Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-12-25
Rarn.las.. Fate Marked, on.

The Chicago Times, writing before the late battle
gives 9 little insight into the future. It says:
battle shall take place this side of Richmond it
viii De upon ground chosen by the Confederaes Their
conmu locations with Richmond are all opep and they
possess facilities of transportation that will enable them
to avoid battle if they choose to retreat Where
they go, Gen. Burnside must follow If they must
their armies behind the Notifications of the rebel cap
tai, they must be attacked and beaten there If Gen
Burnside ls incompetent to perform this feat be will be
removed. The work OF decapitation is to continue IN
til the man be found who can reduce the rebel strong
nso without engineering, Or ditch digging or the cree
ton oil batteries or planting of cannon but by simply
throwing our soldiers against the enemy's works ~
Military science and experience are altogether too slow
Tor the mpatence OF the Administration and the peril
surrounding it. Besides, it is not education or ex
perlence that makes Generals" "They are born not
made" They have heard mysterious voices" i'd
have revelations denied to Others President Lincoln
IS General. A short time since he gave Mcclellan
ne benefit OF his as tactcian, and within day or
two has volunteered the advice to Burnside
Witness
1t IS Understood that the President has furnished
copy o, his letter to General McOlelan-and on which
Mcclellan failed to act--to General Burnside for the
consideration and guidance o. that officer. The Pres
dent has also read this letter to various parties and it
Will no doubt be given to tie public 1t is document
which will elevate Mr.. Lincoln in the esteem of all
thoughtful men, and will show conclusively that be has
not been content with the nominal position of Com
underlying the conduct OF military affairs"
The New York Times is responsible for the above.
1t Is not burlesGue but truth The substance of that
letter to advise Mcclellan of the necessity of push
my bis army southwark The order has been given
to Burnside, snd If be dt9 not obey it, of goes his
head If be does obey it, then there Just thing
that can save the Army Cf the Potomac from defeat
That will be the overwhelming confidence of Lee,
when be knows that Mcclellan is DO longer opp sad to
him This may lead him to give battle upon equal
terms. We should have but little doubt in that case
that tie generalshp of Burnside and the vaor of
troops would carry the old flag safely through. Bu
we have seen thar there is necessity of Lees doing
this 1t ne can dra" our army after him to Richmond
he will content to let it waste itself away in the
frut SIS endeavor to keep open its nuncaton with
Washington II Burnside penetrated 10 Richmond,
and maintained himself there for a month, an exped-
ton by way OF the Peninsula may be mt to bis relief
but without this the attempt to carry the rebel capital
by the present Army of the Potomac will only end in
defeat and disaster. If it does thus end the General
commanding will not be responsible. 1t will be the
Administration which has compelled the movement. Il
expedition shall be by way of the Peninsula the
Judgment of Mcclellan will be approved.