The Portland daily press., 1864-07-13
Invasion of MARYLAND.

1t is not uncomman to have startling reports
flashed over the wires on Sundays. Perhaps
there is no other day in the week when as
founding news comes to us so often as on Sun
DAYS. Why this should be so is more than our
philosophy can fathom. Last Sunday reports
came that the rebels had made raid into Ma
rysnd and were sweeping all before them. 1t
was reported that they numbered thirty thous-
aud strong, and were bent on the capture of
Baltimore and Washington. The Copperheads
of our city assumed faces as long as booJacks,
and spoke 10 solemn tones that told how strong
their fears were that the great crisis had come,
and our country and Union were totterng to
their fall. Others were more hopeful because
they were more loyal. Why is it that certain
class of our citizens always give the worst pos
sble construction to reports from the army of
the Potomac? Surely it can't be that they
desire the success Of the rebel arms and the
overthrow of our government. We are reluc-
tant to make such charge against them, and
yet it is true that they but little that pleases
them. Even brilliant Federal victories do not
excite and eate their hearts as such triumphs
of our arms do the hearts of others. 1t is pos
sible that their peculiar temperaments are such
that they love to look on the dark side OF ev-
cry thing. The deep shades of picture and
sombre hues have great attractions for them,
while bright and hopeful things oil them with
a mysterious melancholy. Ifsuch be the ele-
ments which predominant in their natures,
why then we pity, and not condemn them.
But to the last rebel rebel raid. 1t seems that
this thing has been in contemplation some
weeks and preparations made for it while
Grant and his army are knocking at the gates
OF Richmond and Petersburg. The raiders, or
those who planned the enterprise, have two
objects in view-irst to call away Grants for
ces from their present position, and second
plumber, for no doubt they are sadly in need
of the necessaries OF life.
But we apprehend the great object is to in
duce Grant to turn his forces towards Wash
ington, and then, If he should release his hold
on Richmond and Petersburg, shout would
resound through the rebel ranks, and be equiv
alent to a victory over federal arms. Lee no
uOuDb NOulu NC sietA w hCdi SuNh u cDuUG, lot
he has heard il in times past when other Gener-
ais were at the head OF the Union forces. These
retreats are always encouraging to the foe, and
should Grant now turn his forces towards
Washington and make a F" mastery retreat
new life would be breathed into the hearts Of
the rebels, and they would hope to live awhile
longer.
But Grant, will not, in our opinion. leave
the position he nov occupies, besides, we do
not consider it necessary for him to do so. Our
readers may feel quite sure that this move
ment will not end in any advantage to the
rebel cause. 1t Isl spssmodic, desperate strug-
gle on the part of Lee, and shadows forth his
weakness rather than his strength. Such raids
may be expected while the war lasts, for our
territory is large, and many places mustneces-
sarily be exposed to iuroads of this kind
While Lees army is power, we must expect
such demonstions on the part OF traitors aud
freebooters, but let that power be once broken,
and thoroughly broken, these raids would soon
be at an end, and the people of the South
would loudly clamor for the Union and the
protection it affords them. We are strong in
this faith, aud it will be SO recorded by the
faithful historian.
Our readers will look over all the reports
and rumors for themselves as published in our
news columns, therefore, it would be work
OF supererogation for Us TO enter into details
That much property has been destroyed by
these marauders there is no doubt, aud yet the
accounts may be exaggerated. We trust aud
believe they will yet be punished by our forces.
Aud If they all get back into Dixie again, we
shall be somewhat disappointed. Their des-
peration may have led them too far FROM home,
and we shall soon expect more cheering news.