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.
NOVEMBER 1ST.--No news from any of the armies this morning. But Gen.
Whiting writes that he is deficient in ordnance to protect our steamers
and to defend the port. If Wilmington should fall by the neglect of the
government, it will be another stunning blow.
However, our armies are augmenting, from conscription, and if we had
honest officers to conduct this important business, some four or five
hundred thousand men could be kept in the field, and subjugation would
be an impossibility. But exemptions and details afford a tempting
opportunity to make money, as substitutes are selling for $6000 each;
and the rage for speculation is universal.
The President is looked for to-morrow, and it is to be hoped that he has
learned something of importance during his tour. He will at once set
about his message, which will no doubt be an interesting one this year.
How we sigh for peace, on this beautiful Sabbath day! But the suffering
we have endured for nearly three years is no more than was experienced
by our forefathers of the Revolution. We must bear it to the end, for it
is the price of liberty. Yet we sigh for peace--God knows I do--while at
the same time we will endure the ordeal for years to come, rather than
succumb to the rule of an oppressor. We must be free, be the cost what
it may. Oh, if the spirit of fanaticism had been kept down by the good
sense of the people of the United States, the Union would have been
preserved, and we should have taken the highest position among the
great powers of the earth. It is too late now. Neither government may,
for a long series of years, aspire to lead the civilized nations of the
earth. Ambition, hatred, caprice and folly have combined to snap the
silken cord, and break the golden bowl. These are the consequences of a
persistency in sectional strife and domination, foreseen and foretold by
me in the "_Southern Monitor_," published in Philadelphia; no one
regarded the warning. Now hundreds of thousands are weeping in sackcloth
and ashes over the untimely end of hundreds of thousands slain in
battle! And thousands yet must fall, before the strife be ended.
NOVEMBER 2D.--A refugee from Portsmouth reports the arrival of 6000
Federal troops at Newport News, and that Richmond is to be menaced
again.
Brig.-Gen. H. W. Allen, Alexandria, La., reports 8000 deserters and
skulking conscripts in that vicinity, and a bad state of things
generally.
Gen. Lee has written three letters to the department, dated 30th and
31st October. 1st, complaining of the tardiness of the Bureau of
Examination, and the want of efficient officers; 2d, complaining of the
furloughs given Georgia officers as members of the legislature, causing
a brigade to be commanded by a lieutenant-colonel, etc.; 3d, relating to
an order from the Secretary to respite certain deserters, condemned to
execution. He says executions are necessary to keep the army together,
but he _feels_ the painfulness of the sad necessity.
Mr. H. D. Whitcomb, Superintendent Central Railroad, applied for and
obtained passports for his mother and sister to return to the United
States. He is a Northern man.
Brig.-Gen. S. A. Meredith (United States) writes from Fortress Monroe,
proposing that prisoners west of the Mississippi be exchanged at
Galveston. Mr. Ould, our agent of exchange, indorses on it that there is
no necessity for immediate action, for the United States are not
exchanging any prisoners at all at this time.
Mr. Memminger writes for troops to be sent to Ashville, West North
Carolina, which is menaced by the traitors, tories, and Federals. His
family is there, having fled from South Carolina. Hon. Jas. Farron also
writes that a bad state of things exists in that section, and
communication is kept open with the enemy in East Tennessee.
From St. Helena Parish, Ark., we have letters stating that all restraint
is thrown off, and everybody almost is trading with the enemy. Some 1500
bales of cotton per week is taken to the Yankees from that region. They
say most of the parties have permits from the government or from
commanding generals to trade with the enemy.
Gen. Whiting writes that his men are suffering for shoes, and as 15,000
pairs are in that town, asks if he shall not impress them. The Secretary
is reluctant to do this, and asks the Quartermaster-General what he
shall do. The Quartermaster-General advises that the shoes be bought at
a fair price, and paid for in cotton. He says blankets may be had in the
same way.
NOVEMBER 3D.--Gen. Lee writes that he will endeavor to protect the
workmen while removing the iron at Aquia Creek, but he fears the work
has been too long delayed. The government has been too slow.
Gen. Sam Jones writes from Abingdon that his cavalry was at Jonesborough
on the 30th ult., although the enemy's raiding parties were on this
side. He says if he had a little more infantry, he could soon clear East
Tennessee of the foe; and asks that an order from Gen. Cooper (A. and I.
G.), calling for two of his best regiments of cavalry, be revoked.
In Gen. Lee's recent campaign beyond the Rappahannock, our losses in
killed, wounded, and missing amounted to 1740; the enemy's losses must
have been three times that number.
The President made a speech in Charleston on the 1st instant. We have
copies from him to-day of his correspondence with Gen. Bragg since he
left Chickamauga field. Gen. B. says he will immediately call for
Hardee's brigades, promised him, and without delay commence operations
on the enemy's left (it is too wet on the right), and drive Burnside out
of East Tennessee. But he complains of Gen. Buckner, who assumes to have
an independent command in East Tennessee and West Virginia. The
President replies that neither Bragg nor Buckner has jurisdiction over
Gen. Jones in West Virginia, but that he gets his orders from Richmond.
He does not promise to remove Buckner, whom he deems only _impatient_,
but says he must be subject to Bragg's orders, etc.
Gen. Bragg has applied for Gen. Forrest (who went some time since to
Mobile and tendered his resignation, in a pet with Gen. Bragg) to
command a cavalry force in North Mississippi and West Tennessee. In
short, the President is resolved to sustain Gen. Bragg at the head of
the army in Tennessee in spite of the tremendous prejudice against him
in and out of the army. And unless Gen. Bragg does something more for
the cause before Congress meets a month hence, we shall have more clamor
against the government than ever. But he has quashed the charges (of
Bragg) against Gen. Polk, and assigned him, without an investigation, to
an important command.
NOVEMBER 4TH.--Mr. M------, Major Ruffin's commissary agent, denies
selling _government_ beef to the butchers; of course it was his own. But
he has been ordered not to sell any more, while buying for the
government.
Mr. Rouss, of Winchester, merchant, has succeeded in getting some brown
cotton from the manufacturer, in Georgia, at cost, which he sells for
cost and carriage to refugees. My wife got 20 yards to-day for $20. It
is brown seven-eighth cotton, and brings in other stores $3 per yard.
This is a saving of $40. And I bought 24 pounds of bacon of Capt.
Warner, Commissary, at $1 per pound. The retail price is $2.50--and this
is a saving of $36. Without such "short cuts" as these, occasionally, it
would be impossible to maintain my family on the salaries my son Custis
and myself get from the government, $3000.
How often have I and thousands in our youth expressed the wish to have
lived during the first Revolution, or rather to have partaken of the
excitements of war! Such is the romance or "enchantment" which "distance
lends" "to the view." Now we see and feel the horrors of war, and we are
unanimous in the wish, if we survive to behold again the balmy sunshine
of peace, that neither we nor our posterity may ever more be spectators
of or participants in another war. And yet we know not how soon we might
plunge into it, if an adequate necessity should arise. Henceforth, in
all probability, we shall be a military people. But I shall seek the
peaceful haunts of quiet seclusion, for which I sigh with great
earnestness. O for a garden, a vine and fig-tree, and my library!
Among the strange events of this war, not the least is the position on
slavery (approving it) maintained by the Bishop of Vermont.
NOVEMBER 5TH.--The President has not yet returned, but was inspecting
the defenses of Charleston. The Legislature has adjourned without fixing
a maximum of prices. _Every night troops from Lee's army are passing
through the city._ Probably they have been ordered to Bragg.
Yesterday flour sold at auction at $100 per barrel; to-day it sells for
$120! There are 40,000 bushels of sweet potatoes, taken by the
government as tithes, rotting at the depots between Richmond and
Wilmington. If the government would wake up, and have them brought
hither and sold, the people would be relieved, and flour and meal would
decline in price. But a lethargy has seized upon the government, and no
one may foretell the consequences of official supineness.
The enemy at Chattanooga have got an advantageous position on Bragg's
left, and there is much apprehension that our army will lose the ground
gained by the late victory.
The Commissary-General (Northrop) has sent in his estimate for the
ensuing year, $210,000,000, of which $50,000,000 is for sugar,
exclusively for the hospitals. It no longer forms part of the rations.
He estimates for 400,000 men, and takes no account of the tithes, or tax
in kind, nor is it apparent that he estimates for the army beyond the
Mississippi.
A communication was received to-day from Gen. Meredith, the Federal
Commissioner of Exchange, inclosing a letter from Gov. Todd and Gen.
Mason, as well as copies of letters from some of Morgan's officers,
stating that the heads of Morgan and his men are not shaved, and that
they are well fed and comfortable.
NOVEMBER 6TH.--The President was to have returned to-day, but did not.
Various conjectures are made as to the object of his month's tour of
speech-making. Some deem the cause very desperate, others that the
President's condition is desperate. If the first, they say his purpose
was to reanimate the people by his presence, and to cultivate a renewal
of lost friendships, and hence he lingered longest at Charleston, in
social intercourse with Gens. Beauregard and Wise, who had become
estranged. The latter is the oldest brigadier-general in the service,
and still they have failed to promote him. The President's power is felt
in the army, and his patronage being almost unlimited, it was natural,
they say, that he should be received with cheers. From a lieutenant up
to a general, all are dependent on his favor for promotion. At all
events, his austerity and inflexibility have been relaxed, and he has
made popular speeches wherever he has gone. I hope good fruits will
ensue. But he returns to find the people here almost in a state of
starvation in the midst of plenty, brought on by the knavery or
incompetency of government agents.
What is remarkable is the estimate of $50,000,000 by the
Commissary-General for the purchase of sugar, exclusively for the sick
and wounded in hospitals, the soldiers in the field being refused any
more. One-fourth of the whole estimates ($210,000,000) for sugar, and
not an ounce to go to the army! And this, too, when it is understood
nearly all the sugar in the Confederacy has been impressed by his agents
at from 50 cts. to $1 per pound. It is worth $2.50 now, and it is
apprehended that a large proportion of the _fifty millions_ asked for
will go into the pockets of commissaries. No account whatever is taken
of the _tithe_ in the Commissary-General's estimates.
Flour sold at $125 per barrel to-day. There must be an explosion of some
sort soon. Certainly Confederate notes have fallen very low indeed.
Another solution of the President's tour, by the uncharitable or
suspicious, is a preparatory or a preliminary move to assuming all power
in his own hands. They say the people are reduced by distress to such an
extremity that, if he will only order rations to be served them, they
will not quarrel with him if he assumes dictatorial powers. Legislation
has failed to furnish remedies for the evils afflicting the community;
and, really, if the evils themselves were not imputed to the government,
and the President were ambitious--and is he not?--he might now, perhaps,
play a successful Cromwellian role. But can he control the State
governments? The government of _this_ State seems like potter's clay in
his hands, the Legislature being as subservient as the Congresses have
hitherto been. It is observed--independence _first_--then let Cromwells
or Washingtons come.
My wife, to-day, presented me with an excellent under-shirt, made of one
of her dilapidated petticoats. A new shirt would cost $30. Common brown
cotton (and in a cotton country!) sells for $3 per yard. I saw common
cotton shirts sell at auction to-day for $40 per pair. Beef is $1.50
per pound, and pork $2. But these prices are paid in Confederate
Treasury notes, and they mark the rapid depreciation of paper money.
The enemy, however, in spreading over the Southern territory, are not
completing the work of subjugation. It would require a million of
bayonets to keep this people in subjection, and the indications are that
the United States will have difficulty in keeping their great armies up.
It is a question of endurance.
NOVEMBER 7TH.--No news from any quarter, except the continued
bombardment of the debris of Fort Sumter, and the killing and wounding
of some 10 or 12 men there--but that is not news.
There is a pause,--a sort of holding of the breath of the people, as if
some event of note was expected. The prices of food and fuel are far
above the purses of all except speculators, and an explosion must happen
soon, of some sort. People will not perish for food in the midst of
plenty.
The press, a portion rather, praises the President for his carefulness
in making a tour of the armies and ports south of us; but as he retained
Gen. Bragg in command, how soon the tune would change if Bragg should
meet with disaster!
Night before last some of the prisoners on Belle Isle (we have some
13,000 altogether in and near the city) were overheard by the guard to
say they must escape immediately, or else it would be too late, as
cannon were to be planted around them. Our authorities took the alarm,
and increasing the guard, did plant cannon so as to rake them in every
direction in the event of their breaking out of their prison bounds. It
is suspected that this was a preconcerted affair, as a full division of
the enemy has been sent to Newport News, probably to co-operate with the
prisoners. Any attempt now must fail, unless, indeed, there should be a
large number of Union sympathizers in the city to assist them.
Several weeks ago it was predicted in the Northern papers that Richmond
would be taken in some mysterious manner, and that there was a plan for
the prisoners of war to seize it by a _coup de main_, may be probable.
But the scheme was impracticable. What may be the condition of the city,
and the action of the people a few weeks hence, if relief be not
afforded by the government, I am afraid to conjecture. The croakers say
five millions of "greenbacks," and cargoes of provisions, might be more
effectual in expelling the Confederate Government and restoring that of
the United States than all of Meade's army. And this, too, they allege,
when there is abundance in the country. Many seem to place no value on
the only money we have in circulation. The grasping farmers refuse to
get out their grain, saying they have as much Confederate money as they
want, and the government seems determined to permit the perishable
tithes to perish rather than allow the famishing people to consume them.
Surely, say the croakers, such a policy cannot achieve independence. No,
it must be speedily changed, or else worse calamities await us than any
we have experienced.
Old Gen. Duff Green, after making many fortunes and losing them, it
seems, is to die poor at last, and he is now nearly eighty years old.
Last year he made a large contract to furnish the government with iron,
his works being in Tennessee, whence he has been driven by the enemy.
And now he says the depreciation of the money will make the cost of
producing the iron twice as much as he will get for it. And worse, he
has bought a large lot of sugar which would have realized a large
profit, but the commissary agent has impressed it, and will not pay him
cost for it. All he can do is to get a small portion of it back for the
consumption of his employees, provided he returns to Tennessee and
fulfills his iron contract.
NOVEMBER 8TH.--At this late day the Secretary of War is informed by Col.
Gorgas that, in consequence of the enemy's possessing the coal mines in
Tennessee, he shall not be able to supply orders for heavy shot, etc.,
for the defense of Charleston harbor, if the fleet of monitors were to
pass the forts. Why, this has been daily looked for any time during the
last three months! And information from the Western army indicates that
only about one shell in twenty, furnished by Col. Gorgas, will explode.
This reminds me of the doubts expressed by Gen. Cobb of the fitness of
Col. G. for his position.
This is a bleak November day, after some days of pleasant autumnal
sunshine. I still gather a few tomatoes from the little garden; a bushel
of green ones on the vines will never mature. The young turnips look
well, and I hope there may be abundance of salad in the spring.
Yesterday two tons of Northern anthracite coal in this city sold for
$500 per ton, to a church! We hope for relief when Congress meets, a
month hence; but what can Congress do? The money is hopelessly
depreciated. Even victories and peace could not restore it to par.
NOVEMBER 9TH.--The President returned Saturday evening, looking pretty
well. Yesterday, Sunday, he was under the necessity of reading a
dispatch from Gen. Lee, _announcing the surprise and capture of two
brigades on the Rappahannock_!
This is a dark and gloomy day, spitting snow; while not a few are
despondent from the recent disasters to our arms. It is supposed that we
lost 3000 or 4000 men on Saturday. A day or two before, Gen. Echols had
his brigade cut up at Lewisburg! _Per contra_, Brig.-Gen. W. E. Jones
captured, on Saturday, at Rogerville, 850 prisoners, 4 pieces of
artillery, 2 stands of colors, 60 wagons, and 1000 animals. Our loss, 2
killed and 8 wounded. So reads a dispatch from "R. Ransom, Major-Gen."
There is some excitement in the city now, perhaps more than at any
former period. The disaster to the "Old Guard" has put in the mouths of
the croakers the famous words of Napoleon at Waterloo: "_Sauve qui
peut._" We have out our last reserves, and the enemy still advances.
They are advancing on North Carolina, and there was some danger of the
President being intercepted at Weldon. Thousands believe that Gen. Bragg
is about to retire from before Grant's army at Chattanooga. And to-day
bread is selling at 50 cents per loaf--small loaf!
And now the Assistant Secretary of War, Judge Campbell, is "allowing"
men to pass to Maryland, through our lines. First, is a Rev. Mr. A. S.
Sloat, a chaplain in the army. He was degraded for some offense by his
own church, and his wife and children having preceded him (all being
Northern born), as stated in his letter on file, he is allowed a
passport to follow them. Recommended by Mr. S. R. Tucker. Second, Mr.
J. L. White and Mr. Forrester are "allowed" passports to go to Maryland
for ordnance stores. Recommended by Col. Gorgas. Third and lastly, "Tom
Wash. Smith" is "allowed," by the Assistant Secretary, to take fifteen
boxes of tobacco to Maryland, and promises to bring back "medical
stores." Recommended by B. G. Williams, one of Gen. Winder's detectives,
and by Capt. Winder, one of the general's sons. They bring in stores,
when they return, in saddle-bags, while whole cargoes are landed at
Wilmington!
NOVEMBER 10TH.--It is supposed our loss in the surprise on Saturday did
not exceed 1500, killed, wounded, and taken. It is thought that a battle
will occur immediately, if it be not already in progress.
There is no news of moment from any quarter, except the loss of our
steamer Cornubia, taken by the blockaders at Wilmington. She was laden
with government stores. For months nearly all ships with arms or
ammunition have been taken, while those having _merchandise on board get
in safely_. _These bribe their way through!_
Col. Gorgas gave notice to-day that our supply of saltpeter will be
exhausted in January, unless we can import a large quantity.
Another blue day!
NOVEMBER 11TH.--No news. I saw, to-day, Gen. Lee's letter of the 7th
instant, simply announcing the capture of Hoke's and Haye's brigades.
They were on the north side of the river, guarding the _pont de tete_.
There is no excuse, no palliation. He said it was likely Meade's entire
army would cross. This had been sent by the Secretary to the President,
who indorsed upon it as follows: "If it be possible to reinforce, it
should be done promptly. Can any militia or local defense men be made
available?--J. D."
Gen. Whiting writes that he has refused to permit Mr. Crenshaw's
correspondence with Collie & Co. to pass uninspected, from a knowledge
of the nature of previous correspondence seen by him.
The Northern papers state that Mr. Seward has authorized them to publish
the fact that the French Government has seized the Confederate rams
building in the ports of France.
I have written Custis Lee, the President's aid, that but one alternative
now remains: for the President, or some _one_ else, to assume all power,
temporarily, and crush the speculators. This I think is the only chance
of independence. I may be mistaken--but we shall see.
Capt. Warner, who feeds the 13,000 prisoners here, when he has the means
of doing so, says Col. Northrop, the Commissary, does not respond to his
requisitions for meat. He fears the prisoners will take or destroy the
city, and talks of sending his family out of it.
I condemned the reign of martial law in this city, in 1862, as it was
not then necessary, and because its execution was intrusted to improper
and obnoxious men. But now I am inclined to think it necessary not only
here, but everywhere in the Confederacy. Many farmers refuse to get out
their grain, or to sell their meat, because they say they have enough
Confederate money! money for the redemption of which their last negro
and last acre are responsible. So, if they be permitted to maintain this
position, neither the army nor the non-producing class of the population
can be subsisted; and, of course, all classes must be involved in a
common ruin. A Dictator might prevent the people from destroying
themselves, and it seems that nothing short of extreme measures can
prevent it. But, again, suppose the Federal Government were to propose a
sweeping amnesty, and exemption from confiscation to all who should
subscribe to a reconstruction of the Union--and this, too, at a time of
suffering and despondency--and so large a body were to embrace the terms
as to render a prolongation of the war impracticable? What would the
money the farmers now possess be worth? And what would become of the
slaves, especially in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri?
NOVEMBER 12TH.--No accounts of any fighting, but plenty of battles
looked for.
A. A. Little writes to the Secretary of War from Fredericksburg, that
the attempt to remove the iron from the Aquia Railroad by the government
having failed, now is the time for private enterprise to effect it. If
the Secretary "will say the word," it can be done. He says the iron is
worth "millions, its weight in gold!" Will Mr. Seddon let it be saved?
Yes, indeed.
Mr. Heyliger, agent at Nassau, writes on the 3d instant (just a week
ago), that he is shipping bacon by every steamer (three or four per
week), leather, percussion caps, and a large amount of quartermaster's
stores. But the supply of lead and saltpeter is exhausted, and he hopes
the agents in Europe will soon send more. About one in every four
steamers is captured by the enemy. We can afford that.
The President sent over to-day, for the perusal of the Secretary of War,
a long letter from Gen. Howell Cobb, dated at Atlanta, on the 7th
instant. He had just returned from a visit to Bragg's army, and reports
that there is a better feeling among the officers for Gen. Bragg, who
is regaining their confidence. However, he says it is to be wished that
more cordiality subsisted between Generals Bragg and ------, his ---- in
command. He thinks Generals B------ and C------ might be relieved
without detriment to the service, if they cannot be reconciled to Bragg.
He hints at some important movement, and suggests co-operation from
Virginia by a demonstration in East Tennessee.
It is generally believed that France has followed the example of
England, by seizing our rams. Thus the whole world seems combined
against us. And Mr. Seward has made a speech, breathing fire and
destruction unless we submit to Lincoln as our President. He says he was
fairly elected President for four years of the whole United States, and
there can be no peace until he is President of all the States, to which
he is justly entitled. A war for the President!
NOVEMBER 13TH.--No news of battles yet. But we have a rumor of the
burning of the fine government steamer R. E. Lee, chased by the
blockaders. That makes two this week.
Gen. Lee dispatched the President, yesterday, as follows:
"Orange C. H., Nov. 12th.--For the last five days we have only received
three pounds of corn per horse, from Richmond, per day. We depend on
Richmond for corn. At this rate, the horses will die, and cannot do hard
work. The enemy is very active, and we must be prepared for hard work
any day.--R. E. LEE."
On the back of which the President indorsed: "Have the forage sent up in
preference to anything else. The necessity is so absolute as to call for
every possible exertion.--JEFFERSON DAVIS."
Perhaps this may rouse the department. Horses starving in the midst of
corn-fields ready for gathering! Alas, what mismanagement!
I cut the following from the _Dispatch_:
"FLOUR.--We heard yesterday of sales of flour at $110 per barrel. We do
not, however, give this as the standard price; for, if the article was
in market, we believe that even a higher figure would be reached. A few
days since a load of flour was sent to an auction-house on Cary Street
to be sold at auction. The proprietors of the house very properly
declined to receive it, refusing to dispose of breadstuffs under the
hammer, where men of money, and destitute of souls, would have an
opportunity of buying it up and withdrawing it from market.
"CORN-MEAL.--This article is bringing from $18 to $20 per bushel, and
scarce at that.
"COUNTRY PRODUCE AND VEGETABLES.--We give the following as the wholesale
rates: Bacon, hoground, $2.75 to $3; lard, $2.25 to $2.30; butter, $3.75
to $4; eggs, $2 to $2.25; Irish potatoes, $7.50 to $8; sweet potatoes,
$10.50 to $12; tallow candles, $4 per pound; salt, 45 cents per pound.
"GROCERIES.--Coffee--wholesale, $9 per pound, retail, $10; sugar, $2.85
to $3.25; sorghum molasses, wholesale, $10, and $14 to $15 at retail;
rice, 30 to 35 cents.
"LIQUORS.--Whisky, $55 to $70 per gallon, according to quality, apple
brandy, $50; high proof rum, $50; French brandy, $80 to $100.
"In the city markets fresh meats are worth $1.25 to $1.50 for beef and
mutton, and $2 for pork; chickens, $6 to $8 per pair; ducks, $7 to $8
per pair; butter, $4.50 to $5 per pound; sweet potatoes, $2.50 per half
peck; Irish potatoes, $2 per half peck.
"LEATHER.--Sole leather, $6.50 to $7.50 per pound; upper leather, $7.50
to $8; harness leather, $5.50 to $6; hides are quoted at $2.50 to $2.75
for dry, and $1.50 for salted green; tanners' oil, $4 to $5 per gallon.
"TOBACCO.--Common article, not sound, $1 to $1.25; medium, pounds, dark,
$1.30 to $2; good medium bright, $2 to $2.75; fine bright, $2 to $4;
sweet 5's and 10's scarce and in demand, with an advance."
My friend Capt. Jackson Warner sent me, to-day, two bushels of meal at
government price, $5 per bushel. The price in market is $20. Also nine
pounds of good beef, and a shank--for which he charged nothing, it being
part of a present to him from a butcher.
NOVEMBER 14TH.--Some skirmishing between Chattanooga and Knoxville. From
prisoners we learn that the enemy at both those places are on half
rations, and that Grant intends to attack Bragg soon at Lookout
Mountain. Either Grant or Bragg must retire, as the present relative
positions cannot long be held.
Mr. A. Moseley, formerly editor of the _Whig_, writes, in response to a
letter from the Secretary of War, that he deems our affairs in a rather
critical condition. He is perfectly willing to resume his labor, but can
see no good to be effected by him. He thinks, however, that the best
solution for the financial question would be to cancel the indebtedness
of the government to all except foreigners, and call it ($800,000,000) a
contribution to the wars--and the sacrifices would be pretty equally
distributed. He suggests the formation of an army, quietly, this winter,
to invade Pennsylvania next spring, leaving Lee still with his army on
this side of the Potomac. Nevertheless, he advises that no time should
be lost in securing foreign aid, while we are still able to offer some
equivalents, and before the enemy gets us more in his power. Rather
submit to terms with France and England, or with either, than submission
to the United States. Such are the opinions of a sagacious and
experienced editor.
Another letter from Brig.-Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe, was received
to-day, with a report of an agent on the condition of the prisoners at
Fort Delaware. By this report it appears our men get meat three times a
day--coffee, tea, molasses, chicken soup, fried mush, etc. But it is not
stated _how much_ they get. The agent says they confess themselves
satisfied. Clothing, it would appear, is also issued them, and they have
comfortable sleeping beds, etc. He says several of our surgeons propose
taking the oath of allegiance, first resigning, provided they are
permitted to visit their families. Gen. M. asks for a similar report of
the rations, etc. served the Federal prisoners here, with an avowed
purpose of retaliation, provided the accounts of their condition be
true. I know not what response will be made; but our surgeon-general
recommends an inspection and report. They are getting sweet potatoes
now, and, generally they get bread and beef daily, when our
Commissary-General Northrop has them. But sometimes they have little or
no meat for a day or so at a time--and occasionally they have bread only
once a day. It is difficult to feed them, and I hope they will be
exchanged soon. But Northrop says our own soldiers must soon learn to do
without meat; and but few of us have little prospect of getting enough
to eat this winter. My family had a fine dinner to-day--the only one for
months. As for clothes, we are as shabby as Italian lazzaronis--with no
prospect whatever of replenished wardrobe, unless some European power
will come and take us, as the French have done Mexico.
NOVEMBER 15TH.--After a fine rain all night, it cleared away
beautifully this morning, cool, but not unseasonable. There is no news
of importance. The Governor of Georgia recommends, in his message, that
the Legislature instruct their representatives in Congress to vote for a
repeal of the law allowing substitutes, and also to put the enrolling
officers in the ranks, leaving the States to send conscripts to the
army. The Georgia Legislature have passed a resolution, unanimously,
asking the Secretary of War to revoke the appointments of all impressing
agents in that State, and appoint none but civilians and citizens. I
hope the Secretary will act upon this hint. But will he?
The papers contain the following:
"_Arrived in Richmond._--Mrs. Todd, of Kentucky, the mother of Mrs.
Lincoln, arrived in this city on the steamer Schultz, Thursday night,
having come to City Point on a flag of truce boat. She goes South to
visit her daughter, Mrs. Helm, widow of Surgeon-General Helm, who fell
at Chickamauga. Mrs. Todd is about to take up her residence in the
South, all her daughters being here, except the wife of Lincoln, who is
in Washington, and Mrs. Kellogg, who is at present in Paris."
"TO THE POOR.--C. Baumhard, 259 Main Street, between Seventh and Eighth,
has received a large quantity of freshly-ground corn-meal, which he will
sell to poor families at the following rates: one bushel, $16; half
bushel, $8; one peck, $4; half peck, $2."
NOVEMBER 16TH.--Governor Brown, Georgia, writes the Secretary that he is
opposed to impressments, and that the government should pay the market
price--whatever that is. And the Rhett politicians of South Carolina are
opposed to raising funds to pay with, by taxing land and negroes. So
indicates the _Mercury_.
We have news to-day of the crossing of the Rapidan River by Meade's
army. A battle, immediately, seems inevitable.
NOVEMBER 17TH.--A cold, dark day. No news. It was a mistake about the
enemy crossing the Rapidan--only one brigade (cavalry) came over, and it
was beaten back without delay.
Vice-President Stephens writes a long letter to the Secretary, opposing
the routine policy of furloughs, and extension of furloughs; suggesting
that in each district some one should have authority to grant them. He
says many thousands have died by being hastened back to the army
uncured of their wounds, etc.--preferring death to being advertised as
deserters.
Captain Warner sent me a bag of sweet potatoes to-day, received from
North Carolina. We had an excellent dinner.
NOVEMBER 18TH.--We have no news whatever, except some damage reported at
Charleston, done to two monitors yesterday. The bombardment has assumed
no new phase.
A letter from Gen. J. E. Johnston, Meridian, Miss., indicates that the
Secretary has been writing him and saying that he was responsible for
the outrages of the impressing agents in his department. Gen. J.
disclaims the responsibility, inasmuch as the agents referred to act
under orders from the Commissary-General or Secretary of War.
NOVEMBER 19TH.--Miss Harriet H. Fort, of Baltimore, has arrived via
Accomac and Northampton Counties, with a complete drawing of all the
defenses of Baltimore.
The Medical Purveyor's Guards have petitioned the Secretary for higher
pay. They get now $1500 per annum, and say the city watchmen get $2300.
Gens. Banks and Taylor in the West are corresponding and wrangling about
the exchange of prisoners--and the cartel is to be abrogated, probably.
The Governor of Mississippi (Clark) telegraphs the President that the
Legislature (in session) is indignant at the military authorities for
impressing slaves. The President telegraphs back that the order was to
prevent them falling into the lines of the enemy, and none others were
to be disturbed.
NOVEMBER 20TH.--We have reports of some successes to-day. Gen. Hampton,
it appears, surprised and captured several companies of the enemy's
cavalry, a day or two since, near Culpepper Court House. And Gen.
Wheeler has captured several hundred of the enemy in East Tennessee,
driving the rest into the fortifications of Knoxville. Gen. Longstreet,
at last accounts, was near Knoxville with the infantry. We shall not be
long kept in suspense--as Longstreet will not delay his action; and
Burnside may find himself in a "predicament."
A private soldier writes the Secretary to-day that his mother is in
danger of starving--as she failed to get flour in Richmond, at $100 per
barrel. He says if the government has no remedy for this, he and his
comrades will throw down their arms and fly to some other country with
their families, where a subsistence may be obtained.
Every night robberies of poultry, salt meats, and even of cows and hogs
are occurring. Many are desperate.
NOVEMBER 21ST.--We have further reports from the West, confirming the
success of Longstreet. It is said he has taken 2200 prisoners, and is
probably at Knoxville.
The President left the city this morning for Orange Court House, on a
visit to Gen. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia.
We are a shabby-looking people now--gaunt, and many in rags. But there
is food enough, and cloth enough, if we had a Roman Dictator to order an
equitable distribution.
The Secretary of War is destined to have an uncomfortable time. After
assuring the Legislature and the people that provisions in _transitu_
would not be impressed, it is ascertained that the agents of the
Commissary-General are impressing such supplies, and the Secretary is
reluctant to interfere, the Commissary-General being understood to have
the support of the President.
A committee of the Grand Jury yesterday submitted a paper to the
President, on the subject of provisions--indicating the proximity of
famine, and deprecating impressments. The President sent it to the
Secretary, saying Mr. Seddon would no doubt take measures to keep the
people of Richmond from starving; and directing the Secretary to
"confer" with him. But to-day he is off to the army, and perhaps some
may starve before any relief can be afforded.
A genteel suit of clothes cannot be had now for less than $700. A pair
of boots, $200--if good. I saw to-day, suspended from a window, an
opossum dressed for cooking, with a card in its mouth, marked "price,
$10." It weighed about four pounds. I luxuriated on parsnips to-day,
from my own little garden.
A dollar in gold sold for $18 Confederate money, to-day. Our paper is
constantly depreciating; and I think it is past redemption, unless we
adopt Mr. Moseley's plan, and cause some six or eight hundred millions
to be canceled, and fix a maximum price for all commodities necessary
for the support of life. Congress will never agree upon any measure of
relief. But if the paper money be repudiated, nevertheless we shall
have our independence, unless the Southern people should become mad,
divided among themselves. Subjugation of a united people, such as ours,
occupying such a vast extent of territory, is impossible. The tenure of
its occupation by an invading army would always be uncertain, and a
million would be required to hold it.
A hard rain commenced falling this evening, and continued in the night.
This, I suppose, will put an end to operations in Virginia, and we shall
have another respite, and hold Richmond at least another winter. But
such weather must cause severe suffering among the prisoners on Belle
Isle, where there are not tents enough for so large a body of men. Their
government may, however, now consent to an exchange. Day before
yesterday some 40,000 rations were sent them by the United States
flag-boat--which will suffice for three days, by which time I hope many
will be taken away. Our Commissary-General Northrop has but little meat
and bread for them, or for our own soldiers in the field. It must be
confessed they have but small fare, and, indeed, all of us who have not
been "picking and stealing," fare badly. Yet we have quite as good
health, and much better appetites than when we had sumptuous living.
NOVEMBER 22D.--We have nothing additional to-day, except another attempt
to take Fort Sumter by assault, which was discovered before the crews of
the boats landed, and of course it was defeated. Since then some shells
have been thrown into the city of Charleston, doing little damage.
This morning was bright and warm, the clouds having passed away in the
night.
NOVEMBER 23D.--Nothing of moment from the armies, although great events
are anticipated soon.
On Saturday, Gen. Winder's or Major Griswold's head of the passport
office, Lieut. Kirk, was arrested on the charge of selling passports at
$100 per man to a Mr. Wolf and a Mr. Head, who transported passengers to
the Potomac. W. and H. were in prison, and made the charge or
confession. This passport business has been our bane ever since Gen.
Winder got control of it under Mr. Benjamin. Lieut. K. is from
Louisiana, but originally from New York.
Mr. Benjamin sent over to-day extracts from dispatches from Mr. Slidell
and a Mr. Hotze, agent, showing how the government is swindled in Europe
by the purchasing agents of the bureaus here. One, named Chiles, in the
purchase of $650,000, Mr. Slidell says, was to realize $300,000 profit!
And Mr. Hotze (who is he?) says the character and credit of the
government are ruined abroad by its own agents! Mr. Secretary Seddon
will soon see into this matter.
Capt. Warner says the Federal prisoners here have had no meat for three
days, Commissary-General Northrop having none, probably, to issue. One
hundred tons rations, however, came up for them yesterday on the flag
boat.
Exchange on London sells at $1 for $18.50, and gold brings about the
same. Our paper money, I fear, has sunk beyond _redemption_. We have
lost _five_ steamers lately; and it is likely the port of Wilmington
(our last one) will be hermetically sealed. Then we shall soon be
destitute of ammunition, unless we retake the mineral country from the
enemy.
Mr. Memminger has sent a press to the trans-Mississippi country, to
issue paper money there.
Mr. Slidell writes that all our shipments to and from Matamoras ought to
be under the French flag. There may be something in this.
The President was expected back to-day; and perhaps came in the evening.
He is about to write his message to Congress, which assembles early in
December, and perhaps he desired to consult Gen. Lee.
Everywhere the people are clamorous against the sweeping impressments of
crops, horses, etc. And at the same time we have accounts of corn, and
hay, and potatoes rotting at various depots! Such is the management of
the bureaus.
The clerks are in great excitement, having learned that a proposition
will be brought forward to put all men under forty-five years of age in
the army. It will be hard to carry it; for the heads of departments
generally have nephews, cousins, and pets in office, young and rich, who
care not so much for the salaries (though they get the best) as for
exemption from service in the field. And the editors will oppose it, as
they are mostly of conscript age. And the youthful members of Congress
could not escape odium if they exempted themselves, unless disabled by
wounds.
NOVEMBER 24TH.--The President is expected back to-day. A letter from
Gen. Lee indicates that the Commissary-General has been suggesting that
he (the general) should impress supplies for his army. This the general
deprecates, and suggests that if supplies cannot be purchased, they
should be impressed by the agents of the Commissary Department; and that
the burden should be laid on the farmers equally, in all the States.
Gen. Lee does not covet the odium. But it is plain, now, that the
extortionate farmers, who were willing to see us non-producing people
starve, unless we paid them ten prices for their surplus products, will
be likely to get only the comparatively low schedule price fixed by the
government. Instead of $20 per bushel for potatoes, they will receive
only $2 or $3. This will be a good enough maximum law. But the
government _must_ sell to us at cost, or I know not what may be the
consequences.
NOVEMBER 25TH.--We have an unintelligible dispatch from Gen. Bragg,
saying he had, yesterday, a prolonged contest with the enemy for the
possession of Lookout Mountain, during which one of his divisions
suffered severely, and that the manoeuvring of the hostile army was
for position. This was the purport, and the language, as well as I
remember. There is no indication of the probable result--no intimation
whether the position was gained. But the belief is general that Bragg
will retreat, and that the enemy may, if he will, penetrate the heart of
the South! To us it _seems_ as if Bragg has been in a fog ever since the
battle of the 20th of September. He refused to permit ---- to move on
the enemy's left for nearly two months, and finally consented to it when
the enemy had been reinforced by 30,000 from Meade, and by Sherman's
army from Memphis, of 20,000, just when he could not spare a large
detachment! In other words, lying inert before a defeated army, when
concentrated; and dispersing his forces when the enemy was reinforced
and concentrated! If disaster ensues, the government will suffer the
terrible consequences, for it assumed the responsibility of retaining
him in command when the whole country (as the press says) demanded his
removal.
From letters received the last few days at the department, I perceive
that the agents of the government are impressing everywhere--horses,
wagons, hogs, cattle, grain, potatoes, etc. etc.--leaving the farmers
only enough for their own subsistence. This will insure subsistence for
the army, and I hope it will be a death-blow to speculation, as
government pays less than one-fourth the prices demanded in market. Let
the government next sell to non-producers; and every man of fighting age
will repair to the field, and perhaps the invader may be driven back.
We have the speech of the French Emperor, which gives _us_ no
encouragement, but foreshadows war with Russia, and perhaps a general
war in Europe.
We have rain again. This may drive the armies in Virginia into winter
quarters, as the roads will be impracticable for artillery.
The next battle will be terrific; not many men on either side will be
easily taken prisoners, _as exchanges have ceased_.
Dr. Powell brought us a bushel of meal to-day, and some persimmons.
NOVEMBER 26TH.--The weather is clear and bright again; but, oh, how dark
and somber the faces of the croakers!
The following dispatches have been received:
[BATTLE AT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN.]
(OFFICIAL DISPATCH.)
"MISSION RIDGE, Nov. 24th, 1863.
"TO GEN. S. COOPER.
"We have had a prolonged struggle for Lookout Mountain to-day, and
sustained considerable loss in one division. Elsewhere the enemy
has only manoeuvred for position.
"[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG, _General_."
_The Latest--Official._
"CHICKAMAUGA, Nov. 25th, 1863.
"GEN. S. COOPER, A. AND I. GENERAL.
"After several unsuccessful assaults on our lines to-day, the enemy
carried the left center about four o'clock. The whole left soon
gave way in considerable disorder. The right maintained its ground,
repelling every assault. I am withdrawing all to this point.
"[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG.
"Official--JOHN WITHERS, A. A. G."
All agree in the conviction that the enemy has been defeated--perhaps
badly beaten.
Hon. H. S. Foote, just arrived from the vicinity of the field, says
Bragg has only some 20,000 or 30,000 men, while Grant has 90,000, and he
infers that incalculable disaster will ensue.
And Meade is steadily advancing. Gen. Pickett, at Petersburg, has been
ordered to send some of his troops north of Richmond, for the defense of
the railroad in Hanover County.
Miss Stevenson, sister of Major-Gen. Stevenson, has written the
President for employment in one of the departments. He referred it to
Mr. Memminger, who indorsed on it, coldly, as usual, there were no
vacancies, and a hundred applications. The President sent it to the
Secretary of War. He will be more polite.
Another letter to-day from Mr. Memminger, requesting that a company,
commanded by a son of his friend, Trenholm, of Charleston, be stationed
at Ashville, where his family is staying.
Lieut.-Gen. D. H. Hill has applied for a copy of Gen. Bragg's letter
asking his removal from his army. The President sends a copy to the
Secretary, who will probably comply, and there may be a personal affair,
for Bragg's strictures on Hill as a general were pretty severe.
There are rumors of a break in the cabinet, a majority, it is said,
having been in favor of Bragg's removal.
Bragg's disaster so shocked my son Custis that, at dinner, when asked
for rice, he poured water into his sister's plate, the pitcher being
near.
NOVEMBER 27TH.--Dark and gloomy. At 10 o'clock Gov. Vance, of North
Carolina, telegraphed the Secretary of War, asking if anything
additional had been heard from Bragg. The Secretary straightened in his
chair, and answered that he knew nothing but what was published in the
papers.
At 1 o'clock P.M. a dispatch was received from Bragg, dated at
_Ringgold, Ga._, some thirty miles from the battle-field of the day
before. Here, however, it is thought he will make a stand. But if he
could not hold his mountain position, what can he do in the plain? We
know not yet what proportion of his army, guns, and stores he got
away--but he must have retreated rapidly.
Meade is advancing, and another battle seems imminent.
To-day a countryman brought a game-cock into the department. Upon being
asked what he intended to do with it, he said it was his purpose to send
its left wing to Bragg!
NOVEMBER 28TH.--It rained last night. To-day there is an expectation of
a battle near Chancellorville, the battle-ground of June last. Meade is
certainly advancing, and Pickett's division, on the south side of the
James River, at Chaffin's Farm, is ordered to march toward Lee, guarding
the railroad, and the local defense men are ordered out.
My son Custis goes with his battalion to Chaffin's Farm in the morning.
There are rumors of six or eight thousand of the enemy marching up the
line of the James River against Petersburg, etc. We have also a rumor of
Gen. Rosser having captured the wagon train of two divisions of the
enemy in Culpepper County.
From Bragg not a word since his dispatch from Ringgold, Ga., and nothing
from Longstreet.
Gen. Whiting writes that a large number of Jews and others with gold,
having put in substitutes, and made their fortunes, are applying for
passage out of the country. They fear their substitutes will no longer
keep them out of the army. Gen. W. says they have passports from
Richmond, and that the spy who published in the North an account of the
defenses of Wilmington, had a passport from Richmond. The government
will never realize the injury of the loose passport system until it is
ruined.
Never have I known such confusion. On the 26th inst. the Secretary
ordered Gen. Pickett, whose headquarters were at Petersburg, to send a
portion of his division to Hanover Junction, it being apprehended that a
raid might be made in Lee's rear. Gen. P. telegraphs that the French
steam frigate was coming up the river (what for?), and that two Federal
regiments and three companies of cavalry menaced our lines on the south
side of the river. The Secretary sent this to Gen. Elzey, on this side
of the river, asking if his pickets and scouts could not get information
of the movements of the enemy. To-day Gen. E. sends back the paper,
saying his scouts could not cross the river and get within the enemy's
lines. So the government is in a fog--and if the enemy knew it, and it
may, the whole government might be taken before any dispositions for
defense could be made. Incompetency in Richmond will some day lose it.
Three o'clock P.M. The weather is clear, and Lee and Meade may fight,
and it may be a decisive battle.
I met Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, to-day. He asked me if I did not think
our affairs were in a desperate condition. I replied that I did not know
that they were not, and that when one in my position did not know, they
must be bad enough.
NOVEMBER 29TH.--The clerks were marched out into the muddy street this
morning in a cold rain, and stood there for hours, while the officers
were making up their minds when to start for the boat to convey them to
Drewry's Bluff, whence they are to march to Chaffin's Farm, provided the
officers don't change their minds.
There are reports of a repulse of the enemy by Lee yesterday, and also
of a victory by Bragg, but they are not traceable to authentic sources.
At 3 o'clock P.M. it is cold, but has ceased to rain.
The want of men is our greatest want, and I think it probable Congress
will repeal the Substitute Law, and perhaps the Exemption Act. Something
must be done to put more men in the ranks, or all will be lost. The rich
have contrived to get out, or to keep out, and there are not poor men
enough to win our independence. All, with very few exceptions, between
the ages of 18 and 45, must fight for freedom, else we may not win it.
NOVEMBER 30TH.--It is clear and cold. The boat in which my son and the
battalion of clerks went down the river yesterday, sunk, from being
overloaded, just as it got to the landing. It is said some of the boys
had to wade ashore; but none were lost--thank God!
This morning early, Lee and Meade confronted each other in battle array,
and no one doubts a battle is in progress to-day this side of the
Rapidan. Lee is outnumbered some two to one, but Meade has a swollen
river in his rear. It is an awful moment.
I took my remaining son to the office this morning, to aid me in
Custis's absence.
At night. Nothing has yet been heard from the battle, if indeed it
occurred to-day. It is said that Meade is _ordered_ to fight. They know
at Washington it is too late in the season, in the event of Meade's
defeat, for Lee to menace that city, or to invade Pennsylvania. It is a
desperate effort to crush the "rebellion," as they suppose, by advancing
all their armies. And indeed it seems that Meade is quite as near to
Richmond as Lee; for he seems to be below the latter on the
Rappahannock, with his back to Fredericksburg, and Lee's face toward it.
If Meade should gain the victory, he might possibly cut off Lee from
this city. Nevertheless, these positions are the result of Lee's
manoeuvres, and it is to be supposed he understands his business. He
has no fear of Meade's advance in this direction with his communications
cut behind him.
Captain Warner has sold me two pieces of bacon again, out of his own
smoke-house, at $1 per pound, while it is selling in the market at $3.50
per pound--and he has given us another bushel of sweet potatoes. Had it
not been for this kind friend, my little revenue would not have sufficed
for subsistence.
While the soldiers are famishing for food, what is called "red tapeism"
prevents the consummation of contracts to supply them. Captains
Montgomery and Leathers, old steamboat captains, with ample capital, and
owning the only steamboats in certain waters of Florida, have just
proposed to furnish the government with a million pounds salt beef, on
the main line of railroad in Florida, at a reduced price. The cattle are
exposed to incursions of the enemy, and have to be transported by
steamboats. They endeavored to make a proposal directly to the
Secretary, which was so expressed in the communication I prepared for
them--as they were unwilling to treat with Col. Northrop, the
Commissary-General, who has become extremely obnoxious. But it was
intercepted, and referred to the Commissary-General. Learning this, the
captains abandoned their purpose and left the city--the Secretary never
having seen their proposal. Our soldiers will not get the beef, and
probably the enemy will.