Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1864-10-20
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lengthy editorial On sttempt likely TO be mode by
the Federal Naval ard Military forces fer the capture
of Wilmington.
We give the editorial below, simply renarking that
We have doubt OF our commanding General being
we'll posted ard fully alive to the Importance of the sit
uatoD aud that everything that depends upon him will
be placed in state OF preparation to meet the emer-
gencies Of the case. But be can only work with the
mears placed at bis dposa and it behooves the State
authorities and tie people of the State at large to give
him every assistance in labor and to hold in readiness
to respond to bis call every available man, to aid in
successful defence of her only lining port and, fop
that matter the only remaining port COME ieracy
accessible to commerce
We nave the most perfect assurance that Governor
VANCE will assist to the utmost extent of his power.
We do sincerely trust that he will warmly seconded
by oil the people of the State for, should Wilmington
unfortunately fall her people will not be the only losers,
but the whole State will feel the loss and be placed in
Jeopardy, and blow will be Inflicted on the Confedtr
acy unezampIed since the loss of New Orleans:
From the Richmond Sentinel, 10th inst.
Wilmington.
OF the Federal adniiras there two who have been
the most conspicuous for enterprise and good fortune
The first of these is Admiral Farragu, who brave
and skilful officer with remains OF the elevated de-
meanor whic he learned in the South, of which he is
native and 10 which be has traitor. Few Fed
era officers have aimed successful blows than has
be against his own people, and against tue Common
wealth that nurtured him. The laures which he has
soldier badges of bis everlasting infamy
a citizen. Benedict Arnold, plundering and burning
the towns of Virginia and OF his CONNECTICUT, In
the service OF the British is he prototype of David e.
Farragut who displays equal zeal iu the srvice of
tie enemies OF his hearhstone The of Hea
accumulating against him for each act of his
unnatural career
The other Admiral to whom we have above referred
is Porter an energetic aud bold man, but low dis
gustng braggart, and a rapacious thief and robber
These two offc2rs have been called from their late
scenes Of operation for the purpose of being assigned
new Gnties. Farragut leaves Mobile unattached but
after having made Cdgment within its Bay. This is
relied upon having seald tie port and closed its
Porter has been paroIiDg the Mississippi
with the scent of wolf and the vigilance of pirate
Where are they to be stationed now?
OF Farragut's destination the United States papers
bave LETT US in 10 doubt. be is to operate against
Wilmington. That port is to be closed. hat which
the Yankee Ccers have in vain endeavored to do this
apostate Southerner to be set accomplish for them
We shall lot wonder if the attempt extend beyond the
mere closing OF the port TO the actual capture OF Viii
mington. We shall lock to see that city made the
object a combined land and naval expedition and at
tack.
Wilmington is On tie East bank Of the Cape Fear
river thrtyfour milts from the by the OF
that stream 1t is a much less distance, however, to
the ocean beach, at its nearests approach the Cape
Fear river in that part OF lis course being nearly par
alIel to the coast Our forts below Wilmington have
prevented the entrance of the United States vessels
tie river that In order TO check our outward
commerce, The enemy has but to lie t the
mouth OF the river, and institute blockade. With
ali their Efforts they have found this very net3ctua-
The channels entrances into the river from the ocean
are so many and wide apart and the vessels employed
the blockade trade swift, that under OF
night both ugrGs5 and egres9 have been Effected with
comparative Safely o. tate, our enemies have adopted
the most extraordinary preventive precautions. They
have lines of E!ockadrs stationed like two lines OF
sentines pcket Quad The entraGce into tbe Cape
Fear the first as tie shore may be, and the
second well cut to- sea. These bI0ckadeCs Or guard
ships the fastest steamers that can be procured
hey required to be tanly under full head OF
s1eam and al Gig ht each in ;noto1
backwards aud forwards over the piece OF as
signed TO it, like sentinel treadlng his beat.
All these extraordinary and expensive appliances
having lalieu TO destroy the cOmmerce CT Wilmington,
Farragut ls now called in. The estimation in which
the Yankees hold this ier and the character OF the
rprses IN which be has been hitherto employed,
warn Us that new and unprecedented endeavors are
be set Oh loot. Nolhin5 lss than the capture
OF Wilmington or the forts which keep open its outle
the sea, will satisfy Farragut's amoltior His pre-
decssOrs at that point have but ScOtced the snake
he will endeavor to kill 1t. 1t Will be unreasonable
to assign any lower aim to Farraguts under taking
Il will very unWise and, indeed fatal if We adapt
preparations for doience any calcQla
ton. Our works should all be put the most efficient
posture. They should be enlarged and extended, and
new ones thrown up whenever AID wherever the most
suspicious precaution would suggest. The utmost
sources OF engineering skill should be appealed to.
Nor should pos poue any part OF our preparation
until reminded OF necessity by the depOyng OF the
eIemys columns the thunder OF bis iron claGs. Ibe
calls Tor aborers and the anxious effort 10 complete
this or that work. will then lie too late The time Ter
preparation is Ale the officers in command at
Wilmington attending to it No officer is worthy OF
poslton there who is capable OF uegecting duty Ii
The post IF responsibility and is to be The post
of danger We need in the commander seepless vigil
lance, far seeing sagacity, an indefagabe industry
cool head and brave heart Such one may win HIM
self noble fame, for there will soon be, what capable
officers always wish for-opportunity. But an officer
who might exhibit oppose qualities, who might coz
suit his personal ease and appetite in the presence of so
grave responsibility and vital duty would quick
~ give bis countrymen reason to execrae MN ana 70
wish he had never been born. We trast that all who
may be aGudged worthy to manage the dience OF our
last seaport will quit themselves like patlots and men
10 deeDd it successfully and to overthrow Farragut
will be double honor.