Daily Nashville union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1862, 1862-05-17

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CAlRo, May 10
The ubjoined circular from JEFF. Da-
Wis explains itself.
Private and Confidential
CAPITAL G. s. a.,
RICHMOND, April Is, 1885
SIR II can no longer be denied that
the prospects Of success for the South
ern Confederacy are gloomy on every
hand. Whether through lack Of skill or
the open treachery of officers Of our
army and navy, il matters not, we meet
with disasters and defeat With a con-
tinuance of such results ere three months
shall have passed away our boosted Con-
federacy will exhibit only history.
The past shows that we need larger dis
plays of patriotism, military skill, per-
sonal bravery, and frmer spirit of de-
votion to the just cause in which we
have enlisted. Unless these require
ments developo themselves TO fitting
extent we labor in vain ' unless we have
more clear indications that the great
heart of the people is with us our efforts
will be futile The government is impo-
tent to retrieve disasters that have befall-
en- us and that yet stare us in the face
on every hand. Mcclellan is already
moving on the Potomac. Halleck's oper-
atoms IN the Southwest are at every step
successful The Federal army and ma
w are already menacing the metropolis
Of the Southwest and the keys to our
granaries.
Florida is overrun by Northern inva-
ders, while wherever we look we see an
advancing army. In this trying emer-
gency the government appeals to the
people, 10 the brave hearts and sturdy
wills of the South. 1t cries awake.
Your hands have been put TO the plOw.
Will you now look back and repent
your past acts You have struck out
nObly for independence, plcdging your
lives and fortunes to its procurement.
Will you submit quietly to the invasion
and dispoliation of your homes, The de-
structiOn or coniscatiOn Of your prop
erty--thG abandonment Of your cher
ished institutions? Arise and convince
the world that the boosted chivalry of
the South is more than traditionary
myth. The appeal is made to the cOun-
try, not openly, for obvious reasons. We
make the appeal to the people through
the Governors Of the States comprising
the COnfederacy, and the officers COM
mGnding our armies. To these mediums
the circular is sent with the urgent re-
quest that its spirit and intent, if not its
letter, be conveyed TO every citizen of
our struggling republic. First of all, we
ask for material aid. Money, on such
equivalent therefor as will enable us 20
maintain our army. Clothing and pro-
visions will be acceptable as substitutes
for the money when the latter cannot be
obtained.
2. We need men. The ranks of our
army in the field are constantly being
thinned by casualties Of battle, the sick
ness incident to camp life, and expira-
ton Of enlistment. We cannot close our
eyes to the fact that their places are not
filled so promptly as should be. Let us
see the devotion of the country TO our
cause by their willingness TO fight its
battles and, if needed, 20 pour out their
blood in its support.
3. We need the encouragement Of the
people--a more liberal display Of patriot
ism than has yet been made. The tame
submission yielded to the invader wher-
ever he appears is in striking contrast TO
the boast we have hitherto heard of the
readiness that prevailed on every hand
to welcome the hirelings with bonfres
cumposed of the dwellings and property
Of the people. If our land is to be over
run and our people subjugated, let us
leave our cOnquerOrs n Wondering waste
TO reward them for their toll and pains.
Burn every hamlet, village, and city; give
the torch freely TO your cotton and to-
bacco. Let the product Of your lands be
laid waste. Fly yourselves before the
invaders, when resistance shall no longer
avail, thus displaying a determination
and spirit in the cause in which we are
all enlisted that will give us encourage
ment to continue the struggle Whenever
the enemy achieve a victory, let il be a
l'bootess one, 50 that their bands, now led
on by hope Of plumber, may be disap-
pointed and discouraged, and we shall
be cheered by the manifestations Of de-
yOtion and patriotism once more We
expect you 10 awake, shake off the le-
thargy that hangs over you, and strike
for the freedom Of yourselves, your fami-
lies and your homes. Strike promptly
and boldly, and our COnfederacy may
yet be firmly established, ""Sis our ls-s
=
this circular will also be commissioned
as agents of the Government to advance
the purposes indicated Full letters of
inctrucliOn will be furnished.
(Signed) JEFFERSON DAVIS,
President G. s. A.