Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1862-02-13
GEN. BuRNs1pEs TRIUMPH.

We learn from the rebels themselves that
Gen Burnside has won great and very deci.
siye victory over them at Roanoke Island
The fighting lasted two or three days, and
resulted in the capture of The island and OF the
whole force stationed there to defend it, num-
bering about $500 men. All the rebel gun
boats were captured or destroyed. The report
that our force had cap'ured Elizabeth City
probably originated in the TACT that the rebel
gunboats fled to Elizabeth City and were
followed there by portion of the federal fleet.
The news Of this important victory comes to
us from Norfolk, and much of it is copied
from dispatches and statements in the Rich
mond papers. For a complete and reliable
account OF the battle, with all the particulars,
we must wait until some vessel from the feet
shall arrive with the official reports.
There is no part of tine country where the
interest in this news will be more general or
more profound than here in Worcester and
Worcester county. Two regiments from this
city and county went to Roanoke Island with
Gen, Burnside, and most likely, participated in
the fight; and the great JOY over the victory
is mingled with many fears and anXieties for
those went from us to this battle. We desire
and dread to see the list Of killed and wound.
ed. The rebel account of our losses, is, of
course, greatly exaggerated as to be
unworthy OF attention. Moreover, the re-
bells can not know what our loss is; and
their report that one of the Massachusetts
regiments was considerably cut up, is what
they imagined or hoped rather. than what is
true. 1t is probable that our troops were not
landed until the gunboats had put it out of the
power of the rebels to resist them very strong
ly. The bombardment had continued two or
three days previous 10 the landing, and it is
nowise likely that the fight on the island at.
forwards was very bloody.
The triumph at Roanoke Island is the
proudest that has been won, and Gen. Burn
side richly merits all the honor it will bring
him. Most other men would have been so un
nerved and dlshearlened by the disasters and
troubles at Hatteras Inlet as to become unfit.
ted to go on with the enterprise and it would
have been failure from that time. Gen.
DuFnSlue ulu not DecOne discouraged. Ills
activity aud resolution grew as the diff.
ficulties increased. His energy and hope
were lnexhaustble; and his triumph over the
difficulties that met him at the inlet, is one
OF the greatest victories of the war. 1t re-
quired wonderful energy to win that victory,
and then 90 on so promptly and win the
glorious success at Roanoke Island. No other
commander has yet shown such qualifications
for successful leadership Gen. Burnside has
earned his success, and let him have the praise
he deserves.
This success gives our forces entire contro
of the inland waters of North Carolina, and
opens the way to the railroads connecting
Richmond with the south. There is nothing
to indicate the direction OF Gen. Burnside
next movements. He is prompt, and hates
unnecessary delays. Therefore, we may be
sure that he will make his victory as fruitful
in results as possible.