Memphis Daily Appeal

Chattanooga, June 17 -The threatening position of the enemy's forces in the vicinity of Cumberland Gap, and the southern portion of Kentucky, near the State line, indicates that movement will soon be made toward East Tennessee, if not now actually commenced. The enemy is reported to be twenty thousand strong near Boston, Kentucky, and have lately been reinforced with twenty pieces of artillery. A simultaneous movement of the enemy up the Sequatchie Valley by Wills Valley to this place, would certainly jeopardize East Tennessee, and, if successful, would give the enemy possession of Cherokee-Georgia, endangering Atlanta. It is no doubt the intent of the enemy to effect an entrance into East Tennessee, either by Wheeler's or Big Creek Gap-most probably the latter-which is east of Cumberland Gap. The importance, therefore, of holding Chattanooga and the passes over the Cumberland mountains, cannot be over estimated: for it is only by the former or latter points that East Tennessee can be invaded. Besides this, should East Tennessee fall into the hands of the enemy, communication with Virginia on this line would be cut off, and our coal sources, which now sustain our manufacturing establishments of all kinds in Georgia, while that State itself would be seriously threatened.

It must be apparent to every one, then, that a great effort should be made to preserve this portion of our Confederacy from the hands of the enemy, and our people should not sleep over the danger that threatens them.

Since the shelling of Chattanooga, a pit has been discovered over the river, which, on opening, nine dead Yankees were found, showing that the loss of the enemy was very considerable.