The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-05-22
H EzKzY PAPER gaEegEp TO AGRICULTURE aaeezzaHgcg AND
o TIE EprroR or THE UNION AND JOURNAL.

To TIE EDITOR or THE UNION AND JOURNAL.
Although the citizens Of our city and State
arc at some distance from the scene Of carnage,
yet II cannot but be admitted that as indiyidu.
ais and citizens, there are but few who would
not wish to see this rebellion crushed, by the
overthrow Of treason, and the establishment Of
law and order throughout our land. Much rs
we wish the return Of peace, yet we would have
no compromise with rebels In arms, nothing
which we live. But We must admit as candid
men, that for our government to DO sustained,
and rebellion crushed, there must be more
determined and energetic action on its part; Tor
in few more weeks the Army Of the Potomac,
and armies generally will be reduced to less
than that Of the enemy, and II anything Is to
be done In filing up the ranks II should DO i'm
mediately. To draft, organize and drill the
men Is the work Of months. What is the prob
ability Of campaign, or battle, during the
months to comet Those who are so sanguine
rs to look for immediate action upon the part
of our armies. must, II seems to me. be mis-
which now looks quito probable. We trust that
our government will not think IL best to remove
the batteries in the vicinity of our capital for
for fear that they may fall into rebel hands, but
trust that they will facilitate their advance by
layingdown again the plank upon Chain Bridge,
and thus give them chance to get over, and
also warm reception II they come. The po-
stion that &C are now in, as q military nation,
must be frankly acknowledged to be humiliat-
ing. Every commander that has led the Army
of the Potomac has been placed hors de combat
and the laurels which they were to win, never
came. Petted and worshippcd before. battle
censured and deprecated after. We have dis
played, as q nation. an energy that has been
tr,,lv rtain In nrO n
now feared by foreign powers; we have built
forts and fortresses, and manned them; we
have showed such resources OF our national
wealth that has won the admiration of other
nations, and our armies have shown lighting
qualities, and performed military labors upon
which we have looked with pride. Yet, not
withstanding our splendid soldiery and resours-
es, i'll fortune seems to attend the Army OF the
Potomac. Can you explain the cause, and II
we 60 on ut this rate, when will the rebellion
be crushed! II We are to gain no knowledge
by past misfortune, we have come to sad pass,
indeed. We believe that there is too much in.
fluence brought to bear upon the President and
Cabinet in regard to positions in the army
Many man, by having Influential friends and
politicians to intercede for him, who has no
more experience in military matters than q
country school boy, Is placed in command OF
regiments and even briga'les. For example,
when our soldiers were storming Fredericks-
burg under Burnside, brigader general, when
the rebels opened fire, turned to lieutenant
and with great fear and trepidation exclaimed,
"Por Gods sake, what shall We do; we shall
oil be shot DOWN." We want men of stamina
to lead our army, have VIC got any in the North
is the question. Fremont, who was never known
TO retreat or quail before the enemy, should
now be leading the hosts of freedom. Gen.
Siccl, who in his native land, has lead his hun
drcds of thousands, is denied any situation. He
should be assigned to q position, and II the
people could be heard the General would to-day
be in the saddle. When the influence Of polti-
tians and partizans are thrown aside, and the
interests of the country and its demands arc
alone attended to, then we predict glorious
campaign for tho Army of the Potomac. Until
then We say in oil humility, God save our ma
tive land. u.