Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1862-07-18

I
THE CAUSES OF THE LATE MOVEMENT
BEFORE RGoHMoND.--The New York Times
OF the 9TH instant has a lengthy leadil 9 arti-
Gle concerning the causes of the recent move
ment of our troops near Richmond, which has
special significance on account of the intimate
friendship which is known to exist between
the editor and the gallant commander of the
Army of the Potomac 1t states that Gen.
Mcclellan was not taken by surprise in the
attack on his right wing, for he foresaw it and
was prepared for it. lie knew the right was
the weakest part of his line, and had repeat
eddy called for reinforcements, which the gov
ernment-looking at the risk of Jackson and
Ewelrs attempt on Washington-could not
furnish him. Gen. Mcclellan was never de-
ceived by the stories set on foot relative to
the strength of the rebels at Richmond he
never moderated it, nor was be justified by
his knowledge in holding that undue conf
denoe in his strength the public we're taught
to believe. Nor did he underyalue the skill
and determination of the rebels, as has been
the case with great many. lie knew that
in every war, other things being,equal, the
chance of victory lay on the side OF the great
er number. The article in question says
"Ilc was compelled therefore to rely on skill-on pre-
paTauon, and In the last re,ort strategy lie knew
thaths right wing likely 10 be attacked and beaten.
But believed that this could only be done by supef.
ur force, and that this force must be drawn from the rebel
right. II the enemy strengthened his left he would
in the same ration weaken his right wns-and his
right wing lay the road To Richmond Mcclellan there
fore, prepared his right wing for prompt aud safe
retreat To the other side Of the Chickahomny
the White House for prompt and oh zap surrender and
prepared ms len wing for prompt and Overwhelming ad
He had massed there the main body of his arn,
aud nearly all his artery-had caused roads open
r. CO. clu'eWaNs constructed and every preparation made
for advancing cannon, and stood ready avail himse
at an hours notice. n the expected transfer Of the ebe
strength from side 10 the other Of his lines He
a pected exchange The White House for Richmond an
the bargain was good one ~
This Arrangement was made in the view
y that Jackson's force IN the Valley of til,
, Shenandoah was to be kept in active play b,
the armies ofMcDowell Banks and Fremont
:, but it was not so for when the attack wa
II made on our right wing, it was by jackson
himself with 10000 men. He had quit hi
position in the Shenandoah Valley, and N,
n one not of his own rebel party knew it.
"Gen. Mcclellan thus placed in a condition Of tn
q" utmost peril from which eNtrcation might amos
S impossible. He had the enemy IN overwhelming nun
bers in 'front.' his right aud rapidly gaining his
The sudden resolution which he took, Of throwing hi
III whole army over narrow aud difficult roads in face Of
t. powerful vigorous and eNultan enemy upon has
Of operations twenty miles away will stand Of N
> boldest military conceptions formed while the
id cess with which It achieved the steadness aud orde
OF this terrible march, and the admirable behavior
these raw troops, who have not been year under arm
le and Of whom had been under fire. chaeng
for the Commanding General and for his officers and
the hearty admiration OF the whole country.
It IL very easy no" that the affair is over, to percey
the Of MoClellans recent AT the last
ment when least expected, and equally to the surprise
wehaye Doubt Of President Lincoln, Secretary Stan
l. ton, and Gen Mcclellan himself StonewAl Jaokso
rushed from the Valley of the Shenandoah attacked wit
'e 10000 night wing Of 10000 forced il back
Of gotin the rearof our whole army eifhom oeak ming q
q rebel force Htdssed M front Of u by single
e General on earth could make head against such coup
- gHsrre II Mcclellan had stood lis ground and Tough
in such position, nothing the world could have pre-,
snted the utter humiliation Of the Army Of the Poto
10 mac That he saved the army against such odds an
under such circumstances aud that he has been able
= place II upon base Of operations from which b
may renew his attack upon the rebel capital with ncreAs
II ed chances Of success affords such proof Of
D., generalship as few living soldiers show.