Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-12-23
LKTTEE FROM THE BAPPAHAN-
FREDERIcKsRURG, De-. 4, 1852.

LEEBEkiChSbJhttg OtC. - lCO$.
EDITORS APPEAL: Another week has sped
By on the wings Of father time since 1 wrote
you from this stand point and though this
week has g.ided by without its usual attendant
of thrilling events, yet I hope this epistle viii
not be entirely sod of interest.
The proximity Of the enemy keeps 81 on the
gKi rice fer the familiar boom of the can
non, which shall tell Us of the opening
of the ball, under the new, but now popular
Burnside. The Yankees are not exhibiting
such an audacious disposition as they did on
cur first appearances here. Then they studded
The opposite banks Of tie river which rise in a
gradual slope till they arrive at q to wering emf
nsnee, with their tents, guns, and all the para
phernalia Of bloody war, to the admiration of
their own staggering arrogance, and the terror
of the innocent women and children of Fred
ericksburg. But now, since foe, worthy Of
their steel " in every particular, has made his
appearance, the aspect is far different. Like
towards, as they are, they are valiant and brave
O in the presence Of the timid only, but
d" small potatoes when confronted by q brave
adversary. How applicable to them the quota
tion, When eagles soar aloft bats and owls
must get to their holes" Now they have re-
moved all their tents etc, far back, out ofrange
of those formidable looking customers that
General Lee has had planted just above and in
the vicinity Of the town. They have left only
few things visible, such a number of ten is as /
should judge brigade on picket duty would
use This led to the inference that the enemy
were leaving here, which think is premature to
some extent
The Potomac and Aqua Creek railroad has
bsan about completed 1 should judge, IS the
whistle of the locomotive is plainly TO be heard
at night. This will give the enemy great facil-
tyin procuring supplies from their base at Aqua
Creek.
Its the general idea here that fight is una
voidab!e, but I have no idea the enemy will
ever undertake the passage of the Rsppshsn-
mock here in the face of ths forces which they
say are here 70 confront them. OF one thing l
an certain, however, that whether we have few
or many here, if Burnside ever undertakes to
cross in this vicinity we will insure him decap-
itation, and his troops parole, If they lice.
The town Of Fredericksburg, once so lively,
gay aud brilliant, presents sad spectacle to-
day to all save those who love to wander in de-
serted and melancholy places. Not lady can
you see to cheer you with her smiles, for all, ell
have fed, to escape the terrors with which the
brave O enemy ever marks his footsteps
Great vigilance has been recommended by
our generals, On account Of spies who are re-
ported as being in our midst. understood that
two men were taken up to-day on suspicion
Of being spies What disposition was made of
them do not know; though, if found guilty Of
the charge, the gibbet will certainly be their
portion.
Dearly as I am imbued with the love of my
State, always did say that q Virginia seces-
sionist coul be trusted further than one from
the gulf States. I mean those who manifested
that sentiment on the first secession Of the States
The Virginian had everything to lose, and MOTH
ing to gain, in case war should grow cut of
TIE sct But deeply tied to principle, such prin-
ciples as those given forth by Jefferson they
held that above all else, and were willing to
sacrifice property, life and al else to insure that
dear prize to posterity. They did not do this in
an enthusiastic inpulsivs moment. but coOlly
and dispassions ely, as men who weigh well the
conseq quences. Their earnestness has been
tested in many ways, and in near all csses they
have proven themselves consistent patriots,
barring their breasts to receive the brunt of the
battle emptyiDg their purses to meet the wants of
the country. The citizens OF the Gulf States
who manifested their patriotism as & French
man does all in hurry, while they did right,
It did not require half such an effort 70 become
rampant secessi5nists; they could easily have
profsssed said creed, because, at that time, none
ever thought the war would be brought to their
own doors. Ia volunteering for the defense of
principle they did well, but the bare consent to
fight does not exhibit the true patriot. No, 1of
the assistance most needed in times Of war, ap-
pertain to those noble characteristics of dsvo-
tiOn and selfsscrifee that distinguished the Spar
tans Of old Like the grain of corn that was
planted among the rocks, it sprang up quickly,
because it hsd not much earth, but when the
sun was up it WAS scorched, for it had no root,
so is the patriotism of some Of ou, psOple-aye,
with shame though confess it, of soma Missis-
sippisns, who are at home.
hear from undoubted authority that in Ger
tain localities, where the ensmy has planted his
internal banners, that many of our citizens meet
them, not rs base usurpeEs and sbOmnsble III
vaders, a. they are but as hail fellows well
met" And The worst feature in the whole mat.
ter is, that many Of these citizens were formerly
men Of standing. and were the frst to don the
secession badge Far be it from my intention
TO include all Mississippians in this condemnA-
jon, for msny there are who, in these trying