The Portland daily press., 1864-08-09

enough to give the rebels time to recover from
the surprise occasioned by the explosion, and
concentrate their forces on the point where
thew knew the assault would be made. This
short delay, less probably, than half an hour,
gave the rebels an advantage which our forces
failed to overcome.
The assault ought to have Immediately fol-
lowed the explosion even, if it were possible,
before the dust had all fallen from the air, or
the earth ceased to tremble. But the half
hours delay mighthaye been atoned for il Gen.
Ledlie had pushed forward his column with
all possible speed, and not have stopped to dig
out from the debris of the explosion two guns
which could not possibly make up for his loss
Of time. He was few minutes too late and
the golden opportunity was lost forever. His
troops courageous, brave and enthusiastic as
they were undoubtedly, were compelled to fall
back or be entirely cut up. The second as
sault was made by division OF the colored
troops, and it was made with as much courage
and heroism as the first assault was made.
But this was OF course more hopeless than the
first, and consequently it ended in disaster.
But TO return to the repulse itself, or rather
to the results which naturally flow from it.
And what are they? Are they of such gigan-
tic proportions as the Copperheads would
gladly make the people believe they are? We
will endeavor to answer these questions &C
cording to the facts in the case and the logic
OF the events. This repulse cannot be con-
strued into any thing but the failure of a
single effort which in no way can change
the relations which Grants army holds to
Petersburg and Richmond. His siege opera
tons will continue the same as they were be-
fore this repulse happened. This indomitable
and persevering officer will not relax his hold
on these cities one hairs breadth. Some OF
his storming movements have failed heretofore,
but he pursued his object and obtained it. The
failure of a single effort does not discourage
him nor his brave troops.
Before Vicksburg was captured he met with
reverses, but those reverses did not cast him
down, but rather neved his energy for more
daring exploits and higher achievements. The
losses in this single discontinue are far from
being heavy, and are not demoralizing in their
effects. They are in truth not near SO great
as in any previous battles OF Importance
There is nothing decisive in this repulse. In
fact it is not a serious one in any aspect in
which it can be viewed. We are writing what
we sincerely believe to be true, and coming
events, we think, will bear us out in all the
statements we have made. 1t is no part OF
honest journalism to deceive the people, and
OF them, shall not be prostituted to such base
use. Facts shall be stated so far as they come
to our knowledge, and our comments upon
those facts shall not depart from the rule Of
fair construction and legitimate deduction.
1t is now true that Lees army is strictly one
Of defense, and he is too willy and shrewd an
officer TO draw of any considerable portion oil
his forces from Grant to attack other places
desperation, the loss of Richmond and Peters
burg will be the legitimate consequence OF
such movement. Neither will he attempt to
attack the Federal forces in open field. Lee
can now only resist them behind his defences.
Grant has his eye upon his foe and Lee knows
it, and governs himself accordingly. The
siege of Richmond will continue in spite Of all
opposition.
Let the rebel General make diversion OF
his army, If he dares to commit such suicidal
act, and send portion to invade Pennsylvania
or to attack Washington, such movement,
would only be prelude to the capture o.
Richmond, and the driving the arch traitor
further into Dixie, or what is more probable
into foreign country where his neck might
be safe from the hangman's rope. How were
the Redan and the Malakoff overcome in the
Crimean campaign? Such victory was Won
only after repeated and terrible repulses ofthe
allied forces. Several failures marked the
course of Grant before the fall of Vicksburg
and more serious failures too than this repulse
before Cemetery Hill.
We have an abiding faith that the country
will form correct judgment Of this repulse
however much Copperheads may magnify it
in their zeal and sympathy for the rebels. The
people are not fools, aud loyal hearts still beat
lhSH DtcOuiss we nave III tue
intelligence and patriotism of the people. And
upon this foundation-rock the President Of
these United States bases his hope OF putting
down the rebellion and restoring the Union
Reader,l Jet not your heart be discouraged. True
Patriotism never flags. The brightest bolt
often comes from the darkest cloud. The
rainbow OF Peace will yet span the heavens
and shine upon an united, happy, prosperous
country. That day, when it comes, will be
worth more than 1t has cost In treasure and
blood, valuable and precious as the sacrifice
may have been. Generations yet unborn will
read the history We are now making with
deeper interest than any other page of the his
torion since the Crueihction, and revere the
memory Of those who have fought these terri.
bic battles for Freedom and Humanity.