The Daily Dispatch: May 13, 1862., [Electronic resource]

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The Defences of the river.

We know nothing of them. We hear a great deal. We are assured both ways, viz: that they are effectual, and that they are not. One thing we do know — and that is, that if the defences of James River are not sufficient to keep back the Yankee gunboats, there is inexcusable inefficiency on the part of those whose duty it was to see that they were substantial and complete. A few days will develops what has been done, and whether there is any stop and detention to the invader's floating batteries or not. We are ignorant of what the intentions of those who control affairs are. So late as Sunday evening eight or nine hundred Federal prisoners paroled, were sent by steamer down James River to carry the news that up to that time at least the channel was open! There may be some policy unknown to the public in this; but on the face of it the fact is strange. It will be to all the most gratifying news, that the gunboats cannot pass our barriers, and the greatest credit will be awarded to those who have built them. If this proves so, however, it will have been a matter of very recent achievement.