Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-03-09
LErrnR 80 V%EoKanuRn.

/ Special Correspondence Of the Memphis Appeal
YIcKsBURG. March 2, 1858.
The suspicious manifested for some time past
chat the enemy was ~naneuvering systematically,
with a view Of getting his forces below this
place, are now confirmed By late developments
which have come to light IN regard to bis move
ments. Apparent q~uieiness has characterized
his status above, being mostly engaged in pros
eeutiug his labors o. ths canal with q view Of
passing bis transports with troops and supplies
through that channel to q point below our bate
ies. While the troops were to be carried over
this route. the gunboat feet was to pass imme-
diately under tie batteries, to join the trans
ports below.
While these arrangements were being per-
feeted, several gunbosss were sent down as an
advance guard to pick up such Confederate
transports as might unluekily be in the river
between this place and Port Hudson. These
gunboats being sent do wn single-handed soon
fell into our hands, snd now the enemy hiss not
a solitary beat baow our batteries, and be is
very shy about sending down any more. The
next effort he makes win, doubtless, be for mum
Der Of these iron-clads to pass down, to ever
power our little feet below, and to cooperate
from above with Commodore Farraguts feet
from below and, by this means, Port Hudson
is to be reduced, when the two fleets and armies
en- make q united assault on Yicksburg.
His prospects of getting past our batteries
are not very fsttaring. and the project Of get
ting through the canal may yet have to be
abandoned Is impFsciicabls. Il is my own
opinion that the work has BEEN stopped, bat ct
headquarters I lesrn that q strong suspicion IS
eatsrtainad that The canal may prove a success,
and a proper guard is kept in view Of this be-
sides adequate arrangements sre bsing made TO
Illustrate any attempt Of the kind, should It be
undertaken by the eaemy. L is very evident
that our officers are looking for trouble rom hat
qaeItar more than sny where else, hl5hougb
there is not a Yankee below cur batteries at the
present time.
So ? IS the passage of the troops through
the canal is concerned, do not apprehen3 III
least danger irom il. We need nos fear the
enemy more below han above, and allhougf
his programme usy be changed. 8 new point
tr attack settled, still We knew thatths resul
wiz be the same. Tie gunboats have lest thsir
isrFor, ard the enemy himself acknowledge
that iti is doubtful whe her he city could Be- de-
s.royed by them, even if they could SCI Ness
enough for the shells to reach it, while every
oae Knows That gunboats can never take tie
city, and Il hey csn run the batteries, It viii
be abaus al the harm they can DO Us.
If it is Tie intention Of the euemy 10 get be-
low in order to operate against Port Hudson, I
90 not saink that lie win make the effort further
than to run down part Of the iron-eIads. Hs
army is net in = condition to allow Of being d.
vided Of this time, and, moreover, It IS strongly
suspected hat sn attsck viii be msde here ST.
multaueouzly with that en- Port Hudson. Ac-
eoIdiug to the accounts received from New
Orleans, It is the purpose Of the oueuy to attack
both places al the same time. and, in this case,
it would require the whole Of General Gran.s
force to operate here without sending par5 Of it
below to co-opesats With General Banks expe
dilioa ia coming up.
While We are waiting fer the enemy to divide
bis forces, he may be engaged ia coneeat sting |
his entire strength for g vigorous attack upon
this place. It is theref re best to lake care Of
ourselves, and not depend too much en- tie
probable ability of other points 10 bold their
I do not believe that Gen Grani's forces
spe ready for an offensive movement, bus e
combination of plans between The two armies
may make If necessary for him to move n%oisas
81 the appointed time and if an attack
s made here within the next month you msy
,ount with a good deal Of certainty that this
the case, and if he is beaten you viii see
3y bis report that he was forced into it before
ne was ready.
No new movements were observed yesterday
.mong the camps or the feet. Several large
were seen in company VITA The trans
,orts, but seemed to be riding lazily at anchor,
sith steam Up, ready for work at any time
Arrivals and departures eontinu ne as before
and carrying away troops. No doubt
tie sick and helpless are being shipped up the
iyer TO some moTs hospitable quarters. Il might
e uies little calculation to figure mp how large
a army could be raised for the Abolition die.
ator from the crews of an the vessels in this
nornous transport feet Il would raise On
rmy almost as large as that gathered here to ,
this point-
a military execution took place here yester-
lay upon the body Of a soldier who bad PLAYED
raiior to his couRtry. Having been in the
Confederate service and stationed st Fort jack
on when that place fell, be went over to the
many, Joined the Abolition cause, and vas
AIKEN prisoner at thebaite Of Chiokasaw bayou,
ghen, being identified IS naiior, he wss
placed nnder arlest, tried for dssertion, proved q
uity aud Condemned 70 bssbot, which sea-
NESFoR /