Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-12-11
Gen. Robert Z Lee

p. W. A" the accomplished and able army CORES.
pondeut of the Savannah Republican furnishes in late
letter to that Journal the following sketch OF great
commander
If the battles around this city elevated General Lee
in the public estimation military leader his conduct
of affairs since bis from Maryland should stamp
him Of the greatest living masters Of the art OF
war
Bv the skilfu disposition of b. forces in front of
Winchester he rendered it impractcAbe for Mcclellan
invade the Valley Of the Shenandoah aud forced him
to adopt the the side Of the Blue Ridge
The Federal commander accepted this alternative the
more readily since he hoped by ostentatous display
Of part Of his forces Shepherdsto~n, 10 deceive
General Lee aud gain his dank aud st WsrrsnOn.
On his arrival this latter place hossver much 90 his
surprise and dismay, he found our arseeinE General
quietly awaiting him the south bank Of the Kappa
hammock.
This unexpected discovery rendered it necessary for
the enemy change the plan Of the campaign, and to
adopt base of operations and different route to
Richmond Accordingly, Mcclellan hCying been super
seeded by Burnside the latter officer after cOnsgtst on
With Ha,eck, the Generaln-Chie who visited his mead
quarters Warcnton caused series of imposing de-
mOustraons TO be made along our front as il he in
tended 10 give battle early dRy In the meantime
no put the main body OF his army in notion and marched
il rapidly down the north bank of the RSppahannock
with the view Of throwing il that stream at Fred
ericksburg gaining Lees and descending by forced
marches upon Richmond before army could get into
position TO check his advance. But ii Mcclellan was
surprised to fnd Lee awaiting him st Warren,op Burn
side amazed upon his arrival At Fredericksburg to
earu that the Saglcous Confederate commander had not
only anticipated his movement, but had completely
blocked the passage of the Rappahannock.
So confident were Burnside aud his army Of the
cessfu issue of his clever strategcm that the army
respondents undertook furnish the Federal press With
minute and glowing accounts of the triumphAl march
Public eIDctaton raised the highest pitch. Tho
government the press aud officers in the field
far forgot the bitter dsappontmCn,s Of the past 20
indulge the pleasant hEluciuatou of the early downfall
OF the rebel ekptal. When Burnside reached the
heights overlooking Fredericksburg therefore, and
his anxious eyes the river great must have been
his aStonshmeRt when he discovered the Confederate
who, lac vanly supposed, were still awaiting his attack
near Warrentop drawn up the opposite hills, aud the
gateway to Richmond completely closed.
The Abolition press; in its disappointment and mort
6cation, INDUCES in charges Of treason against its
people, aud says in the confidence Of Burnside
must have communicated his plans to General Lee. But
this is not true. General Lee by his superior genius
and penetration, enabled To athom his SdVsrsarys
designs, and battle his wslaid plans; and that too,
without the assistance Of traitors from the Federal
caups f-'- -'- -.-s-l rrl- sra- r. t,f-t.
!. a "A s tsetssEs ssist, 1ee oosfeasscyj
is fortunate in having W. sSpRS eAelal Ls& ys
service de Is sll IN the prime and Vigot OF Phytchr