The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-09-15
General Sherman.

This able, patriotic, persevering Union off,
Ger has had a brilliant career since he COM
menced his march from Chattanooga. Look
Ing away over mountains and valleys, over
forests and rivers, he fixed his eyes upon the
beautiful city Of Atlanta, one Of the important
centers OF rebeldom whence issued much ofthe
blood that gave vitality to the Confederacy.
The rebels were not ignorant OF Shermans
objective point, and therefore the forces OF
JEFF. Davis, under the command Of Johnston,
were marshalled to oppose him. They have
opposed him at every step of his triumphant
march, but our generals indomtable energy
and mastery skill have proved an oyer-match
Tor his traitorous enemy.
In spite of all obstacles thrown 10 his way,
whether in the form of mountains, forests, riv-
ers, or formidable "armies with banners"
Sherman and his brave troops have fought
their way and grasped the prize fro m rebel
hands. Atlanta is ours, and the Stars and
Stripes now float proudly over that city. This
long aud tedious march in an enemys country
will form one OF the brightest pages in the
history of this rebellion, and the future histo-
AlAu WIZ NAltC1 ~ AOHn hluob 1ttA VIC SiON VI
patriotism warm his heart as he makes the re-
cord.
The capture of Atlanta gives us access to
the railroads that lead into the Gulf States and
opens way for the progress OF Sherman's ar
my deeper into the heart OF rebeldom. Geor-
states of the so-called Conlederacy, now lie at
the mercy of the indomitable Sherman and
his noble boys. No blow since the fall OF
Vicksburg has fallen so heavily upon the re-
bells. Every loyal heart rejoices in such
victory, and we believe Johnston, the former
commander of the rebel army, will not shed
mony tears at the defeat of the hotspur, Hood
whose army has suffered so much at the hands
Of Sherman. Johnston, having been drive
more than hundred miles, believed and open
ly said to bis master, that Atlanta could not
be defended against the Union forces, aud for
this he was compelled to give place 10 Hood
who was thought to have more fight in him.
Hood did have pluck. but lacked in prudence,
and Johnston can now say to JEFF Davis" 81
told you So" and say it too with some little
pride and Boosting.
This blow has brought the rebels TO q new
grief, aud that is not all. Others have been
brought TO grief by the capture of this strong
hold Of the enemy-we mean the copperheads
who have made Little Mac straddle the peace
platform. This victory of the Union arms
has made Little Mac look little less on that
platform, and struck terror into the hearts of
his supporters. Hood has not proved SO good
an electioneering agent as Vallandigham and
Others could have wished, and Lee seems to be
losing ground as such an agent of the Copper
heads.
We presume Hood will hardly find good
resting place for the soles of his feet in Geor-
gia or Alabama, which must be much crowd
ed by slaves whom their masters have driven
there for safe keeping. But In what nook or
corner OF rebellion can those naughty plant
es hide their slaves? That question is press
ing them closer every day. Sherman, no
doubt, has his eyes on Macon, another impor-
tant center ofrebeldom distant from Atlanta
about 100 miles. Hood has gone before him,
but Sherman will surely follow, and when
Macon falls into his possession another and
ncfcIc UioW VIII be dutuinlstcFeu 10 the Tal-
tors. Copperheads will feel it also, and Lit
tie Mac will be glad to jump from the peace
platform, aud wish he had never mounted
Il.
But we viii not pursue the subject any fur
Their at this time. 1t is said, and Gen. Ha-
GEMS statistics show, that the army under
Johnston and Hood had lost more than fifty
thousand men previous to the last battle at
East Point about six miles south of Atlanta
where great slaughter of Hoods men took
place. The rebel troops who ran away with
Hood in the night towards Macon are in n
bad condition aud in worse spirits. How can
1t be otherwise? The best portion of that ar
my has been slain in battle or deserted. and
those that remain are made up ofraw recruits
or miitiamen who will not feel much like
fighting Sherman's brave boys again. The
truth Is, the rebellion is now about TO collapse
and copperhead stock runs exceedingly low.
As the rebel power wanes, copperheads
grow scarce, and w.henNovember come round
we expect they will make very small show
the smaller the better for the country and
for liberal principles throughout the world.