THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC: The Spring Campaign – Necessity of Advancing upon Richmond by a Double Line (1/18/1864)

New York Times - Times Machine ^ | 1/18/1864

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Saturday, Jan. 16, 1864.

There is every likelihood that when the Spring campaign opens in Virginia, it will be under military conditions essentially different from those that have attended either of the former Spring campaigns in that theatre of war. The military map of Virginia is now thoroughly understood. The experience of six campaigns has shown that any single line of manoeuvre that can be taken up with Richmond as the objective point must be indecisive. It is utterly impossible, from the nature of the enemy's lines of retreat, to move by a single line on his communications, without so exposing our own communications and thereby so uncovering Washington as to make it easy for the enemy to compel a retrograde movement on our part by a simple corresponding movement on our flank. To bring on a decisive engagement and take Richmond, it is indispensable that there be a double advance on the enemy -- on his front and on his rear; or, in definite terms, a movement in the direct line, and a cooperative movement by the line of the Peninsula or the south side of the James. If each column be of sufficient strength to take care of itself, the whole weight of the military objection to a division of force is removed; and, it is fair to add, that with correct and energetic action in accordance with this plan, Richmond may be taken and the enemy driven out of Virginia.

Such a combined, cooperative movement by the double lines indicated will mark the opening of the Spring campaign. And in making this statement, I am revealing no secret of the military authorities here. I merely make an inference, first from known facts, and secondly from the military necessity,

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

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Link to previous New York Times thread

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Army of the Potomac: The Spring Campaign – Necessity of Advancing upon Richmond by a Double Line – 2-3
From the Shenandoah Valley: No Truth to the Report that Stuart was at Leesburgh – 3
News from Washington: Special Dispatches to the N.Y. Times – 3
From Sandusky, Ohio: Gathering of Rebels at Point Pelec – 4
From the Mississippi: A Refugee’s Account of Affairs in Dixie – 4
Editorial: Taxation in America – Its Principles and Practice – 4
A Terrible Tragedy – 4-5
Amusements this Evening – 5
News of the Day – 5
An Important Legal Decision – 5
A Card – 5