New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1863-07-09
/. THK PILOT WHO wEATHERED
THE STARnv

Throughout the long, dark hours of depres-
sioa and disaster, the general voice accused
the constitutional rulers and leaders of the
Nation of imbecity and incompetency. We
who are their friends have at times expressed
our dissatisfaction as freely aud heartily, though
not SO necessarily. so Unfortunately, as their
bitterest foes. Now that victory after victory
gilds the National arms and irradiates the
whole future of the Republic, shall we not do
them the simple justice of a general Well
dOne!"
When the Army of the Potomac, finding
itself outhanked and evaded by Lee, moved
nOrthward to cover Washington, Baltimore,
and its menaced communications with the loyal
North, there was vehement clamor for
local protection and security. 1t was very
wrong, many said, not to have guarded the
LOYAL States from invasion at all hazards. But
it was not wrong-it was wise and right The
further Lee ventured North, with our noble
Army intact on his flank and rear, the more
probable his defeat, and the more certain
and complete, in case of such defeat, his
destruction. And that Army of the Potomac,
strengthened from the garrisons Of Washington
and Baltimore, held in hand without division
or defamation to achieve minor ends, was the
fit and fated instrument of his overthrow. IL
was desirable TO protect the fertile fields OF
Southern Pennsylvania from ravagc it was In
dispensabe to crush the Rebel Army OF the
Al h.. nall QI fAH a
the grandest Of ends.
So with regard to Grant at Vicksburg.
When it was reported that doubt or hesitation
existed as to the policy of supporting him to
the utmost, we protested in terms neither
courtly nor equyocal. We deemed it essential
that he should be reinforced to the extent OF
his needs, though to this end Kentucky,
Missouri, and even the States looking south
ward across the Ohio, should be exposed for
time to Rebel devastation. Unwelcome as
were these risks, the vital point in the West
was the capture Of Vicksburg; and 70 this
everything else must give way. And this was
nobly cared for. Missouri and Kansas we're
stripped bare; Kentucky left but half defended
West Virginia laid open to incursion and
spoliation; Banks compelled to give ground in
louisiana; aud ever heroic, long-enduring. I'M
deseryedly afflicted East Tennessee lett little
longer under the feet Of her ruthless torturers,
in order that Grant should be so reinforced
that Johnston could not venture 10 attack nor
even seriously TO menace him. Thus fell the
Western Gibraltar of the Rebellion, clearing the
way for u speedy overthrow Of the traitors
throughout the vast South West. Not BY us
originally, but by JEFF. Davis, was the continued
posse ,sion Of Vicksburg and Port Hudson pro-
nousced Indispensable to the maintenance OF bis
pirate Conederacy. And therein be was right.
truth sink deep into their hearts. The
reopening Of the Mississippi to the commerce OF
the Union assures the downfall of the Slave
holders Rebellion. Aud il has been virtually
effected because 1t has for Line months been
made the controlling, absorbing aim Of our
Military operations in the West.
To the heroic Union soldiers, especially the
Volunteers, whose patriotic devotedness has so
largely contributed TO the several important
triumphs which now ill the hearts of the loyal
with grateful JOY, let the homage OF praise be
freely rendered. Let the able and faithful
Generals, who have so wisely aud skilifIIly led
them TO victory, have also their full need of
admiration. But let the Precedent and Admin.
istration, who have borne the burden OF popu-
lar impotence and disgust when disaste. after
disaster was encountered-often, if not always.
through 10 fault Of theirs-be justly rcinem-
bered in this hour Of loyal exultation, as faith
full and steadfast if not omniscent pilots across
unsounded treacherous, perilous seas, who have
braved the widest gales, the most furious TEN
pests, and in the darkest hours Of this unpre-
cedeDted struggle, have ,tcadfas,ly refused to
despair Of the Republic.