiness, advice
with respectful Difference, and criticism with
calm docility; but let him never for one mo
ment forget that the responsibilities of his posi-
ton mus. be borne by himself alone.