NEWS OF 150 YEARS AGO
January and February 1864
From The Missouri Democrat, Friday, February 26, 1864.
FROM MEMPHIS.
Progress of Sherman’s Expedition.
His Reported Occupation of Selma.
ITEMS, RUMORS, ETC.
[Special dispatch to the Missouri Democrat.]
MEMPHIS, Feb. 21, VIA CAIRO, Feb. 25. – By arrival of steamers from Vicksburg we have the following news from Sherman’s expedition:
VICKSBURG, Feb. 19. – We have just received news from General Sherman’s expedition, which left here two or three weeks since. It had occupied Selma, Ala., after a severe fight. The above you may regard as positive.
By the arrival of the steamer Fanny, which left Vicksburg Saturday last, I have important dispatches, which are stated to be from the best sources, confirming the above news. The greatest enthusiasm existed among the loyal people of Vicksburg. Intelligence was that General Sherman’s Army, after overcoming all obstacles, it had reached Selma, Alabama, which was evacuated by the enemy, and a triumph made by our forces. No particulars have yet come to hand.
I learned from Prof. Winchell, who arrived on the Fannie, that in military circles at Vicksburg confidence was felt in truth of the above statements.
[To the Associated Press]
MEMPHIS, Feb. 23, via CAIRO, Feb. 25. – Not a word of reliable news has yet been received here from either Sherman’s or Smith’s expeditions. The report in the Evening Bulletin of the reported capture of Selma, Alabama, by General Sherman, is not generally credited, although the report comes from Vicksburg.
Gen. Buckland reviewed his brigade on the bluff in front of the city this afternoon. They presented a fine soldierly appearance.
Cotton is coming in quite freely, the receipts by wagon for the past week being much heavier than on any previous week of the season.
