The Daily Dispatch: October 13, 1862., [Electronic resource]

The Yankees in Memphis

‘ I saw at Hernando several persons from Memphis, all of whom told me there were not more than 4,000 to 5,000 Yankees there. They have a great many of our negroes there at work building fortifications. A lady who lives near their works told me the negroes were dying like sheep with the rot; that the Yankees were using the plank off the yard fences to make coffins for them, having used up all the lumber they had. The same lady also said, that on the reception of Lincoln's proclamation she heard as many as four of their officers say they were done — that they would not strike another lick for Lincoln. From all I can learn they will have warm times among themselves. The comments of all the Western papers are severe on Lincoln's proclamation.

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