Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-05-06
LETTERS FROM vICKsBURG.
pee,sl Correspondence Of the Memphis AppOsl.l


VICKsBURG, May 5, 1853.
The affairs about Vicksburg at this time can
not be regarded as very Aattering. Although
safe, it viii require the utmost caution, courage
and skill to avert disaster. After having had
years time in which to perfect all the dsfenses
it appears that we are now set upon in the very
quarter where we had least expected. It may
be regarded as contrsbsnd to say this much,
but it is due to the people that they should know
how affairs stand, and if danger threatens they
are entitled to know in what quarter it is, and
how it was brought about. An observing mind
can easily comprehend the strategy now being
developed, but It being my province merely to
chronicle past events, | viii not speculate as to
tho prospects for the future.
Some few persons, among whom was the un-
dersigned, have for the past twelve months
agreed that the fortiheations on the river front,
though strong and able to resist an ssssult,
could not prevent the passage Of the enemy's
iron-cl.ds But these misgivingS were hooted
down by military wiseacres, and even the slight
est doubt of their iReficiency was considered
contraband, and tbs men who doubted was
looked upon as unsound under estimating the
prowess of the Southern troops, and as too
ehicken-hearted to meet the enemy or to reposo
confidence in the supernatural wisdom Of our
military leaders, who wore clio thed with al the
wisdom necessary for the occasion.
Well, the time has come when the strength
ne-as--.-.... ,r 49, ,--nrlr, vrog faeked and
the sequel was that the bosts. whether IRON
clad, wooden vessels, gunboats or transports,
c0uld run by the muzzls Of our guns almost
with impunity. Another great oversight was
in not making the necessary dsfenseS below.
The work on the canal gavs us sufficient warn
ing that it was the main object Of the enemy to
turn Vicksburg by getting below and attacking
from that quarter When the gunboats and
transports had passed down the people, includ-
ing the military, were again deceived, by think
ing that Grants army was to be taken down to
operate against Port Hudson, before the at
tempt would be made against Vlcksburg.
Former communications of f"NestOr' have fore
these movements, and warning upon
warning has been given that this demonstration
would be made, and we have been deceived
into the belief that our preparations in that
quarter were being pushed forward with suff-
cient energy to enable rs to meet the foe. It is,
therefore, with surprise, that now learn that
we have no dsfanses and no preparations of any
kind between this point and the lower portion
of the Big Black This state Of, things will no
doubt surprise and chsgrin the whole country
when It became known that at the points where
SO much had been expected, nothing was done
to intercept the advance of the enemy.
I have been endeavoring to And cut further
particulars about the Port Gibson affair, but
asar nothing varying from the former reports.
Oar troops have fallsn back to tbs north side of
Big Black, and are now being disposed in prop |
n position to guard the line of that river. It is
presumed that an effort viii be made by the |
snomy to advance eastward toward the railroad, |
n the vicinity of the bridge. Whether this |
move eau be successfully accomplished depends
lpou the energy and skill of our Generals
)ur brigsdes that were engaged on Friday, are
lew sgain being organized, and will soon be
eady to take their place in the field again.
This morning there is nothing new from any
quarter. Above, everything seems to have be-
,omo quiet, and ne enemy is now known to be
"a the Yazeo. It is reported that the entire
federal force has been taken down to Grant,
nd that there is nothing left with Which to
make demonstration above the city. The
,lsoe for the next fight will bs Aslow Vicksburg
II oR the railroad between Vicksburg and
Jackson. NEsTOR.