The New York herald., 1862-11-04
Another Victory In vargiaia-A Ossas
Battle at Hand or ths Retreat of sAs
RAAAna.

Another victory In vargtaia-A Ossas
Battle at Hand or ths Retreat Or sAs
Rebels.
by our telegrsphic intelligence, published this
Morning, 1t will be seen that General McClel-
Ian has defeated the extreme left of the enemy
and drieco him beyond Smokers Gap, which
important position being now held by the Union
army will compel Lees force either to 6ght a
great battle OF make precipitate retreat
Smokers is the first of three gaps in the Blue
Ridge, within about forty miles of Harper's
Ferry. Ashby's is the second, and Manassas
Gap, leading TO Front Royal, the third SnicE-
er's Gap is in the direct route iiom Leesburg TO
Winchester
By the occupation of these gaps in force by
Mcclellan. Lees army will be compelled to re-
treat to save his commun cations from being cut
off, or fight bsttle against odds. In the event
ofhis retreatiug, which he would have to do by
the western side OF the ridge the distance
to Richmond would be increased by fifty
miles, and Mcclellan could be in Richmond
before him. II they should be allowed 10 pass
through Manassas Gap. or the gap leading to
Gordonsville, they would have railroads from
either Of them The object OF Lee in trying 10
hold Snckers, Ashby's and Manassas gaps Is
to enab.e him to fall behind the defensive line
Of the Rappahannock. tile fords Of which are
said to be now fortified If Lee should fail to
get possession OF the Rappahannock before
Mcclellan, he would be comp letely ut sea- The
possession Of Smokers Gap is one important
step towards preventing the rebels coming east
Of the Blue Ridge. The posse son OF the other
two gaps would comp etely cut them oil.
Mcclellan will, therefore, defeat them very
soon in great battle, or drive tbem out OF Vir-
ginia before the beginning OF the New Year,
and an opportunity will then be afforded to the
different Southern States now in rebellion to
come back into the Union without condi-
ton, upon the basis Of the constitution,
while general amnesty is proclaimed to the
people, and the ringeaders alone are punished.
As the mass Of the inhsbitants were not al
fordel protection hSv the Union arms, they c..r
not be justly condemned for translerripg their
allegiance Temporarily to The government ds
1c., T "a. ~. .; .n government da tHs asserts It's
sway and vindicates its paramount authority.
This accomplished the slavery question will
settle itself-in other words the constitution
will dispose Of it---for when the rebellion
is crushed and the war is over the authority
Of the constitution will be once more
supreme in the Southern States, and neither
President nor Congress can interfere with any
State institution or the rights guaranteed bg the
organic law to every State alike whether North
or South, East or West. 0
This is the chief point that has been decided
by the October elections, and will be decided
to-day in New York, New Jersey and other
loyal States of the Union. From present ap-
pearances we will al be able TO enjoy merry
Christmas and happy New Year. by the resto.
ration, within sixty days, Of divided Union
and with IL peace and prosperity 70 distracted
and sorroWin0 country