Civil War-era Memories
From The Memphis Daily Appeal
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 Atlanta. Perspective from our staff is in italics.
June 17, 1863
To News Agents — Having our fast press now in operation, and having a plentiful supply of paper on hand, we are prepared to fill all orders for the APPEAL for any amount, provided always that such orders be accompanied by cash.
Attempt to Kill Gen. Forrest — We learn that several days since, Lieut. Gould, of Captain Morton’s battery, attacked Gen. Forrest, at Bethesda church, between Columbia and Franklin, snapping a revolver at him, the cap failing to explode. Forrest closed upon him with a knife, cutting him, where, or whether or not severely, we are not apprised. Gould then fired his revolver, shooting Forrest in one of his hips, the ball striking the bone. (Several accounts of the wounding of Forrest by one of his own men appear in the APPEAL in the days following the incident. Forrest recovered quickly, but the 23-yearold Gould, who had been stabbed in the lung, died two weeks later. For more details, see http://bit.ly/1bWClnn).
June 20, 1863
The Memphis Bulletin thinks that if conscience has not entirely played out, the city of Memphis is quite a loyal place — some four thousand of the Southern people having taken the oath of allegiance. It would seem that the corrupt journal has no great confidence in the sincerity of those who are forced to take the oath. Perhaps there is some ground for that opinion.
Important from the North — Harrisburg / All business is suspended here today. All the important documents have been removed from the Capital ... Gov. Curlin calls upon Pennsylvanians to defend the state . . There is a perfect panic in Philadelphia at Lee’s advance.
June 23, 1863
Towns Destroyed in Mississippi — The Federals have totally destroyed the town of Batesville, on the Mississippi and Tennessee railroad, and partially destroyed Panola, one mile distant.
Another Band of Raiders Thrashed — Gen. Chalmers has cut up and dispersed the column of Federal raiders that came south from Memphis, via Hernando. One hundred and fifty of the band, including the commander were captured.
Vanity Fair says at the present moment, in fact, there are but two obstructions to the free navigation of the Mississippi river. One of these is the Confederate army, the other is the Federal.