The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1904-04-07

troops in the East, We will be able to raise
10000 men.
Let them be landed On beth sides of thes
James River as near Richmond as possi-
BILE, 10000 on the north bank. and 1OO-
OOO or more on the south bank. All of them
to carry three days provisions on their
persons and 100 rounds of ammunition,
without, any other baggage than blankets,
and shelter-tents, and pair of socks and
pair of drawers. Let it be understood
that every third day CORPS or grand diyi-
sion is provisioned from, the river If this
arrangement be practicable (and we think
lit ISL, We get rid 9Eal baggage, provision,
and infantry ammunlt ltfon wagons, and the
only vehicles will BIZ the artillery and its
ammunition wagons ahd the ambulances
The mobility of the army caused by carry
ing out these views viii be more like that
OF an immense partisan corps than mod
ern army. ~
The two armies marching up the banks
may meet the enemy on or near the river.
BY means of pontooss kept afioat. and
towed so as to be reached at any point.
one army can in few hours cross to as
sist the other. 1t in hardly supposable
that the enemy can have force enough to
withstand the shock of two such bodies.
If the enemy declines to fight on the
river. the army on the south bank. or
portion of it, will take possession of the
railroads running south from Richmond.
while the remainder svill proceed to the
investment or attack un0n Richmond ac-
cording to circumstances
Whether the investment of Richmond
leads to the destruction or capture of the
enemy's army or not, 1T certainly will lead
to the capture Of the rebel capital. and the
war will be on q better footing than il is
now or has any present prospect of being
The troops available for the movement
are the Army of the Potomac, the troops
in Florida, South Carolina, and North
Carolina. with the exception of those neces-
sary to hold the places now occupied, the
regiments now in process of organization,
ana those who are on extra duty aud fur-
lough. deserters, and stragglers
The number of these last is enormous.
and the most stringent measures must be
taken to collect them-no excuse should he
received for absence.
Some of the troops In Western Virginia
might also be detached.
The transports should consist of ordi-
nary steamers and large ferry-boats and
barges. The ferry-boats may become of
the greatest use In transporting troops
across the James River.
With the details of the movement we do
not trouble you. Should the general idea
be adopted. these cam be thoroughly di-
gested and worked out by the Generals and
their stats to whom the execution of the
Very respectfully, yoar obedient serv-
ants.
W. r. FRANKLIN,
Major General.
VIZ SMITH.
Major General.
Executive Mknsion,
Washing ont Dec %. 1862.
Maj Gen. Franklin and Mai Gen. Smith
Yours of the 21sf suggesting a plan of
operations for the Ariny Of the Potomac.
is received. | have hastily read the plan
and shall yet try to 1--WE 1t more deliberate
consideration. with thEsaid Of military men.
Meanwhile, let me say it seems to me to
present the old questions' of preference be-
tween the line Of the Hestnsula and the line
you are now upon: YEe difficulties you
point out pertaining 10 the Fredericksburg
line are obvious and pafpable. But now.
as heretofore. If you go to the James River.
large part Of the army must remain on
or near the Fredericksburg line TO protect
Washington. 1t is the old difficulty.
When l saw Gen. Franklin at Harri-
son s.landing on James River, last July.
] caaa not be mistaken in. saying that he
distinctly advised the bringing of the army
away from there ~'E7
:: Yours. VERY truly. -
A. LisooLN,
; Headsnarters Left Grand Division.
n. - r, p. n.. . Dec. 20. 1862. =
! respectful!y acknowledge the receipt of
yonr letter Of the 22d Inst. In arguing
the propriety Of calaplisn on the James
(COntinusd ON seveitA ualr.