Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1863-03-24

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We are satisfied that the spring campaign win
be opened by bsttle in Middle Tennessee. Il
may come to pass prior to any serious operations
on the coast, in front Of Vick8burg, or along the
Virginia line. It is certainly impending, and
has been delayed thus far by the condition OF
the roads. How well we are prepared tor It,
the enemy viii be best able to answer, after they
have tried as.
Upon the issne of this approaching conflict
hangs, for considerable time ct least, the dest-
MES Of the people Of Tennessee. There Is no
good citizen whoes eyes are not Turned to 1t with
hope and with hesrtbuniug. All Of US know
fullWel how seriously il is to oatfect our political
stetuss how directly it must influence our person.
al concerns, and how materially its result WI
touch the most delicate question Of the country
st large which rises in the fusure-thct of food
None of us are there who have not kindred, the
nearest and dearest, and friends, he Oldest and
truest, in that army Il would be strange, there
fore, If We were not enlisted into feeling OF the
most profound seriousness.
We cannot say that we have heard any ex-
preston Of alarm. Not a single apprehension
has crossed eur mind, for we have every conf
dsnce in the army of Tennessee, and the SINGER
est affection and respect for General Jshnston.
We regard, also, the geography Of cur probable
g situation ss advantageous.
During a Tecsnt visit to the camps Of our
troops, we were struck by the energy which
was everywhere manifest. Notwithstanding the
gloomy weather, the inactivity, the curlishness
of unpleasant quarters, aud the various ills gene
rated therein to mind, mood and good feeling,
the forces were in the best Of spirits General
Bragg, with that rare tact Of bis, which (n0t-
withstanding we hold ourselves to be no espe-
special sdmirer of his) must be owned most
successful implement of organization, had con
triTed to smuss the idle hours with various
sports and duties, from dress parade to the exe-
cation of a spy.
General Johnston was in the very midst of
rank and file, making the acquaintance of the
regimental officers, showing himself personally
attentive to the army, and cheering and encour-
aging all by his animated, Hfe-giving presence.
There was that wsFTior-churchmau half saint
and half soldier, from ths far LousiGnas, rising
above the multitude of men, ike some temple
of devotion, e toEeT Of confidence and strength.
There was the brisk and vigilsnt, fearless and
foreible, senior maj0r-general Of Tennessee,
with the quiet, but dauntless junior close by
him. The boys are always ready to give three
cheers for Cbeatham TO lift their caps in
genuine respect for McCoWsn. On q review
day we saw Breckinndge, who used to be our
beau ideal Of alvice president. and who presides
as gracefully over q division Of soldiers, as he
did over chamber Of senstoTs be and Hardee,
" tA9 ft1lo AAttaAE LNfCbtIls a1-A polu
pair they make. Besides these, were hsst
of brigadieTs, but they were not as notice.
able in fact, we do not think so much of the
brigsdiers. The glory Of the army of Middle
Tennessee next TO the commanding generals,
are It's cOlonels; those noble chiefs Of clans,
whose knightly vslor and strong capacity
mold the mettle Of troops into pure and war
like images of wer these feUdal princes, who
have received tho mission Of ancient times
transmitted, and hold up the pillars Of TIE
Republic as their prototypes of old held up those
of the crown; those barons of a thousand men,
chosen .by free will for courage, skill and mili-
taTy inttgrity! Many Of them are ft to lead
armies, to control States. They are the bone
ard sinew Of the official lihe In the army of
Middle Tennessee.
OF the army itself let Richmand Perryville
and MurfeesS0ro' the patient courage, the legal
zeal the winter march and the summer tramp,
speak their eulogies, mere eloquent than words
of mouth, or scrolls of pen