Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-07-22
MISC cELIAMEous.
sToNEWALL JACKSON FOR IN
VASION.

In the authoritative life of George Law
(called 'Liye Oaks" George from his success
in Ocean Steamers) is curious historical
statement The biographer says: 81
''In the early stage of the rebellion, the
Government at Washington was wholly un-
equal to the exigencies of the situation. The
tremendous issues which the Administration
had to confront, overwhelmed the President
and his Cabinet. There was neither states.
Hanship, frmness nor confidence in Congress
or the Executive Departments. The news of
the appsulling aud wholly unexpected defeat
of the Federal forces at Bull Run fell upon
the country with crushing force, while it ores
ated such panic at Washington that Mr. Lin>
coin and the timid and incompetent men
around him cast about for the means of es>
Gaping the impending danger.
"An immediate attack from the victorious
Confederate army was generally apprehended.
So abject and utter was the prevailing terror,
that Mr.. Lincoln ordered an armed vessel ly>
ing at Greenleaf Point to be kept under full
head of steam ready to transport himself and
family to place of safety; and it was our
rently reported without contradiction, that he
frequently visited the steamer to ascertain by
personal examination that his directions were
strictly obeyed. The Secretary of War,
equally overcome by his fears, had d train in
readiness on the Northern Central railroal,
with stream constantly up, with which to fee
with his family to the interior of Pennsylva>
MIA. And but for the calm intrepidity aud
the wise and soldierly assurances of Gen.
Scott by which the terrors of the President
aud Cabinet were allayed and partially re-
moved, it may be doubted whether there
would not have been an utter rout of the ADJ
ministratiou, leaving the capital of the Nation
to the mercy of the rebels. The whole North
was distressed, disgusted and almost paralyzed
by the magnitude of the perils by which We
were menaced. So strong and all-pervading
was the sense of insecurity and danger. that
extraordinary measures were clamcrously de.
mandcd.
''At this juncture Mr. Raymond, of the
New York Times, proposed revolutionary
movement as the only means of saving the
nation. His outcry seemed to cmbody the
popular sentiment, and when he suggested
that the authorities at Washington should be
disposed as unequal to the emergency, and a
Provisional Government created with George
Law for its head. with the power of 8 Dicta>
tor, the country stood aghast at the audacity
of the man who could contemplate such .
proceeding. The proposition although start
ling at the outset soon came to be calmly
considered, and there seemed to be general
concurrence Of opinion that something had to
be done Immediately if the seat of Govern
ment was to be successfully defended, and that
if it becomes necessary to set aside the WASH
ington Government. Mr.. Law was the man to
be invested with supreme authority"
This remarkable statement adds another
link to the evidence of the Generalization of
the authorities in Washington. At this day
there is no doubt but that their flight from
the capital would have followed swift upon
the appearance of even handful of Cons
fcderates on the bank of the Potomac. The
seat of Government in the hands of the
Southerners, the recognition of the Confed-
eracy by foreign powers would have followed
at once. The capture Of the enemy's capital
is always considered in Europe as decisive
victory.
Gen. Grant announced the policy Of cat
triton" as his tactics. 1t was disgraceful
admission of lack of skill in the Federal COM
mauders aud courage in the ranks to cope
with the Confederates, but none doubt its wis.
dom. Our hope of success lay in the op-
posite strategy.
We have it from distinguished General of
the army of Northern Virginia, that Gen. T.
j. jackson favored "invasion," and while
lying idle at Manassas after the battle, made
a minute plan for forward movement The
distance OF each days march was carefully
marked on the map The routes, forces and
in fact the smallest matters pertaining to such
an expedition were put down. The project
was opened fully to the officer who gave us
this information and who was occupying tenn
porarily place in Gen. Jackson's tent -and
was in his confidence. This officer was on
the best terms with both the -Adjutant Gen.
eral and the President. He was personal
friend of the latter. The plan. by Gen. Jack
sons revuest, was first submitted to General
Cooper and was approved, then handed to Mr..
Davis. The proposition coming from sub.
altern officer having little of that fame which
afterwards filed the world, was received by
the Prsident with slight favor. Beauregsrd
and Johnston were the military magnates of
the hour, and Mr.. Davis did not think they
would accept the plan of one of the inferior
commanders aud if he ordered it's execution
it might be carried out without spirit, which
in such movements would have been fatal to
| success.
Jackson was the man of the Manassas
Army to head such bold advance. but he, Of
! course was ont of the question a. that time
Jackson's scheme arranged for Gen. r. E
Lee to lesd the expedition.
[Lezington Ta) Gazene.
Mrs. Partinston says that since the In