3

to him, on my last visit. After requesting me to
thank you for your kind concern about his health
he said "Tell Fairbanks that I left Memphis in
haste; but that the day before I set out I directed
the [Companys?] Agent to send on immediately
to him the stores which I had got at his request"

I congratulate you on yr timely retreat from
Sewanee. My indignation is kindled at the
thought that that lovely and peaceful spot should have
been polluted by the foot of the invader/ but I am
glad to learn that our University papers are all safe.

I pite the condition ecclesiastically, as well as
otherside, of your loved Florida. How long Mis-
sissippi will be in any better condition no one can
tell. Vicksburg still holds out, notwithstanding the
formidable fleet of Gun-boats, Mortar-boats and
Transport that threaten her. There is not a property-
holder in the place, that would not sooner see his
house a heap of ruins than tamely surrender as
other places have done. We have scarcely one gun
to oppose to their ten; but we will be prepared to
oppose 20,000 men to their attempt to land. Unless
I am much mistaken, some of the hardest fighting