The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-21
Our Battle Fields.

Distance of time lends enchantment to the
view OF the great battles fought in ancient
days on fields near the Mediterranean Sea and
other portions of the globe. Readers of his
tory are enthusiastic over the proves mani
tested, and the daring deeds performed by AL
exander, Scipio, Cesar, Leonidas, Epaminon-
das, and host of other brave warriors and
their noble armies. The Greeks and Romans
have displayed great courage on many fields,
and their brave deeds stand out In bold relief
on the pages Of history. And more modern
times have furnished generals and armies
whose noble daring and great military ardor
have rendered. many battle-flelds In Europe
famous in all countries. But the time will
come when the history Of our struggles for
the life of this great Republic, will show
drawer troops, more desperately fought battles,
more indomitable courage, and more enthusi-
astic patriotism than have ever been exhibited
on any battlefield in any age of the world.
To be fully appreciated and UNDERSTOOD
our battle-fields must be viewed through the
mists OF the ages, and future generations can
alone see them ia their true light. We are
making history that will yet inspire the poet,
the novelist, the painter, and bewiteh the
world. Young as our nation is, it now pre-
SCENTS spectacle to all other nationalities
which no previous age has ever exhibited
The eyes of the whole world are upon US in a
fixed gaze, and the history Of this rebellion
will be marked as one of the great epochs in
all coming time.
Every day brings with it more intense in
terest, and the public heart is stirred to its in
most depths. The name of Grant is upper
most In all minds, and all are hoping and pray
Ing for his success. From the aspect of affairs
at our present writing, we are forced to the
conviction that our brave soldiers must yet
fight some terrible battles, and lay many Of
their precious lives on the altar of their coun-
try.
In the vicinity OF Richmond Gen. Buffers
forces have fought gloriously, and punished
the enemy severely. We are impressed with
the belief that Buffers appearance about
Richmond is intended to keep the rebel forces
from joining Lee and strengthening his pow
err, and not for the purpose of capturing that
hotbed of traitors. Such, we think, was the
original plan, and yet, old Ben would not let
good opportunity pass unimproyed. 1t
would do his heart much good to take this
city and train its citizens for few days while
Grant Is fighting Lees troops. Nothing would
suit this General better, and the loyal people
stand ready to give him their hats when the
deed Is done. He may play round Fort OAR
ling and threaten Richmond, but we imagine
he will not risk an attack upon it.in good
earnest at present, and not until Grant has
made further advances and won more vic
tories. No doubt there is a perfect under
standing between these two officers, and the
programme will be fnlly carried out. Things
have a good look in this quarter.
The operations of Gen. Sherman are very
satisfactory and encouraging. His move
ments are fraught with momentous conse-
quences to the rebels, and his success thus
far is gladdening to every loyal heart. Rome
has been captured, aud Sherman reached
Kingston and encamped there one night. In
the morning he advanced upon the enemy
who again retreated. Hooker's and Towards
guns were doing good service on Johnston's
forces. Both armies were in sight Of each
other. Sherman's course is towards Atlanta,
and he seems determined to fight his way to
that important centre Of Rebellion. The
possession of Atlanta by our forces would be
q staggering blow to the rebellion. The pros
pect now is, that Sherman will reach that
much coveted place before long. When he
does, JEFF Davis will feel the blood creep
coldly about his heart. Sherman reports the
weather fine. His march thus far has been
triumphant.
In the Southwest the rebels have been bad
ly whipped, Yazoo city captured, large guam
titles Of cotton taken, and White river block
aided. Affairs have good look in that quar-
ter.
1t Is supposed that there are now three
hundred thousand men in the Union army
bearing on Richmond. This Is mighty mil
itary force, such rs the world has seldom wit
messed. Formidable as Lees army is, Gen.
Grant has one more formidable. These pow
erful armies are facing each other, and gen.
eral battle may occur at any hour. While
these tremendous forces are thus arrayed
against each other, the nation holds its breath
and waits In the most painful anxiety.