Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1861-08-07
An EngiIshman's view of Affairs az
the seat of war;

richmond, Va, June H. 1861.
It is scarcely possible to convey to those on
the other side Of the Atlantic a correct idea OF
the enthusiasm that prevails in the Confede-
rate States. Tn English nation has much to
learn regarding southern Institutions and re-
sources, and people at home must be prepared
by and By to have their minds disabused OF
many old prejudices and preoonceived notions,
which prevent them forming right conclusions
respecting the present position Of men and
things in the Southern States. The civil war,
which now threatens to deluge the country
with blood, has been long expected. For years
the tendency Of things has been Fastening the
crisis which at length has arrived, and the
result Of which it is impossible to predict.
The people here complain bitterly Of the policy
Of the North with regard to them; and now
that war has been declared they seem prepared
and determined to defend their territory and
maintain their self-govsrnment, with whatever
sacrifices the struggle may be attended.
During my journey through Tennessee and
Virginia, | found but one spirit pervading the
inhabitants, and | believe that these States Of
the COnfederacy are perfectly Indicative OF
the Feeling and determination that actuats
the others. The call for troops made by Pres
ident Davis has been readily responded to by
all classes. Youths belonging TO the first fam
tlies in the country, have, in many instances,
CtbNlGA ~ lonhH VI INT CUlALtGtldLb amy
while others maintain whole companies at
their personal cost. C~iergymeD, counsellors,
physicians, men, in fact, Of the highest social
positions, have unhesitatingly given up their
homes, quilted their families and resigned
their prospects in life to accept tie doubtful
chances Of war. / could naTrate many
touching Incidents which came under my per-
sonal observation, such as young men taking
leave of their aged parents, husbands Of
yriuau and gaEh,rg e obfIlrcu T., ,o,rrnr
ing through the country the scenes at the rail-
way depots were often Of a "heartrending de-
scriPtion, and made me feel acUtely the hOT-
rOTS Of civil war, which now bids tair to dec
innate the population and turn this beauteous
land into universal desoIation and woe.
The military ardor ana aptitsde of the peo-
pie here are remarkable. There is no lack Of
volunteers, for they continue to pour in con-
tinuOusly from the various seeding States.
All the ordinary resources Of the numerous
railway companies have failed, so that lug
gage wagons have to be employed and even
temporary cars imprOvised In order to dis
patch troops to the seat Of war. Il is sur
prising how, in so short a time, tens Of thou
sands of men could have been drilled, uniform
ed and EQUIPPED, aud prepared to meet the enc
my. Many Of the costumes are exceedingly
becoming, others are picturesque, but most Of
them are more for use than show. The Wea-
pOIS uSCu ny [Lt LlBBpS are OL a FdIIeQ CQ0E-
acter, and embrace everything from a minnie
rifle 10 a bowie knife In this respect the fed
eral troops have the advantage, as, from the
abundance of rifles at their disposal, they are
not compelled 10 make a virtue Of necessity
and seize any arms that may be within reach.
One officer said to ms the other day that be
would pay any amount Of money could he but
procure one hundred English rifles to give his
company. So far asregard weapons, however,
the Confederate army is better off at present
than it was some few weeks ago. Arms are
being had somewhere, Notwithstanding the
blockading Of the ports. and there is sufficient
ammunition, | am told, to last for two cam.
paigns. There is sn abundance of provisions
also in the country, although a different i'm
preston widely obtains in the North. Indeed,
| know upon the best authority that there are
sufficient provisions nov stored to supply the
army for at least six months. The last and
principal purchase Of stores was fortunately
coRpleted the day before the blockade was
proclaimed.
The city of Richmond presents a singular
appearance. 1t is literally teeming with sell
d~iers, and scarcely a man is to be net with in
the streets who does not wear a military cos
tune. The hotels are crowded to inconveui-
ence, and one perpetual round Of excitement
prevails "from early morn to dewey eve.o Bus
mess, az a matter OF course, is entirely sus-
Dendc9, and every one is eagerly looking for
ward to the issue of the present struggle, and
wondering what course England and France
but more especially The former-1ill pursue
with regard to the sziet ing complications be-
tween the belligerent States. The South looks
confidently to Great Britain for couhtenance
and recognition, believing that eventually such
a course OF policy would prove mutually bene-
fetal, and hasten the termination OF the stTUg-
gle in which the country is now unhappily en-
gagged.
The object Of the Confederate army in evac-
uating B8rper's Ferry was to cooperate with
troops In the rear, and especially with those
uuder command OF General BeauTegard at
Manassas Junction, which opposes the advance
Of the federal army from Alexandria. After
this movement the enemy retired from Romney,
a position which he had only taken the day be-
fore, and fell back upon Cumberland, about
one hundred ana thirty miles from Winchester,
which city the forces at Harper's Ferry now
occupy. This strategic movement On the part
OF the Confederate army is much applauded,
for it is likely to interrupt very seriously the
plans Of attack formed by Gen. Scott. Every
one here expects that a serious and sanguinaTy
battle will take place in a very few days.