Hospitalities of the city to Gen. Morgan.--Call for a Dictator.--Letter
from Gen. Lee.--Letters from Gov. Vance.--Accusation against Gen.
Winder.--Treatment of Confederate prisoners (from the _Chicago
Times_).--Change of Federal policy.--Efforts to remove Col.
Northrop.--Breach between the President and Congress.--Destitution
of our prisoners.--Appeal of Gen. Lee to the army.--New Conscription
Act.--Letter from Gen. Cobb.
JANUARY 1ST, 1864.--A bright windy day, and not cold. The President has
a reception to-day, and the City Councils have voted the hospitalities
of the city to Brig.-Gen. J. H. Morgan, whose arrival is expected. If he
comes, he will be the hero, and will have a larger crowd of admirers
around him than the President. The Councils have also voted a _sword_ to
ex-Gov. Letcher, whose term of service ended yesterday. Gov. Wm.
Smith--nicknamed Extra-Billy--is to be inaugurated to-day.
Flour is now held at $150 per barrel. Capt. Warner has just sold me two
bushels of meal at $5 per bushel; the price in market is $16 per bushel.
I did not go to any of the receptions to-day; but remained at home,
transplanting lettuce-plants, which have so far withstood the frost, and
a couple of fig-bushes I bought yesterday. I am also breaking up some
warm beds, for early vegetables, and spreading manure over my little
garden: preparing for the siege and famine looked for in May and June,
when the enemy encompasses the city. I bought some tripe and liver in
the market at the low price of $1 per pound. Engaged to pay $250 hire
for our servant this year.
JANUARY 2D.--Gen. Longstreet writes that it will be well to winter in
East Tennessee (Rogersville), unless there should be a pressing
necessity for him elsewhere. But his corps ought to be at least 20,000.
He says provisions may be got in that section; and if they be collected,
the enemy may be forced to leave.
The Secretary of the Navy has requested the Secretary of War to open the
obstructions at Drewry's Bluff, so that the iron-clads, Richmond and
Fredericksburg, may pass out. This he deems necessary for the defense of
Richmond, as our iron-clads may prevent the enemy from coming up the
river and landing near the city.
The _Lynchburg Virginian_ has come out for a dictator, and names Gen.
Lee.
The Raleigh (N. C.) _Progress_ says we must have peace on any terms, or
starvation. I think we can put some 200,000 additional men in the field
next year, and they can be fed also.
JANUARY 3D.--Yesterday was the coldest day of the winter, and last night
was a bitter one. This morning it is bright and clear, and moderating.
We have had no snow yet.
There is much talk everywhere on the subject of a dictator, and many
think a strong government is required to abate the evils we suffer. The
President has temporarily lost some popularity.
The speculators and extortioners who hired substitutes are in
consternation--some flying the country since the passage of the bill
putting them in the army, and the army is delighted with the measure.
The petition from so many generals in the field intimidated Congress,
and it was believed that the Western army would have melted away in
thirty days, if no response had been accorded to its demands by
government. Herculean preparations will now be made for the next
campaign, which is, as usual, looked forward to as the final one.
JANUARY 4TH.--On Saturday, resolutions were unanimously adopted by the
Senate complimenting Gen. Lee. This is his opportunity, if he be
ambitious,--and who can see his heart? What man ever neglected such an
opportunity?
The weather is dark and threatening. Again the rumor is circulated that
ex-Gov. Letcher is to be Secretary of War. I don't believe that.
Major Tachman claims $5000 in gold and $1600 paper, because after
raising two regiments in 1861 he was not made a brigadier-general. He
says he expended that much money. I thought this Polish adventurer would
give the government trouble.
Custis commenced his school to-night, with three scholars,--small
beginnings, etc.
JANUARY 5TH.--Bright, pleasant day. I saw a letter from Gen. Elzey
to-day, stating that his command will probably soon be called out from
the city on important service. What can this mean? And our iron-clads
are to go below the obstructions if they can get out.
Yesterday Mr. Good offered a resolution declaring the unalterable
purpose of Congress to prosecute the war until independence is attained.
What significance is in this? Why declare such a purpose at this day?
Mr. Benjamin, Gen. Myers, Col. Preston, and Mr. Seddon are to partake of
a feast on Thursday. A feast in time of famine!
JANUARY 6TH.--Yesterday Mr. Moffitt, Lieut.-Col. Ruffin's agent
(commissary), was in the market buying beef for Gen. Lee's army! And
this same Moffitt was in September selling beef to the same butchers (as
they say) at from 40 to 50 cts. gross, the impressing price in the
country being 20 cts.
On the 2d inst. Gen. Lee wrote the President that he had just heard of
two droves of cattle from the West, destined for his army, being ordered
to Richmond. [He does not say by whom, or for what purpose. He knew
not.] He says he has but one day's meat rations, and he fears he will
not be able to retain the army in the field. The President sent a copy
of this to the Commissary-General, with a few mild remarks, suggesting
that he shall get such orders from the Secretary of War as are necessary
in such an emergency. In response to this the Commissary-General makes a
chronological list of his letters to Gen. Lee and others, pretending
that if certain things were not done, the army, some day, would come to
want, and taking great credit for his foresight, etc. This table of
contents he ran first to the department with, but not finding the
Secretary, he carried it to the President, who returned it without
comment to Col. N. yesterday, and to-day the Secretary got it, not
having seen it before. Well, if Col. N. had contracted with Capt.
Montgomery for the 1,000,000 pounds of salt beef, it would have been
delivered ere this. But the Secretary never saw Capt. M.'s offer at all!
JANUARY 7TH.--Gen. J. E. Johnston dispatches from the West that the meat
is so indifferent, the soldiers must have an additional quantity of
rice.
Beef sells to-day at $1.25 per pound by the quarter. And yet an
Englishman at the best hotel yesterday remarked that he never lived so
cheaply in any country, his board being only three shillings (in specie)
per diem, or about $20 Confederate States notes.
A dozen china cups and saucers sold at auction to-day for $160. Col.
Preston, Conscription Bureau, several members of the cabinet, etc.
feasted at a cost of $2000! It is said that the Jack was turned up and
_Jeff_ turned down in a witticism, and smiled at _nem. con._ But I don't
believe that.
We have a light snow, the first time the earth has been white this
winter.
I am reminded daily of the privations I used to read of in the
Revolutionary War. Then thorns were used, now we use pins, for buttons.
My waistbands of pantaloons and drawers are pinned instead of buttoned.
Gen. Jno. H. Morgan arrived this evening, and enjoyed a fine reception,
as a multitude of admirers were at the depot.
About the same hour the President rode past my house alone, to indulge
his thoughts in solitude in the suburbs of the city.
JANUARY 8TH.--Dispatches from both Beauregard and Whiting indicate a
belief of an intention on the part of the enemy to attempt the capture
of Charleston and Wilmington this winter. The President directs the
Secretary to keep another brigade near Petersburg, that it may be
available in an emergency.
It snowed again last night, but cleared off to-day, and is bitter cold.
A memorial was received to-day from the officers of Gen. Longstreet's
army, asking that all men capable of performing military service,
including those who have hired substitutes, be placed in the army.
To-day I bought a barrel of good potatoes (Irish) for $25, and one of
superior quality and size for $30. This is providing for an anticipated
season of famine.
Gen. Morgan received the congratulations of a vast multitude to-day. One
woman kissed his hand. Gov. Smith advertises a reception to-night.
Yesterday a committee was appointed to investigate the report that a
certain member of Congress obtained passports for several absconding
Jews, for a bribe.
JANUARY 9TH.--Cold and clear. Gen. Longstreet has preferred charges
against Major-Gen. McLaws and another general of his command, and also
asks to be relieved, unless he has an independent command, as Gen.
Johnston's headquarters are too far off, etc. The Secretary is willing
to relieve him, but the President intimates that a successor ought to be
designated first.
Beef was held at $2.50 per pound in market to-day--and I got none; but I
bought 25 pounds of rice at 40 cts., which, with the meal and potatoes,
will keep us alive a month at least. The rich rogues and rascals,
however, in the city, are living sumptuously, and spending Confederate
States notes as if they supposed they would soon be valueless.
JANUARY 10TH.--Letters from Governor Vance received to-day show that he
has been making extensive arrangements to clothe and subsist North
Carolina troops. His agents have purchased abroad some 40,000 blankets,
as many shoes, bacon, etc., most of which is now at Bermuda and Nassau.
He has also purchased an interest in several steamers; but, it appears,
a recent regulation of the Confederate States Government forbids the
import and export of goods except, almost exclusively, for the
government itself. The governor desires to know if his State is to be
put on the same footing with private speculators.
He also demands some thousands of bales of cotton, loaned the
government--and which the government cannot now replace at
Wilmington--and his complaints against the government are bitter. Is it
his intention to assume an independent attitude, and call the North
Carolina troops to the rescue? A few weeks will develop his intentions.
Mr. Hunter is in the Secretary's room every Sunday morning. Is there
some grand political egg to be hatched?
If the government had excluded private speculators from the ports at an
early date, we might have had clothes and meat for the army in
abundance--as well as other stores. But a great duty was neglected!
Sunday as it is, trains of government wagons are going incessantly past
my door laden with ice--for the hospitals next summer, if we keep
Richmond.
JANUARY 11TH.--The snow has nearly vanished--the weather bright and
pleasant, for midwinter; but the basin is still frozen over.
Gen. E. S. Jones has captured several hundred of the enemy in Southwest
Virginia, and Moseby's men are picking them up by scores in Northern
Virginia.
Congress recommitted the new Conscript bill on Saturday, intimidated by
the menaces of the press, the editors being in danger of falling within
reach of conscription.
A dwelling-house near us rented to-day for $6000.
JANUARY 12TH.--Hundreds were skating on the ice in the basin this
morning; but it thawed all day, and now looks like rain.
Yesterday the President vetoed a bill appropriating a million dollars to
clothe the Kentucky troops. The vote in the Senate, in an effort to pass
it nevertheless, was 12 to 10, not two-thirds. The President is
unyielding. If the new Conscription act before the House should become a
law, the President will have nearly all power in his hands. The act
suspending the writ of _habeas corpus_, before the Senate, if passed,
will sufficiently complete the Dictatorship.
Gen. Jos. E. Johnston writes in opposition to the organization of more
cavalry.
Mr. J. E. Murral, Mobile, Ala., writes Judge Campbell that a party there
has authority from the United States authorities to trade anything but
arms and ammunition for cotton.
Gen. Winder being directed to send Mr. Hirsh, a rich Jew, to the
conscript camp, says he gave him a passport to leave the Confederate
States some days ago, on the order of Judge Campbell, A. S. W. Col.
Northrop says supplies of meat have failed.
JANUARY 13TH.--There was firing yesterday near Georgetown, S. C., the
nature and result of which is not yet known.
Yesterday the Senate passed a bill allowing increased pay to civil
officers in the departments; but Senator Brown, of Miss., proposed a
_proviso_, which was adopted, allowing the increased compensation only
to those who are not liable to perform military duty, and unable to bear
arms.
The auctions are crowded--the people seeming anxious to get rid of their
money by paying the most extravagant prices for all articles exposed for
sale. An old pair of boots, with large holes in them, sold to-day for
$7.00--it costs $125 to foot a pair of boots.
JANUARY 14TH.--Mr. A. ----, editor of the ----, recommends the Secretary
of War to get Congress to pass, in secret session, a resolution looking
to a reconstruction of the Union on the old basis, and send
Commissioners to the Northern Governors. Meantime, let the government
organize an army of invasion, and march into Pennsylvania. The object
being to sow dissension among the parties of the North.
A letter from a Mr. Stephens, Columbia, S. C., to the President, says it
is in his power to remove one of the evils which is bringing the
administration into disrepute, and causing universal indignation--Gen.
Winder. The writer says Winder drinks excessively, is brutish to all but
Marylanders, and habitually receives bribes, etc. The President indorsed
on it that he did not know the writer, and the absence of specifications
usually rendered action unnecessary. But perhaps the Secretary may find
Mr. S.'s character such as to deserve attention.
Captain Warner says it is believed there will be a riot, perhaps, when
Col. Northrop, the Commissary-General, may be immolated by the mob.
Flour sold to-day at $200 per barrel; butter, $8 per pound; and meat
from $2 to $4. This cannot continue long without a remedy.
The President has another reception to-night.
"A YANKEE ACCOUNT OF THE TREATMENT OF CONFEDERATE PRISONERS.--_The
Chicago Times_ gives the account which follows of the treatment of our
soldiers at Camp Douglas.
"It is said that about four weeks ago one of the prisoners was kindling
his fire, which act he had a right to perform, when one of the guard
accosted him with, 'Here, what are you doing there?' The prisoner
replied, 'That is not your business,' when the guard instantly drew his
musket and shot the fellow dead. It is said also that a mulatto boy, a
servant of one of the Confederate captains, and, of course, a prisoner
of war, who was well known to have a pass to go anywhere within the
lines, was walking inside the guard limits about a day after the above
occurrence, when the guard commanded him to halt. He did not stop, and
was instantly killed by a bullet.
"It is also charged that, at the time the discovery was made of an
attempt on the part of some of the prisoners to escape, a party of three
or four hundred was huddled together and surrounded by a guard; that one
of them was pushed by a comrade and fell to the ground, and that
instantly the unfortunate man was shot, and that three or four others
were wounded. It is further stated that it is no uncommon thing for a
soldier to fire on the barracks without any provocation whatever, and
that two men were thus shot while sleeping in their bunks a week or two
ago, no inquiry being made into the matter. No court-martial has been
held, no arrest has been made, though within the past month ten or
twelve of the prisoners have been thus put out of the way. Another
instance need only be given: one of the prisoners asked the guard for a
chew of tobacco, and he received the bayonet in his breast without a
word."
JANUARY 15TH.--We have no news. But there is a feverish anxiety in the
city on the question of subsistence, and there is fear of an outbreak.
Congress is in secret session on the subject of the currency, and the
new Conscription bill. The press generally is opposed to calling out all
men of fighting age, which they say would interfere with the freedom of
the press, and would be unconstitutional.
JANUARY 16TH.--General good spirits prevail since Northern arrivals show
that the House of Representatives at Washington has passed a resolution
that 1,000,000 men, including members of Congress under 50, volunteer to
deliver the prisoners of war out of our hands. This produces a general
smile, as indicative of the exhaustion of the available military force
of the United States--and all believe it to be the merest bravado and
unmitigated humbug. Every preparation will be made by the Confederate
States Government for the most stupendous campaign of the war.
There are indications of disorganization (political) in North
Carolina--but it is too late. The Confederate States Executive is too
strong, so long as Congress remains obedient, for any formidable
demonstration of that character to occur in any of the States. We shall
probably have martial law everywhere.
I bought some garden seeds to-day, fresh from New York! This people are
too improvident, even to sow their own seeds.
JANUARY 17TH.--There is nothing new to-day. The weather is pleasant for
the season, the snow being all gone.
Custis has succeeded in getting ten pupils for his night-school, and
this will add $100 per month to our income--if they pay him. But with
flour at $200 per barrel; meal, $20 per bushel, and meat from $2 to $5
per pound, what income would suffice? Captain Warner (I suppose in
return for some writing which Custis did for him) sent us yesterday two
bushels of potatoes, and, afterwards, a turkey! This is the first turkey
we have had during our housekeeping in Richmond.
I rarely see Robert Tyler nowadays. He used to visit me at my office.
His brother John I believe is in the trans-Mississippi Department. My
friend Jacques is about town occasionally.
JANUARY 18TH.--A flag of truce boat came up, but no one on board was
authorized to negotiate for an exchange of prisoners but Gen. Butler,
outlawed. It returns without anything being effected. Congress has
passed a bill for the reduction of the currency, in secret session. We
know not yet what are its main features. The Senate bill increasing the
compensation of civil officers has not yet been acted on in the House,
and many families are suffering for food.
Anne writes us that Lieut. Minor has returned from his Canada
expedition, which failed, in consequence of the gratuitous action of
Lord Lyons, the British Minister at Washington, who has been secured in
the interest of the Federal Government, it is said, by bribes. Lieut. M.
brought his family a dozen cups and saucers, dresses, shoes, etc.,
almost unattainable here.
The President receives company every Tuesday evening.
Among the letters referred by the Commissary-General to the Secretary of
War to-day for instructions, was one from our honest commissary in North
Carolina, stating that there were several million pounds of bacon and
pork in Chowan and one or two other counties, liable to the incursions
of the enemy, which the people were anxious to sell the government, but
were afraid to bring out themselves, lest the enemy should ravage their
farms, etc., and suggesting that a military force be sent thither with
wagons. The Commissary-General stated none of these facts in his
indorsement; but I did, so that the Secretary must be cognizant of the
nature of the paper.
The enemy made a brief raid in Westmoreland and Richmond counties a few
days ago, and destroyed 60,000 pounds of meat in one of the
Commissary-General's depots! A gentleman writing from that section, says
it is a pity the President's heart is not in his head; for then he would
not ruin the country by retaining his friend, Col. Northrop, the
Commissary-General, in office.
It appears that Gen. Meade has changed the Federal policy in the
Northern Neck, by securing our people within his lines from molestation;
and even by allowing them to buy food, clothing, etc. from Northern
traders, on a pledge of strict neutrality. The object is to prevent the
people from conveying intelligence to Moseby, who has harassed his
flanks and exposed detachments very much. It is a more dangerous policy
for us than the old habit of scourging the non-combatants that fall in
their power.
JANUARY 19TH.--A furious storm of wind and rain occurred last night, and
it is rapidly turning cold to-day.
The prisoners here have had no meat during the last four days, and fears
are felt that they will break out of confinement.
Yesterday Senator Orr waited upon the President, to induce him to remove
Col. Northrop, the obnoxious Commissary-General. The President, it is
said, told him that Col. N. was one of the greatest geniuses in the
South, and that, if he had the physical capacity he would put him at the
head of an army.
A letter from Mrs. Polk, widow of President Polk, dated at Nashville,
expresses regret that a portion of her cotton in Mississippi was burnt
by the military authorities (according to law), and demanding
remuneration. She also asks permission to have the remainder sent to
Memphis, now held by the enemy. The Secretary will not refuse.
I bought a pretty good pair of second-hand shoes at auction to-day for
$17.50; but they were too large. I will have them sold again, without
fear of loss.
A majority of the Judiciary Committee, to whom the subject was referred,
have reported a bill in the Senate vacating the offices of all the
members of the cabinet at the expiration of every two years, or of every
Congress. This is a blow at Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Memminger, etc., and, as
the President conceives, at himself. It will not pass, probably; but it
looks like war between the Senate and the Executive. Some of the
Secretaries _may_ resign on the 18th of February, when this Congress
expires. _Nous verrons._
JANUARY 20TH.--The Senate bill to give increased compensation to the
civil officers of the government in Richmond was _tabled_ in the House
yesterday, on the motion of Mr. Smith, of North Carolina, who spoke
against it.
Major-Gen. Gilmer, Chief of the Engineer Bureau, writes that the time
has arrived when no more iron should be used by the Navy Department;
that no iron-clads have effected any good, or are likely to effect any;
and that all the iron should be used to repair the roads, else we shall
soon be fatally deficient in the means of transportation. And Col.
Northrop, Commissary-General, says he has been trying to concentrate a
reserve supply of grain in Richmond, for eight months; and such has been
the deficiency in means of transportation, that the effort has failed.
Gov. Milton, of Florida, writes that the fact of quartermasters and
commissaries, and their agents, being of conscript age, and being
speculators all, produces great demoralization. If the rich will not
fight for their property, the poor will not fight for them.
Col. Northrop recommends that each commissary and quartermaster be
allowed a confidential clerk of conscript age. That would deprive the
army of several regiments of men.
The weather is bright again, but cool.
JANUARY 21ST.--Gen. Longstreet reports some small captures of the
enemy's detached foraging parties.
The prisoners here have now been six days without meat; and Capt. Warner
has been ordered by the Quartermaster-General to purchase supplies for
them, relying no longer on the Commissary-General.
Last night an attempt was made (by his servants, it is supposed) to
burn the President's mansion. It was discovered that fire had been
kindled in the wood-pile in the basement. The smoke led to the
discovery, else the family might have been consumed with the house. One
or two of the servants have absconded.
At the sale of a Jew to-day an _etegere_ brought $6000; a barrel of
flour, $220; and meal, $25 per bushel. All else in proportion. He is a
jeweler, and intends leaving the country. He will succeed, because he is
rich.
Yesterday the House passed the Senate bill, adjourning Congress on the
18th of February, to meet again in April. Mr. Barksdale, the President's
organ in the House, moved a reconsideration, and it will probably be
reconsidered and defeated, although it passed by two to one.
Major Griswold being required by resolution of the Legislature to give
the origin of the passport office, came to me to-day to write it for
him. I did so. There was no law for it.
JANUARY 22D.--Troops, a few regiments, have been passing down from Lee's
army, and going toward North Carolina. A dispatch, in cipher, from
Petersburg, was received to-day at 3 P.M. It is probable the enemy
threaten the Weldon and Wilmington Railroad. We shall hear soon.
It is thought the negroes that attempted to burn the President's house
(they had heaped combustibles under it) were instigated by Yankees who
have been released upon taking the oath of allegiance. But I think it
quite as probable his enemies here (citizens) instigated it. They have
one of the servants of the War Department under arrest, as participating
in it.
The weather is delightful, and I seek distraction by spading in my
garden.
Judge Campbell is still "allowing" men to pass out of the Confederate
States; and they will invite the enemy in!
JANUARY 23D.--The Secretary of War has authorized Mr. Boute, President
of the Chatham Railroad, to exchange tobacco through the enemy's lines
for bacon. And in the West he has given authority to exchange cotton
with the enemy for meat. It is supposed certain men in high position in
Washington, as well as the military authorities, wink at this traffic,
and share its profits. I hope we may get bacon, without strychnine.
Congress has passed a bill prohibiting, under severe penalties, the
traffic in Federal money. But neither the currency bill, the tax bill,
nor the repeal of the exemption act has been effected yet, and the
existence of the present Congress shortly expires. A _permanent_
government is a cumbersome one.
The weather is fine, and I am spading up my little garden.
JANUARY 24TH.--For some cause, we had no mail to-day. Fine, bright, and
pleasant weather. Yesterday Mr. Lyons called up the bill for increased
compensation to civil officers, and made an eloquent speech in favor of
the measure. I believe it was referred to a special committee, and hope
it may pass soon.
It is said the tax bill under consideration in Congress will produce
$500,000,000 revenue! If this be so, and compulsory funding be adopted,
there will soon be no redundancy of paper money, and a magical change of
values will take place. We who live on salaries may have better times
than even the extortioners--who cannot inherit the kingdom of Heaven.
And relief cannot come too soon: for we who have families are shabby
enough in our raiment, and lean and lank in our persons. Nevertheless,
we have health and never-failing appetites. Roasted potatoes and salt
are eaten with a keen relish.
JANUARY 25TH.--The breach seems to widen between the President and
Congress, especially the Senate. A majority of the Committee on Military
Affairs have reported that Col. A. C. Myers (relieved last August) is
still the Quartermaster-General of the armies, and that Gen. Lawton, who
has been acting as Quartermaster-General since then, is not the duly
authorized Quartermaster-General: not having given bond, and his
appointment not having been consented to by the Senate. They say all the
hundreds of millions disbursed by his direction have been expended in
violation of law.
For the last few nights Col. Browne, one of the President's A. D. C.'s,
and an unnaturalized Englishman, has ordered a guard (department clerks)
to protect the President. Capt. Manico (an Englishman) ordered my son
Custis to go on guard to-night; but I obtained from the Secretary a
countermand of the order, and also an exemption from drills, etc. It
will not do for him to neglect his night-school, else we shall starve.
I noticed, to-day, eight slaughtered deer in one shop; and they are seen
hanging at the doors in every street. The price is $3 per pound. Wild
turkies, geese, ducks, partridges, etc. are also exposed for sale, at
enormous prices, and may mitigate the famine now upon us. The war has
caused an enormous increase of wild game. But ammunition is difficult to
be obtained. I see some perch, chubb, and other fish, but all are
selling at famine prices.
The weather is charming, which is something in the item of fuel. I sowed
a bed of early York cabbage, to-day, in a sheltered part of the garden,
and I planted twenty-four grains of early-sweet corn, some cabbage seed,
tomatoes, beets, and egg-plants in my little hot-bed--a flour barrel
sawed in two, which I can bring into the house when the weather is cold.
I pray God the season may continue mild, else there must be much
suffering. _And yet no beggars are seen in the streets._ What another
month will develop, I know not; the fortitude of the people, so far, is
wonderful.
Major-Gen. Sam. Jones, Dublin, Va., is at loggerheads with Lieut.-Gen.
Longstreet about some regiments the latter keeps in East Tennessee. Gen.
J. says Averill is preparing to make another raid on the Virginia and
Tennessee Railroad, the salt-works, the mines, etc.; and if he is
charged with the defense, he must have at least all his regiments. He
gets his orders from Gen. Cooper, A. and I. G., who will probably give
him what he wants.
JANUARY 26TH.--Gen. Lee recommends the formation of several more
brigades of cavalry, mostly from regiments and companies in South
Carolina, and to this he anticipates objections on the part of the
generals and governors along the Southern seaboard; but he deems it
necessary, as the enemy facing him has a vastly superior cavalry force.
The prisoners on Belle Isle (8000) have had no meat for eleven days. The
Secretary says the Commissary-General informs him that they fare as well
as our armies, and so he refused the commissary (Capt. Warner) of the
prisoners a permit to buy and bring to the city cattle he might be able
to find. An outbreak of the prisoners is apprehended: and if they were
to rise, it is feared some of the inhabitants of the city would join
them, for they, too, have no meat--many of them--or bread either. They
believe the famine is owing to the imbecility, or worse, of the
government. A riot would be a dangerous occurrence, now: the city
battalion would not fire on the people--and if they did, the army might
break up, and avenge their slaughtered kindred. It is a perilous time.
My wife paid $12, to-day, for a half bushel of meal; meantime I got an
order for two bushels, from Capt. Warner, at $10 per bushel.
The President receives visitors to-night; and, for the first time, I
think I will go.
Mr. Foote, yesterday, offered a resolution that the Commissary-General
ought to be removed; which was defeated by a decided vote, twenty in the
affirmative. Twenty he relied on failed him. Letters from all quarters
denounce the Commissary-General and his agents.
JANUARY 27TH.--Last night, the weather being very pleasant, the
President's house was pretty well filled with gentlemen and ladies. I
cannot imagine how they continue to dress so magnificently, unless it be
their old finery, which looks well amid the general aspect of shabby
mendicity. But the statures of the men, and the beauty and grace of the
ladies, surpass any I have seen elsewhere, in America or Europe. There
is high character in almost every face, and fixed resolve in every eye.
The President was very courteous, saying to each, "I am glad to meet you
here to-night." He questioned me so much in regard to my health, that I
told him I was not very well; and if his lady (to whom he introduced us
all) had not been so close (at his elbow), I might have assigned the
cause. When we parted, he said, "_We_ have met before." Mrs. Davis was
in black--for her father. And many of the ladies were in mourning for
those slain in battle.
Gen. Lee has published the following to his army:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"January 22d, 1864.
"GENERAL ORDERS NO 7.
"The Commanding General considers it due to the army to state that
the temporary reduction of rations has been caused by circumstances
beyond the control of those charged with its support. Its welfare
and comfort are the objects of his constant and earnest solicitude;
and no effort has been spared to provide for its wants. It is hoped
that the exertions now being made will render the necessity but of
short duration: but the history of the army has shown that the
country can require no sacrifice too great for its patriotic
devotion.
"Soldiers! you tread, with no unequal steps, the road by which your
fathers marched through suffering, privation, and blood to
independence!
"Continue to emulate in the future, as you have in the past, their
valor in arms, their patient endurance of hardships, their high
resolve to be free, which no trial could shake, no bribe seduce, no
danger appal: and be assured that the just God, who crowned their
efforts with success, will, in His own good time, send down His
blessings upon yours.
"(Signed) R. E. LEE, _General_."
An eloquent and stirring appeal!
It is rumored that the writ of _habeas corpus_ has been suspended--as
the President has been allowed to suspend it--by Congress, in secret
session. But Congress passed a resolution, yesterday, that after it
adjourns on the 18th February, it will assemble again on the first
Monday in May.
Mr. Lyons, chairman of the Committee on Increased Compensation to the
civil officers, had an interview with the Secretary of War yesterday.
The Secretary told him, it is said, that unless Congress voted the
increase, he would take the responsibility of ordering them rations,
etc. etc. And Mr. Smith, of North Carolina, told me, to-day, that
something would be done. He it was who moved to lay the bill on the
table. He said it would have been defeated, if the vote had been taken
on the bill.
Gov. Smith sent to the Legislature a message, yesterday, rebuking the
members for doing so little, and urging the passage of a bill putting
into the State service all between the ages of sixteen and eighteen and
over forty-five. The Legislature considered his lecture an insult, and
the House of Delegates contemptuously laid it on the table by an almost
unanimous vote. So he has war with the Legislature, while the President
is in conflict with the Confederate States Senate.
JANUARY 28TH.--The beautiful, pleasant weather continues.
It is said Congress passed, last night, in secret session, the bill
allowing increased compensation to civil officers and employees. Mr.
Davidson, of fifty years of age, resigned, to-day, his clerkship in the
War Department, having been offered $5000 by one of the incorporated
companies to travel and buy supplies for it.
Mr. Hubbard, of Alabama, suggests to the Secretary to buy 500,000
slaves, and give one to every soldier enlisting from beyond our present
lines, at the end of the war. He thinks many from the border free States
would enlist on our side. The Secretary does not favor the project.
Gen. Whiting writes for an order for two locomotive boilers, at
Montgomery, Ala., for his torpedo-boats, now nearly completed. He says
he intends to attack the blockading squadron off Wilmington.
The weather is still warm and beautiful. The buds are swelling.
JANUARY 30TH.--The Senate has passed a new Conscription Act, putting all
residents between the ages of eighteen and fifty-five in the military
service for the war. Those over forty-five to be detailed by the
President as commissary quartermasters, Nitre Bureau agents, provost
guards, clerks, etc. This would make up the enormous number of 1,500,000
men! The express companies are to have no detail of men fit for the
field, but the President may exempt a certain class for agricultural
purposes, which, of course, can be revoked whenever a farmer refuses to
sell at schedule prices, or engages in speculation or extortion. Thus
the President becomes almost absolute, and the Confederacy a military
nation. The House will pass it with some modifications. Already the
_Examiner_ denounces it, for it allows only one owner or editor to a
paper, and just sufficient printers,--no assistant editors, no
reporters, no clerks, etc. This will save us, and hasten a peace.
Mr. G. A. Myers, the little old lawyer, always potential with the
successive Secretaries of War, proposes, in a long letter, that the
Department allows 30 to 40 foreigners (Jews) to leave the Confederate
States, _via_ Maryland, every week!
Mr. Goodman, President of the Mississippi Railroad, proposes to send
cotton to the Yankees in exchange for implements, etc., to repair the
road, and Lieut.-Gen. (Bishop) Polk favors the scheme.
Commissary-General Northrop likewise sent in a proposal from an agent of
his in Mississippi, to barter cotton with the Yankees for subsistence,
and he indorses an approval on it. I trust we shall be independent this
summer.
To-day it is cool and cloudy, but Custis has had no use for fire in his
school-room of nights for a week--and that in January. The warm weather
saved us a dollar per day in coal. Custis's scholars are paying him $95
the first month.
I shall hope for better times now. We shall have men enough, if the
Secretary and conscription officers do not strain the meshes of the
seine too much, and the currency will be reduced. The speculators and
extortioners, in great measure, will be circumvented, for the new
conscription will take them from their occupations, and they will not
find transportation for their wares.
The 2000 barrels of corn destroyed by the enemy on the Peninsula, a few
days ago, belonged to a relative of Col. Ruffin, Assistant
Commissary-General! He would not impress that--and lo! it is gone! Many
here are glad of it.
JANUARY 31ST.--It rained moderately last night, and is cooler this
morning. But the worst portion of the winter is over. The pigeons of my
neighbor are busy hunting straws in my yard for their nests. They do no
injury to the garden, as they never scratch. The shower causes my
turnips to present a fresher appearance, for they were suffering for
moisture. The buds of the cherry trees have perceptibly swollen during
the warm weather.
A letter from Gen. Cobb (Georgia) indicates that the Secretary of War
has refused to allow men having employed substitutes to form new
organizations, and he combats the decision. He says they will now appeal
to the courts, contending that the law putting them in the service is
unconstitutional, and some will escape from the country, or otherwise
evade the law. They cannot go into old companies and be sneered at by
the veterans, and commanded by their inferiors in fortune, standing,
etc. He says the decision will lose the service 2000 men in Georgia.
The Jews are fleeing from Richmond with the money they have made.