The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1862-05-19

II is impossible 10 ~ r.estimate tie imrer-
tante of defending this place and repeliing the
enemy completely, aud for TIE war, from it.
Taerefors, 10 those who regard it in the proper
light, tho determination of the Confederate
Government, the Executive and Legislature
al Virginia, aud the Chief Magistrate OF this
city, to defend it 10 the uttermost, AID to suiier
IL 10 he RACED 10 The ground before 1t shall be
surrendered to the mere demand CT a II jtilia
of gunboats, is in the highest degree crafty
ina. We have the faith that the pledges of
these high powers will be relisiousIy carried
out: because we net only believe in their ELL
serity. but we believe in the determination
Of the PEOPLE 10 sustain them, and, more than
all, In the courage and undying censtancy OF
our soldiers, and especially Of those sons o.
Virginia on whom may devolve conspicuous
part in The great act Of defence 30 impor-
sant
That the enemy sill bring every means in
lie power to bear upon this devoted cry ,
sha. he will leave no trick, no art, no m0ehtn-
.,y. bis cunni pg and ingenuity can devise, un
employed 70 throw the gloomy pan ofhispow
er aud authority ever this community, il DO
You'd donht. Hs is st this time ocperegatinS
HIS mul,itades aud accommodating his machines,
for this purpese, upon our waters. He Will
array all his power near us Yin n verv short time !
aud nothing but the courage and manhood ofour
people-notbing but a deter mina,ion not to be
conquered, and an energy suited to such ace
termination, can thwast him. lie will outpum
Der us--he will beat us ID interchangeable VIII
make desperate struggle to get .ae city. He
is right in considering it key to Nirs inia and
aInost tue heart Of the South. II has done SO
nanch TO keep up the spirit If the Resistance
a.a supply the means of def.nce--i-s capacity
IL coniinue this supply is SO much greater than
that of any other place it is the capital of the
Cpnfederacy and in short, Place OF SO
much historic fame, as we'll as political impor-
lance, that 1t would he to tue Eederalists
their proudest and most valuable achievement.
of the war to get possession OF it.
Everybody knows all this, ard therefore
everybody ought to know that Il successtnl
defence against such Efforts as tbs enemy
will exert to take the place must be most en-
ergstic, slesp.ess, and wisely directed. a
supineuess unaccountab!e, an spathy which
has bsen Amazing, prevailed with references to
the defences of the river up to tie time of the
unexampled act IF the destruction Of the Msr-
rimac. This brought the enemy to our only
water barrier, within eight miles of Rich
mond. That calamity did produce yawning
and a slow opening Of the eyes, snd finally
come energy of the hands; but not until the
Monitor came, with its terrible ad;uonisions,
did we behold q really lively and spirited pat
Ting forth of energy. Lste as it WAS We have
s.en whs: could be done at so late day
That 30 much could be done in SO brief space
is nos, encouraging The Tepuise given the
enemys pioneer boats afforded further time
TO increase our means of defence, and it has
not been lost.
When the enemy returns we may be assured
The difficulties i'll his way will be much iEcreas-
ed, while cur land force will be ready to TO-
pei HIS attempt to take our batteries by 6 land
approach. We take all this for granted. We
have wise Generals in the nei ghborhood, and
they know what the enemy will do, and have
no doubt prepared for him. That a great force
will be concentrated by the enemy by way
of the peninsula aud the river, with all pos
kibie rspidity, there cannot be doubt
He will DE met. He has sach great objects in
view that we are led to hope that he will
promptly give us battle. Ii he does 50 in the
field, we are COZ fdent he will be beaten If
he is, he will not take Richmond. Tho great
contest which will, in all probability, take
place la the very vicinity of the city, will lie
decisive. Should they be defeated, the Yam
KEGS can hardly bring such another army
against us while, il We are victorious. we
CAN even repe! and scatter such another army.