, 1863-03-16
T:1CNI TEE LOWER MISSISSIPPI.


E:itors Of the Chicago Tribune:
MEMPHIS, Ma,th 0, 1858.
The only exciting rumor We hare had from
tie vicinity Of Vickeburg recently came to us
VIA. Chicago, and bora every mark Of being
fairly acquainted with the cranlum Of the
Tnes editor, as that journal seized 1t with
evident ayidlty and gave It publicity. The
Tines rumor was to the effect that Grants
army were all on board the transports md
wire coming to this city. Another rumor
by the Grape Vine line, in the same well in
formed journal, states that Richmond, Peters,
burg, and other Confederate cities were illu-
minated on account Of a great Confederate
victory gained ut Vicksburg; all Of which Is
stout]y denied in this city. No person here
believes single syllable OF these absurd ru-
mors, which bear every evidence Of being
false, from the fact that several transportslcft
our wharf this morning destined for Grants
army, and no rumor with regard to battle
having been fought near Vicksburg has ever
reached this city except via. the North. we
was manufactured by Copperheads and those
who are so particularly Interested in crippllng
the efforts Of the Government in crushing ont
the rebellion. We cannot help believing that
the wish, in this matter, was father to the
thought.
We men of Tennessee, who have watched
the inception and progress Of this rcpelnon'
cannot perceive any reason why the Ocmoc~
racy of The North are so anxious to preserve
unscathed the rights Of those who have
attempted to stab the very heart OF Demo
cratic institutions. If they mean to fight the
Administration, to preserve the rights Of
loyal citizens Of Tennessee, and thes South gen
orally, We can tell them that their kind offices
are not at oil desired; that re arc willing to
sacrifice our interest on the altar Of our
country. On the contrary, if they intend by
their factious opposition to the Government
to aid the rebels in the unho1y work Of na-
tional destruction, do they still claim to be
Union men, when really they are encouraging
Union destroyers.
still Polute the name Of liberty By sternly op-
posing every effort to re-cstablish the only
Government capable Of bcstowiug TINT
precious boon upon its citizens.
cannot refrain from giving your Copper
head neighbqrs the benefit Of the opinion Of
a a live BON eon Of Tennessee, on the
suicidal course which they are pursuing.
And think, We who are, and have ever been,
loyaaa citizens Of Tennessee are ""t't'oa :"
some little show Of respect. Particularly do
! desire to pay my especial regards to the
editor OF the Chicago Times. He prcteuds
TO be laborlng to secure rs poor loyal slave
holders from the crushing weight Of Admin.
istE.tiye power, They do not feel desirous
9 o. pel1g projected BY any such as he. We
~ know w 1nH wei TIC extent Of onr rights, and
NC Know BY what instrumentality those rights
pave been destroyed, and then for such a
democrat as the Chcago Times to tell us our
rights are gone, ut the same time he eyinces
nj evident sympathy with those who have
controlled events in such q way as to destroy
lae 9nly nope VIC had OF retaining our rights
OF slave property.
he cannot sympathizc with the loyal men
Of tennessee. Nor does he at all express
their views and feelings, because they are too
we'll acquainted with the nature of Southern
dsSpotism to be gulled By this same dirty
ministIation from patriotic motives, but from
the malicious instincts Of lis mind to make
1actious opposition to any party,
who may be IN power save the Cop
perheads. the consequence is that lie sup
ports jeff DAVIS and everybody in sympathy
with him. We regard such renegadcs from
the filth Of our fathers, as the mcanest and
most debascd Of mortals.
Doubtless this editor will deny that this let
ter was written by genuine Southcrncr. Bnt
am prepared to prove, to the contrary.
am sure that the writer can convince the pub
Lie of his Southern birth and education. am
naiye Tennessean. I am Democrat of
the Douglas School, voted for him. am
pro. Slavery in sentiment, and personal inter-
est too, as for that matter; all OF which facts
a1n prepared to sustain. And for this trai-
torous editor, to- counsel opposition to an
administration in crisis like the one now
upon us, is too much for any one who truly
loves tie honor and safety Of his country, to
tolerate.
If the Times man opposes the Emancipation
PROCLAMATION, on account Of loyal Southern
men, can prove to him, that every loyal cit
izcn Of Memphis, men who have lived in the
South oil their days, men who are deeply in
terested in negro property, all sanction and
approve that Proclamation, because they were
and are willing to save the nation at every
hazard. The issue then Is Q clear one Either
the Times has undertaken to defend mems
rights, which they are willing to relinquish,
or tile Times has undertaken to defend rebels
in arms against their Government, would like
to know which horn Of the dilemma hc will
take. As to the first proposition, can in
form him that it is loves labor lost. Wedon't
wish any such defence. If lie should take the
latter, the sooner the Government exercises
the same first law Of seIfprcservation, the
better. 4 NATIVE TENSEssEEAS.