Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-07-07
The Eight Days Fighting Before
Rich mOud.

The Administration has erred in attempting to
conceal from the people the result Of the eight
days fighting before Richmond. In a popular
Government there is nothing gained by such a
course. Honesty is always the best policy, and
the effort to withhold information defeats the
very object which is hoped to be gained thereby.
Ii our arms have met with a reverse. let the
people know it. so they may have the opportunity
to meet the exigencies which disaster occasions.
Fortunately if one source of information is
closed. others are still open. From the cores
pondents of the press we learn what those in
power have withheld. Overpowered by numbers
and sagacious foe. the Federal army has re
ceved check in its advance upon Richmond
AMI compelled to change position. In the
terrible conflict which will occupy promi-
nent page in history, the two armies fought
with unsurpassed bravery, desperation and
generalship. The carnage was terrible, for it
could not be otherwise when two such armies
fought for eight days; but amid all, nothing was
developed to tarnsh the courage and the gallan-
try of those engaged in the fierce conflict, and
who in common bear the American name. While
all probability occupies stronger position now
than before the battle, it might have been differ
ent if il had been reinforced. With an army
equal to the rebel forces, and we see no reason
Why it should not have been, the Fourth of July,
1862. might have been signazed by the occupa-
ton of Richmond. With every resource and
every facility superior to that of the enemy. we
have permitted the foe TO outnumber and
out general Us, when victory would have
demorazed the enemy and FASTENED the
termination OF the controversy. if it did not
virtually end il. We know not where the
responsibility rests tor the failure. Ii the
Administration were advised of the superior
numbers of the enemy and OF the necessity of our
army being reinforced, great and fearful crime
rests upon those who withheld the aid aud thus
jeopmrdized the interests of the Government. All
accounts agree as to the bravery, tenacity and
desperation with which our gallant army fought.
The retreat of MCCLELLAN across the swamps to
James river. in the face OF much superior foe.
has no equal in briliancy and success. None
but army we'll disciplined and oficered could
have accomplished it. This terrible fight before
Richmond illustrates the truth Of what has often
been stated that the Administration has never
vet comprehended the magnitude of the struggle
in which We are engaged or the means necessary
TO successfully overthrow the rebellion Thesn-
Inhalation of the rebel armies should have
been the only object in view-to that end
all the energies OF the Government should
have been directed, and no time wasted
in discussing collateral issues adopting schemes
of confscation and emancipation. useless Statutes
unless We had the power to enforce them. Wis
dom sometimes comes by the hardest schooling
aud our rulers, after few more defeats. with
the immense sacrifice of blood and treasure
which accompany them. MAJ have their eyes
opened. But there must be change, different
policy in the future must be adopted. if the Gov
eminent is saved President making must cease
Population must stop. Radicalism must bs
rooted out and the conservative sentiment Of the
country rule. il we hope for the restoration Of
the Union. The Generals who are faithful,
fighting the battles of the Union must be sas
tanned or all is lost. In conclusion copy III,
following from the correspondence of the New
York Tyibane. and ask for the facts and state
ments IL contains the careful consideration o
every truly patriotic citizen:
The movement will probabl, be successful