Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-08-20
From the Correspondence of the Enquirer.
From tire Trans Mississippi.



From the Correspondence of the Enquirer.
From tire Trans Mississippi. ~
LITTLE Rock ARKANSAS =
July 18th, 1863.
The fall of Vicksburg renders the Trans Mississippi
department almost selfdependent Of difficult commun
cation with tie Capital Of the Coniederacy and an OBJ
act therefore of increased Importance aud interest to
the Staes aud people East OF the Mississippi.
| violate no military confidence by stating that Lieut.
Gen: E. Kirby Smiths headquarters are in Louisiana,
Cen Holmes at Little Rock, and that Gen Price Is
IN the field in Northern Arkansas Gen. Magrudtr IS
also II, d4rsood be in the field but his distance from
US prevents any further statement in regard 20 bis move
ments Red river is possessed at present through us
whole length by our whole forces. Inc oaachi'a 10
defended at Harrisonburg, point some thirty miles
from Natcbez, and ten twelve miles ABOVE the con
huence of the Tensas Ouacha and Little rivers, when
several streams form the Black river at Trinity this
latter emptying into the Red The Arkansas ID de-
Tended at Pine Bluff The White river, though little
known-one of the best navgable streams on this con-
nent-is undo eoded by any works. 1t Is naVigaoie
at ell seasons to JacksoDport, point near huhoreo
miles from Helena the nearest fortified point OF 'n3
ereDy We have forces in the Indian countries as wei
as at various interior points 1t will thus De observed
that our forces extend ard occupy vast territory
an empire not only in extent but IN resources.
Gen. Smith now occupying one OF the most lnpor-
tant positions in the Confedeacy because holding I'D
great degree the destlnles OF this vast secon IN MS
hands it will be source OF profound qualification to
the government and people of the States east OF the
Mississippi to know possesses in singular mannr the
enthusiastic confidence OF the army and people ms
self would 90 far to render mediocre ability successful
But here are most convincing reasons to believe hat,
besides being field marshal of brilliant capacity, he
possesses also 1hat HIGHER qualification for the pest ne
| fills eminent administrative ability. Undor his com
prehet sve measures and vgant eye the nltre bureau
is active lead mines are being opened manu- factories
pringng up and whatever s necessary to our separa
and sfdependent position is progressing IN
manner at once to give hope and confidence to tie
people when results stall be manifest. Much Of this
is not apparent to the popular eye but Is none
Whatever may be the future Of this most difficult de-
partment, at present we have much to hope from our
resources and our leader.
In addition to the foregoing hopeful statement,
may add that never did Providence before bless any
land with such treasures from the soil. The cornuepa
of plenty has been prodgaIy emptcd in the laps OF
oar peope that it is believed the present crop would
supply all the wants OF this department for three years
to come even If should, in the fixture, be denied the
ordinary harvest.
In recent military movements we have successes and
defeats blended. Urdtr the influence of the fortu-
nate star of Gen. Smith, his immediate vicinity
has witnessed very gratifying operations, most
important of which is the capture of Bashear City,
on the coast, with large number OF arms, much
needed at this time. Ia our own neighborhood, the
movement upon Helena, under the immediate command
Of Gen. Holmes unfortunate not only 1t It's failure
but in very heavy losses Of brave officers and men.
Inasnuch vlcksburg has fallen, the loss OF men is
the only thing connection with the enterprise TO be
now regretted, the place would had to have been
given up almost Immediately as the attack took place
on the same day with the fall of Hills City. he
movement originated in the imp rlous necessity elt
everywhere tor the relief of garrison at Vicksourg
The mistake 10 the point on the river which 1t was
udic@us to occupy. The ueteat excited no surprise,
and | cannot say has operated to farther prejudice
to Gen Holmes 10 the public estimation. 1t would be
unc4nd deny that he has drifted far to leeward
in the good opinion of both army and people, as to
make better abilities than he possesses necessary to
cess III our difficult circumstances. All, however,
award to him the need of praise for great daring on
the field in the moment and point CT danger. la this
respect he is much praised
General ice has lost nothing Of bis wonderful aud
Justly deserved hold upon the affections of his troops.
He ony waits opportunity to indicate the exalted
opinion the nation has conceived Of him. lie simply
lead the 10 The Helena affair aid that they were
gallanty leu is apparent from the list OF killed and
wounded the almost gnabe breastwords of that
carefully fortified stronghold. The immediate works
signed for h attack galanty carried. The fail
OF Others is not far as have heard, attributed
to less galanry their part but to greater difficulties
III the assault formidable resistance 1t would
uo pehaps, be considered invidioCs, it is simply just
to say that Brigadier Generals Parsons, Of Missouri
and Pagan of Arkansas, behaved with that intrepdy
which purs all personal danger, adding to the envla
BILE repua alton each possessed before. They are both
| looked upon es rising men.
Governor Rey nolds, of Missouri is here engaged IN
the abors Of his Office, which, owing to the confusion
resulting from the demise Ct Governor Jackson and the
unfortunate condition Of the State, doubt diff
cult and His distinguished patriotism, expe
rence in public affairs and interchangeable industry and
vigilance, added to his good understanding with The
Government ard military authorities, render him one
of the most important well Efficient agents in the
present great struggle in the West He seems to ap
sreciate the importance Of the position he holds and
venture predict that the history of Trans Nj is
sssipp struggle will reveal the fact that Missourfs
ecutive has not been unequal to the occasion. The
settled accounts of the State with all parties being
rapidly audit and Iiqudated Order and satisfaction
must thus grow out OF confusion and complaint
From Missouri we hear that the spirit of the people
remains unbroken though for the time they power
less. Partisan warfare goes in various quarters
accompanied by the usual horrors which it we're boot
less to give you from here.
General JEFF Thompson is at present in this city
full of hope and vigor which flag in his bosom
1t he has not recently accomplished what expected
from his earlier career, it is because of memorable ad
VERGE circumstances. His time will certainly come.
On The 18th of August proximo most Important
conference will take place between LeutenantGenera
Smith aud the Governors and Supreme judges of the
four States of this department. That wise council viii
prevail the position and character of the parties give
ample guarantees.
L'EsTRANGE.
Eron the Army.
PASSENGERS nv the Central train rennrt all nuiet on