Produced by Suzanne Shell, Stephanie Eason, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net.
A
REBEL WAR CLERK'S
DIARY
AT THE
CONFEDERATE STATES CAPITAL.
BY
J. B. JONES,
CLERK IN THE WAR DEPARTMENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES GOVERNMENT;
AUTHOR OF "WILD WESTERN SCENES," ETC. ETC.
VOLS. I and II.
PHILADELPHIA:
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.
1866.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by
J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO.,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the
Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
PREFACE.
This Diary was written with the knowledge of the President and the
Secretary of War. I informed them of it by note. They did not deprecate
criticism on their official conduct; for they allowed me still to
execute the functions of a very important position in the Government
until the end of its career.
My discriminating friends will understand why I accepted the poor title
of a clerkship, after having declined the _Chargeship_ to Naples,
tendered by Mr. Calhoun during the administration of President Polk.
J. B. J.
ONANCOCK, Accomac Co., Va.,
_March_, 1866.
CONTENTS.
VOLUME I.
CHAPTER I.
My flight from the North and escape into Virginia.--
Revolutionary scene at Richmond.--The Union Convention
passes the Ordinance of Secession.--Great excitement
prevails in the South. 13
CHAPTER II.
Depart for Montgomery.--Interview with President Davis.--
My position in the Government.--Government removed to
Richmond.--My family. 30
CHAPTER III.
Troops pour into Richmond.--Beginning of hostilities.--
Gen. Lee made a full general.--Major-Gen. Polk.--A battle
expected at Manassas. 47
CHAPTER IV.
My family in North Carolina.--Volunteers daily rejected.--
Gen. Winder appears upon the stage.--Toombs commissioned.--
Hunter Secretary of State.--Duel prevented.--Col. B.
Secretary for a few hours.--Gen. Garnett killed.--Battle of
Manassas.--Great excitement.--Col. Bartow. 57
CHAPTER V.
My son Custis appointed clerk in the War Department.--N. Y.
Herald contains a pretty correct army list of the C. S.--
Appearance of the "Plug Uglies."--President's rupture with
Beauregard.--President sick.--Alien enemies ordered away.--
Brief interview with the President.--"Immediate."--Large
numbers of cavalry offering.--Great preparations in the
North. 69
CHAPTER VI.
Four hundred thousand troops to be raised.--Want of arms.--
Yankees offer to sell them to us.--Walker resigns.--
Benjamin succeeds.--Col. J. A. Washington killed.--Assigned,
temporarily, to the head of the passport office. 77
CHAPTER VII.
An order for the publication of the names of alien
enemies.--Some excitement.--Efforts to secure property.--
G. A. Myers, lawyer, actively engaged.--Gen. Price gains a
victory in Missouri.--Billy Wilson's cut-throats cut to
pieces at Fort Pickens.--A female spy arrives from
Washington.--Great success at Leesburg or Ball's Bluff. 82
CHAPTER VIII.
Quarrel between Gen. Beauregard and Mr. Benjamin.--Great
naval preparations in the North.--The loss of Port Royal,
S. C., takes some prestige.--The affair at Belmont does not
compensate for it.--The enemy kills an old hare.--Missouri
secedes.--Mason and Slidell captured.--French Consul and the
actresses.--The lieutenant in disguise.--Eastern Shore of
Virginia invaded.--Messrs. Breckinridge and Marshall in
Richmond. 89
CHAPTER IX.
Gen. Lee ordered South.--Gen. Stuart ambuscaded at
Drainsville.--W. H. B. Custis returns to the Eastern
Shore.--Winder's detectives.--Kentucky secedes.--Judge
Perkins's resolution.--Dibble goes North.--Waiting for
Great Britain to do something.--Mr. Ely, the Yankee M. C. 96
CHAPTER X.
Seward gives up Mason and Slidell.--Great preparations of
the enemy.--Gen. Jackson betrayed.--Mr. Memminger's
blunders.--Exaggerated reports of our troops in Kentucky
and Tennessee. 103
CHAPTER XI.
Fall of Fort Henry.--Of Fort Donelson.--Lugubrious
Inauguration of the President in the Permanent
Government.--Loss of Roanoke Island. 108
CHAPTER XII.
Nashville evacuated.--Martial law.--Passports.--Com.
Buchanan's naval engagement.--Gen. Winder's blunders.--Mr.
Benjamin Secretary of State.--Lee commander-in-chief.--Mr.
G. W. Randolph Secretary of War. 112
CHAPTER XIII.
Gen. Beauregard succeeds Gen. Sydney Johnston.--Dibble, the
traitor.--Enemy at Fredericksburg.--They say we will be
subdued by the 15th of June.--Lee rapidly concentrating at
Richmond.--Webster, the spy, hung. 118
CHAPTER XIV.
Disloyalists entrapped.--Norfolk abandoned.--Merrimac blown
up.--Army falling back.--Mrs. Davis leaves Richmond.--
Preparing to burn the tobacco.--Secretary of War trembles
for Richmond.--Richmond to be defended.--The tobacco.--
Winking and blinking.--Johnston's great battle.--Wounded
himself.--The wounded.--The hospitals. 122
CHAPTER XV.
Huger fails again.--A wounded boy.--The killed and
wounded.--Lee assumes command.--Lee prepares to attack
McClellan.--Beauregard watches the gold.--Our generals
scattered.--Hasty letter from Gen. Lee.--Opening of grand
battle.--First day, 26th June.--Second, etc.--Lee's
consummate skill.--Every day for a week it rages.--Streets
crowded with Blue Jackets.--McClellan retires. 131
CHAPTER XVI.
Terrific fighting.--Anxiety to visit the battle-field.--
Lee prepares for other battles.--Hope for the Union
extinct.--Gen. Lee brings forward conscripts.--Gen. Cobb
appointed to arrange exchange of prisoners.--Mr. Ould as
agent.--Pope, the braggart, comes upon the stage.--Meets a
braggart's fate.--The war transferred to Northern Virginia. 140
CHAPTER XVII.
Vicksburg shelled.--Lee looks toward Washington.--Much
manoeuvring in Orange County.--A brigade of the enemy
annihilated.--McClellan flies to Washington.--Cretans.--Lee
has a mighty army.--Missouri risings.--Pope's coat and
papers captured.--Cut up at Manassas.--Clothing captured of
the enemy. 147
CHAPTER XVIII.
Lee announces a victory.--Crosses the Potomac.--Battle of
Sharpsburg.--McClellan pauses at the Potomac.--Lee moves
mysteriously.--The campaign a doubtful one in its material
results.--Horrible scene near Washington.--Conscription
enlarged.--Heavy loss at Sharpsburg.--10,000 in the
hospitals here. 151
CHAPTER XIX.
McClellan has crossed the Potomac.--Another battle
anticipated.--I am assured here that Lee had but 40,000 men
engaged at Sharpsburg.--He has more now, as he is defending
Virginia.--Radicals of the North want McClellan removed.--
Our President has never taken the field.--Lee makes
demonstrations against McClellan.--A Jew store robbed last
night.--We have 40,000 prisoners excess over the enemy.--
My family arrived from Raleigh.--My wife's substitute for
coffee.--Foul passports.--My friend Brooks dines and wines
with members of Congress.--The Herald and Tribune tempt us
to return to the Union.--Lee writes, no immediate advance
of McClellan.--Still a rumor of Bragg's victory in
Kentucky.--Enemy getting large reinforcements.--Diabolical
order of Governor Baylor.--Secretary's estimate of
conscripts and all others, 500,000.--Bragg retreating from
Kentucky.--Bickering between Bragg and Beauregard.--Lee
wants Confederate notes made a legal tender.--There will be
no second Washington. 160
CHAPTER XX.
Gen. Lee in Richmond: beard white.--First proposition to
trade cotton to the enemy.--Secretary in favor of it.--All
the letters come through my hands again.--Lee falling
back.--5000 negroes at work on the fortifications.--Active
operations looked for.--Beauregard advises non-combatants to
leave the city.--Semmes's operations.--Making a nation.--
Salt works lost in Virginia.---Barefooted soldiers.--
Intrigues of Butler in New Orleans.--Northern army advancing
everywhere.--Breach between the President and Secretary of
War.--President's servant arrested for robbing the
Treasury.--Gen. J. E. Johnston in town.--Secretary has
resigned.--Hon. J. A. Seddon appointed Secretary of War.--
The enemy marching on Fredericksburg.--Lee writes that he
will be ready for them.--Kentuckians will not be hog
drivers.--Women and children flying from the vicinity of
Fredericksburg.--Fears for Wilmington.--No beggars.--Quiet
on the Rappahannock.--M. Paul, French Consul, saved the
French tobacco.--Gen. Johnston goes West.--President gives
Gov. Pettit full authority to trade cotton to France. 179
CHAPTER XXI.
The great crisis at hand.--The rage for speculation raises
its head.--Great battle of Fredericksburg.--The States
called on for supplies.--Randolph resigns as
brigadier-general.--South Carolina honor.--Loss at
Fredericksburg.--Great contracts.--Lee's ammunition
bad.--Small-pox here. 199
CHAPTER XXII.
Lee in winter quarters.--Bragg's victory in the
Southwest.--The President at Mobile.--Enemy withdraw from
Vicksburg.--Bragg retreats as usual.--Bureau of
Conscription.--High rents.--Flour contracts in Congress.--
Efforts to escape conscription.--Ships coming in freely.--
Sneers at negro troops.--Hopes of French intervention.--
Gen. Rains blows himself up.--Davis would be the last to
give up.--Gov. Vance protests against Col. August's
appointment as commandant of conscripts.--Financial
difficulties in the United States. 228
CHAPTER XXIII.
Proposed fixture of prices.--Depreciation in the North.--
Gen. Hooker in command of the U. S. forces.--Lee thinks
Charleston will be attacked.--Congress does nothing.--
Some fears for Vicksburg.--Pemberton commands.--Wise
dashes into Williamsburg.--Rats take food from my
daughter's hand.--Lee wants the meat sent from Georgia
to Virginia, where the fighting will be.--Gen. Winder
uneasy about my Diary.--Gen. Johnston asks to be relieved
in the West. 252
CHAPTER XXIV.
Removed into Clay Street.--Gen. Toombs resigned.--Lincoln
dictator.--He can call 3,000,000 of men.--President is
sick.--His office is not a bed of roses.--Col. Gorgas sends
in his oath of allegiance.--Confederate gold $5 for $1.--
Explosion of a laboratory.--Bad weather everywhere.--
Fighting on the Mississippi River.--Conflict of views in
the Conscription Bureau.--Confederate States currency $10
for $1.--Snow a foot deep, but melting.--We have no negro
regiments in our service.--Only 6000 conscripts from East
Tennessee.--How seven were paroled by one.--This is to be
the crisis campaign.--Lee announces the campaign open. 265
CHAPTER XXV.
Symptoms of bread riots.--Lee forming depots of provisions
near the Rappahannock.--Beauregard ready to defend
Charleston.--He has rebuffed the enemy severely.--French and
British advancing money on cotton.--The Yankees can beat us
in bargaining.--Gen. Lee anxious for new supplies.--The
President appeals to the people to raise food for man and
beast.--Federal and Confederate troops serenading each other
on the Rappahannock.--Cobbler's wages $3000 per annum.--
Wrangling in the Indian country.--Only 700 conscripts per
month from Virginia.--Longstreet at Suffolk.--The
President's well eye said to be failing.--A
"reconnoissance!"--We are planting much grain.--Picking up
pins.--Beautiful season.--Gen. Johnston in Tennessee.--
Longstreet's successes in that State.--Lee complains that
his army is not fed.--We fear for Vicksburg now.--Enemy
giving up plunder in Mississippi.--Beauregard is busy at
Charleston.--Gen. Marshall, of Kentucky, fails to get
stock and hogs.--Gen. Lee calls for Longstreet's corps.--
The enemy demonstrating on the Rappahannock. 284
CHAPTER XXVI.
Lee snuffs a battle in the breeze.--Hooker's army supposed
to be 100,000 men.--Lee's perhaps 55,000 efficient.--I am
planting potatoes.--Part of Longstreet's army gone up.--
Enemy makes a raid.--Great victory at Chancellorville.--
Hot weather.--Our poor wounded coming in streams, in
ambulances and on foot.--Hooker has lost the game.--
Message from the enemy.--They ask of Lee permission to bury
their dead.--Granted, of course.--Hooker fortifying.--Food
getting scarce again.--Gen. Lee's thanks to the army.--
Crowds of prisoners coming in.--Lieut.-Gen. Jackson dead.--
Hooker's raiders "hooked" a great many horses.--Enemy
demand 500,000 more men.--Beauregard complains that so many
of his troops are taken to Mississippi.--Enemy at Jackson,
Miss.--Strawberries.--R. Tyler.--My cherries are coming on
finely.--Ewell and Hill appointed lieutenant-generals.--
President seems to doubt Beauregard's veracity.--Hon.
D. M. Lewis cuts his wheat to-morrow, May 28th.--Johnston
says our troops are in fine spirits around Vicksburg.--
Grant thunders on.--Plan of servile insurrection. 303
CHAPTER XXVII.
Vicksburg refuses to surrender to Grant.--Spiritualism at
the White House.--Lee is pushing a little northward.--It is
said Grant has lost 40,000 men.--He is still pounding
Vicksburg.--Petty military organizations.--Mr. Randolph
busy.--Foolish passport rules.--Great battle imminent, but
speculation may defeat both sides.--Early's victory.--We
have only supplies of corn from day to day.--Chambersburg
struck.--Col. Whiting complains of blockade-running at
Wilmington.--False alarm.--Grant still before Vicksburg. 338
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Enemy threatening Richmond.--The city is safe.--Battle of
Gettysburg.--Great excitement.--Yankees in great trouble.--
Alas! Vicksburg has fallen.--President is sick.--Grant
marching against Johnston at Jackson.--Fighting at that
place.--Yankees repulsed at Charleston.--Lee and Meade
facing each other.--Pemberton surrenders his whole army.--
Fall of Port Hudson.--Second class conscripts called for.--
Lee has got back across the Potomac.--Lincoln getting
fresh troops.--Lee writes that he cannot be responsible if
the soldiers fail for want of food.--Rumors of Grant coming
East.--Pemberton in bad odor.--Hon. W. L. Yancey is dead. 366
VOLUME II.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Some desertion.--Lee falling back.--Men still foolishly look
for foreign aid.--Speculators swarming.--God helps me
to-day.--Conscripts.--Memminger shipping gold to Europe.--
Our women and children making straw bonnets.--Attack on
Charleston.--Robert Tyler as a financier.--Enemy throw large
shells into Charleston, five and a half miles.--Diabolical
scheme.--Gen. Lee has returned to the army. 3
CHAPTER XXX.
Situation at Wilmington.--Situation at Charleston.--Lincoln
thinks there is hope of our submission.--Market prices.--
Ammunition turned over to the enemy at Vicksburg.--Attack
on Sumter.--Stringent conscription order.--Disaffection in
North Carolina.--Victory announced by Gen. Bragg.--Peril of
Gen. Rosecrans.--Surrender of Cumberland Gap.--Rosecrans
fortifying Chattanooga.--Mr. Seward on flag of truce boat.--
Burnside evacuating East Tennessee.--The trans-Mississippi
army.--Meade sending troops to Rosecrans.--Pemberton in
Richmond.--A suggestion concerning perishable tithes. 30
CHAPTER XXXI.
Suffering of our wounded at Gettysburg.--Prisoners from the
battle of Chickamauga.--Charleston.--Policy in the
Southwest.--From Gen. Bragg.--Letter from President Davis.--
Religious revival.--Departure of the President for the
Southwest.--About General Bragg.--Movement of mechanics and
non-producers.--About "French" tobacco.--The markets.--
Outrage in Missouri.--Speculations of government agents.--
From Gen. Lee.--Judge Hastings's scheme.--Visit to our
prisons.--Letter from Gen. Kirby Smith.--President Davis
at Selma.--Gen. Winder's passports.--The markets.--
Campbellites and Methodists.--From Gen. Lee.--From the
Southwest. 57
CHAPTER XXXII.
Letters from various sections.--The President and Gen.
Bragg.--State of the markets.--Causes of the President's
tour.--Gen. Duff Green.--Return of the President.--Loss of
Hoke's and Haye's brigades.--Letter from Gen. Howell
Cobb.--Dispatch from Gen. Lee.--State of the markets.--
Letter from A. Moseley.--Mrs. Todd in Richmond.--
Vice-President Stephens on furloughs.--About Gen. Bragg and
the battle of Lookout Mountain. 85
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Assembling of Congress.--President's message.--The
markets.--No hope for the Confederate currency.--Averill's
raid.--Letter from Gov. Vance.--Christmas.--Persons having
furnished substitutes still liable to military duty. 110
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Hospitalities of the city to Gen. Morgan.--Call for a
Dictator.--Letter from Gen. Lee.--Letters from Gov.
Vance.--Accusation against Gen. Winder.--Treatment of
Confederate prisoners (from the _Chicago Times_).--
Change of Federal policy.--Efforts to remove Col.
Northrop.--Breach between the President and Congress.--
Destitution of our prisoners.--Appeal of Gen. Lee to the
army.--New Conscription Act.--Letter from Gen. Cobb. 122
CHAPTER XXXV.
Gen. Lovell applies for a command.--Auspicious opening of
1864.--Mr. Wright's resolutions.--Rumored approach of Gen.
Butler.--Letter from Gov. Brown.--Letter from Gen. Lee.--
Dispatches from Gen. Beauregard.--President Davis's
negroes.--Controversy between Gen. Winder and Mr. Ould.--
Robbery of Mr. Lewis Hayman.--Promotion of Gen. Bragg,
and the _Examiner_ thereon.--Scarcity of provisions
in the army.--Congress and the President. 140
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Attempt to capture Richmond.--Governor Vance and Judge
Pearson.--Preparations to blow up the "Libby" prisoners.--
Letter from General Lee.--Proposal to execute Dahlgren's
raiders.--General Butler on the Eastern Shore.--Colonel
Dahlgren's body.--Destitution of the army.--Strength of
the Southwestern army.--Destitution of my family.--Protest
from South Carolina.--Difficulty with P. Milmo & Co.--Hon.
J. W. Wall. 162
CHAPTER XXXVII.
Return of Mr. Ould and Capt. Hatch from Fortress Monroe.--
Quarrel between Mr. Memminger and Mr. Seddon.--Famine.--A
victory in Louisiana.--Vice-President Stephens's speech.--
Victory of Gen. Forrest.--Capture of Plymouth, N. C.--Gen.
Lee's bill of fare. 179
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
Dispatch from Gen. J. E. Johnston.--Dispatch from Gen.
Lee.--Mr. Saulsbury's resolution in the U. S. Senate.--
Progress of the enemy.--Rumored preparations for the
flight of the President.--Wrangling of high officials.--
Position of the armies. 196
CHAPTER XXXIX.
Beauregard's plan.--The battle.--Defeat near Staunton.--
Fight at Petersburg.--Decision about Marylanders.--
Beauregard in disgrace.--Dispatch from Gen. J. E. Johnston. 223
CHAPTER XL.
Gen. Lee's dispatch announcing Gen. Hampton's victory.--Cost
of a cup of coffee.--From Gens. Johnston and S. D. Lee.--
Gen. Early in Maryland.--Rumored capture of Baltimore.--
Letter from Gen. Lee.--Dispatch from Gen. Hood.--Status of
the local troops. 241
CHAPTER XLI.
From the Northern papers.--Letter from J. Thompson,
Canada.--From Mr. McRae, our foreign agent.--Dispatch from
Major-Gen. Maury.--"General Order No. 65."--Battle of
Reams's Station. 258
CHAPTER XLII.
The Federal Presidency.--The Chicago Convention.--Fall of
Atlanta.--Bureau of Conscription.--From Gen. Hood.--
Vice-President Stephens on the situation.--Letter from
Mrs. Mendenhall.--Dispatch from Gen. Lee.--Defeat of Gen.
Early.--From Gov. Vance.--From Gov. Brown, of Georgia.--
Gen. Lee's indorsement of Col. Moseby.--Hon. Mr. Foote.--
Attack on Fort Gilmer.--Indiscriminate arrest of civilians. 275
CHAPTER XLIII.
Attempt to retake Fort Harrison.--A false alarm.--Dispatches
from Gen. Lee.--Impressments.--Gen. Butler's generosity.--
Matters in and about the city.--Beverly Tucker's contract
with a New York firm for supplies. 297
CHAPTER XLIV.
Proclamation for a day of public worship.--Gov. Allen, of
Louisiana.--Letter from Gen. Beauregard.--Departure for
Europe.--Congress assembles.--Quarrel between Gens. Kemper
and Preston.--Gen. Forrest doing wonders.--Tennessee.--Gen.
Johnston on his Georgia campaign.--John Mitchel and Senator
Foote.--Progress of Sherman.--From Gov. Brown, of
Georgia.--Capture of Gen. Pryor. 320
CHAPTER XLV.
Desertions.--Bragg and Kilpatrick.--Rents.--Gen. Winder's
management of prisoners.--Rumored disasters in
Tennessee.--Prices.--Progress of Sherman.--Around
Richmond.--Capture of Fort McAlister.--Rumored death of the
President.--Yankee line of spies.--From Wilmington and
Charleston.--Evacuation of Savannah. 343
CHAPTER XLVI.
Waning confidence in the President.--Blockade-running.--From
the South.--Beauregard on Sherman.--The expeditions against
Wilmington.--Return of Mr. Pollard.--The Blairs in
Richmond.--Arrest of Hon. H. S. Foote.--Fall of Fort
Fisher.--Views of Gen. Cobb.--Dismal.--Casualties of the
war.--Peace commissioners for Washington. 371
CHAPTER XLVII.
Gen. Lee appointed General-in-Chief.--Progress of
Sherman.--The markets.--Letter from Gen. Butler.--Return of
the peace commissioners.--The situation.--From Gen. Lee.--
Use of negroes as soldiers.--Patriotism of the women.--
Pardon of deserters.--The passport system.--Oh for peace!--
Gen. Lee on negro soldiers.--Conventions in Georgia and
Mississippi. 405
CHAPTER XLVIII.
From the North.--Rumored defeat of Gen. Early.--Panic among
officials.--Moving the archives.--Lincoln's inaugural.--
Victory in North Carolina.--Rumored treaty with France.--
Sheridan's movements.--Letter from Lord John Russell.--
Sherman's progress.--Desperate condition of the
government.--Disagreement between the President and
Congress.--Development of Grant's combination.--Assault at
Hare's Hill.--Departure of Mrs. President Davis. 436
CHAPTER XLIX.
Rumors of battles.--Excitement in the churches.--The South
Side Road captured by the enemy.--Evacuation of
Richmond.--Surrender of Gen. Lee.--Occupation of Richmond by
Federal forces.--Address to the people of Virginia by J. A.
Campbell and others.--Assassination of President Lincoln. 464
A REBEL WAR CLERK'S DIARY.
CHAPTER I.
My flight from the North and escape into Virginia.--Revolutionary scene at
Richmond.--The Union Convention passes the Ordinance of Secession.--
Great excitement prevails in the South.
APRIL 8TH, 1861. BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEY.--The expedition sails to-day
from New York. Its purpose is to reduce Fort Moultrie, Charleston
harbor, and relieve Fort Sumter, invested by the Confederate forces.
Southern born, and editor of the _Southern Monitor_, there seems to be
no alternative but to depart immediately. For years the _Southern
Monitor_, Philadelphia, whose motto was "The Union as it was, the
Constitution as it is," has foreseen and foretold the resistance of the
Southern States, in the event of the success of a sectional party
inimical to the institution of African slavery, upon which the welfare
and existence of the Southern people seem to depend. And I must depart
immediately; for I well know that the first gun fired at Fort Sumter
will be the signal for an outburst of ungovernable fury, and I should be
seized and thrown into prison.
I must leave my family--my property--everything. My family cannot go
with me--but they may follow. The storm will not break in its fury for a
month or so. Only the most obnoxious persons, deemed dangerous, will be
molested immediately.
8 O'CLOCK P.M.--My wife and children have been busy packing my trunk,
and making other preparations for my departure. They are cheerful. They
deem the rupture of the States a _fait accompli_, but reck not of the
horrors of war. They have contrived to pack up, with other things, my
fine old portrait of Calhoun, by Jarvis. But I must leave my papers, the
accumulation of twenty-five years, comprising thousands of letters from
predestined rebels. My wife opposes my suggestion that they be burned.
Among them are some of the veto messages of President Tyler, and many
letters from him, Governor Wise, etc. With the latter I had a
correspondence in 1856, showing that this blow would probably have been
struck then, if Fremont had been elected.
APRIL 9TH.--My adieus over, I set out in the broad light of day. When
the cars arrived at Camden, I proceeded, with the rest of the _through_
passengers, in the boat to the navy yard, without going ashore in the
city. The passengers were strangers to me. Many could be easily
recognized as Southern men; but quite as many were going only as far as
Washington, for their reward. They were bold denouncers of the
rebellion; the others were silent, thoughtful, but in earnest.
The first thing which attracted my attention, as the cars left the
Delaware depot, was a sign-board on my left, inscribed in large letters,
"UNION CEMETERY." My gaze attracted the notice of others. A mocking
_bon-mot_ was uttered by a Yankee wit, which was followed by laughter.
For many hours I was plunged in the deepest abstraction, and spoke not a
word until we were entering the depot at Washington, just as the veil of
night was falling over the scene.
Then I was aroused by the announcement of a conductor that, failing to
have my trunk rechecked at Baltimore, it had been left in that city!
Determined not to lose it, I took the return train to Baltimore, and put
up at Barnum's Hotel. Here I met with Mr. Abell, publisher of the
Baltimore _Sun_, an old acquaintance. Somewhat contrary to my
expectations, knowing him to be a native of the North, I found him an
ardent secessionist. So enthusiastic was he in the cause, that he
denounced both Maryland and Virginia for their hesitancy in following
the example of the Cotton States; and he invited me to furnish his paper
with correspondence from Montgomery, or any places in the South where I
might be a sojourner.
APRIL 10TH.--Making an early start this morning, I once more arrived at
Washington City. I saw no evidences of a military force in the city, and
supposed the little army to be encamped at the west end of the Avenue,
guarding the Executive Mansion.
We took an omnibus without delay and proceeded to the steamer. As soon
as we left the shore, I fancied I saw many of the passengers breathing
easier and more deeply. Certainly there was more vivacity, since we were
relieved of the presence of Republicans. And at the breakfast table
there was a freer flow of speech, and a very decided manifestation of
secession proclivities.
Among the passengers was Major Holmes, who had just resigned his
commission in the U. S. army. He had been ordered to proceed with the
expedition against Charleston; but declined the honor of fighting
against his native land. The major is a little deaf, but has an
intellectual face, the predominant expression indicating the discretion
and prudence so necessary for success in a large field of operations. In
reply to a question concerning the military qualities of Beauregard and
Bragg, he said they were the flower of the young officers of the U. S.
army. The first had great genius, and was perhaps the most dashing and
brilliant officer in the country; the other, more sedate, nevertheless
possessed military capacities of a very high order. President Davis, in
his opinion, had made most excellent selections in the appointment of
his first generals. The major, however, was very sad at the prospect
before us; and regarded the tenders of pecuniary aid to the U. S. by the
Wall Street capitalists as ominous of a desperate, if not a prolonged
struggle. At this time the major's own State, North Carolina, like
Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Missouri, yet remains in
the Union.
We were delayed several hours at Aquia Creek, awaiting the arrival of
the cars, which were detained in consequence of a great storm and flood
that had occurred the night before.
APRIL 10TH AND 11TH.--These two days were mainly lost by delays, the
floods having swept away many bridges, which had not yet been repaired.
As we approached Richmond, it was observed that the people were more and
more excited, and seemed to be pretty nearly unanimous for the immediate
secession of the State. Everywhere the Convention then in session was
denounced with bitterness, for its adherence to the Union; and Gov.
Letcher was almost universally execrated for the chocks he had thrown
under the car of secession and Southern independence. I heard very many
who had voted for him, regret that they had ever supported the clique of
politicians who managed to secure his nomination. And now I learned
that a People's Spontaneous Convention would assemble in Richmond on the
16th of the month, when, if the other body persisted in its opposition
to the popular will, the most startling revolutionary measures would be
adopted, involving, perhaps, arrests and executions. Several of the
members of this body with whom I conversed bore arms upon their persons.
APRIL 12TH.--To-day I beheld the first secession flag that had met my
vision. It was at Polecat Station, Caroline County, and it was greeted
with enthusiasm by all but the two or three Yankees in the train. One of
these, named Tupps, had been questioned so closely, and his presence and
nativity had become so well known, that he became alarmed for his
safety, although no one menaced him. He could not sit still a moment,
nor keep silence. He had been speculating in North Carolina the year
before, and left some property there, which, of course, he must save, if
needs be, at the risk of his life. But _he_ cared nothing for slavery,
and would never bear arms against the South, if she saw fit to "set up
Government business for herself." He rather guessed war was a
speculation that wouldn't pay. His volubility increased with his
perturbation, and then he drank excessively and sang Dixie. When we
reached Richmond, he was beastly drunk.
Arrived at the Exchange Hotel, Richmond. A storm rages above, and below
in the minds of men; but the commotion of the elements above attracts
less attention than the tempest of excitement agitating the human
breast. The news-boys are rushing in all directions with extras
announcing the bombardment of Fort Sumter! This is the irrevocable blow!
Every reflecting mind here should know that the only alternatives now
are successful revolution or abject subjugation. But they do not lack
for the want of information of the state of public sentiment in the
North. It is in vain that the laggards are assured by persons just from
the North, that the Republican leaders now composing the cabinet at
Washington were prepared to hail the event at Charleston as the most
auspicious that could have happened for the accomplishment of their
designs; and that their purpose is the extinction of slavery, at least
in the border States; the confiscation of the estates of rebels to
reimburse the Federal Government for the expenses of the war which had
been deliberately resolved on; and to gratify the cupidity of the
"Wide-Awakes," and to give employment to foreign mercenaries.
But it is not doubtful which course the current of feeling is rapidly
taking. Even in this hitherto Union city, secession demonstrations are
prevalent; and the very men who two days ago upheld Gov. Letcher in his
_conservatism_, are now stricken dumb amid the popular clamor for
immediate action. I am now resolved to remain in Richmond for a season.
After tea I called upon Gov. Wise, who occupied lodgings at the same
hotel. He was worn out, and prostrated by a distressing cough which
threatened pneumonia. But ever and anon his eagle eye assumed its wonted
brilliancy. He was surrounded by a number of his devoted friends, who
listened with rapt attention to his surpassing eloquence. A test
question, indicative of the purpose of the Convention to adjourn without
action, had that day been carried by a decided majority. The governor
once rose from his recumbent position on the sofa and said, whatever the
majority of Union men in the Convention might do, or leave undone,
Virginia must array herself on one side or the other. She must fight
either Lincoln or Davis. If the latter, he would renounce her, and
tender his sword and his life to the Southern Confederacy. And although
it was apparent that his _physique_ was reduced, as he said, to a mere
"bag of bones," yet it was evident that his spirit yet struggled with
all its native fire and animation.
Soon after President Tyler came in. I had not seen him for several
years, and was surprised to find him, under the weight of so many years,
unchanged in activity and energy of body and mind. He was quite as
ardent in his advocacy of prompt State action as Wise. Having recently
abandoned the presidency of the Peace Congress at Washington, in despair
of obtaining concessions or guarantees of safety from the rampant powers
then in the ascendency, he nevertheless believed, as did a majority of
the statesmen of the South, that, even then, in the event of the
secession of all the Southern States, presenting thus a united front, no
war of great magnitude would ensue. I know better, from my residence in
the North, and from the confessions of the Republicans with whom I have
been thrown in contact; but I will not dissent voluntarily from the
opinions of such statesmen. I can only, when my opinion is desired,
intimate my conviction that a great war of the sections might have been
averted, if the South had made an adequate _coup d'etat_ before the
inauguration of Lincoln, and while the Democratic party everywhere was
yet writhing under the sting and mortification of defeat. _Then_ the arm
of the Republican party would have been paralyzed, for the attitude of
the Democratic party would at least have been a menacing one; but _now_,
the Government has been suffered to fall into the possession of the
enemy, the sword and the purse have been seized, and it is _too late_ to
dream of peace--in or out of the Union. Submission will be dishonor.
Secession can only be death, which is preferable.
Gov. Wise, smiling, rose again and walked to a corner of the room where
I had noticed a bright musket with a sword-bayonet attached. He took it
up and criticised the sword as inferior to the _knife_. Our men would
require long drilling to become expert with the former, like the French
Zouaves; but they instinctively knew how to wield the bowie-knife. The
conversation turning upon the probable deficiency of a supply of
improved arms in the South, if a great war should ensue, the governor
said, with one of his inevitable expressions of feeling, that it was not
the improved _arm_, but the improved _man_, which would win the day. Let
brave men advance with flint locks and old-fashioned bayonets, on the
popinjays of the Northern cities--advance on, and on, under the fire,
reckless of the slain, and he would answer for it with his life, that
the Yankees would break and run. But, in the event of the Convention
adjourning without decisive action, he apprehended the first conflict
would be with _Virginians_--the Union men of Virginia. He evidently
despaired, under repeated defeats, of seeing an ordinance of secession
passed immediately, and would have preferred "resistance" to
"secession."
APRIL 13TH.--After breakfast I accompanied Gov. Wise to his room. He
advised me to remain a few days before proceeding elsewhere. He still
doubted, however, whether Virginia would move before autumn. He said
there was a majority of 500 Union men then in the city. But the _other_
Convention, to meet on the 16th, might do something. He recommended me
to a friend of his who distributed the tickets, who gave me a card of
admission.
APRIL 14TH.--Wrote all day for several journals.
APRIL 15TH.--Great demonstrations made throughout the day, and hundreds
of secession flags are flying in all parts of the city. At night, while
sitting with Captain O. Jennings Wise in the editorial room of the
_Enquirer_, I learned from the Northern exchange papers, which still
came to hand, that my office in Philadelphia, "_The Southern Monitor_,"
had been sacked by the mob. It was said ten thousand had visited my
office, displaying a rope with which to hang me. Finding their victim
had escaped, they vented their fury in sacking the place. I have not
ascertained the extent of the injury done; but if they injured the
building, it belonged to H. B., a rich Republican. They tore down the
signs (it was a corner house east of the Exchange), and split them up,
putting the splinters in their hats, and wearing them as trophies. They
next visited the mansion of Gen. P., who had made his fortune dealing in
cotton, and had been a bold Northern champion of Southern rights. But
the general flinched on this trying occasion. He displayed the stars and
stripes, and pledged "the boys" to lead them in battle against the
secessionists.
During the evening, a procession with banners and torch-lights came up
the street and paused before the _Enquirer_ office. They called for
Captain Wise, and I accompanied him to the iron balcony, where he made
them a soul-stirring speech. At its conclusion, he seized me by the arm
and introduced me to the crowd. He informed them of the recent
proceedings in Philadelphia, etc., and then ceased speaking, leaving me
to tell my own story to the listening multitude. That was not my fault;
I had never attempted to make a public speech in my life; and I felt
that I was in a predicament. Wise knew it, and enjoyed my embarrassment.
I contrived, however, to say to the people that the time for speaking
had gone by, and there was no time left for listening. They proceeded up
the street, growing like a snow-ball as they rolled onward. At every
corner there were cheers uttered for Davis, and groans for Lincoln.
Upon returning to my boarding-house (the hotel being found too
expensive), kept by Mrs. Samuels, and her sister, Miss Long, I found the
ladies making secession flags. Indeed, the ladies everywhere seem imbued
with the spirit of patriotism, and never fail to exert their influence
in behalf of Southern independence.
APRIL 15TH.--To-day the secession fires assumed a whiter heat. In the
Convention the Union men no longer utter denunciations against the
disunionists. They merely resort to pretexts and quibbles to stave off
the inevitable ordinance. They had sent a deputation to Washington to
make a final appeal to Seward and Lincoln to vouchsafe them such
guarantees as would enable them to keep Virginia to her moorings. But in
vain. They could not obtain even a promise of concession. And now the
Union members as they walk the streets, and even Gov. Letcher himself,
hear the indignant mutterings of the impassioned storm which threatens
every hour to sweep them from existence. Business is generally
suspended, and men run together in great crowds to listen to the news
from the North, where it is said many outrages are committed on Southern
men and those who sympathize with them. Many arrests are made, and the
victims thrown into Fort Lafayette. These crowds are addressed by the
most inflamed members of the Convention, and never did I hear more
hearty responses from the people.
APRIL 16TH.--This day the Spontaneous People's Convention met and
organized in Metropolitan Hall. The door-keeper stood with a drawn sword
in his hand. But the scene was orderly. The assembly was full, nearly
every county being represented, and the members were the representatives
of the most ancient and respectable families in the State. David
Chalmers, of Halifax County, I believe, was the President, and
Willoughby Newton, a life-long Whig, among the Vice-Presidents. P. H.
Aylett, a grandson of Patrick Henry, was the first speaker. And his
eloquence indicated that the spirit of his ancestor survived in him. But
he was for moderation and delay, still hoping that the other Convention
would yield to the pressure of public sentiment, and place the State in
the attitude now manifestly desired by an overwhelming majority of the
people. He was answered by the gallant Capt. Wise, who thrilled every
breast with his intrepid bearing and electric bursts of oratory. He
advocated action, without reference to the other Convention, as the best
means of bringing the Unionists to their senses. And the so-called
Demosthenean Seddon, and G. W. Randolph (grandson of Thomas Jefferson),
Lieut.-Gov. Montague, James Lyons, Judge Robertson, etc., were there.
Never, never did I hear more exalted and effective bursts of oratory.
And it was apparent that messages were constantly received from the
other Convention. What they were, I did not learn at the moment; but it
was evident that the Unionists were shaking in their shoes, and they
certainly begged one--just one--day's delay, which was accorded them.
The People's Convention agreed to adjourn till 10 o'clock A.M. the next
day. But before we separated a commotion was observed on the stage, and
the next moment a Mr. P., from Gov. Wise's old district, rushed forward
and announced that he had just arrived from Norfolk, where, under
instructions, and _with the acquiescence of Gov. Letcher_, he had
succeeded in blocking the channel of the river; and this would either
secure to us, or render useless to the United States, certain ships of
the navy, stores, armament, etc., of the value of millions of dollars.
This announcement was received with the wildest shouts of joy. Young men
threw up their hats, and old men buttoned their coats and clapped their
hands most vigorously. It was next hinted by some one who seemed to know
something of the matter, that before another day elapsed, Harper's Ferry
would fall into the hands of the secessionists.
At night the enthusiasm increases in intensity, and no further
opposition is to be apprehended from the influence of Tim Rives,
Baldwin, Clemens, etc. etc. It was quite apparent, indeed, that if an
ordinance of secession were passed by the new Convention, its validity
would be recognized and acted upon by the majority of the people. But
this would be a complication of the civil war, now the decree of fate.
Perhaps the occurrence which has attracted most attention is the raising
of the Southern flag on the capitol. It was hailed with the most
deafening shouts of applause. But at a quiet hour of the night, the
governor had it taken down, for the Convention had not yet passed the
ordinance of secession. Yet the stars and stripes did not float in its
stead; it was replaced by the flag of Virginia.
APRIL 17TH.--This was a memorable day. When we assembled at Metropolitan
Hall, it could be easily perceived that we were on the threshold of
momentous events. All other subjects, except that of a new political
organization of the State, seemed to be momentarily delayed, as if
awaiting action elsewhere. And this plan of political organization
filled me with alarm, for I apprehended it would result in a new
conflict between the old parties--Whig and Democrat. The ingenious
discussion of this subject was probably a device of the Unionists, two
or three of them having obtained seats in the Revolutionary Convention.
I knew the ineradicable instincts of Virginia politicians, and their
inveterate habit of public speaking, and knew there were well-grounded
fears that we should be launched and lost in an illimitable sea of
argument, when the business was Revolution, and death to the coming
invader. Besides, I saw no hope of unanimity if the old party
distinctions and designations were not submerged forever.
These fears, however, were groundless. The Union had received its
_blessure mortelle_, and no power this side of the Potomac could save
it. During a pause in the proceedings, one of the leading members arose
and announced that he had information that the vote was about being
taken in the other Convention on the ordinance of secession. "Very
well!" cried another member, "we will give them another chance to save
themselves. But it is the last!" This was concurred in by a vast
majority. Not long after, Lieut.-Gov. Montague came in and announced the
passage of the ordinance by the other Convention! This was succeeded by
a moment too thrilling for utterance, but was followed by tears of
gladness and rapturous applause. Soon after, President Tyler and Gov.
Wise were conducted arm-in-arm, and bare-headed, down the center aisle
amid a din of cheers, while every member rose to his feet. They were led
to the platform, and called upon to address the Convention. The
venerable ex-President of the United States first rose responsive to the
call, but remarked that the exhaustion incident to his recent incessant
labors, and the nature of his emotions at such a momentous crisis,
superadded to the feebleness of age, rendered him physically unable to
utter what he felt and thought on such an occasion. Nevertheless, he
seemed to acquire supernatural strength as he proceeded, and he spoke
most effectively for the space of fifteen minutes. He gave a brief
history of all the struggles of our race for freedom, from _Magna
Charta_ to the present day; and he concluded with a solemn declaration
that at no period of our history were we engaged in a more just and holy
effort for the maintenance of liberty and independence than at the
present moment. The career of the dominant party at the North was but a
series of aggressions, which fully warranted the steps we were taking
for resistance and eternal separation; and if we performed our whole
duty as Christians and patriots, the same benign Providence which
favored the cause of our forefathers in the Revolution of 1776, would
again crown our efforts with similar success. He said he might not
survive to witness the consummation of the work begun that day; but
generations yet unborn would bless those who had the high privilege of
being participators in it.
He was succeeded by Gov. Wise, who, for a quarter of an hour,
electrified the assembly by a burst of eloquence, perhaps never
surpassed by mortal orator. During his pauses a silence reigned, pending
which the slightest breathing could be distinctly heard, while every eye
was bathed in tears. At times the vast assembly rose involuntarily to
their feet, and every emotion and expression of feature seemed
responsive to his own. During his speech he alluded to the reports of
the press that the oppressors of the North had probably seized one of
his children sojourning in their midst. "But," said he, "if they suppose
hostages of my own heart's blood will stay my hand in a contest for the
maintenance of sacred rights, they are mistaken. Affection for kindred,
property, and life itself sink into insignificance in comparison with
the overwhelming importance of public duty in such a crisis as this." He
lamented the blindness which had prevented Virginia from seizing
Washington before the Republican hordes got possession of it--but, said
he, we must do our best under the circumstances. It was now Independence
or Death--although he had preferred fighting in the Union--and when the
mind was made up to die rather than fail, success was certain. For
himself, he was eager to meet the ordeal, and he doubted not every
Southern heart pulsated in unison with his own.
Hon. J. M. Mason, and many other of Virginia's distinguished sons were
called upon, and delivered patriotic speeches. And finally, _Gov.
Letcher_ appeared upon the stage. He was loudly cheered by the very men
who, two days before, would gladly have witnessed his execution. The
governor spoke very briefly, merely declaring his concurrence in the
important step that had been taken, and his honest purpose, under the
circumstances, to discharge his whole duty as Executive of the State, in
conformity to the will of the people and the provisions of the
Constitution.
Before the _sine die_ adjournment, it was suggested that inasmuch as the
ordinance had been passed in secret session, and it was desirable that
the enemy should not know it before certain preparations could be made
to avert sudden injury on the border, etc., that the fact should not be
divulged at present.
APRIL 18TH.--In spite of every precaution, it is currently whispered in
the streets to-day that Virginia has seceded from the Union; and that
the act is to be submitted to the people for ratification a month hence.
This is perhaps a blunder. If the Southern States are to adhere to the
old distinct sovereignty doctrine, God help them one and all to achieve
their independence of the United States. Many are inclined to think the
safest plan would be to obliterate State lines, and merge them all into
an indivisible nation or empire, else there may be incessant conflicts
between the different sovereignties themselves, and between them and the
General Government. I doubt our ability to maintain the old cumbrous,
complicated, and expensive form of government. A national executive and
Congress will be sufficiently burdensome to the people without the
additional expense of governors, lieutenant-governors, a dozen
secretaries of State, as many legislatures, etc. etc. It is true, State
rights gave the States the right to secede. But what is in a name?
Secession by any other name would smell as sweet. For my part, I like
the name of Revolution, or even Rebellion, better, for they are
sanctified by the example of Washington and his compeers. And
separations of communities are like the separations of bees when they
cannot live in peace in the same hive. The time had come apparently for
us to set up for ourselves, and we should have done it if there had been
no such thing as State sovereignty. It is true, the Constitution adopted
at Montgomery virtually acknowledges the right of any State to secede
from the Confederacy; but that was necessary in vindication of the
action of its fathers. That Constitution, and the _permanent_ one to
succeed it, will, perhaps, never do. They too much resemble the
governmental organization of the Yankees, to whom we have bid adieu
forever in disgust.
APRIL 19TH.--Dispatches from Montgomery indicate that President Davis is
as firm a States right man as any other, perfectly content to bear the
burdens of government six years, and hence I apprehend he will not budge
in the business of guarding Virginia until after the ratification of the
secession ordinance. Thus a month's precious time will be lost; and the
scene of conflict, instead of being in Pennsylvania, near Philadelphia,
will be in Virginia. From the ardor of the volunteers already beginning
to pour into the city, I believe 25,000 men could be collected and armed
in a week, and in another they might sweep the whole Abolition concern
beyond the Susquehanna, and afterward easily keep them there. But this
will not be attempted, nor permitted, by the Convention, so recently
composed mostly of Union men.
To-night we have rumors of a collision in Baltimore. A regiment of
Northern troops has been assailed by the mob. No good can come of mob
assaults in a great revolution.
Wrote my wife to make preparations with all expedition to escape into
Virginia. Women and children will not be molested for some weeks yet;
but I see they have begun to ransack their baggage. Mrs. Semple,
daughter of President Tyler, I am informed, had her plate taken from her
in an attempt to get it away from New York.
APRIL 20TH.--The news has been confirmed. It was a brickbat "Plug Ugly"
fight--the result of animal, and not intellectual or patriotic
instincts. Baltimore has better men for the strife than bar-room
champions. The absence of dignity in this assault will be productive of
evil rather than good. Maryland is probably lost--for her fetters will
be riveted before the secession of Virginia will be communicated by the
senseless form of ratification a month hence. Woe, woe to the
politicians of Virginia who have wrought this delay! It is now
understood that the very day before the ordinance was passed, the
members were gravely splitting hairs over proposed amendments to the
Federal Constitution!
Guns are being fired on Capitol Hill in commemoration of secession, and
the Confederate flag now floats unmolested from the summit of the
capitol. I think they had better save the powder, etc.
At night. We have a gay illumination. This too is wrong. We had better
save the candles.
APRIL 21ST.--Received several letters to-day which had been delayed in
their transmission, and were doubtless opened on the way. One was from
my wife, informing me of the illness of Custis, my eldest son, and of
the equivocal conduct of some of the neighbors. The Rev. Mr. D., son of
the late B----p, raised the flag of the Union on his church.
The telegraphic wires are still in operation.
APRIL 22D.--Early a few mornings since, I called on Gov. Wise, and
informed him that Lincoln had called out 70,000 men. He opened his eyes
very widely and said, emphatically, "I don't believe it." The greatest
statesmen of the South have no conception of the real purposes of the
men now in power in the United States. They cannot be made to believe
that the Government at Washington are going to wage war immediately. But
when I placed the President's proclamation in his hand, he read it with
deep emotion, and uttered a fierce "Hah!" Nevertheless, when I told him
that these 70,000 were designed to be merely the videttes and outposts
of an army of 700,000, he was quite incredulous. He had not witnessed
the Wide-Awake gatherings the preceding fall, as I had done, and
listened to the pledges they made to subjugate the South, free the
negroes, and hang Gov. Wise. I next told him they would blockade our
ports, and endeavor to cut off our supplies. To this he uttered a most
positive negative. He said it would be contrary to the laws of nations,
as had been decided often in the Courts of Admiralty, and would be
moreover a violation of the Constitution. Of course I admitted all this;
but maintained that such was the intention of the Washington Cabinet.
Laws and Courts and Constitutions would not be impediments in the way of
Yankees resolved upon our subjugation. Presuming upon their superior
numbers, and under the pretext of saving the Union and annihilating
slavery, they would invade us like the army-worm, which enters the green
fields in countless numbers. The real object was to enjoy our soil and
climate by means of confiscation. He poohed me into silence with an
indignant frown. He had no idea that the Yankees would _dare_ to enter
upon such enterprises in the face of an enlightened world. But I know
them better. And it will be found that they will learn how to fight, and
will not be afraid to fight.
APRIL 23D.--Several prominent citizens telegraphed President Davis
to-day to hasten to Virginia with as many troops as he can catch up,
assuring him that his army will grow like a snow-ball as it progresses.
I have no doubt it would. I think it would swell to 50,000 before
reaching Washington, and that the people on the route would supply the
quartermaster's stores, and improvise an adequate commissariat. I
believe he could drive the Abolitionists out of Washington even yet, if
he would make a bold dash, and that there would be a universal uprising
in all the border States this side of the Susquehanna. But he does not
respond. Virginia was too late moving, and North Carolina, Tennessee,
Arkansas, Kentucky, and Missouri have not seceded yet--though all of
them will soon follow Virginia. Besides, the vote on the ratification in
this State is to take place a month hence. It would be an infringement
of State rights, and would be construed as an _invasion of Virginia_!
Could the Union men in the Convention, after being forced to pass the
ordinance, have dealt a more fatal blow to their country? But that is
not all. The governor is appointing his Union partisans to military
positions. Nevertheless, as time rolls on, and eternal separation is
pronounced by the events that must be developed, they may prove true to
the best interests of their native land.
Every hour there are fresh arrivals of organized companies from the
country, tendering their services to the governor; and nearly all the
young men in the city are drilling. The cadets of the Military Institute
are rendering good service now, and Professor Jackson is truly a
benefactor. I hope he will take the field himself; and if he does, I
predict for him a successful career.
APRIL 24TH.--Martial music is heard everywhere, day and night, and all
the trappings and paraphernalia of war's decorations are in great
demand. The ladies are sewing everywhere, even in the churches. But the
gay uniforms we see to-day will change their hue before the advent of
another year. All history shows that fighting is not only the most
perilous pursuit in the world, but the _hardest_ and the roughest work
one can engage in. And many a young man bred in luxury, will be killed
by exposure in the night air, lying on the damp ground, before meeting
the enemy. But the same thing may be said of the Northmen. And the
arbitrament of war, and war's desolation, is a foregone conclusion. How
much better it would have been if the North had permitted the South to
depart in peace! With political separation, there might still have
remained commercial union. But they would not.
APRIL 25TH.--Ex-President Tyler and Vice-President Stephens are
negotiating a treaty which is to ally Virginia to the Confederate
States.
APRIL 26TH.--To-day I recognize Northern merchants and Jews in the
streets, busy in collecting the debts due them. The Convention has
thrown some impediments in the way; but I hear on every hand that
Southern merchants, in the absence of legal obligations, recognize the
demands of honor, and are sending money North, even if it be used
against us. This will not last long.
APRIL 27TH.--We have had a terrible alarm. The tocsin was sounded in the
public square, and thousands have been running hither and thither to
know its meaning. Dispatches have been posted about the city, purporting
to have been received by the governor, with the startling information
that the U. S. war steamer Pawnee is coming up the James River for the
purpose of shelling the city!
All the soldiery, numbering some thousands, are marching down to
Rocketts, and forming in line of battle on the heights commanding the
approaches. The howitzers are there, frowning defiance; and two long
French bronze guns are slowly passing through Main Street in the same
direction. One of them has just broken down, and lies abandoned in front
of the Post-Office. Even civilians, by hundreds, are hurrying with
shot-guns and pistols to the scene of action, and field officers are
galloping through the streets. Although much apprehension is apparent on
many faces, it is but just to say that the population generally are
resolved to make a determined defense. There is no fear of personal
danger; it is only the destruction of property that is dreaded. But, in
my opinion, the Pawnee is about as likely to attempt the navigation of
the River Styx, as to run up this river within shelling distance of the
city.
I walked down to the lower bridge, without even taking a pocket-pistol,
and saw the troops drawn up in line of battle awaiting the enemy. Toward
evening the howitzers engaged in some unprofitable practice, shelling
the trees on the opposite side.
It was a false alarm, if not something worse. I fear it is an invention
of the enemy to divert us from the generally conceived policy of
attacking Washington, and rousing up Maryland in the rear of Lincoln.
Met with, and was introduced to, Gov. Letcher, in the evening, at the
_Enquirer_ office. He was revising one of his many proclamations; and is
now undoubtedly as zealous an advocate of secession as any man. He said
he would be ready to fight in _three or four days_; and that he would
soon have arrangements completed to blockade the Potomac by means of
formidable batteries.
APRIL 28TH.--Saw Judge Scarburg, who has resigned his seat in the Court
of Claims at Washington. I believe he brought his family, and abandoned
his furniture, etc. Also Dr. Garnett, who left most of his effects in
the hands of the enemy. He was a marked man, being the son-in-law of
Gov. Wise.
Many clerks are passing through the city on their way to Montgomery,
where they are sure to find employment. Lucky men, some of them! They
have eaten Lincoln bread for more than a month, and most of them would
have been turned out of office if there had been no secession. And I
observe among them some who have left their wives behind _to take care
of their homes_.
APRIL 29TH.--I wrote to my agent on the Eastern Shore to send me the
last year's rent due on the farm. But I learn that the cruisers in the
bay are intercepting the communications, and I fear remittances will be
impracticable. I hope my family are ready by this to leave Burlington.
Women and children have not yet been interfered with. What if they
should be compelled to abandon our property there? Mrs. Semple had her
plate seized at New York.
At fifty-one, I can hardly follow the pursuit of arms; but I will write
and preserve a DIARY of the revolution. I never held or sought office in
my life; but now President Tyler and Gov. Wise say I will find
employment at Montgomery. The latter will prepare a letter to President
Davis, and the former says he will draw up a paper in my behalf, and
take it through the Convention himself for signatures. I shall be
sufficiently credentialed, at all events--provided old partisan
considerations are banished from the new confederacy. To make my DIARY
full and complete as possible, is now my business. And,
"When the hurly-burly's done,
When the battle's lost and won,"
if the South wins it, I shall be content to retire to my farm, provided
it falls on the Southern side of the line, and enjoy sweet repose "under
my own vine and fig-tree."
APRIL 30TH.--Gen. Kearney has been brought here, having been taken on
his way to Washington from Missouri. He manifested surprise at his
captivity, and says that he is no enemy; being, I believe, Southern
born. I learn it is the purpose of the governor to release him. And this
may be a blunder. I fear about as much from ill-timed Southern
magnanimity as from Northern malignity.
The Pawnee "scare" turned out just as I thought it would. She merely
turned her nose up the river, and then put about and steamed away again.
It may do good, however, if it stimulates the authorities to due
preparation against future assaults from that quarter.