American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-03-15

darkness and gloom which weigh heav-
lily upon all. Such has been the history
of all people who have had to struggle
for liberty and independence. But when
energy, perseverance and determination
have been exercised to their fullest extent,
with will to surmount all obstacles,
the darkest seasons have been passed
through and success most brilliantly
achieved Who had harder and more
trying difficulties to contend with and
surmount, than our Washington, in the
revolution of l776. His trials and per-
plexities were truly great, surrounded
by tories, and by cabals, and with suf-
fering army poorly equipped in clothing
and arms, for seven long years he had
to contend with British army most am
ply provided, to conquer and subduv his
rebel forces. Under such trying circum-
stances, Washington never once faltered
in his purposes, but undismayed, con-
tended to the last. vanquished the enemy,
and made his country free and indepen-
dent.
What an example for his countrymen,
the men of the South, to initiate, and
press forward and fight on, until our con-
federacy becomes as independent of Yam
kee dominion, as he who made the United
States of America independent of British
rule. Our revolution was naugurated
for far greater wrongs imposed upon us
by the North, than England imposed
upon her then colonies, and our success
is more important so far as future designs
are contemplated towards us by our re-
vengeful enemies, than that of the col
onies as regard to England. England pro-
posed to redress grievances and restore
equality. But the North threatens us
with subjugation, confscation and eman-
cipation terms that no freeman can
think of submitting to, without having
lost all honor and traits of character be-
longing to manhood. Subjugation of the
South would not only result in the loss
of property. but her people would be de-
graded and lowered in the eyes of the
world; our position would be subordi-
nate to that of that people who would
boast of being our conquerors and supe-
riors-our all will be lost: honor, position
and prosperity. Can we contemplate
lot IF 4 e. N IL
out resolution TO overcome it Surely
not. Every man must come up to per-
form his part in aiding each other in a
united and earnest struggle to free our
country, and save her from the grasp Of
the enemy. Talking and writing will
not help us now; action is necessary
Our efficient men must rush to the bat
tie field, and our elderly men must open
their purses and support the war every
one has his duty to perform, and that
duty must be done with alacrty. Our
whole mind and strength must be given
to the war. The North has put forth
her whole energies to subdue us. with
bankrupt treasury, she continues on with
a resolution unimpaired; she has staked
her all upon the issue as such, she will
fight until she conquers or is repulsed.
Hence the South must be prepared for
long war the army must be our whole
consideration, and the resources of the
country must be used to sustain our
troops. 1t is to be feared that we do not
fully comprehend the nature of this strug-
gle; our enemies are misunderstood, and |
our minds are not fully made up to what
we have to undergo. There is no deny |
ing it; long and desperate war is be-
fore us that has only been begun. and
the sooner we realize the fact. the better
it will be for US. Every man must do his
duty or we shall speedily be overrun by
the enemy. Seven hundred thousand
men are in arms against us. flushed with |
victories, and overrunning our territories. |
Onward will be their course. until
met by sufficient force to stop their pro-
gress. How long shall they be allo we'd /
to pollute our soill with their presumption t
and insolence Let the answer be, they
must be repealed. and that speedily.
appointment Of Commanding General.
By q special dispatch to the Memphis
Appeal, dated Richmond. March 10th.
we learn that an official order from the
War Depar tment announces the appoint
ment of General Robert E. Lee Comman-
ding General OF the armies Of the Con-
fedcracy. /