The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1864-05-28
Progress OF tho Campaign,

The Secretary Of War, in his official bull
letin Of Thursday to General Dix, says that
despatch Of that morning from Gen. Grants
headquarters, on the North Anna river, had
been received, and that "it details movements
in progress, of which it is not proper now to
say more than that they will manifest their re-
suits within twenty -four hours" This was on
Thursday last We may reasonably con-
clade that, unless the heavy rain storm of
that day in these ATTITUDES extended to the
Richmond Peninsula, there has been a sanguin-
airy battle between the North and South Anns,
or another backward movement on the part
of Lee, with which General Grant has been too
busy to spare time to report it to Washington.
We are inclined to believe that inclement skies
and muddy roads have arrested the advance Of
our army; but still we share in the anticipa-
ton of positive news at any moment of signal
defeat Of Lee or an enforced retreat on his
part to avoid another flank movement.
Meantime, the failure Of General Sigel to cut
the railroad which. by way of Gordonsville,
connects Lees army with his principal base
of supplies at Lyncbburg, and the failure OF
General Butler to cut off the city of Richmond
from its southern lines of communication, have
rendered the task devoiving upon General
Grant much more difficult than it would be
had Sigel and Butler succeeded each in exc
cutting his part Of the general programme.
With their success Lees army and Richmond
would both have been completely cut OF from
their depots and arteries Of subsistence; but
the failure OF these two subordinate officers
leaves Richmond still open to the South, and
Lynchburg still accessible @ Lee
We have said very little in reference to
Sgel's failure; but we are glad that ne mas
been superseded in his de artment. We have
re'raued from any disparagiDg comments III
reference to Gem Buffers operations, until
the accumulated charges AMI specincat
rom the administration Journals OF this city
against him have become 80 convincing thar
we feel bound 70 cail the special attention Of
President Lincoln to these complaints, ald t.
the terrible bunoer of making this Vita niii-
| Tary campaign subordinate in any degree, any
where or in any case, to his petty political
projects Of the Presidential campaign
But although President Lincoln, with lis po-
ltical generals. may have embarrassed tie
movements Of General Grant with his main
army rant is still the master Of the situation.
Aor do we suppose that Joe johnston, five
hundred miles off in Georgia, will be able "a
slip away from Sherman and come to the re-
Lief OF Lee. be sto.e OF from Genera Pat
eIson IN the Shenandoah valley. AID caI1e up
IN time TO turn a rebel defeat at tie first Dull
run into rout Of the Union army. Nor can
We imagine that even General Butter will be
idle OH the south side Of Ricamonl while
| General Grant u within convenient telegraphic
| communication with rim from the rorth side.
We expect before our Ecx' daily issue such
| news from the front as will dsspate al doubts
- 70 the complete aud speedy success 81
General Grants Virginia campaign. We nave
not forgotten the pnb.ic misg wing, il coanec-
| ton with General Grants veNsburg cam.
pagn and Joe Johnston nor have we forgotten
its triumphant and Plorioas conclusion and
what followed TO Joe johnston.