May 11, 1863, The New York Herald
The rumor published yesterday, and circulated privately for the last two days, that Richmond was captured by General Keyes, co-operating with a portion of Stoneman’s cavalry, created great joy and excitement in the city, for very many believed it because of the apparent feasibility of the achievement. But from a dispatch from Fortress Monroe, dated Friday afternoon, we fear the news is too good to be true – at least that it is premature.
In that communication it is stated that General Dix had just then returned from the White House, after destroying all the bridges over the Pamunkey. There is reason to apprehend, therefore, that this is after all what the rumored expedition to Richmond amounts to, and that we shall have to wait for some time longer before we realize the capture of the rebel capital. The movements carried on in subordination to the principal operation appear to have been made too late to prevent the reinforcements reaching Lee, and at the same time too tardy to effect the capture of Richmond by surprise. Probably the news of the defeat of Hooker paralyzed some of the other movements, and cut them short from a sense of insecurity. At the same time great credit is due to General Stoneman for the splendid part his cavalry have played in this brief campaign, and to Generals Dix and Keyes for the rapidity of their movements towards the White House.
But there is little doubt that Hooker is again on the southern side of the Rappahannock. Various indications show that the promise of Stanton that the Army of the Potomac would soon resume offensive operations is being already carried out; but we are sorry to say there is no intelligence as yet that Hooker is removed and his place filled by a better general.
While these movements are going forward in the East, and the final result is still in suspense, the news from Grant army in the Southwest is highly encouraging. According to our latest advices, he was moving up the Black river in the rear of Vicksburg. If the rebels have very limited supplies on hand, and if their force is small, they will be compelled to evacuate their stronghold; for the extensive and brilliant cavalry operations of Grierson, rivaling those of Stoneman in Virginia, have cut off their supplies by railroad; and if they have not large stores their only alternative is fight or flight. But if Vicksburg should be as strongly fortified as the rebel papers represent it, and if it has a numerous force to defend it, and plenty of provisions and ammunition for the troops, then let General Grant look out for his communications, which in that case would be placed in evident jeopardy. On the other hand, if he is successful, a great blow will have been struck. The conquest of Mississippi and Louisiana being completed, the theatre of operations in the Southwest would be virtually limited to Tennessee; and the war being thus circumscribed would become more manageable. The interest would be concentrated on the army of Rosecrans and the Army of the Potomac, and all other military movements become secondary and subordinate to the operations of these two armies.
The next news from Vicksburg will therefore be of great importance, and will be looked forward to with unusual anxiety.