Memphis Daily Appeal,
Tennessee,
May 26, 1861
We were called upon last evening by Mr. Ed. A. Withers, a Virginian, who has for many years resided in St. Louis, who informed us that the was one of a party of thirty-eight persons, all among the prisoners lately seized at Camp Jackson, St. Louis. We learn from him that there are two thousand men who are panting to reach the South, that they may have an opportunity of avenging the indignity to which they have been subjected. This party of thirty-eight is the first instalment of the coming crowd. They came to Columbus on the Dickey. Capt. Abel treated them well, and gave them a free passage. At the Welbourne house, Columbus, Mr. Welbourne made them welcome, fed them sumptuously, and declined to present a bill. The ladies of Columbus assembled and made a handsome flag, which they presented to the company. At Humboldt, for the first time since their captivity, the escaped men, for they felt themselves to be such, indulged in hearty cheers for Jeff Davis. At that place the landlord of the hotel treated them liberally to the best in his house and charged them nothing. The officers of the railroad treated them kindly and gave them a free passage; to all these kind persons Mr. Withers was desired by the company to present their warm and grateful thanks through the Appeal. To the ladies of Columbus, they offer especial acknowledgements. Mr. Withers was at Jefferson City a few days ago. A large number of troops were there who were to be disbanded under the operation of the agreement between Gen. Harney and Gen. Price. They declared if they could not fight for Secession in Missouri, they would march in Arkansas and take service in the Southern army. From all that he saw, Mr. Withers is confident that if the repressive measures now inaugurated in Missouri are carried out, the South will receive large accessions of men from that State, if means can be found to enable them to reach the spot where they are wanted.