New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-06-25
THE REBEL CAMPAIGN.

1t is obvious enough by this time that Gen.
complish its objects by mere celebrity or sud-
denness of movement. When Chambersburg
was first taken, Harrisburg might also have
been taken for the trouble of marching that
knew its defenceless condition, it follows that
that place was not an objective pont-at all
events had not then become 30. And since q
real invasion of Eastern Pennsylvania would
have been easier upon the moment than it can
ever be again, and would surely have been
made, If meant, it must be conceded that it
was not meant, and that the rather too eX-
tensive apprehension OF disaster in that quar-
ter had little or no satisfactory cause.
Putting Eastern Pennsylvania aside, the
question recurs: What is Lees plan of CAM
paigu1 Until there is more eyidence-Or we
might even say some evideDce-of movement
in force upon Pittsburgh, we shall hesitate 10
believe that the strength Of the Rebel army
operations in the West. II it has, Pittsburgh
is by no means the Interior point to be gained
campaign in Ohio, diversion in fsEos OF
Bragg. and even the interruption of Grants
prospective promenade through Mississippi and
Alabama after the fall of Vicksburg, may be
reckoned as among the probable objects of q
movement so gigantic in proportion as the
transfer of Lees forces from tho eastern TO
the western scene Of conflict. But taking 1t
for granted at present that no column strong
enough to do more than attempt the capture
of Pittsburgh aud Wheeling has been detached
from Lees main army, the question again re-
turns, Where is that army, and bent on what
canpaignl
impossibe-in spite Of some reports more posi-
tive than plausible-to give decisive answer.
Instead Of expecting any information or indi-
cations Of Lees position from the movements
Of bis cavalry, we shall do well ~ remember
that the business Of cavalry is 70 mask, not
uncover, the operations Of the force in frons
of which it maneuverA. The iorays into
Chambersburg, therefore, into Frederick, aud
wherever else Stuart and jenkins have been
heard from, since they are not followed by al
immediate support Of infantry. aro evidence
that Lee has objects not 10 those but In other
directions. On the other hand wo are in
formed by the operations Of our own cavalry
where the enemy 10 not, II not clearly
where he il, and it does seew tolerably
certain, a. the result Of Gen. Pleasan.
th.t a.. d.
force in that quadrilaterAl district which /,
bounded south westerly BY tho RuppabAunock
' north-westerly by the Bull Run and KittoctaI
). ranges, aud Of which the Potomac encloses th.
i other two sides. 1t 10 also true that the Lou
/. don Valley, lying between the Kttoctan Noun
d tans and the Blue Ridge, has been PARTIAL
secured but it does not appear that the Rsbe
r possession Of any gap in the latter has bee
. disputed; still less, that the Shenandoah Rive
has been crossed TO the westward by our troops
. since they crossed, very recently, in the othe
;. direction. Whatever information. therefore
J.. has been obtained concerning the Sbsnandoa
Y Valley, and the presence Of Lee within it, ha
% not been gathered by reconnoissances in force
> and is not fully to be trusted. Still, Gen
Pleasanton learns, says q letter which W
i printed yesterday, that the two corps Of Eve
+ aud Longstreet arc near Winchester, accom-
panied by Gen. Lee, and that the corps Of
p, Hill is now coming up the Valley to jon
them.
d On the probable plan of campaign to b
7 adopted by Lee, if he is really in tho Vale
in force, it seems to US idle 10 speculate. Th
Shenandoah Valley is q base of operations, tn
= value of which has heretofore been mutiia
riously demonstrated, and from which abou
, as many lines may be drawn as from Rich
mond. Who shall pretend to say which Lee
has chosen, or will choose' Lacking the ad
vantage of those confidential relations with th
Rebel commander which other journals hav,
cultivated, we prefer to leave to Gen. Hooker
whose proper business it ia, the tack OF disin
ing the intentions of his opponent. For thu
present, we are content 10 believe that th,
swftbess and decision with which Gen. Hooker
changed bis ground TO meet the movement o
Lee have made him master Of the position, ant
We await the development Of Lees purpose
without any further solictude le,t tho blow
which he meditates should fall where it 10 no
expected. 1t must be presumed that by th
time the military authorities in Washington
comprehend the situation.