Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1864-05-09
Lee and Grant

The Yankee "Army Of the Potomac" after ten
months rest a5d rscuperAOn from the blow given 1t AT
Getssburg has again ventuIed 10 come within reach oil
Lee's arm. Grant, chief of the mighty men OF war
who dwell beyond the SasquehAnnah, aud the last hope
of their cause invested with authority and rank given
to no other Of their Generals with preparations aud
plans complete and an irresistible amy to execute
his commands, commenced last week what friend al d
foe admit to be the last Cato Richmond" The reader
does not need to be told what progress he has male.
Fhursday and Friday he threw himself with all his
power against Lse's immOyable columns, only to be
hurled back bruised and Sattsred-gad to fad tempo
rary shelter in entertainments From these he again
crspt out in the darkness of Saturday night with the
hope OF finding place of greater safety by extending
his retreat We do know that this ends bis career
or his expedition. Bot it is teklsh time with him
as well from the danger Of deeapiaton by Lincoln s
that of demolition by Lee. Doubtless for awhile tie
attempt will be made to give TO his retreat the APPEAR
ancs Of q change Of base, as vas done by Mcclellan
when Lee drove him from the OhickahOmiry TO the
James But his will not impose upon the numerous
friends Of Mcclellan and the other victims Of the Wash
ington execut oners who viii not be GLOW to make it ap
pear that the great Grant has been badly beaten and
Is as Incapable Of reaching Richmond, as any of his
predecessors
A bully who rushes on an antagonists met, checked
forced back, thrown on the defensive driven under
cover and who then skulks away in search of grSa
salety-s whipped. There can be doubt about thai
But there degrees in vhppngs and the great Leu
tenant Gsueral seems 70 have been satisfied with Is
mider chastsemslt than administered to any one
Of the many to whom General Lee hss been compelled
70 apply ais eAsligatng rod He did not say to 81
the full weight Of Les heavy hand, hut cringed
and shrank away from the Gr5t premonilory
touches. His army il not seriously hurt, ana is
beyond question very strong in numbers. VIII they
hght AGAIN. Not willingly o. fOrmidaby, foe the pres
en-, for they fully realize that the army in from. OF
ID IN is their master. Grant quits his sntrenohmsuts
and moves towards Fredericksburg, for tho r,asou
probAily thu; hs communications in danger; and
he hoped to render them lass so BY getting railroad
aud naVgsble river his back By means Of these he
may gel supplies, aud reinforce ments if Lincoln Las
any to send him. But these il prcfs him tu lule,
for he has already more meu than be brought into
action, or than he could handle f there were ghti
ground for them.
1t il a most gratifying rea,etOa that bis renewed
triumph OF our arms has been achieved at a compare
lively small sacrifice thus far OF life. Some noble spir
It's have been added to the record OF martyrs,
they are fewer usual This q all that can wish
nos for the army Of Northern Virginia We have no
occasion 10 desire for them opportunities for ds,n0.
ton for the of their glory is long SINCE iulL
Tney have made for themselves An immortal name md
will stand upon tins Page OF history second to none
even of those who in q spOtess cause have liustrs
ted heroism that was more than courage and deyo-
ton tina. Was higher than patriotism To have belong
to the army Of Northern Virginia. to have served under
It's great commander, to have shared its prVsiiOns aud
tolls and per have aided in its wonderful victories
viii be years 70 patent of tEuer nobility than
the eldest and proudest title OF herAdy confer
Nay cir conflicts end and they fad in the bosom
Of SeCtOnAts country, made tree and safe by ther
Sublime e1ertiOns, the repOse and happiness so mob
Won.