Not more
unerring is the instinct which calls the vulture to the
battle-field before a drop of blood is shed; or that which makes
the kites 'know well the long stern swell, that bids the Romans
close;' than the sure induction of our army that the Yankees are
coming on, when morn or noon or dewy eve breathes along the whole
line a perfumed savour of the ancient rye. The way in which this
discovery may be improved is plain. It will be felt and understood
throughout the intelligent North, that it gives them at last the
key to Richmond. They will say--Those rebels, to leeward of us,
smell the rising valour of our loyal soldiers: the filling and
emptying of a hundred thousand canteens perfumes the sweet South as
if it had passed over a bed of violets, stealing and giving
odours:--when the wind is southerly it will be said, rebels know a
hawk from a handsaw. Therefore it is but making our next grand
assault on some morning when they are to windward of us--creeping
up, in the lee of LEE, as if he were a stag--and Richmond is ours."
That is savage, and sounds unfraternal to-day, when peace and good
feeling reign--when the walls of the Virginia capitol re-echo the
stately voices of the conscript fathers of the great commonwealth and
mother of States: conscript fathers bringing their wisdom, mature
study, and experience to the work of still further improving the work
of Jefferson, Mason, and Washington.
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