Civil War-era Memories

In recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, “Civil War-Era Memories” features excerpts from The Memphis Daily Appeal of 150 years ago. The Appeal is publishing from Grenada, Miss. Perspective from our staff is in italics. on the part of the Federal authorities ... The order says ... “that any attempt to execute State laws at variance with the orders of the President and the military commanders will be construed as a contempt of the authorities of the United States, and will be summarily punished. The status of the negro is involved in the war now existing, and will, in its progress be clearly determined. In the meantime the runaway slave must be treated as ‘free.’” Scott sprang from his horse and took his place, and above the rattle of musketry I heard the clear ringing voice of Lieutenant Hoyer, ordering, ‘doubleshot with canister, and let them have it.’ Instantly the guns were belching forth a shower of iron hail upon the advancing foe, and for about forty minutes the guns were worked with a rapidity and precision rarely, if ever witnessed on a battlefield, within easy musket range of the enemy ... I am satisfied you will be proud to know that in its maiden battle your namesake baptised itself in a rivulet of Yankee blood.” (In September this year replica cannons, including the kind used by the Appeal battery sponsored by the newspaper in 1862, were installed in Confederate Park; see http:// bit.ly/QcXtAf)