New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1862-03-26
BrHNslpR,s VICTORIES.


GCidom has so rapid and brilliant a series OF
victories occurred, as that which illustrates the
Southern expedition commanded by Gen. Burn
aide. Delayed for a month by unexpected diff
culties in crossing the bar at Hatteras, the
public expectation was, for while, disappointed
But since these difficulties were overcome, his
energy and rapidity Of movement have been
conspicuous. First came the decisive conflict
of Roanoke Island, with its 1900 prisoners, the
largest number that had then been captured 81
any one point. and since eIcelled only BY the
great victory of Fort Donelson. Next, the
brilliant dash at the Confederate 8eet. result
ing in its total destruction at Elizabeth City,
and the capture of that place. Then, we
had the expedition up the ChOwan River,
and occupation of Winton, movement which
threatened Norfolk, and turned the attention OF
the Rebels to that quarter. After brief delay
for organizing his forces, he struck Newbern,
and achieved the difficult capture OF ITS miles
of batteries. The advantage OF this rapid So
ries of movements has been that the Rebels
are quite bewildered by it, and know not
where to expect attack or prepare resistance
The assault upon Newbern owed much OF its
success to the promptness of the stroke Re
cent accounts inform us that on the day Of
his arrival 10000 Rebel troops were Oh the
railroad between that city and Goldsborough.
A bcsitating or dilatory attack would have
brought this force 70 the relief OF Newoern'
and rendered the capture Of the batteries there
very difficult and bloody, if not an impOs-
sbe, task. The occupation OF Newbern was
instantly followed by preparations for en- attack
upon Beaufort, . seaport lying some thlrt!
miles southeast of it, and connected with New
bern by railroad. We have now the news that
this prompt attack is again successful. The
enemy have abandoned the city and Fort
Macon-tbe most important in North Carolina
is again in our hands.
SO much for the policy Of decision and
energy in the hands OF Q judicous and capable
commander. Instead Of delaying till the Rebels
can count his forces, and observe bis move
ments, lie strikes a new blow before they have
recovered from the effect Of the former and
bewildefs bis enemies by the rapidity OF bis
movements. Had some Of our other com
manders been more solictous Of success against
the enemy, and less OF their own safety they
might have found that activity and energy
have their value in war instead Of learning
that the policy which delays aud prepares, and
putt its trust in the erection Of defenscs, and
the accumulation Of resources, involves q
hazard Of sacrificing both safet, and success.
Successful as Burnside's actions have been,
however they do not seem TO have the
strategical value of these upon the Western
rivers. They open no passage INTO the eneny's
country, and they do not compel any change
of position in the great Rebel armies They
seem brilliant display, of courage and vigor,
but they are not as yet, 30 extended IN them
selves, or 20 strongly supported from other
quarters, as TO change materially the aspect OF
the war; When Il shall be found practicable
to arrange n plan OF combined operations with
his now isolated command, his movements may
become important. In the mean time Burnside
can evidently take care OF himself