American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1862-11-21
THE CRISIS IN THE SOUTHWEST.

The tone Of the Northern press. says the Tcks-
burg Wing, well as the movements of the abol-
ton army in the Southwest. all show that Lincoln
is preparing for sudden attack upon the line of
our present Northern defences with view of over
running Mississippi and Alabama and cooperating
with the naval attacks upon Vick.hur and Mobile.
The day of action il evidently approaching rapidly
and every exertion, regardless of life or expense
will tie made to render the Western campaign a
successful The naval fleet fitting out at St
Louis, Louisville and Cincinnati is said to be very
large. and many boats built with view to ol-
crate in the tributaries of the Mississippi which
reach far into the interior of the country Cotton
will be the great prize this winter. and tie aboi-
tonists think it viii certainly with the open-
ing of the Mississippi river. From the tributaries
the enemy expect. with their boats-the most for
Tnidabe that labor aud ingenuity can produce-to
gather vast amount Of cotton for the Northern
market. and unless these avenues be closed to p-
ratcal incursions, may look for them TO OF tain
inconsderable amount in this way. For open
ing the Mississippi, formidable preparations are
being made. including every class of vesscl-from
the lightest iron-clad to the heaviest and most
compact leviatban With guns of ealihre hitherto
unknown such vessels. To cheek this powerful
feet which will move the water permits
there Qualifications at but two points on the
Mississippi Vicksbarg and Port Hudson. The
strength of the latter has never been tested, bu:
that of the former is We'll known to the world by
her gallant defense in June and July last when she
stood firm and immutable as the islands that SUM
Der in the ocean.
improvements of various kinds are now being
made around her hills in anticipation of the coming
struggle for well all know that the summer cam
paign but chiids play when compared with
that which we will feel this winter We are
stronger than before. yet there is still
plenty of work for all to do, and we hope the
authorities will every energy in pushing it for
ward with all haste possible. The plans and pur
poses of the enemys movements by land have
already developed themselves. Their programme
appears to be to march in three divisions-one
down the Mississippi aud Tennessee railroad from
Memphis, one down the Mississippi Central from
Grand Junction. and one down the Mobile and
Ohio road from Corinth As they move down the
divisions to concentrate and all enter Jackson
together. when they will move on to yicksburg
and make attack in the rear. simultaneously
with Com. Porter's naval attack and McCiernand 5
by land from above the city. This is cersainly a
gigantic programme, but one which lincoln conf
IDENTIFY expects IL carry successfully with over
our position j. a critical one and that herenlean
efforts alone will save he government must
turn It's attention to the South West and give her
that All. which she has frequently asked for in
vain. Plenty of men and active, working generals
will be found necessary for the salvation of the
Mississippi valley.