Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-10-26
The Grent NnrnI Euodition.

From the n. Y. Commercial, October a.
One Of the most extensive naval expedition,
in which this country ever engaged, is now in
preparation, and a part of it is already on th,
way to a common rendezvous.
The larger portion Of this feet has been fitted
out at this port, but several vessels have beer
prepared at Boston and Philadelphia, all intend
ed for the same object. The feet has been fur
nished with every necessary, yet all has beer
conducted without hustle or confusion. Mer.
liant have offered their vessels, and they have
been accepted by the United States Quarter
master with prOmptness. The transports have
been rapidly loaded at our wharves, and then
hauled into the stream or Off the battery, waiting
the signal to start. Large steamships that have
won themselves renOwn as ocean palaces, have
been stripped of their gliding, loaded heavily
with cannon and death-dealing missiles, and
taken into the ranks Of transports and war yes
sells. The expedition as it was composed in our
harbor a few days since, presented a somewhat
novel appearance.
The Baltic, loaded nearly to her guards, the
Atlantic, Vanderbilt, and other ocean steamers,
al bearing valuable freight, lay in the stream
with saucy gunboats, side wheel and propellers,
and even the diminutive tug, with a new coat Of
black paint, lay proudly with the wal feet. By
the middle Of last week this expedition was 50
tar advanced that people began to speculate upon
its probable destination. The very curious did
not hesitate to take AN early walk upon the Bat.
terry, and to devote an hour to the critical exam.
nation of the feet, to see if any Of them had
left during the night. The wouder-Iovers were
gratifed on Saturday by the departure of the
CoatzacOalcOs, Cahawba, Roanoke, Empire City
ParkersbUrg, Unadilla and Atlanta. The Sd
Rhode Island regiment was transferred from
Fort Hamilton to the Cahawba, and Col. SeTrilps
engineers were taken on another vessel.
Yesterday the battery was thronged nearly
all day by a crowd Of people anxiOus to see the
departure of more of the vessels. During the
day the Star of the South, Ocean Queen, Daniel
Webster, Ariel, Afago, Vanderbilt, Oriental and
Rhode Island left their several anchorages and
sped their way out Of port. The Wabash and
several gunboats and transports remain in the
harbor, but, in all probability, will sail during
the day. Three ferry boats were purchased on
Saturday, the Ethan Allen, Commodore Perry,
and Stepping Stone. These will be dispatched
tomorrow or Wednesday.
The entire feet will have left this port by
Wednesday, and probably by Saturday will
have received the troops who are to take part in
the expedition.
We commit no improperly when We declare
that the first destination Of the vessels compOs-
ing the expedition is at Hampton Roads aud
Annapolis. Phe naval vessels will rendezvous
at the former place while the transports are en-
gagged in taking on board troops from Annapolis.
1t Is stated with some semblance of truth, that
there were $4,000 men sent TO Annapolis on
Thursday. We alss learn that the Continental
Guard, Col. Perry, Washington Greys, Col.
Moore, and three other regiments, have orders
to join the divisions at Annapolis. It is there
fore probable that al aggregate Of $4,000 men
will be sent off. These viii be fully equipped,
armed in the best manner, and supplied with an
abundance Of provisions.
The ultimate destination of the expedition Is
known but to the government and Gen. Scott
aad even when the feet sails, the general in
command of the troops will probably receive
sealed dispatches, whichJhe viii be instructed to
open when in a certain latitude.
The utmost care has been taken 10 ensure the
success of this expedition, and we are safe in
asserting that when the blow is struck, the effect
upon the South will be terrible.
Our readers and contemporaries may accuse
US of violating the express commands Of Gen.
Mcclellan, in making public so much Of the
above as may appear to have been within the
scope of the instructions referTed to. We will
say that we this morning obtained permission to
publish the above facts.