The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1862-12-17
GENERAL ROBERT 6. LEE.


# the battles around This city elevated
Gen. Lee IN the public estimation as a
Military leader. his conduct of affairs since
Ii,rrturn N from Maryland should stamp him
), one Of the greatest living masters Of the
au Of war.
By the skiIlful disposition Of his forces
il front of Winchester, he rendered it i'm
m,cicable for Mcclellan to invade the.
VALLEY Of the Shenandoah, and forced him
ID adopt the route on the east side Of the
Bus Ridge. The Federal commander ac-
c,pted this alternative the more readily
since he hoped, by an ostentatious display
/ d part Of his forces near Shepherdstown,
| 10 deceive Gen. Lee and gain his flank aud
m.at Warrenton. On his arrival at this
Later place, however, much to his surprise
and dismay, he found our tar-seeing Gen.
trai quietly awaiting him on the south bank
d the Rappahannock.
THIS unexpected discovery rendered it
necessary for the enemy to change the
plan Of the campaign, and to adopt new
base Of operations and different route to
Richmond. Accordingly. Mcclellan. hav-
ms been superseded by Burnside, the lat
Ter officer, alter consultation with tIalleck,
Tic General Chief. who visited his head
quarters at Warrenton, caused series of
lmpu,ins demonstrations to be made along
oar front, as Il he intended to give battle
atan early day. In the meantime, he put
lie main body Of his army in motion and
marched il rapidly down the north bank Of
me Rippahannock, with the view of throw.
ns il across that stream at Fredericksburg,
samas l.ee's rear and descending by tore
rdmarches upon Richmond before our army
could getintu position to check his advance.
But Il Mcclellan was surprised to find
lee awaiilng him at,Warrenton, Burnside
vas amazed upon his arrival at Fredericks-
burg to learn thar the sagacious Cunfede-
I4e commander had not only anticipated
hs movement, but had completely blocked
Tue passage Ut the Rappahannock.
SO sonh,lent were Burnside and his ar
NY OF the successful issue of his clever
'uatassm, that the army correspondent,
Undertook to furnish the Federal press
slh minute and glowing accounts of the
iumphal march. Public expectation was
fal'ed to the highest pitch. rhe Govern.
mrn the press. and even officers in the
a'ld' SO lar forgot the bitter disappoint-
aen'' Of the past as to indulge the pleasan,
'4ia'Inaton Of the early downfall of the
rtOsl capital" When Burnside reached
ue heights overlooking Frederick sburg,
.ae'rlare, and cast his anxious eyes across
w RIVER, great must have been his aston.
naIncnt when he discovered the Confede-
rs who, he sainly supposed, were still
l'a''lpg his attack near Warrenton, drawn
ny tns opposite hills, and the gateway
Richmond !. completely closed.
iae abolition press, in its disappoint-
.'a' md modification, INDUCES in charge,
"ea'oh against It's own people, and says
"t one ~ the confidence of Burnside
Ia'' I'VE communicated his plans to Ten
~ Dlt this is not true. Gen. Lee, By
superior genius and penetration. wa.
Y, na',s'l !, 70 lAthom bis adyersary's designs,
y, a., o',,ie ms well-laid plans; and that
j. " .'tnout the assistance Of traitors from
V Federal camps.
'sWas remarked in former letter, tn,
s"saeracy Is fortunate in having such
: Y oeu. Lee in its service. He il still
y prime and sigor Of physical aud in.
''ui,l manhood, being about fort, -fv'
~, @ "i age. lie is six teet ~ height
am 's ABOUT one hundred aud n,net,
.".'; y erect, wel-lurned aud of i'm
t,, ~ appearance; has clear. bright, be
,s' -, olack eyes. dark gray hair, and /
! gray beard. lie is exceedingly plaii
y''r, y%sure's, and one looks at his costume
,a ,or those insignia Of rank for which
~. oucers show such a weakness. II,
n,,so s an unassuming black felt hat, with ;
NM ~ strip Of gold lace around il, and
IN pnrigadIer's coat with three stars OF
,t war, but without the usual braidin,
Wy sleeves. He travels and sleeps i