The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-04
COMMUNICATIONS.
Letter from the Federal Capital.

w ffASAi@foAO-st ~ S.t NS' -"f ANO1.
To the Editor Of the Press:
One Of the most animated discussions OF
last week was upon the bill to revive the rank
OF Lieutenant General. The discussion was
not, however, upon the main feature of the
bill, but concerning such questions wheth-
er Congress should authoritatively fix to the
rank the active command of the armies OF
the country, and whether Congress should
recommend Gen. Grant to the President as
the most proper person for the high position.
Whatever may be thought about the proprie-
ty of recommending by vote OF Congress ap-
pointments, the determipation of which be-
longs to the Executive branch of the govern
mrnt, very little difference of opinion seems
to exist in Congress or cut Of it respecting
the merits of General Grant. The General
who has fought seventeen battles and won
them all, is not likely to be unappreciated by
a people SO fond of military achievements and
in such need OF deliverer as we. Ii the
rank of Lieutenant General is conferred upon
any one 1t will doubtless be upon the hero OF
Vicksburg and Chattanooga But however
gratifying this may be to our feelings of graf
itude and admiration, it may be doubled
whether the country will gain by any measure
that takes Gen. Grant from the field. AT any
rate, he would be inclined by his good sense,
/ believe, to stick TO the profession in which
he has rendered such invaluable service TO the
country and achieved a fame so splendid for
himself, leaving the Presidency to some one
who cannot win battles like himself. There
is said to be In the possession of Mr.. Wash
burn of the House a letter from the General,
TO be made public at the proper time, which
will settle the question of the Presidency so
far as he is concerned.
The portrait of General Grant recently ex-
hibited in Chicago where 1t was visited by six
thousand persons, is now in one of the rooms
in the south extension OF the Capitol. 1t Is
pronounced by those familiar with the person
whom it represents as an excellent likeness,
and by gentlemen Of taste as a fine painting.
As you look upon the great Captain of the
war, standing upright and firmly on both his
feet, his right hand resting upon broken
down cannon. and his left holding half
raised glass, his mouth showing lines of calm
dissemination and quiet firmness in spite of
the full closely clipped beard, his brows con-
tracted slightly, and his blue eyes, serious and
earnest, regarding intently some distant OBJ
ject, you may easily enough imagine him
watching the fluctuations Of the conflict and
teaching .'the doubtful battle where TO rage"
In the background is seen Missionary Bridge,
while from valley separating 1t from the fore
ground rises the thin blue smoke Of the enc
my's camp fires. In the back foreground at
the Generals left, is his orderly holding his
horse. and over his left shoulder appears the
summit of Lookout Mountain with two puiis
of smoke rising from it where two guns had
been planted by the enemy, which, at the
time the picture was taken, were discharged
every fifteen minutes, sending shots five hun
dred ieet over the heads of the Gen. and artist.
The figures including that of the horse are
portraits, drawn upon the spot.where they are
represented, and the scenery is in all respects
true TO nature, even the cannon at the GEN.
erals right being one abandoned by the en-
emy. The painting is by Mr.. Atrobus of New
Orleans.
Nothing, for long time past has created in
the political circles of the Capitol so profound
a sensation as the "secret circular" Friends
of Mr.. Chase are understood TO have asserted
Ms ignorance of the circular and of course of
the organization mentioned in it, and his de-
termination not to urge in any wise his own
nomination for the Presidency. Respecting
the Tribune's leader breaking ground against
Mr.. Lincoln's denomination, L have heard
only one expression--at least among Republi-
cans. Its points are universally regarded, so
far as have heard them reviewed jas III made !;
its arguments as singulariy feeble, and its
conclusions as very inconclusiye. Very SEN
sible and proper, however, is its exhortation
to the friends OF the Republican party and
the Union cause, to avoid all heated and acri-
monious discussions before them and to pre-
serve in all their expressions of opinion such
candor and moderation, as will enable them
to cooperate heartily for the election Of the
peoples choice whoever he may be.
That fierce and bloody struggle expected
by military men and indeed by every one TO
open with the spring, seems already begin
ming The progress of Sherman's expedition
is watched with increased interest. Much is
hoped and expected from it, but in a matter
involving so many contingencies, our hopes
cannot well be free from anxiety. The Army
of the Cumberland, moreover, seems about to
follow up the blow given at Chickamauga.
Never has our government shown wiser
energy than in thus taking the initiative, and
before the rebel conscription can swell the
thinned and shattered columns of the con-
spirators, in launching upon them anew the
thunderbolts Of war. The rebellion has still
the strength and determination for desperate
struggle, but unless aided bya great mistakes
or derelictions Of duty ON our part, 1t cannot
make a long fight. Our national birthday
will soon come round again, but not, let u'
hope before the old ship of state so Ions
weather-beaten and tempest-tossed, shall ride
in calmer and safer waters. Then gathered
under the shadow of the old flag we will sing
once more
GLORIOUS ship thy pomp and beauty
Storm aud battle shall not blast
Ia fl.xr sn.- l..a