New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-07-08
THE RAID.

W e tAio ulpAlllii- luaSo vi tpI4AllA
statements as to the numbers, positions, move
ments, and intentions of the enemy in Maryland,
but we indorse none Of them. On the whole,
we see no reason to change the opinion Of yes
to-day, that the Rebel force was largely over
rated at first, and that it is rather maraud-
ing expedition than a military invasion.
Although three days have passed since news Of
the advance was received. we are still without
authentic intelligence Of the presence of any
respectable body of Rebel troops north of the
Potomac. 1t is extremely improbable that any
such has appeared. If there be a regular force,
it is surely the two divisions ofEary, as we have
heretofore said, which were detached to operate
against Hunter.
Those divisions, however, cannot number
more than Il, 900 men, and if swollen By looSe
additions from irregular bands. could hardly
amount to $1,000 infantry. And we utterly re-
iect the supposition that any Other portion OF
Lees army is moving, or aboHt to move, up the
Shenandoah Valley or into Mary land.
Every consideration is against it. The main
body of Lees army is now well ascertained to
be lying near Petcrsburg-pcfhaps GOOoO
strong. The position is such that it is next to
impossible this force should be extensively re-
duced without Gen. Grants knowledge. The
two armies occupy intrenchments so near to
each other that either can watch its enemy too
closely to permit a movement i'll force to take
place unawares. 1t is quite out Of the question
that Lee should have sent much of his army
North without the knowledge of Gen. Grant.
But we have no information that the latter is
cognizmt Of such an operation, and are entitled
to assume its impossibility.
Arguments still stronger FAY be drawn from
the Typographical position of the enemy, and
from the known difficulty which be experiences
in the matter of supplies From Petersburg to
the Potomac, by way Of the Shenandoah Valley
/ is more than two hundred miles. Lees army is
and long has been ON short rations-a fact
proved by his admission. Forage for horses j,
so scarce that a seryiceablc force Of cavalry has
been maintained only with the utmost diff
Guilty. Does any sane man believe
that in such circumstances Lee can transport
a heavy column up the shenandoah IL nc
had the provisions to feed an army through a
long march away from its base, be has not the
forage for the horses which must transport that
food. Unless every statement concerning the
condition of the Rebel commissariat for the last
eight months is lie an offensive movement in
forcc-anything that deserves the name of an
! invasion--is physical impossibity to Lee.
Were it in any respect more feasible than it
is it would still be so impolitic, so imprudent,
so mad militarily considered that we should
be driven to pronounce against much weightiel
evidence than has yet been offered. We re-
iterete our conviction that the inroad upon
Maryland, were it in force, would be cause ior
nothing but congratulation. As yet, whether
upon evidence or upon cool estimate of proba'
bilities, we can discover no ground Of belief in
such an attempt.