Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1862-05-09
INC 1vacua,Ion 81 YorEto.vn.


We give in our telegraphic columns all the
news of the evacuation Of Yorktown, and the
movements Of Gen. Mcclellan since, that have
come to hand. Some Of our exchanges claim
this as a great victory, and laud Gen. McClel-
Ian 10 the skies therefor. Whether any real ad-
vantage viii accrue to the country from this act,
remains to be yet demonstrated. Should Gen.
Mcclellan have the tact and energy to follow
the rebels up and prevent them from fortifying
and Strengthening themselvesin new position,
he may succeed in destroying or dispensing their
army. But il is understood that the rebels have
a much stronger fortfcation near Richmond
than was the one at Yorktown, and that they
only held the latter that they might have time
to strengthen their main line of defenses
The cannon, ammunition, de-, left at York.
town by the rebels, is of really no account to
Mcclellan, and of very little loss 10 the enemy.
Blankets and tents, with some ammunition and
cannon, were left because they were too cum
berous to carry away. They took away alltheir
field pieces and light NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
between 300 and 400 guns-and all their small
arms, with immense quantities Of ammunition.
Competent judges say it was well ordered re-
treat the entire route. No small arms, KNAPP
sacks, or other plunder was thrown away on the
road
But while we are not so enthusiastic over this
result asmany. we admit thatitleaveso our forces
in much better position than they were. The
country into which our army moves is higher
more healthy, and better in allrespects than the
swamps before Yorktown. 1t brings Gen. Me.
clellan's army within 25 or 80 miles Of Rich
mond, and with Gen. McDowell's and Gen
Banks Divisions sweeping down from the West
we think that city must fall within the next siz
days Indeed, if Mcclellan is possessed of hall
the military genius he has credit for, he may en-
Ter Richmond before the end of this week.
And here, let US say, we are not one of those
who claimed that General Mcclellan was not
competent to lead an army to victory. 1t was
his apparent unwllingnes to lead his army
against the enemy that we objected to- He
like a good many other pro-slavery men
thought it was only necessary to collect togeth-
era large army, that the rebels might be scared
into submission. He labored under the idea
that compromise was to some how or other be
brought about. If he has got over this hallu-
ClHdtlOu, anu Win VI III BcVN SohHN'N ~
thrashing and driving out the enemy, we will
be as ready to commend as we have been tC
eriticise his movements. But however energet
ic and successful he may hereafter be, be car
scarcely atone for the wrong his dilatory policJ
has done the country. There has not been 1
day within the last nine months but what th'
enemy in Virginia might have been crushed
and the war ended.
P. S.-since the above was in type, news
has been received that Gen. Mcclellan has dri.
ven the rear guard of the enemy out of Will
SliamsbuFg after a severe fight, in whichhe cap
tuEed some Of the enemys guns, with thou
sand prisoners including their sick and woun.
ded The General has displayed considerable
energy In following up the rebels and if h
viii now give his men. the opportunity they
windriye them out of Virginia at once.