The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1862-07-25

From the Evening Standard (London) July L. |
Two lines Of telegram inform us that On June l6
"a bloody battle was fought Charleston, with
great loss on both sides" As another episode In
desperate struggle, another red page in the
history of q civil war the most disastrous and dis
graceful that has blotted the book OF history
the mere bald fact of such battle has, of course
its significance. Every such encounter serve
to deepen the aninosity, to widen the inlpractica
bic gulf between the Northern and Southern see
tions of the late American Union. But what its
bearing may be uponthe fate Of the second seaport
of the Confederate States we cannot determine uu.
til we know its issue. by our last accounts there
had been an encounter on James Island between
the attacking forces and the defenders of Charles
ton. James Island is tongue of land, thickly
covered with forest and brushwood, by gaining
possession of which the Northern troops would be
able to approach the city on the southwest side on
which, we believe, its defences are very imperfect
IN this first encounter the Confederates had brought
together 4 COO or 5000 men, with three bate.
ries OF artillery. The Federals are said to have
numbered about sixteen regiments, and they ex-
pected renforcements. In attempting to enter the
wooded country Of the interior of the island, they
seem to have been driven back with some loss
Whether the city Is unapproachabe by the feet
and gunboats on account OF the shallowness of the
water OF the inner bay, the Federals themselves
having done their best make this approach diff
cult by sinking the stone heeI' in the main chan
mel some time since, or whether Forts Sumter and
Moultrie, with the other defenees. so formi-
dable as to be able to check the advance Of the
teet-whatever be the reason, it is clear that
Charleston cannot he expected to fall All easy prey
to such naval attack as thatswhich at placed
the city OF New Orleans in the power Of its ene-
mics. 1t is said that Beauregard has detached a
force from his army for the defence of Charleston
We have reliable evidence of this Should it
be true. 80 that the attacking arm is outnumbered
the latter may be driven back to its ships and the
capture Of Charleston be postponed for a while
We, however think it more than probable that
this eavily-otfendng city-the head and front of
secesSion--haS, ere this, fallen into the HANDS of
the Northern army.
The able military leaders of the Southern move
ment appear to have comprised, however reluct-
anfly in their programme, the gradual surrender of
the whole of the seaboard TO the naval forces of
the enemy. This enemy 10 sooner enters into pos
session than he seconds in truculent and needless
manner the plans of the sSOuthern chieftains. Ii
to render reunion impossible and compromise hate.
ful, TO perpetuate secession, and erect durable
nationality on a basis of undying hatred of every.
thing that is North, be the aim and purpose Of the
Confederates, then Davis and Beauregard second
this purpose but weakly in comparison with Gen
Butler and the Congress at Washington.
The unmanly insult offered to the women of New
Orieans-an outrage which has earned for Butler
the execration CT every man and woman in Europe
has gained him notOriety which he mus. not
mistake for fame, tribute Of groaning and Kissing
in an assembly OF English youth, and certain fiat
terng comparisons with Haynau and Mana Sahib.
This disgusting proclamation capped it has been
by such acts OF unparalleled barbarity as the hang
ing of poor man who pulled down a Federal flag
has settled the fate of New Orleans There is an
end of the Union forever in the Crescent City.
Towards the people of Charlie ston the people of
New York feel far more vindctive than towards
these poor half creoles OF Louisiana We may ex.
pect pendant ere long to the atrocities Of Butler
The bloodess capture of Sumter, which inaugura.
ted this vindicive war; the first hoisng Of the Sc
cession flag of the seven stars-these were the
deeds of the hotheaded people of the capital of
South Carolina We fear they may be bitterly
avenged The New Yorkers ne yer speak Of Charles
ton without tempest of big words and fearful de-
nunciations. The inhabitants of this unfortunate
city, should 1t fall into the hands of the North will
have to pass through a fire of persecution IL II
supposed that the remnant will survive to be good
and true citizens of the American Union, which
treats them in SO paternal a mannert Such vic
tory of the North would be driving another nail
into the coffin OF the extinct republic of the "Uni
ted" States.
To-day is the 4th of July. With the Anniversary
OF American independence may be dated also the
end Of the spring campaign which was intended to
repair the fortunes of the shattered fabric which
Washington and his friends founded In doubt and
hope. By this time Charleston has fallen, or the
siege has been raised. By this time, In all proba.
bility, Richmond has been taken, the host Of Nc
Clellan scattered. Such signal events cannot much
longer be delayed; but whatever happens, tho end
will be the same. The subiugation Of the South
was never farther of than now. 1t may be consld.
cred postponed sine die.