The Capture Of Richmond

The Richmond Examiner has the following editorial:

The Northern mind has settled down upon the purpose of overrunning Virginia and capturing Richmond, the Confederate capital, at every cost. In this enterprise all hearts are enlisted, and upon it all the energies of their Government are best. For this purpose they have assembled an army of 180,000 men, including that of Burnside, which they regard as one of the most formidable in machinery, discipline and equipment that ever took the field. Whatever be the grit and stamina of the men, there is probably no doubt of the fact that it possesses all the advantages which wealth and pains can give to troops.

It is certain that the North regards the demonstration against Richmond as the grand coup of the war, and we need not conceal from ourselves that the danger is serious and formidable.

It is believed that, while heavy bodies of troops will attempt to cross the country from different points on the Potomac, in conjunction with an army marching up the valley from Winchester, the heaviest columns of their forces will be landed from our river estuaries and a march attempted along our eastern peninsulas. No doubt remains that we are approaching momentous and decisive events, and that some of the most important battles that will have a place in history are soon to be joined.

It is not for us to speak of the heavy movements of our own troops that are constantly going on. It is sufficient to say that our Generals are cheerful and ready for the conflict.

– Published in the Burlington Daily Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Monday, April 14, 1862