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Cairo.

Cairo is just now attracting a great deal of attention in the North and the South, and its great importance as a military post, both for purposes of aggression and defense, is apparent to all who are familiar with its location. Situated in a free and loyal State, it is yet far down in the slave-holding region the most southerly point of free territory. Located at the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, it can control the floating commerce of these streams, and can completely cut off supplies of arms or provisions from the North to the South. It is easily reached by means of the Illinois Central Railroad, and immense bodies of Federal troops can be thrown into it on very short notice. North of it is the richest agricultural region in the world, from whence provisions can be speedily and cheaply drawn at any time, and for any number of men. It is also important as a rallying and starting point for the grand army that may soon be marshalled for the purpose of removing the obstructions to the free navigation of the Mississippi river. The importance of military occupation of Cairo was early seen by both the Government and the rebels. Fortunately the United States troops were first on the ground, and it is now so fortified as to render it safe against any attack that may be made by the traitors.

Cairo is destined to become a great commercial town. She has many disadvantages to contend with in the way of guarding against floods, but these will ultimately be overcome, and in time she will rival in trade and manufactures, in wealth and population, the other great cities of the West.