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.
OCTOBER 1ST.--We have a rumor to-day that Meade is sending heavy masses
of troops to the West to extricate Rosecrans, and that Gen. Hooker is to
menace Richmond from the Peninsula, with 25,000 men, to keep Lee from
crossing the Potomac.
We have absolutely nothing from Bragg; but a dispatch from Gen. S.
Jones, East Tennessee, of this date, says he has sent Gen. Ranseur after
the rear guard of the enemy, near Knoxville.
A letter from W. G. M. Davis, describes St. Andrew's Bay, Florida, as
practicable for exporting and importing purposes. It may be required, if
Charleston and Wilmington fall--which is not improbable.
Nevertheless, Bragg's victory has given us a respite in the East, and
soon the bad roads will put an end to the marching of armies until next
year. I doubt whether the Yankees will desire another winter campaign in
Virginia.
The papers contain the following account of sufferings at Gettysburg,
and in the Federal prisons:
"A lady from the vicinity of Gettysburg writes: 'July 18th--We have been
visiting the battle-field, and have done all we can for the wounded
there. Since then we have sent another party, who came upon a camp of
wounded Confederates in a wood between the hills. Through this wood
quite a large creek runs. This camp contained between 200 and 300
wounded men, in every stage of suffering; two well men among them as
nurses. Most of them had frightful wounds. A few evenings ago the rain,
sudden and violent, swelled the creek, and 35 of the unfortunates were
swept away; 35 died of starvation. No one had been to visit them since
they were carried off the battle-field; they had no food of any kind;
they were crying all the time "bread, bread! water, water!" One boy
without beard was stretched out dead, quite naked, a piece of blanket
thrown over his emaciated form, a rag over his face, and his small, thin
hands laid over his breast. Of the dead none knew their names, and it
breaks my heart to think of the mothers waiting and watching for the
sons laid in the lonely grave on that fearful battle-field. All of those
men in the woods were nearly naked, and when ladies approached they
tried to cover themselves with the filthy rags they had cast aside. The
wounds themselves, unwashed and untouched, were full of worms. God only
knows what they suffered.
"'Not one word of complaint passed their lips, not a murmur; their only
words were "Bread, bread! water, water!" Except when they saw some of
our ladies much affected, they said, "Oh, ladies, don't cry; we are used
to this." We are doing all we can; we served all day yesterday, though
it was Sunday.' This lady adds: 'There were two brothers--one a colonel,
the other a captain--lying side by side, and both wounded. They had a
Bible between them.' Another letter from Philadelphia says: 'There are
over 8000 on the island (Fort Delaware), the hospitals crowded, and
between 300 and 400 men on the bare floor of the barracks; not even a
straw mattress under them. The surgeon says the hundred pillows and
other things sent from here were a God-send. Everything except gray
clothing will be thankfully received, and can be fully disposed of. It
is very difficult to get money here. I write to you in the hope that you
may be able to send some comforts for these suffering men. Some two or
three thousand have been sent to an island in the East River, most of
them South Carolinians, and all in great destitution. Your hearts would
ache as mine does if you knew all I hear and know is true of the
sufferings of our poor people.'
"Another writes: Philadelphia, July 20th, 1863. 'I mentioned in my last
the large number of Southern prisoners now in the hands of the Federal
Government in Fort Delaware, near this city. There are 8000, a large
portion of whom are sick and wounded; all are suffering most seriously
for the want of a thousand things. Those in the city who are by birth or
association connected with Southern people, and who feel a sympathy for
the sufferings of these prisoners, are but few in number, and upon these
have been increasing calls for aid. Their powers of contribution are now
exhausted. I thought it my duty to acquaint you and others in Europe of
this state of things, that you might raise something to relieve the
sufferings of these prisoners. I believe the government has decided that
any contributions for them may be delivered to them. There is scarcely a
man among them, officers or privates, who has any money or any clothes
beyond those in which they stood when they were captured on the
battle-field. You can, therefore, imagine their situation. In the
hospitals the government gives them nothing beyond medicines and
soldier's rations. Sick men require much more, or they perish; and these
people are dying by scores. I think it a matter in which their friends
on the other side should take prompt and ample action.'"
OCTOBER 2D.--Our 5000 prisoners taken at the battle of Chickamauga have
arrived in this city, and it is ascertained that more are on the way
hither. Gen. Bragg said he had 5000 besides the wounded, and as none of
the wounded have arrived, more must have been taken since his dispatch.
Every effort is being made on our part to capture the army of
Rosecrans--and everything possible is done by the enemy to extricate
him, and to reinforce him to such an extent that he may resume offensive
operations. Without this be done, the campaign must close disastrously
in the West, and then the peace party of the North will have a new
inspiration of vitality.
It is now said that Gen. Lee, despairing of being attacked in his chosen
position, has resolved to attack Meade, or at least to advance
somewhere. It is possible (if Meade has really sent two corps of his
army to the West) that he will cross the Potomac again--at least on a
foraging expedition. If he meets with only conscripts and militia he may
penetrate as far as Harrisburg, and then let Europe perpend! The Union
will be as difficult of reconstruction, as would have been the
celebrated Campo Formio vase shivered by Napoleon. It is much easier to
destroy than to construct. The emancipation and confiscation measures
rendered reconstruction impracticable--unless, indeed, at a future day,
the Abolitionists of the United States should be annihilated and
Abolitionism abolished.
To-day I got an excellent pair of winter shoes from a quartermaster here
for $13--the retail price for as good an article, in the stores, is $75;
fine boots have risen to $200!
The enemy's batteries on Morris Island are firing away again at Sumter's
ruins, and at Moultrie--but they have not yet opened on the city.
The newspapers continue to give accounts of the Chickamauga battle.
OCTOBER 3D.--Nothing from the armies; but from Charleston it is
ascertained that the enemy's batteries on Morris Island have some of the
guns pointing _seaward_. This indicates a provision against attack from
that quarter, and suggests a purpose to withdraw the monitors, perhaps
to use them against Wilmington. I suppose the opposite guns in the
batteries will soon open on Charleston.
Thomas Jackson, Augusta, Ga., writes that he can prove the president of
the Southern Express Company, who recently obtained a passport to visit
Europe, really embarked for the United States, taking a large sum in
gold; that another of the same company (which is nothing more than a
branch of Adams's Express Company of New York) will leave soon with more
gold. He says this company has enough men detailed from the army, and
conscripts exempted, to make two regiments.
J. M. Williams writes from Morton, Miss., that his negroes have been
permitted to return to his plantation, near Baton Rouge, and place
themselves under his overseer. During their absence some ten or twelve
died. This is really wonderful policy on the part of the enemy--a policy
which, if persisted in, might ruin us. _Mr. Williams asks permission to
sell some fifty bales of cotton to the enemy for the support of his
slaves._ He says the enemy is getting all the cotton in that section of
country--and it may be inferred that all the planters are getting back
their slaves. The moment any relaxation occurs in the rigorous measures
of the enemy, that moment our planters cease to be united in resistance.
OCTOBER 4TH.--The major-quartermasters and the acting
quartermaster-generals (during the illness or absence of Gen. Lawton)
are buffeting the project some of us set on foot to obtain wood at cost,
$8, instead of paying the extortioners $40 per cord. All the wagons and
teams of Longstreet's corps are here idle, while the corps itself is
with Bragg--and the horses are fed by the government of course. These
wagons and teams might bring into the city thousands of cords of wood.
The quartermasters at first said there were no drivers; but I pointed
out the free Yankee negroes in the prisons, who beg employment. Now Col.
Cole, the quartermaster in charge of transportation, says there is a
prospect of getting teamsters--but that hauling should be done
exclusively for the army--and the quartermaster-general (acting)
indorses on the paper that if the Secretary will _designate the class of
clerks_ to be benefited, some little wood might be delivered them. This
concession was obtained, because the Secretary himself sent my _second_
paper to the quartermaster-general--the _first_ never having been seen
by him, having passed from the hands of the Assistant Secretary to the
file-tomb.
Another paper I addressed to the President, suggesting the opening of
government stores for the sale of perishable tithes,--being a blow at
the extortioners, and a measure of relief to the non-producers, and
calculated to prevent a riot in the city,--was referred by him
yesterday to the Secretary of War, for his special notice, and for
_conference_, which may result in good, if they adopt the plan
submitted. That paper the Assistant Secretary _cannot_ withhold, having
the President's mark on it.
OCTOBER 5TH.--It is now said that Meade's army has not retired, and that
two corps of it have not been sent to Rosecrans. Well, we shall know
more soon, for Lee is preparing for a movement. It may occur this week.
In the West it is said Gen. Johnston is working his way, with a few
brigades, from Meridian towards _Nashville._
Lieut.-Gen. E. Kirby Smith writes for authority to make appointments and
promotions in the trans-Mississippi Army, as its "communications with
Richmond are permanently interrupted." The President indorses that he
has no authority to delegate the power of appointing, as that is fixed
by the constitution; but he will do anything in his power to facilitate
the wishes of the general. The general writes that such delegation is a
"military necessity."
The _Enquirer_ and the _Dispatch_ have come out in opposition to the
fixing of maximum prices for articles of necessity, by either the
Legislature of the State or by Congress. It is charged against these
papers, with what justice I know not, that the proprietors of both are
realizing profits from speculation.
To-day I got a fine shin-bone (for soup) for $1. I obtained it at the
government shop; in the market I was asked $5.50 for one. We had a good
dinner, and something left over for to-morrow.
OCTOBER 6TH.--Gen. Bragg and others recommend Gen. Hood for promotion to
a lieutenant-generalcy; but the President says it is impossible, as the
number authorized by Congress is full. And Gen. Bragg also gives timely
notice to the Commissary-General that the supplies at Atlanta will
suffice for but a few weeks longer. This, Commissary-General Northrop
took in high dudgeon, indorsing on the paper that there was no necessity
for such a message to him; that Bragg knew very well that every effort
had been and would be made to subsist the army; and that when he
evacuated Tennessee, the great source of supplies was abandoned. In
short, the only hope of obtaining ample supplies was for Gen. Bragg to
recover Tennessee, and drive Rosecrans out of the country.
The President has at last consented to send troops for the protection of
Wilmington--Martin's brigade; and also Clingman's, from Charleston, if
the enemy should appear before Wilmington.
I read to-day an interesting report from one of our secret agents--Mr.
A. Superviele--of his diplomatic operations in Mexico, which convinces
me that the French authorities there favor the Confederate States cause,
and anticipate closer relations before long. When he parted with
Almonte, the latter assured him that his sympathies were with the South,
and that if he held any position in the new government (which he does
now) he might say to President Davis that his influence would be exerted
for the recognition of our independence.
Mr. Jeptha Fowlkes, of Aberdeen, Miss., sends a proposition to supply
our army with 200,000 suits of clothing, 50,000 pairs of shoes, etc.
etc. from the United States, provided he be allowed to give cotton in
return. Mr. Randolph made a contract with him last year, of this nature,
which our government revoked afterward. We shall see what will be done
now.
It is positively asserted that Gen. Bragg has arrested Lieut.-Gen.
(Bishop) Polk and Brig.-Gen. Hindman, for disobedience of orders in the
battle of Chickamauga.
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT DAVIS--The Mobile papers publish the following
letter from President Davis to the "Confederate Society," of Enterprise,
Miss.:
"RICHMOND, VA., Sept. 17th, 1863.
"J. W. HARMON, ESQ., SECRETARY OF THE CONFEDERATE SOCIETY,
ENTERPRISE, MISS.
"SIR:--I have received your letter of the 22d ult., inclosing a
copy of an address to the people of the Confederate States, calling
upon them to unite in an effort to restore and maintain the par
value of the currency with gold by forming societies of citizens
who will engage to sell and buy only at reduced prices. The object
of the address is most laudable, and I sincerely hope for it great
success in arousing the people to concerted action upon a subject
of the deepest importance. The passion for speculation has become a
gigantic evil. It has seemed to take possession of the whole
country, and has seduced citizens of all classes from a determined
prosecution of the war to a sordid effort to amass money. It
destroys enthusiasm and weakens public confidence. It injures the
efficiency of every measure which demands the zealous co-operation
of the people in repelling the public enemy, and threatens to bring
upon us every calamity which can befall freemen struggling for
independence.
"The united exertions of societies like those you propose should
accomplish much toward abating this evil, and infusing a new spirit
into the community.
"I trust, therefore, that you will continue your labors until their
good effect becomes apparent everywhere.
"Please accept my thanks for the comforting tone of your patriotic
letter. It is a relief to receive such a communication at this
time, when earnest effort is demanded, and when I am burdened by
the complaining and despondent letters of many who have stood all
the day idle, and now blame anybody but themselves for reverses
which have come and dangers which threaten.
"Very respectfully,
"Your fellow-citizen,
"JEFFERSON DAVIS."
There is a revival in the city among the Methodists; and that suggests a
recent expiring. In my young days I saw much of these sensational
excitements, and partook of them; for how can the young resist them? But
it is the Caesarean method of being born again, violating reason, and
perhaps outraging nature. There was one gratifying deduction derived
from my observation to-night, at the Clay Street meeting-house--the
absence of allusion to the war. I had supposed the attempt would be made
by the exhorters to appeal to the fears of the soldiery, composing more
than half the congregation, and the terrors of death be held up before
them. But they knew better; they knew that every one of them had made up
his mind to die, and that most of them expected either death or wounds
in this mortal struggle for independence. The fact is they are familiar
with death in all its phases, and there is not a coward among them. They
look upon danger with the most perfect indifference, and fear not to
die. Hence there was no allusion to the battle-field, which has become a
scene divested of novelty. But the appeals were made to their
sympathies, and reliance was placed on the force of example, and the
contagion of ungovernable emotions.
OCTOBER 7TH.--We have not a particle of news from the army to-day. It
may be an ominous calm.
A Mr. Livingstone, from Georgia I believe, has been extensively engaged
in financial transactions during the last week. He drew upon the house
of North & Co., Savannah, and purchased some $35,000 in gold. After
obtaining some $350,000 from the brokers here, he obtained a passport
(of course!) and fled into the enemy's lines.
OCTOBER 8TH.--The President, accompanied by two of his aids, set off
quietly day before yesterday for the Southwest--to Bragg's army, no
doubt, where it is understood dissensions have arisen among the
chieftains.
By telegraph we learn that one of Bragg's batteries, on Lookout
Mountain, opened fire on the Federals in Chattanooga on the 5th inst.,
which was replied to briskly.
Night before last an attempt was made to destroy the enemy's steamer
Ironsides at Charleston, but failed. The torpedo, however, may have done
it some injury.
From Lee and Meade we have nothing.
A rather startling letter was read by the Secretary of War to-day from
----, Lieut.-Gen. Bragg's ----d in command. It was dated the 26th of
September, and stated that Chickamauga was one of the most complete
victories of the war, but has not been "followed up." On the 21st (day
after the battle), Gen. Bragg asked Gen. ----'s advice, which was
promptly given: "that he should immediately strike Burnside a blow; or
if Burnside escaped, then to march on Rosecrans's communications in the
rear of Nashville." Gen. Bragg seemed to adopt the plan, and gave orders
accordingly. But the right wing had not marched more than eight or ten
miles the next day, before it was halted, and ordered to march toward
Chattanooga, after giving the enemy two and a half days to strengthen
the fortifications. Bragg's army remains in front of the enemy's
defenses, with orders not to assault him. The only thing Bragg has done
well (says Gen. ----) was to order the attack on the 19th of September;
everything else has been wrong: and now only God can save us or help
us--while Bragg commands. He begs that Gen. Lee be sent there, while the
Army of Virginia remains on the defensive, to prosecute offensive
measures against Rosecrans. He says Bragg's army has neither
organization nor mobility; and B. cannot remedy the evil. He cannot
adopt or adhere to any course, and he invokes the government to
interpose speedily. This letter is on file in the archives.
The question now is, who is right? If it be ----, Bragg ought certainly
to be relieved without delay; and the President cannot arrive in the
field a moment too soon. As it is, while others are exulting in the
conviction that Rosecrans will be speedily destroyed, _I_ am filled with
alarm for the fate of Bragg's army, and for the cause! I am reluctant to
attribute the weakness of personal pique or professional jealousy to
----; yet I still hope that events will speedily prove that Bragg's plan
was the best, and that he had really adopted and advised to the wisest
course.
OCTOBER 9TH.--From the West we have only unreliable reports of
movements, etc.; but something definite and decisive must occur shortly.
Gen. Lee's army crossed the Rapidan yesterday, and a battle may be
looked for in that direction any day. It is said Meade has only 40,000
or 50,000 men; and, if this be so, Lee is strong enough to assume the
offensive.
To-morrow the departments will be closed for a review of the clerks,
etc., a piece of nonsense, as civil officers are under no obligation to
march except to fight, when the city is menaced.
The mechanics and non-producers have made a unanimous call (in placards)
for a mass meeting at the City Hall to-morrow evening. The ostensible
object is to instruct Mr. Randolph and other members of the Legislature
(now in session) to vote for the bill, fixing maximum prices of
commodities essential to life, or else to resign. Mr. Randolph has said
he would not vote for it, unless so instructed to do. It is apprehended
that these men, or the authors of the movement, have ulterior objects in
view; and as some ten or twelve hundred of them belong to the militia,
and have muskets in their possession, mischief may grow out of it. Mr.
Secretary Seddon ought to act at once on the plan suggested for the sale
of the perishable tithes, since the government is blamed very much, and
perhaps very justly, for preventing transportation of meat and bread to
the city, or for impressing it in transitu.
Capt. Warner, who feeds the prisoners of war, and who is my good "friend
in need," sent me yesterday 20 odd pounds of bacon sides at the
government price. This is not exactly according to law and order, but
the government loses nothing, and my family have a substitute for
butter.
OCTOBER 10TH.--The enemy is undoubtedly falling back on the
Rappahannock, and our army is pursuing. We have about 40,000 in Lee's
army, and it is reported that Meade has 50,000, of whom many are
conscripts, altogether unreliable. We may look for stirring news soon.
About 2500 of the "local" troops were reviewed to-day. The companies
were not more than half filled; so, in an emergency, we could raise 5000
fighting men, at a moment's warning, for the defense of the capital. In
the absence of Custis Lee, Col. Brown, the English aid of the President,
commanded the brigade, much to the disgust of many of the men, and the
whole were reviewed by Gen. Elzey, still more to the chagrin of the
ultra Southern men.
The Secretary seems unable to avert the storm brewing against the
extortioners; but permits impressments of provisions coming to the city.
It is said the President and cabinet have a large special fund in
Europe. If they should fall into the hands of Lincoln, they might suffer
death; so in the event of subjugation, it is surmised they have provided
for their subsistence in foreign lands. But there is no necessity for
such provision, provided they perform their duty here. I cut the
following from the papers:
"The Vicomte de St. Romain has been sent by the French Government to
ours to negotiate for the exportation of the tobacco bought for France
by French agents.
"The Confederate States Government has at last consented to allow the
tobacco to leave the country, provided the French Government will send
its own vessels for it.
"The latter _will_ send French ships, accompanied by armed convoys.
"To this the United States Government objects _in toto_.
"Vicomte de St. Romain is now making his way to New York to send the
result of his mission, through the French Consul, to the Emperor.
"The French frigates in New York are there on this errand."
OCTOBER 11TH.--I attended a meeting of "mechanics" and citizens at the
City Hall last night. The prime mover of this organization is E. B.
Robinson, some twenty years ago one of my printers in the _Madisonian_
office. It was fully attended, and although not so boisterous as might
have been expected, was, nevertheless, earnest and determined in its
spirit. Resolutions instructing Mr. Randolph (State Senator, and late
Secretary of War) to vote for a bill before the General Assembly
reducing and fixing the prices of the necessities of life, were passed
unanimously; also one demanding his resignation, in the event of his
hesitating to obey. He was bitterly denounced by the speakers.
I understood yesterday, from the butchers, that they have been buying
beef cattle, not from the producers, but from a Mr. Moffitt (they say a
commissary agent), at from 45 to 55 cents gross; and hence they are
compelled to retail it (net) at from 75 cents to $1.25 per pound to the
people. If this be so, and the commissary buys at government prices, 18
to 22 cents, a great profit is realized by the government or its agent
at the expense of a suffering people. How long will the people suffer
thus? This community is even now in an inflammable condition, and may be
ignited by a single spark. The flames of insurrection may at any moment
wrap this slumbering government in its destructive folds; and yet the
cabinet cannot be awakened to a sense of the danger. Mr. Seddon (who may
be better informed than others), deeply sunken in his easy chair, seems
perfectly composed; but he cannot know that his agents are permitted to
prey upon the people: and the complaints and charges sent to him are
acted upon by his subordinates, who have orders not to permit business
of secondary importance to engage his attention; and his door-keepers
have instructions to refuse admittance to persons below a certain rank.
Nothing but the generous and brave men in the army could have saved us
from destruction long ago, and nothing else can save us hereafter. If
our independence shall be achieved, it will be done in _spite_ of the
obstructions with which the cause has been burdened by the stupidity or
mismanagement of incompetent or dishonest men.
"THE SUFFERINGS OF THE BORDER MISSOURIANS.--The people of Missouri, on
the Kansas border, are being slaughtered without mercy under the
authority of the Yankee commander of that department, Schofield. A
letter to the St. Louis _Republican_ (Yankee) says:
"On Sunday last the desire for blood manifested itself in the
southeastern part of Jackson County, not far from the village of Lone
Jack. Although it was Sunday, the people of that region, alarmed and
terror-stricken by threats from Kansas, and cruel edicts from
headquarters of the district, were hard at work straining every nerve to
get ready to leave their homes before this memorable 9th day of
September, 1863.
"One party of these unfortunate victims of a cruel order had almost
completed their preparations, and within half an hour's time would have
commenced their weary wanderings in search of a home. It consisted of
Benjamin Potter, aged seventy-five; John S. Cave, aged fifty; William
Hunter, aged forty-seven; David Hunter, aged thirty-five; William C.
Tate, aged thirty; Andrew Owsley, aged seventeen; and Martin Rice and
his son. While thus engaged in loading their wagons with such effects as
they supposed would be most useful to them, a detachment of Kansas
troops (said to be part of the Kansas 9th, though this may be a
mistake), under command of Lieut.-Col. Clark and Capt. Coleman, came up
and took them all prisoners.
"After a little parleying, Mr. Rice and his son were released and
ordered to leave; which they did, of course. They had not gone much over
three-fourths of a mile before they heard firing at the point at which
they had left the soldiers with the remaining prisoners. In a short time
the command moved on, and the wives and other relatives of the prisoners
rushed up to ascertain their fate. It was a horrid spectacle.
"There lay six lifeless forms--mangled corpses--so shockingly mangled
that it was difficult, my informant stated, to identify some of them.
They were buried where they were murdered, without coffins, by a few
friends who had expected to join them on that day, with their families,
and journey in search of a home.
"These are the unvarnished facts with reference to an isolated
transaction. There are many, very many others of a similar character
that I might mention, but I will not. The unwritten and secret history
of our border would amaze the civilized world, and would stagger the
faith of the most credulous. In the case just mentioned, we find an old
man who had passed his threescore and ten, and a youth who had not yet
reached his score, falling victims to this thirsty cry for blood.
"The world will doubtless be told that six more bushwhackers have been
cut off, etc. But believe it not, sir; it is not true. These six men
never were in arms, neither in the bush or elsewhere, I have been told
by one who has known them for years past. The widows and orphans of some
of them passed through this city yesterday, heart-broken, homeless
wanderers."
OCTOBER 12TH.--Hon. G. A. Henry, Senator from Tennessee, writes to the
Secretary that it is rumored that Gen. Pemberton is to command Gen.
Polk's corps in Tennessee. He says if this be true, it will be
disastrous; that the Tennessee troops will not serve under him, but will
mutiny and desert.
It is reported to-day by Gen. Elzey (on what information I know not)
that Meade's army has been reduced to 30,000 or 40,000 men, by the heavy
reinforcements sent to extricate Rosecrans. Be this as it may, there is
no longer any doubt that Lee is advancing toward the Potomac, and the
enemy is retreating. This must soon culminate in something of interest.
I saw Commissary-General Northrop to-day, and he acknowledges that Mr.
Moffitt, who sells beef (gross) to the butchers at from 45 to 55 cents,
is one of his agents, employed by Major Ruffin, to purchase beef for the
army! The schedule price is from 16 to 20 cents, and he pays no more,
for the government--and if he buys for himself, it is not likely he pays
more--and so we have a government agent a speculator in meat, and
co-operating with speculators! Will Mr. Secretary Seddon permit this?
OCTOBER 13TH.--Gen. Lee's cavalry are picking up some prisoners, several
hundreds having already been sent to Richmond. It is said the advance of
his army has been delayed several weeks for want of commissary stores,
while Commissary-General Northrop's or Major Ruffin's agent Moffitt, it
is alleged, has been selling beef (gross) to the butchers at 50 cents
per pound, after buying or impressing at from 16 to 20 cents.
Gen. Lee writes that a scout (from Washington?) informs him that Gen.
Gilmore has been ordered to take Charleston at all hazards, and, failing
in the attempt, to make a flank movement and seize upon Branchville;
which he (Gen. Lee) deems an unlikely feat.
What a change! The young professors and tutors who shouldered their pens
and became clerks in the departments are now resigning, and seeking
employment in country schools remote from the horrid sounds of war so
prevalent in the vicinity of the Capitol, and since they were ordered to
volunteer in the local companies, which will probably have some sharp
practice in the field. They are intent, however, on "teaching the young
_idea_ how to shoot." The young chiefs of bureaus, being fixed "for
life," did not _volunteer_.
OCTOBER 14TH.--A letter from Gen. Lee to the Secretary of War, dated
11th inst. at Madison C. H., complains of the injury done by the
newspapers of Richmond, which contain early accounts of his movements,
and are taken quickly (by flag of truce? or Gen. Winder's corps of
rogues and cut-throats?) to the enemy. He says he is endeavoring to
strike at Meade, and has already captured, this week, some 600 of the
enemy (cavalry), including that number of horses. The Secretary sent the
requisite notice to the editors.
Gen. Gilmer, at Charleston, suggests the removal of the guns on the
boats in that harbor to land batteries, to be commanded by officers of
the navy.
An order has been sent to Gen. S. Jones, West Virginia, for the 8th and
14th Regiments Virginia Cavalry.
OCTOBER 15TH.--To-day, at 12 M., I saw a common leatherwing bat flying
over the War Department. What this portends I do not pretend to say,
perhaps nothing. It may have been dislodged by the workmen building
chimneys to the offices of the department.
The order of the government conscribing all foreign residents who have
acquired homes in this country, and the expulsion of the British
consuls, will immediately be followed by another exodus of that class of
residents. Already passports are daily applied for, and invariably
granted by Mr. Assistant Secretary Campbell. The enemy, of course, will
reap great benefit from the information conveyed by these people, and
the innumerable brood of blockade-runners.
Gen. Lee has sent down between 600 and 700 prisoners captured in recent
cavalry engagements. He took their horses and equipments also. And there
is an account of an engagement in the West, near Memphis, in which the
Confederate troops inflicted injury on the enemy, besides destroying the
railroad in several places.
OCTOBER 16TH.--No battle had occurred in Northern Virginia up to 10
o'clock yesterday morning, although there is a constant stream of
prisoners being sent to this city daily, taken by our cavalry. At last
accounts Meade's army was retreating toward Washington City, hotly
pursued by Lee. They were near Manassas, the first battle-field of the
war.
There is nothing new from the West, except some skirmishing of cavalry
in Central and Western Tennessee, wherein our men have had the
advantage, though sometimes falling back before superior numbers.
At Charleston a brisk cannonading is kept up between the batteries; and
it is said more hostile transports are arriving, which may indicate
active operations on land. Our 700-pounder Blakely No. 2 is there.
Judge Campbell is giving passports rapidly, sometimes binding the Jews
not to engage in private operations, but to confine themselves, while in
the United States, to the purchase of supplies for the Confederate
States service! Some, however, are willing to go on these terms to avoid
conscription, but will realize profit by selling information to the
enemy.
Judge Hastings, of California, proposes to return thither and publish a
pamphlet describing newly discovered gold mines, and organizing
companies to work them, which shall be secessionists; and when
organized, he will fall upon and destroy the United States troops, march
into Arizona, and from thence pour reinforcements into Texas. The
Secretary, in the absence of the President, sends a copy of this scheme
to Lieut.-Gen. E. K. Smith, trans-Mississippi Department, and gives some
encouragement to the judge; abstaining, however, for the present, from
devoting any money to the project.
OCTOBER 17TH.--We hear to-day that a battle has taken place near
Manassas, and that Lee has taken some 9000 prisoners and many wagons. At
3 P.M. there was no official intelligence of this event, and it was not
generally credited.
Gen. Wise writes from Charleston, that it is understood by the French
and Spanish Consuls there that the city will not be bombarded.
In Eastern North Carolina the people have taken the oath of allegiance
to the United States, to be binding only so long as they are within the
military jurisdiction of the enemy; and they ask to be exempt from the
Confederate States tithe tax, for if they pay it, the enemy will despoil
them of all that remains.
OCTOBER 18TH.--No authentic information of a battle near Manassas has
been received at the War Department, although it is certain there has
been some heavy skirmishing on the Rappahannock. We have several
brigadier-generals wounded, and lost five guns; but, being reinforced,
continued the pursuit of the enemy, picking up many prisoners--they say
1500. The pursuit was retarded by the swelling of the streams.
A letter from Major-Gen. Jones, at Dublin Depot, Va., Oct. 14th, leads
me to think danger is apprehended in that quarter, the objective point
being the Salt Works; and it may be inferred, from the fact that
Burnside is still there, that Rosecrans is considered safe, by reason of
the heavy reinforcements sent from other quarters.
While I write, the government is having the tocsin sounded for
volunteers from the militia to go to the rescue of the Salt Works, which
is absurd, as the enemy will either have them before aid can be received
from Richmond, or else he will have been driven off by the local troops
near that vicinity.
Captain Warner took me in his buggy this morning to the military
prisons. He did not lead me into the crowded rooms above, where he said
I would be in danger of vermin, but exhibited his cooking apparatus,
etc.--which was ample and cleanly. Everywhere I saw the captives peeping
through the bars; they occupy quite a number of large
buildings--warehouses--and some exhibited vengeful countenances. They
have half a pound of beef per day, and plenty of good bread and
water--besides vegetables and other matters furnished by themselves.
Several new furnaces are in process of erection, and most of the
laborers are Federal prisoners, who agree to work (for their own
convenience) and are paid for it the usual wages. There are baths to the
prisons; and the conduits for venting, etc. have cost some $10,000.
To-day the weather is as warm as summer, and no doubt the prisoners sigh
for the open air (although all the buildings are well ventilated), and
their distant homes in the West--most of them being from the field of
Chickamauga.
OCTOBER 19TH.--After all the rumors from Northern Virginia, I have seen
nothing official. I incline to the belief that we have achieved no
success further than an advance toward Washington, and a corresponding
retreat of the enemy. It is to be yet seen whether Lee captured more
prisoners than Meade captured. It is said we lost _seven_ guns. But how
can Lee achieve anything when the enemy is ever kept informed not only
of his movements in progress, but of his probable intentions? I observe
that just about the time Lee purposes a movement, several Jews and
others of conscript age are seen to apply for passports through the
lines, for ordnance and medical stores, and Judge Campbell is certain to
"allow" them. The letter-book, for they are now recorded, shows this.
These men bring supplies from Maryland, if they ever return, in
saddle-bags, while the same kind are landed every week at Wilmington by
the cargo!
A recent letter from Lieut.-Gen. E. Kirby Smith, trans-Mississippi,
fills me with alarm. He says the property-holders in Arkansas and
Louisiana--which States we are evacuating--are willing to return to
their allegiance to the United States if that government should modify
its policy. He says we have but 32,500 in Texas, Louisiana, and
Arkansas--all told--and the enemy twice that number.
Gen. D. H. Hill has been relieved in the West, and ordered to report in
this city to Gen. Cooper. It was necessary perhaps to have a scape-goat.
Bragg will _probably_ be sustained by the President--but then what will
become of ------, who is so inimical to Bragg?
The President has published, in the West, an eloquent address to the
soldiers.
It appears from Gen. K. Smith's letter that the French captured a vessel
having on board, for the Confederate States, 12,000 stand of arms, which
were taken to Vera Cruz. It is presumed that the French commander
supposed these arms were sent over for the use of the Mexicans, probably
by the United States. If this be so, it is reasonable to suppose they
will be restored us, and so far I do not learn that this government has
taken umbrage at the capture. It may be that they were taken to keep
them from falling into the possession of the United States cruisers.
There are one or two French war steamers now at Charleston,
interchanging courtesies with the Confederate States authorities there.
It also appears by Gen. Smith's letter that a large amount of arms for
the trans-Mississippi Department were deposited at Vicksburg, and fell
into the hands of the enemy. The President indorsed on the back of the
letter that this was a blunder, and asks by whose order the deposit was
made. Col. Gorgas must answer.
OCTOBER 20TH.--Nothing definite from Lee. I fear his little campaign
from the Rapidan to Bull Run was not a glorious one, although Meade did
run to the fortifications at Centreville. He may possibly have had a
counter-plot, which is not yet developed. Our papers are rejoicing over
thousands of prisoners "picked up;" but Captain Warner, who furnishes
the prisoners their rations, assures me that they have not yet arrived;
while our papers acknowledge we lost 1000 men, killed and wounded,
besides several guns.
The Secretary of War received a dispatch to-day from Gen. Barton,
Kinston, N. C., stating that a number of Federal regiments were
embarking for (he thinks) South Carolina. This, the Secretary, of
course, sends to Gen. Beauregard, but doubts, however, the destination
of the troops. He thinks they are to menace Richmond again, and says
there are indications of this purpose on the York River. Is Hooker
really there? The public knows nothing, as yet, of what is going on down
that river. What if Meade retreated to entice Lee away from Richmond,
having in preparation an expedition against this city? I should not
wonder at anything, since so many equivocal characters are obtaining
passports to the United States. Gen. Winder and Judge Campbell are busy
signing passports--one granted by the latter yesterday (recorded) also
allows the bearer to take with him 2000 pounds tobacco!
A letter was received to-day from the President, ordering certain
concessions to Governor Brown, relating to exemptions and details.
Letters have been received justifying the belief (notwithstanding the
forebodings of Lieut.-Gen. E. K. Smith) that we have taken Little Rock,
Ark., again. This is Price's work; also that Quantrell and other bold
raiders in Missouri have collected some thousands of desperate men, and
_killed_ several regiments of the enemy. They have burned a number of
towns (Union), and taken the large town of Boonville. These are the men
against whom Kansas Abolitionists have sworn vengeance--no quarter is
to be granted them. I suspect they are granting no quarter!
Yesterday I saw a Captain Commissary on Broad Street give his dog a
piece of beef for which I would have given a dollar. Many little
children of soldiers stood by with empty baskets. He would not sell a
shank!
Dispatch from Alabama:
"SELMA, October 18th, 1863.
"President Davis arrived here this evening, and was welcomed by the
citizens _en masse_. An immense crowd gathered in front of the
hotel. The President congratulated the people on meeting them under
such favorable circumstances, and spoke in glowing terms of the
gallantry of Alabamians on every battle-field. He said if the
non-conscripts of Alabama would gather their guns and go to the
rescue, by guarding Courtland and other points, thereby relieving
regular soldiers who are now, from necessity, discharging that sort
of duty, such blows would be dealt the enemy as he would find it
difficult to recover from. In this way most effective aid could be
given the gallant men and officers who are carrying out the plans
of the noble Longstreet, under the supervision of the heroic Bragg.
"In this way the President was confident that Rosecrans could be
crushed to dust. It was only by force of arms that the Yankees
could be brought to reason and their plans for our subjugation
defeated. Self-reliance and energy were now our only duty. We
should not look to Europe for aid, for such is not to be expected
now. Our only alternative was to sustain ourselves with renewed
energy and determination, and a little more sacrifice upon the part
of the people, and the President firmly believed that next spring
would see the invader driven from our borders. Then farmers, who
are now refugees, could return to their families and pursue their
business undisturbed as heretofore. In fact, he believed that the
defeat of Rosecrans would practically end the war."
Mr. Randolph has signified his purpose to vote for the bill reducing
prices, rather than resign; but Mr. Wyndham Robertson, the delegate, has
resigned. Nearly all the papers have taken ground against the "Maximum
Bill." To-night a mass meeting is called, to urge the passage of the
bill.
The "mass meeting" to-night was a small affair. Mr. Robinson, my old
compositor, made a speech, abusing the editors; but the editors have
succeeded in putting down for the present the cry for bread. I fear,
however, it is but the work of Sisyphus, and it may destroy them; for,
if the measure fails before the Legislature, the prices will be sure to
advance, and then the people will attribute their woes to those who were
instrumental in the defeat of the plan of relief. It is a dangerous
thing to array one's self against a famishing people, even when the
remedy they demand is not calculated to alleviate their distresses. I
saw flour sell at auction to-day for $61 per barrel. This, too, when
there is an abundant crop of new grain but recently harvested. It is the
result of the depreciation of a redundant currency, and not of an
ascertained scarcity. Timber and coal are as abundant as ever they were;
and the one sells at $32 per cord, and the other at $30 per load of 25
bushels. And cotton is abundant, while brown domestic is bringing $3.00
per yard. Many are becoming very shabby in appearance; and I can get no
clothes for myself or my family, unless the government shall very
materially increase our salaries.
OCTOBER 21ST.--Gen. Lee telegraphed last night that our cavalry had
routed the enemy's horse on Monday, capturing some 200, etc. etc.
The Legislature passed a series of resolutions yesterday, requesting the
Secretary of War to impress free negroes for the public works; to detail
the 2d class militia (over 45); and to order into the ranks the
thousands of detailed soldiers and conscripts seen everywhere. The
report of a committee states that conscripts and soldiers pay bonuses to
contractors to have them detailed, and then they furnish negroes as
substitutes to perform the work, engaging themselves in speculation.
Also that one-third of the conscripts of one county have been detailed
to get wood for certain iron works which have a year's supply on hand!
Surely the Secretary will attend to this.
There is a row about passports. It appears that Judge Campbell and Gen.
Winder are competitors in the business. Judge C. yesterday remarked
that, at Gen. Winder's office, he understood a passport could be bought
for $100; and this was repeated by Mr. Kean, the young Chief of the
Bureau, and it somehow reached the ears of Gen. Winder. Perhaps Judge
C. reported the fact of his belief to Mr. Secretary Seddon, who had
ceased to grant any himself (to the United States), and of course was
not aware of the great number his assistant, much less Gen. W., issued;
and if so, it is probable he called Gen. W. to an account. The general,
in a rage, charged Mr. Kean with the propagation of a damaging report.
Mr. K. said he heard Mr. Chapman (a clerk) say so--and so off they
started in pursuit of Chapman, who could not be found up to 3 P.M. By
to-morrow Gen. W. may hear of Judge Campbell's remarks and agency, and a
pretty kettle of fish they will have, if Judge C.'s record be brought to
the notice of the Secretary! It is all wrong, and if the business be not
better regulated or terminated, it will terminate the government. Gen.
Lee's reputation as a great captain will be ruined, if the
blockade-runners be allowed to continue to give information to the enemy
of all his movements.
OCTOBER 22D.--Gen. Wheeler has taken 700 of the enemy's cavalry in East
Tennessee, 6 cannon, 50 wagons, commissary stores, etc. _Per contra_,
the steamer Venus, with bacon, from Nassau, got aground trying to enter
the port of Wilmington, and ship and cargo were lost. There is a rumor
that Gen. Taylor, trans-Mississippi, has captured Gen. Banks, his staff,
and sixteen regiments. This, I fear, is not well authenticated.
A poor woman yesterday applied to a merchant in Carey Street to purchase
a barrel of flour. The price he demanded was $70.
"My God!" exclaimed she, "how can I pay such prices? I have seven
children; what shall I do?"
"I don't know, madam," said he, coolly, "unless you eat your children."
Such is the power of cupidity--it transforms men into demons. And if
this spirit prevails throughout the country, a just God will bring
calamities upon the land, which will reach these cormorants, but which,
it may be feared, will involve all classes in a common ruin.
Beef, to-day, sold in market at $1.50 per pound. There is no bacon for
sale, or corn-meal. But we shall not starve, if we have faith in a
beneficent Providence. Our daughter Anne, teaching in Appomattox County,
writes that she will send us a barrel of potatoes, some persimmons, etc.
next Wednesday. And we had a good dinner to-day: a piece of fat
shoulder Capt. Warner let me have at $1 per pound--it is selling for
$2.50--and cabbage from my garden, which my neighbor's cow overlooked
when she broke through the gate last Sunday. Although we scarcely know
what we shall have to-morrow, we are merry and patriotic to-day.
Last night I went to hear Rev. Dr. Hobson, Reformed Baptist, or
Campbellite, preach. He is certainly an orator (from Kentucky) and a man
of great energy and fertility of mind. There is a revival in his
congregation too, as well as among the Methodists, but he was very
severe in his condemnation of the emotional or sensational practices of
the latter. He said, what was never before known by me, that the word
pardon is not in the New Testament, but remission was. His point against
the Methodists was their fallacy of believing that conversion was sudden
and miraculous, and accompanied by a happy feeling. Happy feeling, he
said, would naturally _follow_ a consciousness of remission of sins, but
was no evidence of conversion, for it might be produced by other things.
It was the efficacy of the Word, of the promise of God, which
obliterated the sins of all who believed, repented, and were baptized.
He had no spasmodic extravagances over his converts; but, simply taking
them by the hand, asked if they believed, repented, and would be
baptized. If the answers were in the affirmative, they resumed their
seats, and were soon after _immersed_ in a pool made for the purpose in
the church.
I pray sincerely that this general revival in the churches will soften
the hearts of the extortioners, for this class is specifically denounced
in the Scriptures. There is abundance in the land, but "man's inhumanity
to man makes countless thousands mourn." I hope the extortioners may all
go to heaven, first ceasing to be extortioners.
The Legislature has broken up the gambling establishments, for the time
being, and the furniture of their gorgeous saloons is being sold at
auction. Some idea of the number of these establishments may be formed
from an estimate (in the _Examiner_) of the cost of the entertainment
prepared for visitors being not less than $10,000 daily. Their agents
bought the best articles offered for sale in the markets, and never
hesitated to pay the most exorbitant prices. I hope now the absence of
such customers may have a good effect. But I fear the currency, so
redundant, is past remedy.
OCTOBER 23D.--Gen. Lee has retired to the south side of the Rappahannock
again, while Meade remains in the intrenchments at Centreville. Gen.
Imboden occupies Winchester.
From the West we have only newspaper reports, which may not be true.
OCTOBER 24TH.--To-day we have a cold northwest storm of wind and rain,
and we have our first fire in the parlor.
The elections in Ohio and Pennsylvania have gone for the Republican
(War) candidates. We rely on ourselves, under God, for independence. It
is said Gen. Lee learned that 15,000 Republican voters were sent from
Meade's army into Pennsylvania to vote, and hence he advanced and drove
back the Federal army. Yet he says that Meade's army is more numerous
than his. It is not known what our losses have been, but the following
dispatch from Lee gives an accurate account of the enemy's loss in
prisoners.
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"October 23d, 1863.
"GEN. S. COOPER, A. and I. General.
"Gen. Imboden, on the 18th, attacked the garrison at Charlestown,
Shenandoah Valley, captured 434 prisoners, with their arms,
transportation, and stores. To these, add prisoners already
forwarded, makes 2462.
"(Signed) R. E. LEE.
"Official: JOHN WITHERS, A. A. General."
And Capt. Warner says he is now feeding them.
Gen. Lee writes on the 19th inst., that it is doubtful whether Gen.
Meade will remain where he is, behind his fortifications along Bull Run,
or make another movement on Richmond. A few days will decide this
matter. He says Meade has superior numbers. If he remains, Gen. Lee will
advance again, provided he can get quartermaster supplies for his army.
But at present, thousands of his men are barefooted, without overcoats,
blankets, etc. He says it was the sublimest spectacle of the war to see
men in such condition move forward with such cheerfulness and alacrity,
in the recent pursuit of the enemy. He deprecates sending any of his
regiments to West Virginia and East Tennessee, and thinks Gen. Sam Jones
has not evinced sufficient energy and judgment in that quarter. He says
it would be better to send reinforcements to Chattanooga, where it is
practicable to conduct a winter campaign. He could drive the enemy from
the Peninsula, Gloucester Point, Williamsburg, and Yorktown, but to keep
them away Lee would have to station an army there. If North Carolina be
menaced, he advises that the troops at Richmond and Petersburg be sent
thither, and he will replace them with troops from his army. He thinks
it the best policy not to disperse troops in Virginia.
From this letter it is easy to perceive that the Secretary of War, in
the absence of the President, has been making suggestions to Gen. Lee,
none of which does he deem it good policy to adopt, the Secretary not
being versed in military matters.
A private note from Gen. Lee, dated the 13th inst., which I saw to-day,
informs the Secretary of War that much of the benefits he anticipated
from his movement, then in progress, must be lost, from the fact that
the enemy had been informed of his purposes. This it was the duty of the
government to prevent, but Mr. Seddon, like his predecessors, cannot be
convinced that the rogues and cut-throats employed by Gen. Winder as
detectives, have it in their power to inflict injury on the cause and
the country. The cleaning of the Augean stables here is the work which
should engage the attention of the Secretary of War, rather than
directing the movements of armies in the field, of which matter he knows
nothing whatever.
The Secretary of War wrote a long and rather rebuking letter to-day to
Mr. Sheffey, chairman of the Committee on Confederate Relations, of the
General Assembly, who communicated a report and resolutions of the House
of Delegates, in relation to details of conscripts, and the employment
in civil offices of robust young men capable of military service, and
urging the department to appoint men over forty-five years of age to
perform such services, and to impress free negroes to do the labor that
soldiers are detailed for. The Secretary thinks the Confederate
Government knows its duties, and ought not to be meddled with by State
Governments. It touched Mr. Seddon nearly.
By the last Northern papers I see President Lincoln has issued a
proclamation calling for 300,000 more volunteers, and if they "do not
come when he calls for them," that number will be _drafted_ in January.
This is very significant; either the draft has already failed, or else
about a million of men per annum are concerned in the work of
suppressing this "rebellion." We find, just at the time fixed for the
subjugation of the South, Rosecrans is defeated, and Meade is driven
back upon Washington!
OCTOBER 25TH.--We have nothing new this morning; but letters to the
department from North and South Carolina indicate that while the troops
in Virginia are almost perishing for food, the farmers are anxious to
deliver the tithes, but the quartermaster and commissary agents are
negligent or designedly remiss in their duty. The consequence will be
the loss of the greater portion of these supplies, and the enhancement
of the price of the remainder in the hands of the monopolists and
speculators.
The _Southern_ Express Co. has monopolized the railroads, delivering
cotton for speculators, who send it to the United States, while the
Confederate States cannot place enough money in Europe to pay for the
supplies needed for the army.
OCTOBER 26TH.--No news from our armies. The President was in Mobile two
days ago.
Gen. Rosecrans has been removed from his command, and Grant put in his
place. Meade, it is said in Northern papers, will also be decapitated,
for letting Lee get back without loss. Also Dalgren, at Charleston, has
been relieved. And yet the Northern papers announce that Richmond will
soon and suddenly be taken, and an unexpected joy be spread throughout
the North, and a corresponding despondency throughout the South.
The weather is cloudy and cold. The papers announce that all clerks
appointed since October 11th, 1862, by order of the Secretary of War,
are liable to conscription. This cannot be true; for I know a Secretary
who has just appointed two of his cousins to the best clerkships in the
department--both of conscript age. But Secretaries know how to evade the
law, and "whip the devil round the stump."
How long will it be after peace before the sectional hatred intensified
by this war can abate? A lady near by, the other night, while surveying
her dilapidated shoes, and the tattered sleeping-gowns of her children,
burst forth as follows: "I pray that I may live to see the United States
involved in a war with some foreign power, which will make refugees of
her people, and lay her cities in ashes! I want the people ruined who
would ruin the South. It will be a just retribution!"
OCTOBER 27TH.--Nothing from the North or West to-day. But Beauregard
telegraphs that the enemy's batteries and monitors opened this morning
heavily on his forts and batteries, but, as yet, there were no
casualties.
The Commissary-General to-day, in a communication to the department,
relating to the necessity of impressment to subsist our armies, says
"the armies in Virginia muster 150,000 men." If this be so, then let
Meade come! It may be possible that instead of exaggerating, a policy
may have been adopted calculated to conceal the actual strength of
armies.
Nevertheless, it is understood that one of the cabinet is offering his
estates, lands, and negroes for sale. Will he convert the money into
European funds? If so, he should not let it be known, else it will
engender the terrible idea that our affairs are in a desperate
condition. The operations of the next thirty days may be decisive of our
fate. Hundreds of thousands of Southern men have yet to die before
subjugation can be effected; and quite that number of invaders must fall
to accomplish it!
OCTOBER 28TH.--No news from the army. We have some 13,000 prisoners
here, hungry; for there is not sufficient meat for them.
Mr. Memminger, Secretary of the Treasury, is said to be transporting his
private fortune (very large) to Europe.
OCTOBER 29TH.--Gen. Lee writes (a few days since), from Brandy Station,
that Meade seems determined to advance again; that troops are going up
the Potomac to Washington, and that volunteers from New York have been
ordered thither. He asks the Secretary to ascertain if there be really
any Federal force in the York River; for if the report be correct of
hostile troops being there, it may be the enemy's intention to make
another raid on the railroad. The general says we have troops enough in
Southwestern Virginia; but they are not skillfully commanded.
After all, I fear we shall not get the iron from the Aquia Creek
Railroad. In the summer the government was too slow, and now it is
probably too slow again, as the enemy are said to be landing there. It
might have been removed long ago, if we had had a faster Secretary.
Major S. Hart, San Antonio, Texas, writes that the 10,000 (the number
altered again) superior rifles captured by the French off the Rio
Grande last summer, were about to fall into the hands of United States
cruisers; and he has sent for them, hoping the French will turn them
over to us.
Gen. Winder writes the Secretary that the Commissary-General will let
him have no meat for the 13,000 prisoners; and he will not be answerable
for their safe keeping without it. The Quartermaster-General writes that
the duty of providing for them is in dispute between the two bureaus,
and he wants the Secretary to decide between them. If the Secretary
should be very _slow_, the prisoners will suffer.
Yesterday a set (six) of cups and saucers, white, and not china, sold at
auction for $50.
Mr. Henry, Senator from Tennessee, writes the Secretary that if Ewell
were sent into East Tennessee with a corps, and Gen. Johnston were to
penetrate into Middle Tennessee, forming a junction north of
Chattanooga, it would end the war in three months.
OCTOBER 30TH.--We have nothing new to-day, except the continued
bombardment of Charleston. That city has been besieged over one hundred
days.
OCTOBER 31ST.--Letters came to-day from the President (or rather
_copies_ in his own handwriting), relieving Lieut.-Gen. Hardee, in
Mississippi, and assigning him to a command under Gen. Bragg. He also
writes a friendly letter (from Meridian, Miss.) to Gen. Bragg, informing
him that Gen. Hardee had been ordered to report to him without delay,
and that two brigades might go with him, if needed. This indicates that
the President means to sustain Bragg, notwithstanding the clamor against
him; and that Bragg must have an immense army. Lieut.-Gen. Polk (whom
the President will always sustain) is assigned to the Mississippi
Department.
The latest accounts from Chattanooga show that the enemy are stirring a
little, and trying to flank Bragg's left wing.
The bombardment at Charleston is still without decisive result.