Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1862-07-31
The rnt, ef t,,e Union.

Two lines of telegram inform us that on Juue l6i
!. bloody battle was fought near Cbsrieslon, W'1i
great loss on both Sides. As another episode IN a
desperate struggle another red page in the history
of civil war the most disastrous end dsgrace;ai
that has ever botted the tSok Of history, the mere
bald fact of such battle has, OF course, its signh-
canoe Every such encounter must to deepen the
anmosity to widen the impracticabe gulf between the
Northern and Southern sections OF the late Ameri-
can Union. But what its bearing may be upon the
fate of the second seaport of the Confederate States
we cannot determine until We know its issue By our
last accounts there had been encounter on James Is
land between the attacking forces ard the defenders OF
Charleston. James Island is tongue OF land, ihcky
covered with forest ard brushwood, by gaining pos
session Of which the Northern troops would be able
approach the city the southwest side, on which,
We believe, its defences very imperfect In this
first encounter the CoDeerates had brought together
some 1000 5000 men, with three batterns OF
artillery The Federas said to have numbered
about sixteen regiments ard they expected reinforce
ments 10 attempting to enter the wooded country OF
the interior of the island they seem 10 have been
driven back with some loss.
Whether the city is u1appr0achable by the fleet aud
gunboats account OF the shalowLess Of the water OF
the inner bay, the Fedtral5 theES lvts having done
their best to mike this approach difficult by sinking
the stone fet in toe main channel soma time siGce
or whether Forts Sumter ard Moultre, with the other
sea defeDces ore formidable to be able to check
the advance OF the feet whatever be the reason it is
prey to such Duva attack that which at once placed
the city of New Orleans in the power of its enemies
1t is said tbat Beaurtg gard has detached force from
bis army fer TIE defence OF Charleston. We have no
reliable evidence of this Should it be true that the
attacking army he latter may be driven
back to its ships, and the capture Of Charleston be
postponed i0r a while. We, hoWevtr, think it more
than probable that this heavily offending cityhe head
and front OF secesson-has, ere this. fallen into the
hands OF the Northern army.
The able military leaders OF the Southern movement
appear to have comprised hovsVer rluctauty in their
programme the gradual surrender of the whole Of the
seaboard to tie naval forces Of the enemy. This enemy
20 sooner cutters into possession than lie seconds in
trucuent and needless manner, the plans OF the South
ern chieftaius. II render reunion impossible and
compromise hateful to perpatuate secession, and
durable nationality basia of undying hatred of
everything that is North, be the aim and purpose of
the Confederates, then Davis and Beauregard second
this purpose but weakly in comparison with Gen. But
Ter aud the Congress at Washington.
The unrHauy i0suit of red the women of New Or.
leans-an outrage which has earned for Butler the eX-
ecration ct every ana ia Eur0pe-has gain
ed him not0riey which he must not mistake for fame
tribute Of groaning and Kissing in an assembly OF
Eng sh youth aud certain Fl ,ttering comparisons with
Haynau and Mana SahIb This disgusting procama-
ton capped it has been by such of unparalleled
barbarity as the hanging OF poor who pulled
down Federal fsg bias settled the fate of New Or
leans There is an end Of the Union forever in the
crescent lily
Towards the people OF Charleston tie people of New
York feel far vindctiVe than towards these poor
baltcreolts of Louisiana. We may expect pendant
long to the atrocities of Butler The bloodIess
ture of Sumter, which naugurated this Wind cve war
the first hosting Of The secession flag of the seven stars
these the deeds OF the bot-headed people Of th
capital OF South Carolina We fear they may BE- bit
tery averaged. The New Workers never speak OF
Charleston without tempest OF big words and fearful
denuncations. The Inhabitants OF this unfortunate
city, should it fall into the hands OF the North will have
to pass through fire of persecution. Is it supposed
that the remnant will survive to be good aud true cit
zens OF the American Union, which treats them n 60
pateraal manner? Such victory of the North
would be driving another nail into the coffin of the ex-
tinct republic Of the " United - States =
To-day is the 4h Of July. With the anniversary OF
American independence may be dated also the end Of
the spring campaign which was intended to repair the
fortunes OF the shattered fabric which Washington and
his friends found il doubt aud hope. BY this time
Charleston has fallen, the siege has been raised By
this time, il all probability, Richmond has been taken
or the host of Mcclellan scattered Such sgna events
cannot much longer &c delayed but whatever happens
tie end will be tie same The subiugation of the South
was farther'of than now It may be considered
postponed sine die