A New Order of Affairs at Memphis.
--
Gen C C
Washburn, the new commander at
Memphis, has issued the annexed order:
‘
The practical operation of commercial inter course from this city with the States in rebellion has been to help largely to feed, clothe, arm and equip our enemies.
Memphis has been of more value to the Southern Confederacy since it fell into Federal hands than
Nassau.
To take cotton belonging to the rebel Government to
Nassau, or any other foreign port, is a hazardous proceeding.
To take it to
Memphis and to convert it into supplies and greenbacks, and to return to the lines of the enemy, or place the proceeds to the credit of the rebel Government in
Europe, without passing again into rebel lines, is safe and easy.
’
I have undoubled evidence that large amounts of cotton have been and are being brought here to be sold, belonging to the rebel Government.
The past and present system of trade has given strength to the rebel army, while it has demoralized and weakened our own. It has invited the enemy to hover around
Memphis, as his best base of supply, when, otherwise, he would have abandoned the county.
It renders of practical non-effect the blockade upon the ocean which has cost and is costing many millions.
It opens our lines to the spies of the enemy, and renders it next to impossible to execute any military plan without its becoming known to him long enough in advance for him to prepare for it.
The facts here stated are known to every intelligent man in
Memphis.
What is the remedy for these great and overwhelming Experience shows that there can be but one remedy, and that is total prohibition of all commercial intercourse with the States in rebellion.
It is therefore ordered:
That on and after the 15th day of May. 1864, the lines of the Army of
Memphis be closed, and no person will be permitted to leave the city except by river, without a special pass from these headquarters, after that date.
All persons of coming into the city will be permitted is do so, but should be notified by the pickets that they will not be allowed to return.
All persons who desire to leave the city to go beyond the lines must do so before the 15th inst.
