The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1863-02-13
nslper.nrnas, yaInlrsIa An,Lr ogors.


Npirns, Tenn, Thursday Midnight, Jan, 20, 1858.
The condition of affairs in Memphis
continues quiet, and we hear little trust
worthy news from the South, though
we are more than compensated for the
plentiful lack OF intelligence by daily
rumors Of startling significance.
We hear reports Of akirmishes with the
enemy in the vicinity of Vicksburg, but
have no positive information on the sub
ject. Our troops, so we learn, are in large
force at and below Miliken's Bend, as far
down as Young's Point, and from a por-
ton of our camps the city itself is visi-
BILE II is said few shells have been
thrown from our flotilla toward the town;
but nothing indicates general engage
ment for some time TO come--certainly
not before the latter part Of the present
month.
General Grant is now below inspect
ing the situation, but will probably re-
turn this week, and soon send down q
number more of the regiments composing
the late Army of the Tennessee. Twen-
ty-hve transports came up, and are at
the Landing, waiting for Logan's Divis.
ion, which will not move however-the
General sAys--until il is paid and
clothed.
In regard to Gen. Banks and Admiral
Farragut, we hear nothing. II is posi-
lively stated they viii both be near
Vicksburg within the next fortnight,
aud cooperate with Grant at the next at
tack. No doubt Port Hudson stands Sc
riously in the way, being much more
formidable than has been generally sup
posed. Even after the fall of Vicksburg.
Hudson promises TO give US no little
trouble, as its position is very favorable,
and lis defenses, natural and artificial,
exceedingly strong.
1t is said that a new canal has been
dug at Vicksburg and that it promises TO
be success. / have no faith in the
statement. The old canal, made last
summer, has believe, been opened, and
an effort put forth 10 turn the current OF
the Mississippi but not thus far with
any flattering prospect The river has
risen so rapidly of late that, bad the old
canal been properly constructed, opine,
tho Rebel stronghold would have been
left upon a dry bluff. AS it is, set nc
store by what has been done, and an
skeptical enough to think a new WORK
must be completed before Nicksburg
can in any manner be affected. Ever
should the canal enterprise result as i:
hoped, the city and its defenses will b,
made available against MS, and require
reduction.
Numerous stories reach us Of an ad
vance of the Rebels under Van Dorm il
Mississippi, and that Confederate
chieftain is declared 10 be marching OF
Memphis with 10000 men. Bah II,
has not 10000 under his command
this very hour and if he had twice tn
number, would hardly come here jus
now. The enemy is, of course, anxiou
to make, and will make, move to di
vert us from Vicksburg as much as pos
sible; TO divide our force, which in tn
aggregate he greatly fears, and keep al
army employed in defending this point
The Secessionists hereabout are indus
triously circulating tales Of the Rebe
movements, and making reservations o
their large and dangerous character
with the view of aiding the Southern
cause.
All disloyal persons seem TO have ever,
confidence in the ability of the foe t
hold the Mississippi river, and they af
feet to believe that Vicksburg and POI
Hudson will remain in his hands unit
peace is declared.
The rebels are unquestiOnably willin
10 surrender the Father of Waters-a
least to leave its navigation open TO th
North and South alike-in the event @
their possession of it after any compro
mise that might be effected They kno'
the great Northwest will have the Mis-
sissippi, and they are as anxious to con
ciliate that section as they are fearful
deny TO it what they know it will iigt
TO the crack Of doom TO obtain. Will
they can hold the mighty stream, how
ever, they will, and pertinRciously an
resolutely too; for they know what
vast weight it will be TO cast into Il
scales of sny arrangement Of our ditlicuI
ties in the future.
During the month we may expect
hear Of stirring scenes along the Missi'
% sippi, between here aud Nicksburg. n
, doubt the rebels will endeavor TO ammo
US as much as possible, and will use the
best exertions 10 seize points on the riyl
above. Communication between this an
: Vicksburg is likely to DO more dangerol
and uncertain than il was last July an
6 August, and expect nearly every tram
. port will soon be exposed 10 the Gre
batteries from the shore.
The Confederates are very acti'
J everywhere in the South West, aud the
il good reason for believing they hs'
sent thousands Of troops 10 this quart
from Richmond and Fredericksbur
u The theatre of war seems 10 have bet
?. transferred here, and here the great pa
e Of the next three months fighting appea
=, likely TO be done.
= No doubt tho rebels are preparing d
u Mississippi Central Railway, and fort
flying Grenada 10 prevent as far as tbs
can, another ineursion into the Sta
They are afraid Of movement by Ian
to Jackson, and believe If they can col
h fine the Yankees TO the rivers, they Ct
s hold Vicksburg without much diliicu
. ty. They are not in any force this 81
OF Oxford, and even that point is n
regularly held by them. They wish
keep a number Of troops along the ro
within supporting distance of the PROF
4, inent point Of our aggressive desires, al