Year: 1861




Erening Post


The success of the Port Royal expedition
will have a tendency to hasten others OF the
series OF paval movements which we Lave
been assured were preparing for visit to the
southern coast. # those which are to follow
are as well appointed and commanded as the
two first there is no reason to fear that we
shall not have winter cneered by a series of
successes and triumphs. 1t seems TO be the
purpose OF the government to plant the Amer
lean flag at as many points along the coast as
possible, forlifying aud reinforcing the Union
sentiment where it can be found, and estab.
fishing such sentiment anew where It has
been destroyed 1t may be worth waiting for
a victory ifa chain of loyal posts can be drawn
around the revolted territory, and it spring
shall open upon an imprisoned and helpless
enemy.


One lust result Of these movements will be
to draw favorable attention to the navy de-
partment, which, perhaps on account OF the
discretion and modesty Of its head, las failed
to obtain its share Of public applause since the
administration came into power. There have
been enough to criticise and censure measures
which they have not understood; but Mr..
Welles, with enterprises upon his mind as
great or greater than those which fell upon
any other single officer of the government
has been content to await in silence the time
when the country would award to him tile
credit that belongs to an honorable, faithful,
and successful public servant. We have not
for some time heard OF the petitions ior his
removal which were so popular in midsum-
mer, aud which at one time threatened TO Sc
riousy cripple the energies of that department
of the public service. Perhaps, i'll the pro
gress OF This naval branch OF the war againSt
rebellion, those who judged the secretary Of
the navy with unjust and impatient haste, will
be among the first TO award to him the honor
he is rapidly earning, OF eleyating and dignity
ing the~arm OF the public service which lie
controls.


But the reputation of an officer for the time
is Of trivial concern compared with the mag
nifcent results which his measures are cx.
pected to achieve for the country. History
will take care OF every mans fame justly ii
is for those who are living to protect and
strengthen the institutions which are worthy
to be held up as future examples to mankind
In this field Of duty, this winters campaign
along the southern coast is destined to hold
a most important place. Commanding some
of the best narpUrs ,i,v- vvti,.>..t, compel
ling the presence of a strong rebel force in the
vicinity where landings are effected, weaken.
ing the main body of the enemy's troops by
distracting his attention and harassing his out
posts, opening avenues to the seats of southern
commerce, and all the while fortifying posi-
tions from which the thunderbolts of an
outraged and at length resolute and deter
mined country may be hurled into the
magazines Of its ioe-theJe are some Of tile
immediate results which the people expect
will be achieved through the prudence OF
:heir officers, and the favor Of Providence,
which has never yet deserted them. When
these advantages are gained we can again be-
gin to inquire about the duration of the war;
and to calculate the value Of peace.


IT is a cause for sincere gratitude that, from
the beginning of the var, with very rare ex-
ceptions, the troops in the feE have been so
abundanuy provided with every thing that
could minister to their comfort and efficiency
The season, to be sure, las been favorable,
and their demands have not been severe or
burdensome. But wherever a want has been
indicated, open and generous hands have en-
gagged in noble rivalry for It's relief So kind
and thoughtful has been the industry of tile
humane and benevolent women of the country
that the approach OF winter finds our three or
four hundred thousand troops either supplied
or in the way of being supplied, with every
protection and comfort which the necessities
of the season Or the eXigencies OF the service
are Likely to require. During the winter
which promises to be an active onp--ths new
and admirable army of ours will march to its
triumph with frmer and more confident tread,
knowing that their friends at home are en-
couraging them with their hands and their
prayers, expecting no other reward than the
salvation Of the country