Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-02-11
Eron Galveslou.

Correspondence Of the Houston News
GALVESTON, January %, I863-Last eve
ming the enemy's vessels lay in position to COM
mand sur batteries from the point to the south
Of fremont street, and this morning we were
on the tiptoe of anxiety expecting an attack at
daybTesk. Bustle and commotion every where
prevailed, people moved about in mysterious
haste, impressed with the idea that something
monstTOus was about to happen, women, with
children trotting at their hesls, were seen direc-
ting their steps toward the beach or convent
for safety, the look-outs were filed with specta-
tors, and every one was m~omentsrily waiting to
see and hear the guns belch forth fame and
thunder; but still they continued silent.
As the morning advanced it was discovered
that the enemy had other business on hand; the
three Propellers, which the previous evening
were within range of Fort Point. were making
all speed to the eastward, while the Brooklyn,
with one of the gunboats, steamed out TO inter
cept a large transport coming up from the west,
and which continued on her voyage.
The enemy had probably heard or what had
taken place at Sabine, and was DESTROYS to re-
establish the blockade of that port. Such news,
it was believed, would be likely to d~isarrsnge
his plans, and thus save Us from the contem-
plated bombardment Time is NEST precious to
Us at this particular period. Major Kelersberg
is said to be indefatigable in h~UTrying forward
the defenses Of the city tomorrow some more
new guns wiz be in position, aud our meaus of
resistance increased in like proportion. General
Msgruder's dispatch TO Col DeBraY, now the
commandant Of this city, has filed our hearts
with JOY; such repeated acts Of heroism and
patriotism will tend to elevate our character
among the nations Of the earth, and give the
Federals a wholesome dread Of Texas prowess
and invineibility. The mark of esteem lately
paid by the good people Of Houston and Calves
ton. now residing there, to Gen Msgruder, has
afforded the greatest satisfaction here. May
the day not be far distant when, with a return
Of peace and prosperity, We shall be able to give
him q warm reception in this our fair island.
Jan. 24th.-The Lucy Gwin arrived this
morning from up The bay, where she has lately
been employed upon an important engineering
survey.
The Brooklyn has been out to speak with a
steamer from the NE, and has since returned
to her anchorage.
The Federals evidently feel uneasy since the
recapture Of Ssbine-they are constantly shift
ing their positions, and keep up steam on board
their vessels, as if apprehensiTe Of danger.
We have had q heavy and eopious rain during
the greater part Of the day, the ground is now
in excellent condition for gardening purposes,
ana we may expect to realize fine crops gener-
ally during the approaching season.
The heavy ~csnnonsding we heard about a
fortnight ago is sscersained to have been be-
tween the Florida and the Hatteras, when the
latter was sunk. Some Thought it was the
South Carolina, but she was lost on the Florida
reefs three or four months ago. The Florida
was built in England and sailed under the name
of the 0vieto fret to Nassau, thence TO Cuba,
and finally, under British eolors, ran boldly up
to the blockading squadron off Mobile, sleekly
gave it the go by and escaped into Mobile with
out receiving a shot she carries = heavy arma-
ment Of ten large guns, besides a large pivot
gun. Com. Preble on the station off Mobile
was broken for not capturing her.
The Hstterss was q new vessel belonging to
the Morgan line, Of the same model as the
Hewes- She was purchased by the Federal
government before she was completed and con
verted into a g~unboat, carrying four or Eve guns
of heavy caibre, 3 smart vessel rs a cruiser,
but no match for the Florida. This vessel is
commanded by Capt. Mafis.
The English sloop-of-war Rinaldo is off the
bar. She has just sent in Lieut.. Turtau under
flag of truce. to communicate with Mr.. Lynn,
the English coRsul, who has returned with the
officer on board the vessel The Rinaldo is
commanded by Capt. Hewitt, and carries seven
teen guns, besides q pivot Armstrong gun,
(forty-pounder) which viii strike q target at a
Of Eve aud 3 half miles.