The orders of Gen Halleck to his subordinate commanders lead me to believe that it is not his intention to bring on a general engagement until he shall be fully prepared for it. This we believe, involves some further delay. It is altogether likely that the rebels have collected they best strength at Corinth; and if they are ever to fight us would probably prefer it at once. They have nothing whatever to gain by delay, whereas we have very material advantages. The force from New Orleans and Mobile has undoubtedly been brought hither by this time, also all the available force from Arkansas. The enemy is at his best condition. All the reinforcements he can receive hereafter cannot more than compensate for the waste of time. It is his policy to fight and ours to postpone, till the preponderance is more decided and the victory placed beyond all reasonable doubt. Battles in the open field are notoriously uncertain. The slightest accident has sometimes disconcerted a well-appointed army, and given victory to a resolute and despairing foe. If the enemy will shut himself up in his fortifications he will surely be reduced. It is therefore our policy to approach him cautiously, but firmly. – {Cor. N. Y. World, 19th.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 3
No comments:
Post a Comment