Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-03-16
VICKsBuRe. Mareh y. -.

of taxing observations OF the elephant across
the river. But when he IS doing nothing, and
vegetating, apparently, in idleness, it is a very
hard matter to give any description Of his ope-
rations. But no one thinks that the enemy is
idle simply because he is quiet and makes no
hostile demonstration, or at least carries on his
work at a point where it might be visible
from this city In the absence Of any knowl-
edge of bis doings we take it for granted that
he is working under cover, and that the quietude
which is apparent bodies us no good, though 10
apprehensions are entertained about his efeetiDg
anything serious at that distance and on that
side of the river, even if bis work proves q com
plete success according to his calculations.
Ihave an idea that does not seemeto find .
lodgmens in any other head, and may be very
erroneous, bat if the canal which seems so near
" completed is yet abandoned, and the deet get
below by some other channel, you may mark
my prediction. During the week they have
had several tugs in the canal, but they did not
make any hesdway at ell. By many it was
supposed that they were dTedge boats, engaged
IN digging out the mud, but / am satisfied tsey
were no dredges, unless the Yankees have lately
got to fixing up that kind Of craft in regular
steamboat style, with nicely painted sides and q
neat cabin apd pilot house. This was what I
saw il the canal, and believe that it vas one Of
their light draft transports. As it has been
taken out, it is to be presumed that the effort At
navigation was a failure, and that the canal wiz
not, for a long while, be capable Of ticking the
transport feet through.
Yesterday afternoon the guDboats above got
in motion snd moved some distance mp the
Yazeo. Soon after, sheIling was head in that
direction, and no doubt they were engaged in
bombarding the woods for the purpose Of Gust
ing our pickets, or whatever else offensive might
be within reach. After spending some time up
that stream, wasting some ammunition and
making considerable noise, they returned to the
mouth Of the river, where they have their per.
manent quarters. The transports were quiet,
but a huge cleud Of smoke was Overlapping
them, indicating that an enormous quantity Of
coal was being consumed for nothing, as none
of them was noticed to be "a motion. Several
large gunboats have taken their position be-
tween the feet and the head Of the canal, and
they behave themselves very quietly. with q
little steam on 81 the time.
The idea which was first promulgated By the
Yankees that Gen Grant would not attack this
point IA front, Is being very generally accepted
hare, and it IS believed that tho strength of onr
works win prevent him from making tie at
4or-4ot al T am uok nrana4aE ~ ooasra are
Interpretation Of 5is plan L can not be ths.
he should make such a monster exhibition q
bis strength and threaten us 90 long, and lben
absndou the siege by taking another route. He
may move bis army through the canal to q point
below; or he may come down the Yazoo and
attack Us in the rears bDl BIS ganboats cannot
come BY land, and if they go through the canal
they afe useless ard Of no more account than
the transports. An attack viii have 10 he made
in fopt By ths g~unboats if nothing else. I
they don't it win be an admission that they sIe