The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-10-17
Our Army Correspondence
LETTER FROM MEMPHIS.

MI
Sept. 23rd, 1862.
To the Editor8 IF the Pioneer:
Your ever welcome Weekly comes pune
tually to hand since our arrival at the me
tropOlis of Tennessee, and is perused, as
sure you, with great interest by persons
from all Of the loyal States. As you are
doubtless aware, anything of readable
nature is generally eagerly sought for Gin
camp" Such, am happy to inform you,
is not the case with the troops near Mem
phis, every facility is afforded US for OBJ
tanning papers, books, &c. But since our
beautiful and beloved Minnesota has be-
come the theatre of most horrible and
appalling outbreak among the savage tribes
within her territory, any intelligence from
the scene al conflict is highly interesting.
The heart of every true citizen-and espe-
daily of every soldier-becomes fired with
indignation, and they long to be with those
brave men who have gone forth to meet
the skulking outlaws, who have spread dis
may and death within and about the hum
bic habitations of the frontiersmen.
Trusting in the strong arm of the Gov
eminent, which, heretofore, has been a.
most sufficient for protection, and relying
at the same time, to a great extent, upon
the friendly professions of the Indians, they
emigrated to our Western frontier What
a recompense has been melted out to them
for time and toll expended on clearing the
forest and tilling the soil, thus opening the
wilderness to the onward march of civiliz-
alton All the long-cherished hopes of
those who have escaped have been in a
day, as it were, blasted! The fruits of
their wearisOme toll scattered, consumed.
as though simoom had swept through
the land. Being personally acquainted
with many who have fallen at the hands Of
the mscreants, | feel a deep interest in the
ertermin,aiOn of the tiends, not only from
the soil of Minnesota, but from the face of
the earth.
Shermans division constitutes the entire
Federal force Con land) now here The
brigades comprising the division, are COM
manded respectively as follows: LIST bri-
gade, General Morgan L. Smith 2nd bri-
gade, General Mcdowell 3rd brigade Gen
Denver. Smiths brigade is composed of
the 9th and 9Th Missouri. 55th Illinois, and
54th and 57th Ohio regiments, one battery
and detachment of cavalry. General
Smith was formerly Colonel of the 9Th Mo-,
brave, consderate and skilltul officer, he
has but few equals, no superior, as Briga-
der. At Fort Donelson, and the battle
of Shiloh, he distinguished himself, and
thereby won the position so wisely
and deservingly conferred. Since the ar
rival of General Sherman's command, con-
fidence has been restored, to great ex-
tent, and business is increasing To this
end the General has devoted great deal
of time and attention. In fact he has
studied every thing for the benefit of the
citizens, consistent with public interests,
and the exigences of the times. While he
down in military law, never shrinking from
the performance of any act incumbent up
on him, he has commanded the admiration
and esteem of every loyal citizen, and the
tacit respect, at least, of the ''secesh," for
the upright and gentlemanly manner main
tanned throughout all his transactions.
With his command and the valued aid of
gunboats, he can hold the post with ease
A large number of 'cOntrabands'' have
been employed in erecting Notifications,
and the work still goes on Siege guns
have been arranged so as to command the
city and its entrances. The force of Gen.
Grant engaged the rebels under Price, a
few days since, near Corinth. Price, it
seems, was endeavoring to form junction
with Bragg, in Kentucky but meeting
General Grant, he concluded to ''about
face" and take a more southerly direction.
The recent order of President Lincoln, in
reference to the failure of the rebel States,
or any Of them, to send representatives to
the national Congress, by the first of Jan
nary, meets the hearty approval of that
portion of the army in this locality. This
is a master stroke in the right direction II
the War Department will only remain
steadfast and patient enough to let Gen.
Mcclellan alone, we may live in hopes Of
termination of the war, some time, dur
ing the present century, at least But if
he is to be removed, or his plans thwarted
at the suggestions of meddling and intrigu-
ing politicians, God only knows when,
where, or what the end will be.
have had the pleasure of meeting sew
eral Minnesotians in Memphis, the most of
whom are engaged in mercantile pursuits
of some description.
am, yours respectfully, YANK