Washington telegraph., 1864-11-16


THE Missouri CAuPAIGN- Persons
who are not in the habit of looking be-
yond immediate, and tangible results
upon the spot, will be apt, some of them,
to feel disappointment on account of the
withdrawal of Gen. Prices army from
Missouri
But the whole matter was wisely plan
ned, faithfully executed, and quite as
successful as could have been expected.
When the history of the war comes to be
made up, and all the bearings of events
seen together, we incline to think that
this exploit of Gen. Price will add more
to his reputation than any other. He
returns with large accession of force,
and with a larger train of baggage and
ammunition wagons than he took in
He has inflicted millions of damage upon
the Federals. He has given new hopes
to our party in that State, by showing
them they are still under the care of the
Confederacy, and that efforts will bs con-
tinually made for their redemption, in
common with other States of the South,
and proven to them that we are still
vigorous power for their relief He has
taught the enemy how vain are their
hopes of subjugation, since after near
four years of war, the population of Mis-
souri, still rises around them like the
eruptions of a volcano, and Confeder-
ate army marches through the very
bowels of the land" and comes out
stronger than before. These are the re-
suits of the expedition as they affect
Missouri and this department, but it had
greater objects still 1t was principally
intended to relieve the armies of Gram.
and Hood, and Early just at the critical
period when their fate hung trembling
in the balance. A. j. Smiths forces
were drawn from Memphis to ST. Louis,
thus leaving Forrest free TO cooperate
with Hood, and the tide of battle in
Georgia has receded in consequence back
to the neighborhood Of the old field Of
Chickamauga. They only hold Allan
ia with a nominal garrison, and have
been obliged to relinquish any ultimate
designs of that colapaign from which
they hoped 80 much and gained so little.
Reinforcemcnts, which might have en-
ablod Sheridan utterly to overwhellna
Early and occupy tho Valley to Lynch
burg, perhaps causing the fall of Rich
mond, have been diverted to another guar
ter The necessity of troops in Nilsson
ri defeated Grants urgent call for a re-
OF 100000 incn Richmoud
still stsuds iinpregnable shsrman bids
fair to abandon Georgia. Sheridan, al
though claiming victory, has been bad
" damaged, and has since found it i'm
possible to make any impression upon
Early Who can say whether or not
his Missouri campaign aaved the Con
.edoreey}
On the other hand, had the enemy nol
met Gen. Price in overwhelming force.
he would have continued to occupy the
State, and immense advantages would
have accrued from that to balance losses
n the Eastern department. Gen. Price
was IN position to svail himself of either
event. Affairs took the course expected.
The results have been sach as were an
ticipated, although not nois-d abroad
whilst in process of accomplishment
We think Gen. Price has managed
the expedition with eminent prudence
and discretion. lie nigh. have gained
more immediate applause perhaps by
attacking and capturing St. Louis or
Jefferson City-a sort of transient mill
tary glory, gratifying to his friends Tor
time, but would have secured no perna-
Aent benefit to the country, might have
the existence of his army,
and would in any event have bought that
glory with immense sacrifice Of lives.
All honor to Gen. Price for his prudent
discharge Of the duties be assumed. He
deserves we'll of the republic
So we repeat that the Missouri cam
paign exhibits great military sagacity on
the part of these who control the dcs-
tinies of the department,andc c,enfers honor
upon the Generals who made it so sue
cessful.