The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1865-04-13
The Closing Campaign.
CAMP PAROLE NEAR ANNAPOLIs, MD,
April 4th, 1866.

CAMP PAROLE NEAR ANNAPOLIs, Md, I
April 4th, 1866.
Editor JeferSonidn Il wish to say few
words through the columns of your valuable
paper. First, then, would say that events
are crowding upon US with unexampled ra-
pidity. The breaihless attention of the
country has been concentrated upon series
of military operations, whose scope we hard
~ yet fully appreciate, and whose results
we hardly realize. We are bewildered by
their magnitude, whilst we are filled with
admiration of their crowning glories. We
are confused by the extent and variety Of
the battling and skirmishing the repulse
and the ralIying at one point, and the undis-
puted advance at another; here the stubborn
ly opposed attack, and there the irresistible
sweep of veteran campaigners. But beyond
the smoke OF these many conflicts we have
been enabled clearly 10 discern the end. If
the engagements have been fierce and bloody,
they have not been fought in vain. They
have proved the gallantry and invincibility
of the Army of the Potomac, the impregna-
inability of our lines, and our. offensive
strength. They have indicated Lees inhe-
rent weakness, ands his utter inability to
turn the tide of ill.fortune, which has set in
so strongly against him. They showed that
Richmond was within our grasp, and that
nothing, but blunders Of the most inconceiv-
able character, could prevent its speedy oc.
cupancy.
The promptitude with which Lees attack
upon our lines at Fort Steadman was repuls-
ed, conclusively proved his miscalculation of
the strength of our position. Doubtless this
was the long intended movement with which
Lee was to astonish the world. Its failure
has been followed up with a series ofreverses
which have probably astonished him. The
loss Of twelve thousand prisoners must have
painfully demonstrated TO him his increasing
incapacity for resisting the assaults of Grant.
Whether the advance of that energetic lea
der was precipitated by Lees temerity or
fore the grand council of war was held at
his headquarters, it is at present immaterial
TO inquire. We are hurried along with such
velocity by the march of events, that We
must defer minor considerations to a more
convenient season. We can at present af-
ford TO hastily glance beyond the means, in
the contemplation of the end.
And what grand consummation what q
brilliant achievement; what a magnificent
victory has crowned the efforts of our noble
leader, and gladdened the hearts of our great
people, who have waited with anxious but
patient expectancy for this hour of triumph.
and glory, and fruition. First, Petersburg
then, Richmond, the Rebel Capital is ours.
The stronghold of rebellion is captured
Richmond is restored to the Union. What
a world of meaning lies in these few words
They tell us oftreason crushed of rebellion
vanqulshed; of the wretehed conspirators
fleeing for their lives; of immense fortifca-
tions won by bloodless strategy; of the flag
of the Union floating in majesty over the
nesting places of traitors. They declare
Lee has found his Waterloo; they ring out
the clarion tones of Peace they proclaim
restored and reunited country they are
beamlng with promise, overfowing with
Joy, and redundant with gladDess. There
tore, say, Let the whole Earth Rejoice
Very Respectfully Yours, &C.,
c. RlNKER.