Year: 1862

The Yankees seem determined to open the navigation
of the Mississippi river. 1t is the Of that great
inland sea for which the Northwest is chiefly fight
ing. The administration at Washngton appreciates the
Importance of opening that channel of communication
in political well military aspect 1t is, in fact
only second In Yankee estimation to the capture of the
Confederate capital. Accordingly they have organized


force for this purpose OF vast proportions and it is
quite evident that most powerful effort will be made
10 COnsummate 1t. Having ascertaned the impracti-
cability of removing the distractions at Vcksburg
with their gunboas, they have assembled land force,
which report places at 60O0O to cooperate VITA their
river fleets We have to believe this land force
under-estimated We have very little doubt it will
aggregate 10000 So far their plans have been de-
veloped it designed that this land force shall proceed
southWHrd from points the Memphis and Charleston
Railroad IN two columns, to be united at, or in the
neighborhood of Grenada, and thence upon Jack
son or Vcksburg. Simultaneously t., lees, one from
above and the from below, are appear at the
latter place. his will constitute the winter campaign
in the West. If readily successful in the first great
leading object it will extend itself probably in the d.
recton of Mobile, and to the entire occupation of
the State of Mississippi.


UnquestlOnaby this is a most formidable plan, and
if successful will give the enemy vantage ground 10
the West and Southwest incalculabe in its benfts to
them and in its n uries to It would ef1ctuay cut
of communication with all the country West of the
Mississippi, and place the trans Mississippi States
the mercy Of the toe besides large and valuable pOr
SUE
cessful too, unless it opposed by adequate resist
ing force-which it is impression, is not the
case Or unless counterrltant is applied another
quarter which shall " block their game. In either
great activity is presently and imperativey de-
.nanded Our present dispositions such as to re-
qure the question between the two remedies to be de-
cided at once. If the latter is adopted we must put
aside the enemy in Middle Tennessee and call back the
invaders from Mississippi If the former, it is clear
must abandon Middle Tennessee and oppose them
in front, with such meaDs will defeat the plan
and, if practicable, restore West Tennessee.


1t is unnecessary tor to enter into detailed state
ment of the facts leading to this view-nor refer more
particularly to the number and disposition of forces
These we believe t. be sufficient to prosecute either
mode above suggested to successful resistance. But
had as well look the matter full in the face a0d be
vinced first last, of the absolute necessity for h
most speedy and vigorous action. As intensely as We
desire the adoption of that which would restore to
Middle Tennessee patriots viewing the interests 0
the entire Confederacy discardng local partaites
looking alone to the OF the revolution In all it
paris prepared to acquiesce in either 1t is NJ
time tor the people OF any State part of STATE


to be ndulgng their local feelings prejudices. 1h
common must rise superior to every other consd
alton and the common strength exerted tor the genera
veal and the ultimate freedom independence of all
Let this sentiment prevail among the people and throug
the army, and may look with caimaess and con
fidence through tae clouds that lower upon house
to bright and glorious day beyond.