The periodical on to Richmond.
The ruthless invader again essays his periodical effort to capture this city — this "hateful city," as he styles it. Our people have become so accustomed to these marches upon
Richmond, and the lesser raids of the enemy, that they are no longer excited by them.
The spirit-stirring drum and all the emblems of war create no excitement now in our streets.
The citizen leaves his home, his office, or his shop, in a quiet and orderly manner, as if he were going on a matter of private and not at all exciting business; and the women of
Richmond look upon the departing columns of citizen soldiers — their fathers, husbands, brothers, friends — not only resignedly, but cheerfully — proud indeed of the gallantry of those upon whom they lean, in repairing to the point of danger to defend their city.
A people schooled into a sense of danger and exigency, as are the people of
Richmond, are naturally ready to meet it. But this people are animated by something more than the mere familiarity with the menaces of the enemy.
They have a higher education to duty and resolution. --This they have shown throughout this war in their readiness to meet sacrifices of all kinds.
They have united with their devotion to the cause and their resolution to make any sacrifice for the public defence an active humanity and hospitality that display virtues that will entitle them to some of the brightest pages in the history of their country.
We do not believe the enemy will ever reach the city defences.
If he should, however, they will be defended in a manner that will deprive the foe of all hope of ever reaching this place, which he regards as the vital point in the
Southern rebellion, and which he hates with the deadly hatred of the bloodhound and the wolf.
We well know its fate, if it ever falls into his hands, and that alone is enough — independent of the high motives which nerve the arms of our soldiers — to make its defence invincible and impregnable.
