The New York herald., 1864-08-23

| I've victories that were ever won on the way to
that city. But srumblers began to complain
because he had not done more. An empty
beaded correspondent Of An administration
organ had shown what great victory might
have been gained at Coal Harbor II he had
been ip command Of our army instead OF Grant
and certain dotc people called Linn clutch
err" because his battles were not bloodless
But tie noise Of this fire n the rear disturbed
him - little as id Lees many efforts. His at
tempt to take Petersburg on June so was q
grand one, and that failure would have dis
heartened man in the least degree weaker
than Grant is. But the impression OF that fail
ure seems to have been shaken from his
thoughts .'like dswdrop from the lions
mane," and once more he is actively at the
enemy again. Such tenacity OF purpose aud
such persistency would have prevented the re-
treat OF the grand army from Moscow.
On the 18Th instant, II will be remem-
bered, the Second corps went from the
lett over to the position at Deep Bottom,
on the Dorth side Of the J mes river
In cooperation with the troops already
at Deep Bottom, it then threatened the defences
Of Richmond. Yet this movement can hardly
be called . mere feint. 1t had more reality in
Il. Such is the facility Of movement between
the extremities OF Grants line that he could in
| q short time have thrown bis whole force to the
position occupied by the Second corps; and if
the enemy had treated the movement Of that
corps As feint, or neglected 1t in the least, he
would doubtless have done SO, and then made
| q rush for Richmond. 1t was thus an optional
| movement. But the enemy treated it seriously.
| On the l4th Lee began to reinforce his men on
| the north side. On tho 18th he had consid-
erable force there, and on that day pretty
severe fight took placeat Whites Tavern, on the
Charles City road On the 10th, Tuesday last,
our forces advanced and carried part OF the
Richmond defences; and still more consider
able reinforcements for the enemy reached the
north side on that day. On Wednesday they
were apparently still moving in the same
direction, and on Thursday Grant suddenly
moved out to his left and occupied the Weldon
road. He now Immediately began to draw in
the force from the north side, and made ar
rsngements to hold this most important posi-
ton. On Friday the enemy made All attempt
to drive us from it, and, though be was repulsed,
it is unpleasant to have to record that we lost
: number OF prisoners through the surprise Of
our forces. 1t is very remarkable that we
could have been surprised under such circum-
stances.
On Sunday the enemy made great effort to
drive us from this point His efforts for this
purpose are the best evidence of the import
ance Of the position. Its value to our cause
can hardly be overstated. Just rs Grant Hanked
Lee out Of his position at Spottsylvania by a
movement to the left, SO the last movement, if
it can be maintained tanks the Southern con-
fedsracy out or existence. Grant, if he can stay
where he Is, owns Richmond and Lees army.
And he must be kept where he is at all hazards
and all cost. Men are undoubtedly his great
want. One substantial reinforcement at the
present time would end the war. Ten thousand
men sent to Grant now, and City thousand within
month, would be a grand sconomy.of life and
treasure. Our want Is not half million mon
At the end Of the year, but afty thousand now.
Let the government compromise with the coun-
try on the next draft in some way that will
give Grant . large immediate reinforcement,
and another draft will not be necessary.
IMPORTANT FROM EURoPE-LoUB NAPoLEoN's
ULrIMArUM TO SLIDELL.-In the letter from our
London correspondent, which we publish this
morning, he gives US the following important
Information, viz:-That in . late conversation
with the rebel ambassador, Sidell, the Empe-
ror Napoleon declared that hs never will re-
cognize the rebel States (even should
;cIa n f,cto
less they determine to abolish slavery, and en-
gage that all the children born OF slave parents
shall be free, and that slavery shall be totally
abolished and cease within ten years from the
date of recognition"
Our correspondent says that he obtains this
information from entirely reliable sources"
and that 1t is essentially true we are strongly
inclined to believe. Louis Napoleon, though
an absolute despot, is still but . creature
OF the public opinion Of France. He has
accordingly improved every opportunity for
proclaim;ng himself the champion Of the libe-
raj ideas and progressive civilization Of the
| age. In this character his recognition OF the
so.called Confederate States, upon the basis OF
African slavery, is simply impossible. Such
proceeding on his part would be fatal to his
pretensions a. the representative Of the will Of
the French people Hostility to slavery 10
necessity Of his position; and il, under future
contingencies, he may be persuaded 10 inter
vene in behalf Of Southern confederacy, bis
Intervention We doubt not will depend upon
the condition precedent Of the abolition OF
slavery. Can this be the secret at which Jeff.
Davis was limiting In bis late declaration to
Messrs. Kirke and Jaques that he was not dght-
Ing for slavery, but for Southern independence
In any event the corner stone Of his confede-
racy has been stumbling block 10 England