The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-04-01

The HERALD CORRESPONDENTS UNDER FIRE.
The great beauty of the HERALD war reports
is that our correspondents gee what they
describe. An ancient poet named Homer has
given US very fair account of the little scrim-
mage around Troy-not Troy, N Y. But Ho-
mer was, comparatively speaking. humbug.
He never saw what he reported Like Bull
Ran Russell at the battle from which he takes
his name, Homer drew upon his imagination for
the facts. Like the Little Villain" who ran
away at the sight Of phantom Austrian at Sol
ferino, Homer was never anywhere near the con-
ficts he depicts. Seven cities claimed Homer;
but the whole world claims our war reporters.
Homer never smelt powder or saw an iron-clad
gunboat. Our war correspondents have been
under fire. They have no dread of "villanous
saltpetre." When writing of the capture of
New Orleans, the battle of Pea Ridge, the trial
fight of the Montauk, the passage of the Port
Hudson batteries, or any of the other events Of
the war by land or sea, they always take their
notes on the spot. Bombs burst above their
heads, and cannon balls whiz past their noses
and scatter their papers. This gives their let
tiers such vivid. graphic interest. They are
original photographs, not second hand copies.
Mr.. Milton made very good report Of tue first
great rebellion; but he did 1t from fancy and
old documents. Our correspondents reports
of the second great rebellion put Milton COM
pletely into the shade. Homer and Milton did
quires the HERALD's stat.
Is GEN. RosEcRANs IN misunderstanding
to our latest accounts from Kentucky, the rebel
column under Gen. Pegram which had entered
that State was falling rapidly back before the
Union forces in pursuit. This invasion on the
part If the rebels was doubtless intended partly
as an expedition for subsistence. and partly as
diversion to draw off portion of the army Of
Gen. Rosecrans to the defence Of Kentucky;
for it appears as if, under the idea that Gen.
Rosecrans had been drawn upon to meet this
Kentucky movement, the rebel army Of Gen.
Joe Johnston had faced about and was advanc-
ing towards MurfreesborO. Is Gen. Rosecrans in
danger? That is the question. He holds the
most exposed point, and the most inviting and
advantageous to the rebels for concentration
of their forces to break through the tolls of our
encircling anaconda; for he stands in the way
to Nashville and to the tempting army supplies
Of Kentucky. We dare say that he has made
his position at Murfreesboro a very strong one;
but, against the chances of being turned on the
right or left, his army should be promptly
strengthened, so as to enable him to leave his
defences and to grapple with the enemy In the
open field, If necessary to protect his lines OF
communication with his base Of supplies. We
hope the government is fully alive to the i'm
portance of the position of Gen. Rosecrans and
to the dangers which menace him. We have
great confidence in his vigilance, sagacity, skill
and bravery, aud in his heroic army; but he
should not be left to the chances of a col
lision with overwhelming numbers Of the enemy
from the Southwest and from Virginia, in addi-
ton to the original army Of Bragg