New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-05-06

regiments that brokej that II 1t be deemed too
rigid to shoot them oil, they may at lsass be
decimated aud then dissolved.
The battle on Sunday was a repulss to the
Rebels, although they gained ground, and it is
to be constantly borne in mind that nothing
less than complete success can save them from
annihilation. Hooker ia apparently stronger
for defense than he was on Saturday morning
His lines are shorter, and of course more easily
defensible by massiDg troops on the points Of
severest attack. 1t is not possible to believe they
can be broken by any force which Lee, unre-
enforced, can launch against them. The Rebel
attack ceased at noon on Sunday, and ceased
after Hooker had for the second time retired
from the line be had occupied. If the Rebels
were in condition to press him, why did they
halt, aud why did tho battle die away only to
be renewed next morning. Al evidence is
that the strength of Lees attack is exhausted.
To hesitate is to fail, and he faltered for half
the day. Only let Stoneman have succeeded,
and the Rebel armies shall be scattered this
week before Hooker's victorious pursuit.
| That Hooker has taken six thousand prison
ers, among them Major-Gen. Ev5as and Brig
Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, is alone evidence how sue
cessiully he has fought, and that the retire
ment from his first and second lines has
resulted in no harm, and diminishes no proba-
bility of victory. Lee is surgng in all bis deg
1pcrate strength against Hooker's lines, know
ing that he must break them or he il lost.
He does not break them, and it needs only
Stoneman to insure his defeat. Meantime, his
immense Losses in prisoners show how reck-
lessly his troops are risked.
On the left at Fredericksburg our accounts are
also to Monday morning, and rumors are much
later. What is certainly known is that the
Rebels have returned toward their line of re.
doubts in considerable force, and on Sunday
afternoon and Monday morning made them
selves felt in Sedgwick's front and on his left,
attacking with some resolution. The result Of
that contest is not known, but report has it
that Sedgwick has been forced to abandon
the redoudts he so CALAMITY carried, and was
recrossing the river Monday night 1t is of no
vital consequence either way. Sedgwick's real
business is to hold the Rappahannock line, and
that he can do on either side Of the river. If
he should finally be able to cooperate with
the main body at Charlottesville so much the
better, but it probably has never been conf
IDENTITY counted upon by Gen. Hooker. What
courage and ability can do the indomitable will
Of Sedgwick is sure to accomplish.
Il 10 not certain that there was any serious
fighting anywhere on Monday. II not, it 10 a
clear indication Of Lees weakness, but it may
result in his retreat by the Gordonsyille road,
which remains in bis possession. by the with
drawal of Hookers lines from Charlottesville.
But Gordonsve, even, 10 valueless TO the
Rebels if Stoneman has done his duty.
This morning will bring rs news direct by
messenger from the battlefield, and much Of
the present suspense will be relieved. We
have q single remark to make, however, on
one point. II there are troops in Washington
they should be sent to the front. II Hooker
needs them, send every man that is
not wanted inside the forts. The place
to defend the capital now is on the
banks Of the Rappahannock. We do not be-
leye Hooker does need them, for We cherish
the faith that Stoneman has broken the rail.
road, and that nothing has found its way to
Lee and in that case there cannot be doubt
of HoOker's success.