The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1862-10-03
General Lees Object in Maryland:

General Lees Object in maryland.
Iron the Richmond Enquirer, 18th ult.1
Military operations are not conducted
on haphazard chance; nor do generals
march their armies about like roaring
lions, seeking whom they may devour;'
but accomplish their purpose BY pfe-ar-
ranged campaigns having certain and
we'll defined objects. Gen. Lee did not
march out Of Richmond towards the
sources of the Chickahominy sbeking an
enemy; but knowing the position of his
enemy, he performed those celebrated
maneuvres by previously arranged
plan; nor did he move his army to Pied
mont Virginia, without first determining
what would be his course upon reaching
the theatre of war. So also as to his
march into Maryland--thatt too, had an
object and purpose, being different from
what the enemy supposed, as well as
what our people believed.
1t was not q step towards invading
Pennsylvania, nor yet was it made only
to raise Maryland. The real objects were
the capture of the Yankee force, at Har-
per's Ferry and the drawing Of McClel-
Ian out of Washington, and incidentally
the rousing of Maryland. While his proc
lamation to the people of Maryland de-
ceived his enemy and manifested to the
world the difference between the Con-
federate manner of conducting the war
and that of our enemies. it completely
disguised his principal oAjest. IS.
His march to Frederick and his proc.
lamatlon assembled at Washington brig.
AIDES and regiments which could have
been sent via Chambersburg and Hagers.
town to the relief Of Harper's Ferry. HAD
General Lee marched directly on Har-
per's Ferry, his design would have been
understood and prevented by the imme
diate evacuation of the place end retreat
into Pennsylvania, or directly to Wash
ington. In military operations the most
circuitous route may be the shortest way
to accomplish an object; and as the finaI
purpose of every campaign is most care
fully concealed, appearances are made
deceptive, and the people at home, al
we'll as the enemy, are both deceived
Now that the capture Of Harper's Ferr.
end the battle Of Sharpsburg reveal the
object of the movement into Maryland
every one must admire the strategeti
talents of our distinguished general, ant
his wonderful power of combination be
comes more apparent as we contemplate
the skilful manner in which he delayed
McClellan's army, destined to reliev,
Harper's Ferry, and postpone the engage
ment in general battle until the beseig
ing force from Harper's Ferry could COM
up. Having captured Harper's Ferry
the campaign closed.
He then turns on Mcclellan, and fight
the battle of Sharpsburg-a battle il
which he had nothing to lose, but every
thing to gain; and in which the enem.
had nothing to gain, but everything t
lose. If General Lee had been defeatet
at Sharpsburg nothing would have bee,
determined by the battle, because, b.
crossing into Virginia, he was approach
| ing his base of operations sshd drawing
the enemy further from theirs. McClel
Ian discovered General Lees design to-
late to prevent its execution. Harper
Ferry, with its garrison, armament, arm
and stores, all fell into our hands.
glorious termination of splendid cam
paign.
The first campaign Cor the relief c
Richmond, terminated OF Malvern Hill
When Mcclellan retreated to Berkeley
General Lee did not follow and attemr
the humiliation of the Federal army
which might have SO weakened it this
the second campaign Tor the relief {
Richmond-that in Piedmont, Virgini
could not have been Immediately vi
dertaken. And, again, when the can
paign against Pope eliminated in til
splendid victories Of Manassas, Gener
Lee did not pursue the shattered arm
to Washington, because the remnants
the two Federal armies were not to
despised behind Notifications. But o,
distinguished General projected IL
movement into Maryland as cover
his march against Harper's Ferry, and f'
the purpose Of drawing Mcclellan out
Washington. He has entirely succeeds
Harpers Ferry has fallen, and McCle
Ian, enticed sixty-five miles from Was
: ington, has been defeated. Such glol
Gus triumphs should teach our peop
the utmost reliance on General Lee, an
make them easy even when they do nj
understand his movements.
Congressional.
RICHMOND, Sep. 29.-In the Senate M
an, g Io,.s,ooo ,,,h,,;ktal m voc