Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1862-02-05
rhe Rnrnsile Expedition.

There can be no doubt that the recent storm has
seriously damaged this expedition, yet our latest IN
f.ymation, if any thing can be relied on from the
coast : that Burnside has at least 20 or so of his
vessel, IN PamIco Sound, and that he has ordered
regf rcements and munitions to repair the damage
of the storm Iu few days we may, therefore, en-
meet him to attempt to carry out the designs OF the
expedition
What are its designs? The size Of the expedition
clearly shows that it Is not simply maraudinS toray
upon the good people of the Eastern counties One
third Of the force would have been amply sufficient
for that purpose. Nor can We think the object is
to attack Newbern for the purpose OF advancing INTO
the country to SEIZE Goldsooro and get tie control
of our railroads. The Yankees are not quite such
bockheads and they are Uy far too cowaruiy to ann
at thing Of that kind, with little 10 be gained at
such hazard.
We ale satisfied from the size Of the expedition,
from the intimations Of the Northern press and
from the importance Of the stake that tie first OBJ
Jet cf tie expedition is to take Roanoke Island, and
immediately 10 push for the SeabOard Railroad to
get III the rear Of Norfolk. Let any one curious
enough to know, take the map and trace the course
of the Chowan and Nottoway rivers and notice their
CONT uity to the Seaboard Railroad How many
troops have we on the Seaboard Road? How many
near Franklin depotf How many at Suffolk? How
many rangers on ChOwan IIver to watch the advance
of the enemy and give warning? What if General
Wool from Fortress Monroe, we're to make stimuli
taneous movement across James river and get pos
session of the Petersburg and Norfolk Railroad p
What, we ask, would be the condition Of Norfolk,
if the enemy were to get possession of those two
Roads?
We are 10th to speak out thus, but We have hint
ed and hunted, and We have talked privately about
the danger Of such movement, but as yet so far
as we know, we stand with hands in breeches
pockets, waiting and waiting. The enemy no doubt
fully understand this matter. The villain Foster,
who knows all about these localities was at last &C
counts, with the feet at Hatteras. Negross are
constantly clipping from Suffolk and Smirhfield and,
perhaps, white erHiSsareS with them to Fortress
Monroe, who, doubtless are fully advised of our
Condition.
This, We believe is the main design of the enemy.
Should he be successful, i: will be all easy matter.
then, to carry out his inarauding designs upon the
Eastern Counties. When we think of the possibil-
ity OF his de>Tong and running our fellow citizens
oil those Counties, Of the immense damage and loss
to accrue to us by the taking of Roanoke Island,
hyde, Washington and Newbern, and then reflect
no" easily and at what small cost it might have
been prevented, had the authorities done their duty
we areata loss for terms to express our INDIGNATION 1T
50 wanton sacrifice Of the farest portion of the
State Nay benignant Providence still interpose
to prevent 50 sad calamity
7. s We have no information from the Burn
Side feet further than there are about 40 vessels IN
Pdmphco Sound. The feet has been much damaged,
out Will pursue its design as soon as reinforced.