Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-03-17
Eyaeuating Manassas.


Considerable surprise and u%neasiness has
been felt recently, concerning the reports of
the falling back of our forces from Manassas
and the upper Potomac. The Richmond Ex-
a.niner says:-We may compose this ankle
ty. at least to some extent, by the positive
assurances that these movements have not
been on account of any pressure of the enc
my, but are purely strategic. General John
ston is understood to have the confidence of
the Administrator to such an extent that
as a singular exception, he has the control
and direction Of military movements in his
department entirely in his own discretion
1t is certain that a new line of defence is to
be organized in Northern Virginia, and that
the points have been selected with a view to
the best strategic advantage. These points
are not yet indicated but it is thought pro-
bable that a line of defence will be organized
extending from Gordonsyille to Staunton.-
A depot of provisions is now being establish
ed at the former place.
And the Examiner further remarks
The most important movements that ever
occurred on this continent are now going on
before our eyes. Tne brilliant and astonIsh-
ing success of the Virginia in the waters Of
Hampton Roads opens n new chapter in ma
val warfare, and marks a new era in the
struggle which the South is engaged in. The
grand movement of the army of the Poto-
mac, in withdrawing from its. offensive line
on the river of that name, and assuming a
defensive one on the line of the Rapahannock
and Rapidan, places a new complexion on the
en- tire war in Virginia
The policy of this change of position with
reference to the intended attack of the ene-
my is obvious. The Potomac was the pro-
per base for offensive operations against Ma
ryland and Washington city but as a line
Of defence for Richmond, or for general re-
s~istance, it is the most d~angerousthat could
be held. The line upon which ths army an.
der General Joseph JohnstonIis now falling
back is in the nature of the are of a circle, OF
which Richmond is the centre. The enemy
is put to the necessity of marching a consid-
cradle distance inland before engaging our
forces. If defeated in general engagement
he can scarcely escape humiliation for he
: will then be too far from the Potomac and
+ from Washington city to reach safety by a
: few hours flight, like that he made after the
battle of Manassas. Ii, on the contrary. he
should be successful III his encounter with
: our forces, he could not take advantage OF
his victory on account of the delay necessa.
~ to bring up his supplies from the distan,
Potomac.
. Whoever will take the trouble to examine
J, the map of Virginia, will find that our line O
: defence, as now adopted, stretches from the
Rappahannock, by a grand circle, to Cum
beriand Gap, IN the extreme south western
corner of tue State embracing the Contra
y and the Virginia and Tennessee railroads, til,
y chief cities of Virginia, the valley. of tn,
: James, with its canal and railroads, withir
s the circumference. 1t will be seen, tor, tina
y this is purely a line of defence; assumed
Y now as a necessity, in view OF the grea
force which we have, by our supine polio,
for SIX months, permitted the enemy to mar
shal and put IN position without disturban
ces, and at his leisure and pleasure.
Ii is distressing to give up so large a POI
ton OF Virginia, even for a season, to tn
domination of the foe but the measure ha
+ become a strategic necessity, and is now tn
,e surest means o. defeating the grand project
OF the enemy and ensuring the success {
, our cause. The surprise he will receive from
er the magnificent naval occurrences in Hamp
to ton Roads, and from the judicious movement
7 of our army, which has SO long been threat
. ening him before Washington,.will be yer
AZ great Mere delay is ruin to him, and con
siderable delay in the execution Of his pro
gramme is now inevitable.
lie, The Secretary of the Navy, in a Messag
ny to the President, in speaking of the first day