The ½New Base½
Whatever the
Yankees may pretend hereafter.
It is evident that
Burnside meant to make
Fredericksburg the base of his operations in his advance upon
Richmond.
The various extracts which we published from Yankee papers yesterday proves as much.
Thwarted in this design, it is more than probable that he will again ‘½change his base,½’ and, embarking on his numerous fleet in the
Potomac, come down to the
South side of
James river.
Whichever way he may approach, we feel justified in saying that he will find us ready for him, as he found neat
Fredericksburg.
If the
Yankee papers were anything else but what they are, we should believe the indication of
Fredericksburg as the base of operations a stratagem to conceal the
real intentions of
Burnside.
Being, however, such as they are, we have no doubt they speak what they believe to be the truth with regard to their
General's movements.
The exultation of the
Yankee press over the ‘½bold and successful movements½ ’ of
Burnside before they had even heard of his having succeeded is one of the most ludicrous exhibitions of the war. On Tuesday last, when a powerful force, with
General Lee at its head, had already barred the way to
Burnside, the Washington
Star tells us that the fine march of the latter General ‘½had already brought him twenty miles nearer
Richmond than the main portion of the Confederate army.½’--The writer supposed, of course, that
Burnside had possession of
Fredericksburg, and had deceived
Gen. Lee completely.
Inspired by this exhilarating thought, he proceeds to distribute the acts and scenes of the campaign, as though he were narrating deeds already achieved.
It is impossible he thinks, that
Burnside's movement could have been anticipated.
It must have been at least twenty-four hours after he moved before his destination could have been guessed.
It was impossible that the ‘½rebels½’ could get in motion to head him off before Tuesday night.
Burnside must certainly get to
Hanover Junction before he could be stopped.
It all depends however, upon the energy of the construction corps!
Jackson, the
Star tells us has been ‘½manœuvred out of the field.
½’ ‘½It is hardly possible that his corps can participate in the great battle for the possession of
Richmond.½’ ‘½If he has 70,000 men, then he has quite half the whole rebel army of the Potomac, clear up at the head of the
Valley, at least twelve days fair marching from
Richmond, with
Burnside's army not six days march from it½’ ‘½Five days should see that great battle over, and
Burnside should have
Richmond in less than ten days, as the campaign now progresses.½’ It has been eight days since this paragraph was written, and
Burnside has not yet even taken
Fredericksburg, far less
Richmond.
A writer in the New York
Times complains that
Burnside's intention was betrayed to the rebels.--We believe this to be wholly without foundation.
It was discovered, anticipated, and thwarted by
Gen. Lee, without treachery on the part of any one.
It is a high compliment to the sagacity of our commander that the accuracy with which he penetrated the designs of his adversary was so complete as to lead to the belief that they had been betrayed.
The
Times may be assured that he can form no plan which will not be detected in the same way.
We believe that history will pronounce this movement of
Gen Lee one of the most masterly in the annals of war.
