Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-11-21
For the True Democrat. Letter from Memphis.

MEMPHIS, TENN, Nov 18th, 1861.
 Long months have passed away since last ap- pear as correspondent in your columns. Be- ing for the present resident of the Bun Clty' which is great central point, where railroads and telegraphs bring us the news from every point of the compass, have thought that line occasion ally from this place, detailing events etc., would be acceptable to your numerous readers.
 What change has passed over our country since was in the habit of writing for the Demo- crat! The stars and stripes have faded away-the old fl g under which our fathers fought, is forever dishonored, and the Union which we were accus- toned to think would be perpetual, has been dis solved. The piping times of peace are gone, and grim visaged war with all its horrors, is now dis tracing once happy country.
 Memphis, l am told, has forty eight full com panies in the Confederate army The city resem bles military camp. Armed men are seen every where parading the streets, marching to the sound of drum and fife Every second man you meet IS in uniform. Several houses are manufacturing cannon others are making cannon balls and shells; hundreds of persons are engaged in making teEts, swords drums knives and clothing for the soldiers. No where upon the face of the green earth have the ladies been more patriotic than in Memphis They estab shed the Southern Mothers Home for sick so diers, and as many as four hundred sick men have been quartered there at one time. have been through it frequently and conversed with its inmates, and it Is universally conceded that every thing is done within the bounds of DOS siblity, to restore the sick soldier to his wonted health. have heard no complaints of inltten ton. Ladies of the first standing, who, at their own splendid homes, need perform no meniai tasks, do not hesitate with their own fair hands, 10 wash the feet of the sick soldier No wonder that the southern sodiery are invincibe; God and the la- dies all on their side. Many of those who were wounded in the late battle near Columbus, are now here in the new Overton Hotel, which has been fitted up especially for their accommodation Money has been freely contributed, servants have been sent in, beds furnished, well every other needed article of furniture, suitable food and med- cal attendance, and all else has been done which can contribute to the comfort recovery of our brave wounded men.
 The war excitement has great influence upon trade, religion, schools literature and every other department in civilized life. There are 2l pubic schools in this city, but as general thing, they are poor attended,, and as poorly managed. The citizens pay thousands every year a school tax, but no city in America has poorer schools. Only one session day is held, and tat continues only four or five hours. The teachers are chosen upon the principle of favoritism, and not because they are qualified. I have been crejitabiy informed that only two out Of the twentv-one, make any pretens:ons to knowledge of English Grammar.
 Haye you seen the Southern Monthly? The third number has been issued, and I hope that it will be sustained It is, as matter of course, # so prufusev illustrated with costly en cravings as Harper's Monthly CT Frank Les ie, but it is a southern enterprise, at time when there is no other of the kind The articles already published are a.togetle respectable, and there ems 10 be no lack of talent in the So qthern Confed eracy. Hundreds and thous have hitherto been paid yearly to the North for their razines; let us now have magazines of our own, and no longer depend upon others; th can effect, if our people will but take the right view of the subject. The edi tor told me today, that already lour State wa affording material aid in his enterprise. 1 know | t is characteristic of Ark nsas, anl 1 doubt not that when the Southern Monthly becomes known to your people, they will prefer it to the gilded, but trashy publications of the North. $.