Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1882-03-07
At Catfish Point, Miss.


CATFISH POINT, MISS, March 1.-The
relentless foe has conquered at last, and
we have been forced TO make an uncondi-
tional surrender. 1he war against the
angry floods was a stubborn one, and the
mighty torrent was held in check till tired
nature became exhaused and forced to yield
to the overwhelming weight brought against
it. All that man and ample means could do
to keep off the destroying element was freely
and heartily given. At an early hour on the
9th instant break on the Storm place, on
lower end of Catfish Point, took place, and
all efforts at checking it proved abortive.
Quickly following this break one occurred on
my front at the center of the Point, ndin a
very few minutes the maddened waters
leaped and roared in triumph as they rushed
wildly on in their work of destruction.
Great green cottonwoods and other trees were
torn up by their roots and hurled savagely
into the seething abyss. My ginhouse, w hich
stands just back OF the break and within
a feet of the levee, is being washed
away by the rapid current. But
look where you will, to the right or left,
straight ahead or in the rear, the work of de-
struction goes steadily on. Fences are fioated
away, houses washed down, cattle drowned,
and the complete destruction of all that we
have seems to be only question of time.
On my place the damage will be very great
The rushing waters are cutting deep bitches
and gullies here and there, and piling up
huge sandbars where only a few hours ago
the best improved portion of my plantation
was to be found. Should the breach in the
levee widen much more there will be danger
of my residence being swallowed up in the
rapacieus NAV of the angry food. A stroll
along the levee gives an idea of what the
state of affairs will be if the overflow is pro-
tracted, for already the bloated and fostering
carcasses of cattle which have died presents
sorry sight. Mules, horses, cattle and
sheep are made almost frantic by the sting
of buffalo gnats that sV'eSm in clouds at
early morning and late in the evening. Not
only is the suffering of the brute creation no.
ticeable, but one can read upon the hag
gard face and dry and sunken eye of
many a poor human being that they
are not strangers to want and sorrow. Many
impecunious negroes walk the levees daily
in search of food or employment, to obtain
jsst enough to keep soul and body together.
Very many of the poor creatures are home
less aud have not where to lay their heads.
Outside OF the damage to our plantations,
stock, etc, we witness with keen regret the
sweeping away of the beautiful and highly
priz d evergreens, roses and delicate plants,
so cunningly and tastefully trained BY the
fair hands of our wives and daughters.
As an illustration of the damaging in
huence of the present overflow, will tell
you what q very old and highly-respectable
citizen said TO me day or two ago. He
says that this is the worst and most discour-
aging water he ever knew, and that he is de-
,ermined to leave the bottoms. The gentle
man mentioned is Mr.. james III. Singer. He
has been on and about Catfish Point ever
since 1928. The sun shines bright and warm,
which is q great benefit to the levees and
stock. NABoTH.