The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1863-07-31

OF their gross cupldlty squeezing their
souls with refreshed strength. The inter.
regnum Of abatement seemed to have been
a period of lethargic repose, which they
shook off as the wild beasts shake off their
drowsy mood after long slumber. Them
they sought for prey, and the Community
knows the consequence. &
RETREAT OF BRAGG-rrs DISASTROUS EFFECTS.
From the Montgomery Advertiser, July II.
The retreat of Bragg from Tullahoma to
the Tennessee River is much to be re-
gretted. We are confident that it will
have very injurious effect, not merely ON
the people, but on the troops, particularly
those from Tennessee. The army CORES
pondent of the Mobile Register stated in
his letter of the 9th inst. that a consider
able number of the troops from that State
have already deserted, and we should not
| be surprised to learn that there has been
| stili greater disaffection, from the fact that
Middle and East Tennessee have been
abandoned, for it would be impossible to
keep small body of troops at Knexville
after Braggs army has left the State. Nor
| Will tne misfortune stop here. The retreat
from tennessee opens the northern cOun-
ties OF Georgia and Alabama to the incur
slons OF the enemy. In our own State the
Tennessee Valley will be desolated. and
raiding parties will penetrate the counties
lying between the Tennessee and the Ala
bama, and east of the Bigbee rivers. This
will bring the enemy to our own doors, and
open the way to the rich counties of South
Alabama These incursions may not i'm
mediately occur, for Rosecrans may intend
to fight Bragg; but the position assumed
by the latter south of the Tennessee River
will check his operations, and may, per-
haps, hold him at bay for six months. But
if it be the object of Rosecrans to avoid
decisive engagement, then he will assuredly
send his cavalry to destroy our crops and
desolate the State. 49,.
But there IS another view of this ques-
ton which is important. Vicksburg hay
ing fallen, Grant has an army of eighty
thousand men at his disposal 1t will be
impossible for Gen. johnson to oppose
this army with any hope of success, and
as he retires towards the Bigbee, which
we suppose he will do, Grant will close on
him, and unite his army with that of Rose
Grams. Here, then, will be an army of
one hundred and sixty Or seventy thou
sand men encamped on the soil of Ala
bama.
10 face these facts it becomes the sa
cred duty of every man in Alabama to grid
up his loins for the fight, and surely it will
be struggle for existence. Every man
who has gun, and every man who owns
a horse, should be ready to do his duty to
his country. The war, with all its brutal
ity, is approaching our homes. 1t would
be criminal to disguise the fact that we
are in great danger; but it would be equal
ly criminal to whine about the horrors of
war. The way to meet danger is to face
it boldly. If we are vigilent, if we are
prompt in organizing, if we muster our
whole strength, if we give everything to
the cause and resolve to conquer or die.
all will be well. The time calls for action.
The state demands our services, and sink
or swim, survive or perish, live or die. we
must rally to her support and drive back
the invader discounted.
A LAMENT FOR THE LOSS OF TENNESSEE.
From the Chattanooga Rebel July9 ,'et
Among the objects of repining to which
the mind naturally reverts in contemplat-
ing the loss of Middle Tennessee. none
forces itself more persistently upon US
than the rich crops of grain which our re-
treat threw into the hands of the enemy.
We share this sore reflection to some
extent undoubtedly, but not SO unfeelingly
as some OF our more respondent friends.
The crops of Tennessee, like the soil
and all else therein, were fair to see. Ma
ny time during the last three months
have we cast hopeful eye upon the teem-
ing acres and their fruitful promise. But
luxury, rather than absolute want, was
the main figure in the prospect. We saw
with qualification the energetic industry
which was converting a thousand cotton
tleids to patches of corn and wheat in the
tar south, and at no time did we fear STAR
Walton, or even need Hence we have not
regarded the Middle Tennessee crops
whilst to be greatly desired-as absolute
ly essential to our existence, nor do we at
1t would be wanton affection were we
10 deny an extreme regret at the loss of
so much produce, but we can continue to
do without it; and, in any event, there is
no use crying over spilled milk. r,
ARMING FOR HOME DEFENCE.
From the Richmond Enquirer, July Il. t..
-Atabdnaa.-A public meeting of the
citizens of Montgomery, Ala, was held. in
the court house, on Monday night, to. or
ganize the whole fighting population. for
home defence. ao,se
MObiie.--General Maury has issued, an
address to the citizens of Mobile, calling
on all able-bodied men within the limits Of
the city and county, to organize into COM
panies and report for duty in. defence
against the tn eatened attack by the army
of Grant.
Columbia, s. G-The city council of
Columbia, S. c., on the 11th,. unanimous
ly passed resolution that the merchants
and other business men of the city be re-
quested to close their respective places of
business at twOS'clock in. the afternoon of
each day, in order to enable all residents
Of the city, capable of bearing arms. to
drill and prepare themselves for the de.
fence of their homes and iresides
Charleston, S. G.-The Mayor Of tAa
city of Charleston, on the 10th ;sssaS
three proclamations:
l. Impressing all the free male narroos
mulattoes and metizoes residino in thos n;tv