The New York herald., 1862-10-06

MoRGAN's EVACUATION OF CUMBERLAND GAP
Military authorities agree upon the fact that
next to a brilliant victory ranks skilful re-
treat Stonewall Jackson, acknowledged to
be the most effective among the rebel generals
has gained this notoriety by the rapidity of his
movements, the successful manner in which he
has extricated himself from dangerously ad-
vanced positions, and, above all, by those long
and arduous marches whereby he managed
to throw his troops upon undefended places
The retreat Of General George w. Morgan,
who, with his brave command, has so long held
Cumberland Gap, is one of those brilliant re-
treats hazardous. but completely successful
one Of the movements of the campaign to have
a page in history by itself.
AT the time General Morgan captured the
Gap the achievement was somewhat overlooked
by the public, other events then attracting their
attention. Military judges, however, gave to
General Morgan the need of praise he deserved
for capture which may be termed Napoleonic.
General Morgan was surrounded by difficult
ties of nature appalling to less deter
mined or less skilful soldier. His can
mons had to be drawn to rocky sum
mits by extraordinary efforts. His men,
cheered by the praises of their commander,
urged to mighty efforts by his constant encour-
agement achieved such victories over nature
as did the armies of Napoleon and Hannibal
when they crossed the snow-capped Alps.
Having seized the Gap, General Morgan held
it until the present time, although for months
surrounded by rebel forces more than ten times
the number Of his devoted band. For months
past we have heard that General Morgan would
have to surrender, as he could procure no sup
plies for bis troops But as constantly have we
Hoard OF some brilliant sortie on his part, the
result OF which was the capture ofprisoners and
trains of provisions. AT last, finding the posi-
ton untenable, General Morgan has evacuated
the Gap. But he has done so only after having
rendered it impossible.
1t is gratifying to hear that from the moment
he began his brilliant retreat General Morgan
acted upon the offensive. Although constantly
surrounded by the enemy, he continued his
march, his men at one time continuing steadily
forward for twcnty-lour consecutive hours.
Shoeess hatess and half naked, General Nor
gan's brave troops day after day attacked the
rebels with irresistible fury and drove them
away with invariabie success. This harassing
work lasted ior sixteen days
We are not surprised to hear of General Nor
gan's success. lie is = thorough soldier by edu-
cation, by long years of arduous and gallant SER
vice. and, lastly. by period of close applica-
ton to military improvements in Europe.
During a residence Of several years in France
as United States Consul at Marseiles, and in
Portugal, as United States Minister, General
Morgan, without neglecting the duties Of his
distinguished position, eagerly benefited by
the experience of the most skilul Of European
officers. He visited frequently the Camp at
Chalons. in France TO witness the results OF the
Emperor Napolcon's Improvements in military
tactics, and carefully studied them He is at
present in the first rank OF our officers. Now
tina he is free to net VIC shall hear great tidings
from hin. We shall expect to hear that, accord
ing to the spirit OF General Hallccks late cir
cular concerning promotion for gallant services,
General NJ. has been advanced TO the higher
rank he so richly deserves