Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-02-21
.MEMPuIS APPEAL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 81. 1852
THE TERRoRs OF THE FLOOD.


We publish this morning particulars Of
the extent of the floods in the country below
Memphis, as ascertained by our own reporter
for the APPEAL, AMI Of the terrible condition
to which the people Of the overlooked dis
tricts are reduced. Shut up in cabins and
sheds and such other shelter as could be
found, those whose dwellings were carried
away or filed with water are at this mo-
hent, as the reader peruses these lines, re-
duced to the very extremity of distress. De-
ficient in supplies of food, surrounded by a
surging sea of waters, without means of es-
cape, and often in places difficult of access,
the long days aud the fearful nights pass in
apprehension, the sufferers not knowing what
relief ts look for, and dependent for escape
from starvation and deliverzuce from their
dreadful surroundings upon the compassion
ate help of others commonly little less
reduced in means than themselves. Ga
the neighboring ridges, and often
on hastily constructed platforms, are
huddled together the stock and mules
without which their future prospects are
dark indeed. Floating on the waters are
lhC SSASA9oro VI SOhoJ HhNNBi hOSS anu
horses, the loss of which carries ruin to
many a family that had hitherto been in
comfortable circumstances. The farmer is
left denuded of all he possessed; his animals
are gone, or where preserved are perishiDg
for want of food His fields are covered by
the waters, and the constantly falling rains,
and the condition OF the overhowed districts,
nj he IaI ~ I'M bo
make it doubtful whether, this spring, he
can get in a crop so as to give him means OF
extricating himself from the straits to which
he is reduced. All this would have been
fearful under any circumstances, but coming
as it does after the heavy Losses sustained by
the drouth of the last season, the distress
Is aggravated and the woe deepened. That
our friends, our fellow-countrymen in this |
fearful extremity of misfortune, is evident. |
The people of Memphis have never been |
wanting when compassion and aid were re-
quired, and we are sure they will not fail |
now. To think of the men cooped up in |
some shaky hut or barn, gazing on the de-
structive waters, seeing float by the bodies of |
depended, or listening to the cries of the |
poor hungry brutes imprisoned on platforms
bare of food; to think of the women helpless
and discopsolale, weeping over their little
ones-oh Godl the picture. pierces ones in
most heart. Help, prompt and liberal, must
be given. Sorrowful as the scene is now,
without help it may become tragic. Food is
wanted. Cat of as these sons and daughters
Of calamity are, the whole country around
them inundated the stacks and stores of corn
and seed destroyed, desolation and flood
around them, what could he more pit
able or plead more profoundly to our feelings?
Help, prompt and generous, cannot be
withheld. We presume our Cotton Exchange
will meet and devise plan of action 50 that
all classes of cur citizens gfbe ro,;af % tbo
----.S 10 stne relleI OF the |
'aherlng that cries out for compassion and
lid. In our prayers We say: an all time
If our tribulation, good Lord deliver us" and
t is now for us to extend to others what we
'lead with heaven may be granted to our
elves