The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-06-01
Grants Army.

ms able General has made movement OF
very grave interest, and such as no General
would make unless he believed bis way was
clear. These flank movements are always at
tended with more or less danger, but when
properly executed and well sustained, they
usually lead on to victory. 1t has been said
that Lee was not obliged to retreat before
Grant at Spottsylvania and other places, but
fell back voluntarily and for strategic pur-
poses. This is not so. The most reliable
accounts we have justify the statement that
Lee fell back because he was obliged to do SO,
or be crushed.
Gen. Grant after three holly contested bat
ties Invariably turned the enemy's right by ex-
tending his own left. This was done in the
Wilderness, again at Spottsylvania Court
House and the third time between the South
and North Anna Rivers. Leaving Lee to dig
trenches and fortify himself as best ne could,
Grant slid away and has crossed the Pamun-
key. This last change Of position establishes
a new base where supplies can be easily fur
nished. Soon as Lee ascertained that Grant
had made this movement, no doubt he threw
ttA' W. 1So DCtWSCn 6AAHb duu UiCuuiDlQ. &ilQ
may at this moment occupy the line OF the
Chickahominy. Thus Lee is compelled to de-
fend his capital instead of making an attack
upon Washington. Grant may form juno
ton with Buffers army and attack Richmond
upon the south side. Grant is now some ten
miles nearer Richmond than be was when on
the North and South Anna rivers, besides he
has avoided the Little River, and the South
Anna, and some twenty-five miles of ground
His present movement is made at a point
southeast OF every position a. which Lee was
prepared to oppose him. In these movements
the rebel General has been fairly outgener-
sled.
Having safely placed his forces south of the
Pamunkey, Grant leaves Lee no choice Of his
future operations. We have every reason to
believe that Grant has no notion Of fighting
Lee In his entertainments, but intends to fight
him on equal ground. With the base OF his
army on the James river, he would be prac-
tically nearer our Capital than when on the
Rapidan without communication by railroad.
Grants army has had fearful march over
land to Its present position, but the march has
been triumphant, and Lee is much the worse
forit. Any hour may bring us exciting news
Some timid ones have expressed their fears
thsk while Grant may be investing Richmond.
Lea will send his army to attack Washington.
W4n Lee has conquered Grants army, then,
and not till then, will he attempt raid into
tha free States. The lesson he learned At
Gettysburg will not soon be forgotten by this
add it General-besides, should he venture on
SUD movement, Grant would at once follow
an attack him. Grant don't linger much
any where as Mcclellan was wont to do on
certain occasions. Let Lee march North IL
he dares, and our word for it, Grant would
be on his track and follow him until he got
him upon ground where defeat would be the
entire destruction Of his army. SO we think
II is not worth while to borrow any trouble
from such sources. Under the present aspect
OF affairs we can afford to exercise little pa
thence, and wait for the coming of those
events which have already cast their shadows
before u.s.