What the Yankees think and say of us.
Richmond, June 23, 1862.
To the Editors of the Dispatch:
By a recent sojourn within the lines of the enemy the writer has had opportunities of learning the general opinions of officers and men regarding the prospects of our success, the bravery of our troops, and the recent engagements between the opposing armies.
The Southern reader will certainly be interested with a brief recital, commencing with the Yankees ideas of our prospects.
All firmly believe that the Confederacy is in its dying struggles — the monster rebellion nearly, nay, virtually-crushed — the rebel army demoralized — all but a few ‘ "ambitious leaders"’ willing, nay, anxious to return once more to Federal allegiance.
Officers and men religiously believe this, are well satisfied that the ‘"Union"’ will be restored in less than three months. What the bayonet fails to do they expect starvation to accomplish.
For a while the bravery of our troops was doubted.
The many "masterly retreats" that have been executed were regarded as so many evidences of cowardice; but the engagements at Williamsburg.
Hanover C. H., Seven Pines, the adroitness, agility, and successes of ‘ "Stonewall"’ Jackson, the successful expedition to their rear, &c., have satisfied them that they have a foe to encounter of more than ordinary vigilance and bravery.
Of recent military movements, those of Jackson concern them most.
His rapid and brilliant series of successes in the Valley astounded first, enraged next.
finally alarmed the self- styled ‘"invincible"’ heroes of the North.
Success followed success in such rapid succession, until they were compelled to acknowledge ‘ "Stonewall"’ (only) a successful ‘"partisan"’ leader — hoping by thus dubbing him to render his victories less imposing, their defeats less disastrous.
At the same time they admit ‘"that his movements have in a measure checked those of McClellan, preventing him from receiving certain reinforcements which are desirable, if not needed."’
Camp reports are of the most extravagant nature.
One day Jackson's whole command was cut off and surrounded; the next, himself, with 15,000 men, are prisoners; again, with 100,000 men, he is about to pounce upon their doomed capita.--‘"'Stonewall' is evidently a sharp and painful thorn in Yankee flesh."’
At Hanover C. H. they claim a ‘"great victory,"’ yet give our men credit for brave fighting.
They admit that Gen. Branch, with less than five thousand men and four pieces of artillery, held in check for half a day a force of not less than 25,000, with nearly 50 pieces of artillery, consisting of Gen. Porter's entire division of U. S. regulars and a portion of Sedgwick's. Also admit that their loss was nearly equal to ours.
They give Gen. Branch much credit for a skillful disposition and rapid manœuvring of his ‘"small though gallant brigade."’
At ‘"Seven Pines,"’ or ‘"Fair Oaks,"’ they likewise claim the victory, but are severely troubled in arranging discrepancies.
‘"On Saturday,"’ say they ‘"we were driven by superior numbers from our position, which was occupied by raw troops; but on Sunday we effectually routed your columns at the point of the bayonet."’ This McClellan reports officially, at the same time acknowledging a heavy and almost irreparable loss.
Our loss is reported heavier than theirs.
We are accustomed to such extravagant misrepresentations, and can readily pass it by without comment.
The successful expedition of Stuart's cavalry, on the 13th, is designated as a ‘" bold and brilliant dash upon our rear."’ It astounded all — alarmed not a few. Many thought Jackson, with his whole force, was about to precipitate himself upon them, while others even feared it might be the ubiquitous Beauregard, with his entire Army of the West.
Imagine the commotion in a bee-hive when roughly jarred, and an idea may be formed of the placidity of the Yankee camps by this ‘ "bold and brilliant dash upon our rear."’ They admit the following loss: ‘"Killed, six men; wounded, thirteen; destroyed, two schooners, laden with hay, and seventy wagons, with commissary and quartermaster store.; missing, fifty mules and forty men."’ We know they have not reported correctly.
One thing must be said in their favor: they treat our captive wounded kindly and well.
No distinction is made in favor of Federal wounded.
All receive the same accommodations and attention.
In this respect at least our foe conforms to the usages of civilized warfare.
Of the number and disposition of forces the writer is not allowed to speak.
Let us, however, remember, and be assured, that we have a numerous, an active, and a powerful foe to overcome.
We dare not be overcome.
Defeat to us is irreparable ruin.
Submission must never be entertained until the last man is slain, the last dollar expended. To the Editors of the Dispatch:
S.
