The Southern Generals.
It is fortunate for the
South, in this hour of her trial, that she has at the head of her armies the very best military talent in
America.
There are no such
Generals in the
Federal army as the splendid soldiers who guide the movements of the
Southern hosts.
There are none who have so thoroughly mastered the profound and intricate science of war, both theoretically and practically, and none so intensely animated by the most heartfelt devotion to their cause.
McClellan, whom they consider the best General they have, and who directs all their movements, was originally a strong sympathizer with the
Southern cause, and but for the bait of exalted military position held out to him, would now be in the service of the Southern Confederacy.
At all events, he at one time wrote to a prominent Southern officer, indicating his desire to bear arms under the
Southern flag; and not until he was tempted by the high prize held out to him by the Federalists, did he relinquish a purpose which had all his sympathies.
We do not believe that, even if his abilities are as great as they are represented, he can employ them to the best effect when his head only, and not his heart, is in the work.
On the other hand, our own
Generals, in his front and elsewhere, are not only his superiors in soldiership, but have given their whole souls to the cause in which they are engaged.--They are patriots as well as soldiers; their hearts, as well as their heads, are in the work, and whatever their hands find to do, they will do it with their might.
This is one cause of the almost uninterrupted stream of Southern victories which has flowed on in a majestic current from the beginning of the war. We do not underrate the magnificent courage of the
Southern soldiers, but even their unrivalled devotion would have been of no avail unless guided and directed by the splendid military genies of our
Generals.
The past affords the best augury for the future, and, with the blessing of
Providence, if our armies are true to themselves, they will achieve renown hereafter which will throw all they have hitherto accomplished into the shade, and establish upon broad and deep foundations the independence of their country.
