Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1862-10-30
THE mTSsEssFPPT ARMY.

Public attention is ct present directed to the
situation Of our army in Mississippi, and the
discussions SO common evidence a general an1-
iety as to our condition for defense. It cannot
be denied that sl are disappointed in the per-
formanees of that army, ard all are very nAtu-
rally seeking for explanations Of the failure.
TIE hope was INDUCED in that it would be able
to sweep the invaders from North Mississippi
and West Tennessee, and this hope was fostered
by military officers themselves to such an extent
that it became a belief in the minds Of the pub
lie, who have waited patiently for months for the
realization Of their expections. But the truth is
at last manifest-we are occupying g some
what precarious defensive situation. Hence
the disappointment, and the uneasiness so preva-
lent among all classes.
1t is useless to speculate on the causes that
have placed Us where we are, or tc deny our pc
siiion. It is enough to know thai we were led
to believe cur army sufficiently strong and well
equipped to perform its work, and that it has
failed to do so. Somebody has Numbered, or
proven incompetent, and as government is now
investigating the whole conduct Of the war in
this section, and will, Of course, reach as near
the truth as possible, structures upon what has
passed under our own observation, and state
ments that have reached Us, would be super
Auous. We prefer to deal with facts as we now
find them existing, or as we may expect to re-
aize them, unless there is q change in the
management of this department.
The disiruss that now pervades tbs public
mind is, We are well aware, not a lately born
sentiment. It has been INDUCED in for months,
and was only quickeAed into expression by the
events culminsting in the repulse at Corinth.
Confidence has st no time existed and uHfOr-
tunntely the army participated in the feeling.
To assert that either the soldiers or the people
had faith in those appointed to lead, would be
wrong and yet it is no. necessary to make an
a~Iraignment here. As before remarked, inves-
tigation is going on, and beneficial results viii
follow if an honest exposure Of the situation,
past and present, is made.
Affairs are not, we are pleased to know, in
such a serious condition as the fears Of many
have led them to apprehend. The worst fear is
the condition Of the army, which is now with
out an immediate head permitted to set. The
men are in good health and spirits, and only
need a commander to accomplish deeds Of dar-
ing. But as it is they srO dissatisfied. The ofi-
GERS at present with them are restrained, aud
cannot set. We are glad to learn, as we do
from many reliable sources of information, that
the importance Of the s~ituation in the Valley OF
the Mississippi is beginning to be appreciated
by the authorities at Richmond. The condition
of our armies is not to be deplored, and if re-
lieved from the exclusive control of West Point
routine, greatresults can be accomplished. Dis
cipline and minute details of organization are
only s~oldieIly and clerical qualities, and are nee
essary but in addition we want the brains to
plan and execute a campaign after the instru-
ment is made ready. This is true, and public
opinion declares the fact has been forgotten-
that merit in this particular has been lost sight
Of in respect for a military clannish feeling. Let
the error be corrected.