, 1864-12-30

6arnnnan fedched us Nnen IRON rcbet sources
VIC learn that instead Of resting On his laurcls
or rcposfng from his tolls, Sherman is already
on the war path, with expeditions leaving
Savunnah in two directions. Tie first Of
these has struck for the Altamaha river in
the direction of Andersonville. That Sher-
man designed visiting that point is evident
from his letters written prior to his departure
from Atlanta and heretofore published
Doubtless this expedition will redeem his
promise to casTy sanitary supplies to our
brave boys III person. To guard agninst this
the rebels already hint that the prisoners
lavc been removed from Andersony1llc. The
rebels haunt Shcrman's marches, however,
with more lies than cavalry, as the former are
just Us ctfectual and save forage. The at
tempt to rescue our prisoners wherever they
are would call forth the utmost energies Of
our brave boys, and now that Sherman has
his base securely fixed on the coast, we be:
lfeve the attempt will lie made. At all events
Central and Southwestern Georgia will expe-
ricnce the same Improbable effects Of scces-
sion which hare Just passed over the northern
and eastern portions Of the State.
Tic other expedition. Of which only hints
aud suggestions ate thrown out by the rebel
press, is a movement northward from Savan.
nah to Branchvi!le, situated fifty miles north
Of west OF Charleston, ut the junction Of the
railroads connecting Charleston with Au.
gusta, Columbiaand Wilmington.
From this point cavalry expedition could
easily sever the sole remaining line of rail
road connecting Charleston with thc Confea-
c:acy.- The rebel commandant al Charleston
expresses his views of such contingency, by
fordIdding the eutIunce Of non-combatants
into the city. Unless Sherman can be pre-
vented from occupying Branchviile, however,
tue capture Of Charleston may be looked for
speedily. While Charleston, like Savannah,
Inns proved hard nut to crack from the sea
wars4 side, We believe that from the rear it
will be found us easy of capture as Savannah.
The rebel press further intimate that, In
steaa Of thking transports for Fortress Mon
roe, Sherman will march by easy stages,
making himself generally useful on the way,
from Savannah to Richmond. This wonld
give him gratifying opportunity OF receiving
" the freedom Of thecity" Mt the hands of the
Mayors Of Charleston, Columbia, Whining.
ton, Raleigh, &c. Whether this departure
rom the original plan is induced by the fact
that Sherman and our Western boys take
more naturally and vivaciously to the over
land route than to the salt water with
it's attendant "hcavinEs,'' or whether,
having enjoyed their trip from Atlanta,
they PETER to repeat 1t on larger and more
Brilliant ecale to going on shipboard, or
whether the difficulties and delays in the
transportation Of SO large M army by sea
were found greater than those through the
cncmyss country, we do not undertake to saw.
Enough is indicated by the dispatches to show
that Sherman has already marked out for
his ar,ny achievements which will make its
former tame seem but as the Introductory and
preparatory chapter in its history. Mean.
time push forward tie work Of enlistment.
What patriot would not be proud to sl,ars. the
future record Of Sherman's glorious armys