Year: 1862

Tennessee, cannot but result In the utmost
good to both army and navy, and it shows
that the government are awake to the ne
cessties Of the times. The activity in our
naval department, also, by which we shall haze
new 1eet of iron-clad gunboats launched with
in sixty days, unparalleled in the world, and
the probable withdrawal of the heavy sailing
vessels from the service, and the transfer OF
their veteran crews to our light gunboats and
iron-clads, where they can do terrible damage
to the enemy, all go to show that the govern
ment are resolved to bring matters to an issue
promptly, and, We trust, successfully. The
Southern leaders know this, and they are saga
cious enough to observe that time il all i'm
portant to them-that the crisis is upon them
and hence the concentration of their armies in
Virginia, and the strategic measures by which
they hoped to divide the forces of Generals
Pope and Mcclellan and cut off each in detail
a movement which happily failed, though bold
ly planned.


The activity of the government at Washing
ton is still further demonstrated by the frequent
captures of late of steamers bringing aid and
comfort to the rebels from foreign ports,
through the treachery Of pretended neutrals.
Thus large quantities of arms, intended for the
rebels, fell into our hands-weakening the
enemy and strengthening ourselves. Such
IN assures have been now adopted with regard
to our cruisers that no more contraband vessels
will be able to leave Nassau and enter South
ern harbors,


In addition to those points already cited we
may refer to the wholesome policy inaugurated
by the government in Louisiana, which cannot
fail to produce the most beneficial effects in all
the Gulf States, by opening the way to o re-
newal of commerce and inspiring hope and
confidence, not only in the Union men, but in
many of the hitherto recusant people


The exigencies Of the rebel cause which have
stimulated their armies in Virginia to make
desperate move have operated in like manner,
though with less important effect, in the West.
There the guerilla bands have recently assumed
more hostile and annoying attitude. Loud in
threats, but comparatively insignificant in ac-
ton, they are still source of great trouble and
suffering in the small villages and do much da-
mage to unprotected railroad bridges. But the
mischief which they work is after all, only local.
and its result can have no permanent effect
upon the general cause. 1t is true that indi-
viduals suffer from their raids both in life and
property, but it is only the annoyance which
patient has to endure in fever. 1t will soon pass
away; for although the marauders may have
free swing for while, yet when the proper
time comes they will be all swept out Of the
Western country, and its inhabitants left to
pursue their ayocatons in peace.


Looking at the condition Of the country in
all its present aspects, we think it is apparent
that the final issue of this great war is drawing
near. The vigor of our own government and
the desperation Of the rebels alike indicate this
fact. While our army is being increased by
tens of thousands every day, the enemy has
concentrated nearly his whole resources in vir
ginia for deadly trial. Delay, while it gives
strength to us, is certain ruin to him. for it in
sures an opposing force which, by its very
weight, must overwhelm him. Thus, then, we
may look for stirring scenes between Wash
ington and Richmond. A week, nay, day,
may decide the fate Of the rebels and see
treason over-ridden by the victorious armies of
the republic.