True Democrat., 1863-02-04
Tho Situation.

We have Vicksburg papers of tho 19th' Nascne1 of the 9Oth, and Memphis of the 2lst., There IS nothing in them of especial interest, except that the ates. dates from Virginia and Tennessee indi- cate battles as imninsHtr In Virg'nia' " was re- ported and believed that the federal army one di- vision under Burnsides and the other under Hook CT. had crossed the Rappahanock, above and below Fredericksburg. It was reported that Lee had fal- len back. This is possible, because it is believed that he had sent Longstreet, with number of brigades. to relieve Bragg, and perhaps other forces to vicksburg. Between Fredericksburg and Rich- mond there are tro or three lines of natural de- fences, stronger than the one he SO successfully de- fcndsd. About the middle of January Rosencrans was ten miles this side of Murfreesboro, and slowly advancing. He had been reinforced by 10000 men If Bragg had been joined by Longstrset, as Ia reported, there has been battle before this time. The ball is supposed to have opened on the coast by attacks on Goldsboro, Wilmington. Mobile and Savannah, about the 22d.
 From vicksburg ws have nothing new except that she enemy are again st work at the ditch in front of the city It is stated by the federal papers that their force numbers 27.00O men. Neverthe-
 
 city.
 There may have been battle in Virginia, but it Ia doubtful. It is more than probable that another terrible engagement has taken place in Tennessee There has been fighting on the cosst, and perhaps . desperate conflict Itis also. likely. that fighting has commenced at Vicksburg. We await, with confidence. the news of the result. Victories for the Confectionery have been or will be won. and these. we verly believe, will conquer peace. Like Richard, Lincoln has staked his all upon cast and must stand the hazard of the die. If he fails now his game is forever lost. And he will most ss sureily fail.
 FEDERAL DEsERrERs.-Some of the prisoners taken at the Post succeeded in procuring citizens dresses at Memphis, and escaping from their cap- tors. We know our informants to be reliable men, and they tell that the federal army is completely demoralised. Two regiments sent to Vicksburg, had to be driven on the transports at the point of the bsyonet Memphis is filled with ssragglers and dssertels, who spurn all control and defy au- thoity. The roads leading north are filled with deeertcrs who claim that they were paroled OF who swear they are done fighting. Whole regiments have been disbanded or have disbanded themselves. Three or four thousand desersers or were in our State and are making their way northward. If the attack Vicksburg is protraced for several days. thousands will desert them and upon the failure to take the city, the army will be broken uo. The north western troops say that they are fighting for the opening of the Mississippi river, and if this fails they done bearing arms. They are tired of the war. di,gusted with the manner in which it is prosecuted. Thousands of them only want excuse to surrender The abotionists and radi- calls among them; the thieves and cutthroats are eager to go on, but the great majority are sick and ashamed of their position.
 There have been assertions from our army, but not from the same causes or for the same reasons. A great many receive letters from home, in which they are told that the wealthy who promised to take care of their families, have failed to do so, and now extortng upon the prices of corn and meat. Complaints reach then, that their families in the face. These men 20 home, not because they love their country loss. but their wives and children more. If these were provided for, they would cheerfully return and battle for their coun try. Now is the time for all who can spare bushel of corn, load of wood, or pound of meat to see to it that the families of soldiers are provided and cared for. Let all put their shoulders to the wheel at once, and all will he well. This war is rapidly closing The enemy has his last army in the field. A repulss will be final one. We need every man, and those in the field will fight ten times bravely, and with ten times stouter hearts if they learn that their loved ones at home are cared for. Let those who stay at home open wide their hearts, their purse strings and the doors of their corn cribs and smoke houses. Be unselfsh for once, and the great victory will assuredly come The enemy are wavering. Their lines are break ing. If VIC press on with united front. the vc- tory isours. Once unto the breach, dear flieads, once more.'