In recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, "Civil War-Era
Memories" features excerpts from The Memphis Daily Appeal of 150 years
ago. May 7, 1862
Corinth. - Scouting parties report the enemy is digging
entrenchments, laying plank roads and building bridges over the swamps
and ditches as he advances. General Beauregard ...made a speech in which
he said he hoped soon to be in possession of some northern cities to
compensate for the loss of New Orleans. May 8, 1862
WANTED. A GENTLEMAN wishes a SUBSTITUTE, with the privilege of going
into cavalry, infantry or artillery. Will pay a liberal price.
The Poor and the Erring. - Struck with the need there is for a place
that should prove an asylum for the wretched and a place of reform for
the erring, the good ladies of this city, in April, 1860, organized the
society of the "Home for the Homeless." Since then they have contributed
and expended a large amount of money, and performed a good deal of
downright hard work... May 12, 1862
There is no longer any choice about taking Confederate money. In
compliance with orders from General Beauregard, Colonel Rosser,
commander of the post here, has ordered the provost marshal to arrest
anyone who refuses to accept Confederate bills in their ordinary
business transactions and all banks and corporations must accept the
currency.
May 13, 1862
The Gunboat Fight at Fort Pillow. - We fought the enemy with four of
our lightest boats, one hour and thirty minutes. ...our sharpshooters
literally mowed them down. We fought side by side with the enemy, and
not one shot passed through our cotton breastworks. But although our
upper works are riddled, we are all ready to butt again. We will be able
to hold the river. W. C. C.
Street railroads - What a blessing it would be to have street
railroads in the city at this moment, that we might ride along in
comfortable cars ...protected from the clouds of dust that annoy the
weary plodder on foot on soil covered sidewalks.
Compiled by Rosemary Nelms and Jan Smith, The Commercial Appeal News Library
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