--A letter in the
Atlanta Appeal; dated at
Canton, Miss., 21st ult., says:
‘
The Mississippi is getting very warm.
Col. Logan fired into the steamer
Julia, 20 miles above
Natchez, injuring her so that she floated down the river helplessly.
It is positively asserted that five boats have been destroyed above, in the neighborhood of
Memphis, but as yet, no particulars have been reported.--The utmost caution is being observed in the navigation of the river, and strict rules are enforced, boats being allowed to land only at certain points where a sufficient force is posted to protect them from attack when at the shore.
On the 16th and 17th five transports ascended the river, filled with soldiers, and it is stated that a large body of troops have gone above
Memphis, destined, it is supposed, to reinforce
Rosecrans.
Quite a heavy movement from the Big Black to Edwards's Ferry has taken place, some 3,000 having crossed.
It is not supposed that this movement has any more important object than that of securing what cotton is left in that section — the burners having been very active lately — or possibly to attract infantry west of
Jackson, and divert men which otherwise the authorities might see fit to move toward
Tennessee.
They can do but very little damage beyond what they have already done, and unless they come in much larger force — larger than they can spare, now that they are weakened by reinforcing expeditions on the other side of the river and sending men to
Rosecrans--
Gen. Lee's horsemen will be amply able to take care of them.
The cavalry is admirably posted for prompt and effective action, only a few hours being required to throw half a dozen brigades into mass in front, leaving a competent force on the flanks to cut off communications with the rear.
Neither three thousand nor ten thousand, coming from that direction (more than their force in and around
Vicksburg), can make any serious impression on our lines.
The marine brigade is very busy policing the river from
Napoleon to
Vicksburg, landing occasionally and taking off negroes and stock.
’
