Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-21
Democratic Union State Ticket.


1t is useless to speculate upon the probable re-
suits of the controversy in which the armies of
the Union are engaged. when in a few days events
will doubtless transpire that will probably deter
mine the ability Of the rebels to continue the
struggle with its present gigantic proportions
The crisis of the contest is evidently at hand.
The army of the Mississippi under General PORE,
with Commodore FoorE's gunboat feet, are
before Fort Pillow, a stronger fertilization than
Island Ten, and which will be defended more
vigorously, with ample preparations for its reduc-
ton. This position is regarded as the key to the
Mississippi river below it and the protection of
the left wing of BEAUREGARD's army at Corinth.
With its fall Memphis cannot long be successfully
defended, and the way will be opened for the de-
scent of the river feet to New Orleans. Such now
are the Indications, although other Instructions
may be developed by enemy who have proved
fertile in resources and determined upon success.
a. Cornth two powerful armies are only few
miles apart, both preparing for terrific struggle.
at any hour may hear that the battle has
been renewed. BEAUREGARD it is understood has
been largely reinforced and il strongly en-
a decisive defeat here will be fatal
to their cause ana they will fight with all the in
centives and desperation that their situation in
spires. victory to them will prolong the strug-
gle. and give them new hope, courage and zeal
to fight on for the accomplishment of their pur-
poses. New Orleans, as are advised through
rebel sources, is being menaced by the feet and
army under Gen. BUTLER, having Ship Island as
the base of their operations. These important
movements can not long proceed without decis-
sive results. At the East Gen. MCCLELLAN,
with a magnificent army, is attempting to force
his way to Richmond by the York or James river
route On the peninsula near Yorktown the
enemy is strongly entrenched. fully prepared tor
the terrible struggle, and confident of victory.
Whatever may be its result bloody must be
the conflict. The divisions of the Army of
the Potomac under Generals MCDOWELL and
BANKS forcing their way to Richmond,
the former by Fredericksburg and the other
numbers it is unknown, is approaching the
latter place from Western Virginia We know
not what means the rebels have to obstruct the
march OF these armies of most formidable proper
tons, but if not sufficient to hold them in check,
the strategy may be for MCCLELLAN TO keep
the enemy at bay before Yorktown until Rich
m0nd can be invested by the immense army now
approaching it in its rear. MCDOWELL the first to
start towards Richmond may yet become its
captOr and it is intimated that his apparent mac
tivity will soon speak for ITSELF Savannah is
invested by the army under Gen. HUNTER, and
the fall Of Fort Pulaski makes his success more
probable. Burnside, with his large army, near
Newbern, will not long remain inactive. Such
is brief review of the present situation of az
fairs, the aspect of which must be materially
changed within few days. But a few weeks
remain before climate and disease will become
effective allies to the rebel armies. The winter
campaign has reduced forces oy disease and
death, and the summer campaign will make more
fearful havoc from the same causes. What work
is done must be done quickly, otherwise the eli
mate and disease will more effectuaIly cripple
and decimate our ranks than the bullets of the
enemy. 1t is estimated that the Indiana regi-
ments in Tennessee cannot now turn out over
five hundred men each fit for service, and we
must expect that even this number will lessen
during the summer months. As war is now the
only accepted arbiter of national difficulties,
We must patiently wait for the sword to cut the
Gordon knot which will determine the contro-
yersy.