American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-08-22


We were just beginning to breathe
freely again when the announcement is
made that our vandsl foe is in our midst.
The appearance of nine of the enemy's
gunboats, yesterday morning. in the bend
formerly occupied by them, destroyed
all hopes of those who laid the "fatter
ing JUNCTION to their souls" that the boats
were only transports coming down with
prisoners. The boats came down early
in the morning, and went up out of sight
again about ii o'clock. Heavy firing
was heard on Monday afternoon between
MiIike bend and Richmond. Gentle>
men who came here yesterday morning.
reported that the enemy landed consid-
cradle force of cavalry, light artillery and
infantry at the bend on Monday, which
started out for Richzond, eight miles
distant. destroying every hing before them.
A small number of our troops that were
encamped on the road were compelled
| to fall back. and the enemy pushed on to
Tallula Station, on the Vicksburg. Shreve
port and Texas railroad, one mile and
half from Richmond Here they de-
stroyed the depot and railroad, and laid
waste everything they could lay their
hands on. Every overseer they could
catch was arrested. together with quite
q number of our sick soldiers that could
not be removed in time. Nothing had
been heard of their visiting Richmond
up to yesterday afternoon. and the sup
position is. that after making a raid on
Tallula Station they returned to their
boats.
No boats were in sight ab owe yesterday !
afternoon. but the smoke of several were
visible going up the Yazoo about 4 o'clock.
They were no doubt going up to Haynes
Bluff. where, we believe. prep arations
have been made to receive them. 4azoo
gave birth to one monster. and they fear
that ere long others will spring forth.
The water is now TOO low for them to
reach the raft in their heavy gunboats,
and unless they have large land force.
nothing can be accomplished. Should
Curtis command be coming down, We
may expect an attack BY land aud water
The enemy will no doubt land force
some here about Capt. Johnson's place.
on the Yazoo. but We hardly think they
will ever be able to reach Fort Hill. 1
At present the feet only consists of ;
six gunboats and FIVE transports. which 1
indicates very clearly that Curtis has 1
not yet arrived. Our people. however. 1
should hold themselves in readiness for '
any emergency. No more families {
should come to town yet. as there is no (
telling what day may bring forth"
No matter what force the enemy may
bring against US we have every confidence
10 the ability of Gems. Van Dorm and
Smith. and the noble souls whom they
command, to drive them back.
TIE FEDERAL FORCE AT MEMPHIS :
There is no doubt. says the Appeal. but (
hat the Federal force at Memphis has |
'een reduced to between four and FIVE t
housand men, by the moving of rein j
orcements to other points. 1t is known t
hat several thousand were sent to Cur \
Is. some weeks ago and we also learn E
nat large division was sent up the riv- b
r to Cairo. The destination of the lat
n was not certainly known, but the gen
raj impression was that they would go b
p the Tennessee. to join Buell.. The /
ederals who do now occupy the city do Il
uneaslly, and their fears might be in- p
eased BY little daring and energy on p
,r part. p
re- The military department of South
arolina have resolved to place negroes
the works of the harbor Of Charleston, CO
d to impress them into the service SC
ZEN it is absolutely necessary This Ell
a wise and timely measure to be i'm a,
ted when the exigencies of the case 81
luire it. "