Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-06-27

TIE OBJEcr OF STOEEwALL JAoKsoN's
RAID We have given extracts from the lat
est Richmond papers showing the object of
the late raid of the rebel Jackson into the val
lev Of Virginia, which sufficiently expose its
purpose. Relative to the same subject the
National Intethgencer, which, being leading
journal at the seat Of Government probably
hears what is not transmitted to the journals
Of other cities, says:
The ncursion Of Jackson into the Valley Of the She
uanduah has introduced into the whole campaign In Viz
gina disturbing element Of considerable magnitude Il
mas diverted large masses Of our men from movements
winch we may presume. would have otherwise greatly
accelerated the march Of events that bring about
the final overthrow Of the military power Of the insur
gents II has may suppose DELAYED the advance Of
q n Mcclellan, by depii,ng him, for a time Of the re-
Inducements ne expected to receive, and which the Gov
eminent was preparing to send.
are well aware that this involves merely question
of time But the value Of time important IN al things
Is most important in the conduct Of military enterprises
what Il should turn out that this diversion created
by Jacksons raid VI the general policy the
campaign as remodled by the insurgents To NEE, the
new posture OF affairs growing out Of what ago
the foreseen and the actual loss Of the Missssinpi
Valley Gen Beauregard charged with the defense
Of that valley. When he saw that this was mpossibe
after the fall fNcw Orleans and in view Of the conquer
ing progress Of Our gunbnats up and down Missssip
pi river may he not have sought transfer his best
troops as speedily possible to Richmond, the next
great seat Of war where as yet all not lost
And for this purpose he would naturally seek 70 gain
time by such trrattc demonstrations Jacksnus
leaving portion Of his forces to keep up they
may the appearance Of military resstance t. the ad-
vance of Gen Halock IL not possible that Gen Me
1lean may yet De called to contest with portion Of
Beauregards army, well with that already gather
ed under Gen johnson his for the posses
sion Of Richmond We have hitherto given but tttle
credit to the probabilities arguing in favor II this hypoih
ess but in view Of the facts before us it now seems TO
MS that this is at least eyenuay for which il would
be prudent 10 prepare, and which the Cover nent
should therefore take into calculation. unless it has in
formation to satisfy it as to the goundessness Of these
sui Musings"
The Washington correspondent of the n.
Y. Post remarks on the above as follows:
AN editorial iH ihc hitcigenc,y has given rise 10
much discussion In military and other circles. II was
principally upon the management VI the campaign in the
shenandoah valley, and understood to have been writ
ten hy gentlemen faly with recent events
IN ne valley and whose intimacy At the War Department
enables him 90 critioise certain movements ~ IN .ft
ana fairness The article in question objects 10 so many
independent commands in valley and evidently hints
that the recent disasters along the Shenandoah and the
ty Of commands.
Within the last fortnight Banks, Fremont Shields and
Mepo"eH have been operating in the valley. Mcdowell
mas NOT actually been there M person, but his troops or
some Of them have Terrible marching has been tie or
der Of the dayth' way, that way aud the oher-in some
OF me commands certain regiments have lost one-hslf
their numbers within three weeks by this ghtl march
ing Major In Shields command made his apprar.
here day or two since having resioned his ron
mission. 4 am willing To fight do any tolcrahle
amount Of marching said he but endure thir-
~ miles day Of tramping week AFTER week without any
can stand it no longer
Better plans better management are needed for the
troops guarding the approaches Wnch ster and Wash
ngton. distinguished military man now in Washing
ton expressed the opinion day since that unless
the management Of the troops in the valley soon Civ
en- TO one General Jackson would cuntrvo 10 use nm each
command in detail, aud again threaten Washington
Several persons officers and men who were in Shields
advance are now here and they tell sad story Tho
men wereworn out with long marches and scanty food
aud we're more than heavy day march in advance of
the main body Of troops under Shields. Gen. Carroll
who commanded the advance states with posityeness
that he had unnsakable orders burn Port Repub
lie bridge. This was the mistake Of the entire pan Of
operations. Had the bridge been burned. Fremont
would have entirely Jackson up, while he was at
tempting to ford the Shenandoah
The whole army under Fremont and Shields need food
and clothing week ago five hundred men in SbirIdsi
division were barefoot The department is hrwardinq
supplies with all the iis disposal and probaby
ton"