Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-02-17
vIcKsBURa, February 16,


VIcKsBURe. February I6, 1868.
The ungeniaI weather for waT-Hke operations ysstsr-
day had a tendency Of keeping everything quiet among
the enemy. The rain kept pouring down necessarily
/ from dark on Saturday evening, and yesterday the view
/ Of the feet and camps was obscured by the fog, so that
only ftfui intervals Of g clear sky allowed one the op-
portunity Of obtaining a glimpse Of the enemy. No ape
parent addition to The feet has been observed, and no
movement in the camps on shore could be seen TO indi-
cate anything more than the usual status Of qaietude in
that quarter. For the psst day or two the talk about
q battery on the lsvee has been silent, and there have
been no operations of that kind noticed, it is therefore
not Known ~hsther a battery has bsan placed on The
levee or not.
The report that the Federals had got into Moon Lal e
and were making tbeirwsy toward the Yazoo river with
the gunboats, FIRST reached this place through some Of
the Jackson pspers. No news Of this has yet been re-
ceived here, and not much credit is given to the report,
but a degree of indifference is felt about #, even If it
should prove to be correct 1.-THE enemy should attempt 10
reach Yiekshurg by that route he viii very nasursiybs
surprised and disgusted to find that even in thai quar-
ter we are prepared to meet him. at every point where
he has yet turned up he has found that the ubiquitous
rebels have anticipated his coming, and made strange
menis to give him a warn aud bloody welcome. Al.
though it might appear plausible for the enemy to come
W A4ah ltANaE az DfN hfAAA AIA@A hAN4oaA 81
It is now nearly one moath since this place has been
threatened by the close proximity OF the enemy. About
he 10Th OF last month the approach Of the feet was
indicated In the river above, and a few days thereafter
the squadron appeared in sight at apoint as near as
they dare come to the city. Ever since they have been
occupying a threatening attitude, as If by the immensely
Of their numbers, and the power Of the ~gunboats, they
intended to Brighten the old veteran defenders Of Vieks
burg into 2 speedy and unconditional surrender. And
the question may be asked, what have they accom-.
pHshedf For one month they have been threatening
the place, and have succeeded in running two gunboats
below the city. These boats may never again be able
to join the feet, in which case their success would be an
absolute loss.
If it requires one month FOR them TO get two boats by
the batteries, as an experiment-not having any assur-
snce that they viii ever be able to Join the feet again
how long viii it require, ct this rate, to take Yieksburgl
As the Yankees may perhaps be as ingenious in mathe-
MATES as they are deprsvsi IN their morals, submit The
problem to their consideration for solution. If they
hope TO take this place by running their iron clads up
and down the river they will never be able to srrive any
nearer at It's eoussmna'ion thsa they were on the Gay
when they fst came in sight. Perhaps whea all ar
rangemenfs are completed they may give us an inside
visv Of the pan they have coneocted for the reduction
Of this place unul then we must watch, and wait pa.
teutly TO see the grand denouement.
One Of the most gratifying Indications here, issthst the
officers in command have the capacity to comprehend
the plans Of the enemy, and that arrangements are
made to anticipate his movements IN whatever quarter
be may turn up. This fact may have a great influence
in eansing the long delay Of The enemy to make his as
sault; but the longer he waits the better we win be
prepared for him, and If he keeps threatening at differ
ent points it will assist us that much in making every
point mprsgnaoie-
The heavy rains on Saturday caused quite a serious
landslide on the sOushern railroad, a few miles from
Yck,buTg. which Interrupted the trains yesterday. A
large force being at work to repair the damage, we may
expect the road again to be in running order in day or
two.
Since Saturday evening there has been a constant
and almost uninterrupted fall Of rain. which kas rem.
dsred all military movements imprastieable for the time
being, snd consequently everything has remained quiet
during the last twentyfour hours. The feet appears
to oecupy the old position, and no apparent addition is
percepftle. A few gunboats are anchored near the
transports and show no intentions Of moving FROM their
present quarters. The mud and woter in the swamp
prevents The Yankees on shore from making much Of a
aisp ay on terra frma, and everything may be set down
this morning as quiet among The enemy.
NHsrop