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 was publishing from Montgomery, Alabama. (Because issues are missing, excerpts are from the Memphis Daily Bulletin, the Federal newspaper.)
MAR. 30, 1865
Seventy-two of Forrest’s men came into our lines at Nashville on the 28th and took the oath. They gave themselves up at Eastport, bringing their horses and equipments with them.
Social permits — Heretofore, when a social party has been held in Memphis, it had been needful to obtain previously from the Mayor a permit. This permit had to be approved by the Provost Marshal. The requirement of permits in such cases has been abolished, and military restrictions are no longer a ban to social enjoyment.
ApR. 1, 1865
There is probably no place in the United States where small dwelling houses are so much in demand as in Memphis. Rents are always high, and houses within a reasonable distance of the business part of the city are very difficult to procure.
Lowenstein and Bros. have removed their large stock of dry goods, hosiery, boots and shoes from their old stand under Odd Fellows’ Hall to their new and splendid store, No. 242 Main Street, corner of Jefferson.
ApR. 4, 1865
Disheartened — A gentleman who arrived yesterday from Grenada, Miss., states that in Mississippi the rebels are all despondent at the prospect of the Confederacy. They have, he says, universally lost all hope of success.
ApR. 5, 1865
Extra Bulletins announced to the citizens of Memphis, yesterday afternoon, that the city of Petersburg has been captured and that Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, had been occupied by the Union army! The news spread with rapidity and filled any loyal heart with the liveliest feelings of joy and exultation ... But Richmond did not fall without a terrific struggle. Our dispatches indicate that it required hard fighting to force the rebels from their lines.