Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1862-07-25
Gen. Pope's Army.

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against Richmond is to be
opened elsewhere than on the northern !
shore of James river, and in all proba
bility the important task is assigned to
Major General Pope, whose army is TO
advance from the general rendezvous
near Warrington, Virginia. A glance at
the map will show the position of this
place, but will keep any one very much |
in doubt as to the route which Gen. Pope's |
army will be likely to pursue. Warning
ton is about eighty miles from Richmond
in a direct line, little west Of due north. .
The nearest route would be to strike
Fredericksburg, some thirty-fve miles to
the southeast, and then follow down the
line Of the Potomac Railroad to Rich
mond. The difficulty with this plan OF
advance would be, that it is so far east
that jackson might proceed up the Nir-
ginia Central Railroad, and veering off
to the west in the neighborhood of Cor
louisville, come into the rear Of Pope,
and again, if he chose, scour the valley
of Virginia without resistance, and make
an attempt on Washington itself. It
may be said that he would not run the
risk of exposing Richmond to certain
capture by such a course--which may be
true enough, only it is a contingency
which occurs TO ordinary outside ob-
servers.
But to avoid this difficulty and subserye
other purposes, Gen. Pope may advance
directly on Gordonsville, which lies on
The VrgIniaCentral road, about fifty miles
southwest OF Warrington. GordonsyiIle
is an important strategic point for the
rebels, and a respectable force has been
permandy stationed there. 1t may be
supposed that Jackson would hurry thith-
er for its protection the moment Pope's
design was detected, both in order to keep
open that invaluable line to Stanton,
and also to check at that safe distance
/ the Federal advance on Richmond
/ Hence many are inclined to believe that
the next great battle will take place in
the vicinity of Gordonsyille. Still see
ing that Staunton Sixty miles west Of
/ Gordousyille) is the real key to the val
ley of Virginia, and noting the recent
rebel demonstration up the valley, we
cannot regard it as wholly improbable
that part of Pope's force may be thrown
off from the main body for the purpose
of making all secure in that direction
first. But all these contingent move
ments, which to US are but mere specua-
tions, based on a distant view of the field
will be controlled by the actual state of
things reported probably to the mind Of
Gen. Pope alone.
Is Jackson's force, or any part Of it,
already up the Valley? If so, the cam
paign is already opened, and Pope must
cross the Blue Ridge and meet him be-
fore any further steps can be taken
toward Richmond. Notwithstanding the
excited reports from Winchester,we can
not think that any portion Of the rebel
army lately before Richmond has been
carried thilher under jackson. During
all the late operations, small force I'M
der Ewell or johnson were stationed at
the mouth of the valley, and this may
have been moved up. Or, the whole
demonstration may be feint to distract
Pope, divide his army and interrupt his
march. But the true facts in the case
have been probably got at by him before
this, and he has taken his measures ac-
cordingly. We have reason to believe
that his plans have been matured and his
army consolidated, and that be is now in
| full march. The benediction of the whole
loyal country go with him. He pierces
the rebel domains in a quarter so vital,
that if he does not speedily make an at
tack, he will be attacked. May he have
the strength that overcomes-BostOn
Journal.
ADDRESS OF GEN POPE TO HIS OFFICERS
AND MEN.
Officers and Soldiers Of the Army of
>, Virginia BY special assignment OF
the President l have assumed command
of the army. l have spent two weeks
in learning your whereabouts, your con-
dition and your wants, in preparing you
for active operations, and in placing you
in position from which you can act
promptly and TO the purpose. Those
labors are nearly completed, and | am
about to join you in the field. Let US
understand each other. | have come TO
YOU from the West, where we have al
WAYS seen the backs of our enemies
from an army whose business has been
to seek the adversary and beat him when
found )" whose policy has been to attack
and not defend. In but one instance has