The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-08-06

be so, Lee is undoubtedly acting on the idea that
he can hold Richmond with a small part OF his
forces. and that with the rest of his army he can,
by operating near Washington, create a diversion
from Grants forces that Will stave off the attack
or siege of Richmond. The rebels are evidently
not through with their raid, and intend TO suu
further menace Washington and Maryland. 10
check them will require twice or three times the
number of troops that may be engaged in the To-
vasiOn.
This invasion shows very clearly that the rebels
have not lost all their hopes nor resources, what
ever we may think of them. To take 20 900 men
from Richmond, when it is menaced with the
most powerful army, led by the most successful
general, that the present war has produced, shows,
20 say the least, that their abilities have been
moderated. If Lee feels so secure with 5O.OUO
troops in the Notifications of Richmond as osend
2 900 six hundred miles away, we may rest as
sured he has resources that we do not dream or
and the battlefield may again be transferred by
his skillful maneuvering to the vicinity of Wash
ington. The rebels may not have accomplished
any great harm in this raid, provided it is ended,
but of that we are not sure. 1t may only have
been the beginning of n more serious one.
1t may appear somewhat singular that no adj
vices are received from Grants army, but it must
be remembered that the publication in Washing
ton or New York of what Grant is doing or going
to do, is the same almost as if made in Richmond,
and enables the rebels to profit by it. This prob
ably is the reason why no news is given untilsev-
eral days after the events have occurred, as the
telegraph could easily be repaired in one day, and
no dispatches had been received for ten days. The
latest reports say that Grant had 100 guns planted
so as to cover Petersburg. and that DULY 81 he
was Smelling the city. This, however, could oc-
cupy only a part of his forces. What the rest are
doing, we have no means of saying, but it is prob
able they have not been idle. IF Petersburg and
Fort Darling are reduced, the approach to the
city from the south is opened. An official state
ment of Grants losses from the time he crossed
the Rapid-Ann up to the crossing of James River,
makes them 1000 killed and %, 900 wounded,
during about thirty-two days fighting.
From Sherman's army. we have official advices
to July 6, showing that he was advancing sue
~cessfully. On the 4th of July he crossed the
ChattanoOchee River, five or six miles from At
lanta, and near that point captured Gen. Har-
dee's corps, numbering 5000 men. This must
be n severe loss to Johnston's army. The latter
had retreated to the forests just north Of Atlanta,
with the purpose probably of allowing Sherman
to enter Atlanta, and then move to the river and
railroad. and attempt TO cut off his connection
with Kingston and Chattanooga, from whence he
receives supplies. Johnston has lost heavily in
captures, killed and wounded in his retreat from
before Chattanooga; but probably, located as he
is in the center Of the richest and most popuIous
Of the Southern States, he has been able to con-
script, and thus make good his losses. Atlanta is
Il valuable depot, where the guns, cannon and am
inunition for the supply Of the rebels were manu-
featured. On this account, its capture at this
time will be felt by them.
The story of the engagement or duel between
the Alabama and KearSargc, which is given on
our first page, is one of the most thrilling in
naval history. After playing the corsair for two
years, destroying over ten millions of American
property, and nearly circumnavigating the globe,
Capt. Semmes returns to France with his vessel
pretty well used up, and challenges Il war vessel
of superior qualities to fight him in n fair and
open contest, where all Europe might be the =
spectators. No wonder that Europeans, and eS-
pccially Englishmen, should honor his bravery,
and desire to reward him with a sword, and per-
haps with another Alabama. Semmes is a Phil
adelphian, and no doubt as brave and daring an
American as ever commanded Il ship. His last
fo"t will challenge elro ad"Iiratiou or tire wor1u,
and we only wish he were engaged in Il better
cause. The Alabama, though destroyed, will
soon be replaced by another ship under
his command.
Respecting the escape Of Semmes, it is stated
to have occurred thus: he and his officers left /
their sinking ship in their own boat, and reached i
an English yacht, the Deer Hound, which had
the steamers to witness the fight.
escape was therefore perfectly lawful,
as much so as if he had rowed his.,boat to
the coast of France or of England az. escaped
on neutral territory.
The war in Denmark reopssss'5n the oath of
June, and will probablym6t terminate until the
Germans have captured and hold all Of Denmark, 4
except the Islands, one of which, AIsen, has al
ready been taken by them. 1t seems impossible
but that England will interfere IN behalf of Den
mark. 4 statement is made that she has ordered
900 troops to be got ready for service, which
is supposed to be in aid of Denmark. There is
great sympathy among the British people for
heir little neighbor, and when the Germans .
have advanced beyond that point where prudence
should restrain them, the public indignation will
BURST out and compel armed interference.
The resignation of Mr.. Chase, as Treasurer,
Ippears to have been ill-timed, and n great mis- '
ortune to the country. He has been an honor
o the government. and has done more than any y
,ther man to sustain her credit, and provide for I
Ter the means necessary to carry on this war. q
iOld has now jumped up to figures that astonish
the wisest heads, and it will require skilful
management TO provide for the future necessities =
{ the Government and the war. The new Sec