From the Southwest.
reported Defeat of the Yankees in West Louisiana--Movements of the enemy — a Federal transport blown up, &c. Atlanta, Aug. 25.
A special to the Appeal, dated Jackson, 23d, furnishes the following news:
It is reported that the Federals were badly whipped in West Louisiana by Gen. Kirby Smith's forces a few days since.
Troops have been leaving Vicksburg for above and below since Thursday afternoon. Fifteen boats, loaded, left Friday night.
There is said to be an expedition on foot to devastate North Louisiana and then enter Texas.
The statement is that the Federals will move in three columns, one opposite Natchez, under Gen. Washburne, and two from Natchez, under Gens. Blunt and Steel, and all unite at Shreveport, which is to be the base of operations.
The Federal transport City of Madison, freighted with ammunition for the expedition, was blown up on Wednesday, by the explosion of a box of powder in the hold, and nearly two hundred persons were killed.
Sixty bodies were recovered on Thursday.
A great deal of sickness prevails at Vicksburg.
Ben. Johnson, the newly appointed Yankee postmaster, is dead.
Banks, at New Orleans, has been ordered to pay over to the Yankee Government all moneys belonging to registered enemies of the Federal Government.
The guerrillas are annoying the transports on the river below Greenville, Miss.
Gen. Grant went up the river on Wednesday.
Many citizens of Vicksburg, generally the lower classes, have taken the oath of allegiance to the United States Government, but it is not generally exacted.
Nine of the heavy guns are mounted on the river front.
Gen. Thomas is at Young's Point, organizing negro regiments. 