Gen. Lovell applies for a command.--Auspicious opening of 1864.--Mr.
Wright's resolutions.--Rumored approach of Gen. Butler.--Letter from
Gov. Brown.--Letter from Gen. Lee.--Dispatches from Gen.
Beauregard.--President Davis's negroes.--Controversy between Gen.
Winder and Mr. Ould.--Robbery of Mr. Lewis Hayman.--Promotion of Gen.
Bragg, and the _Examiner_ thereon.--Scarcity of provisions in the
army.--Congress and the President.
FEBRUARY 1ST.--Hazy, misty weather. Gen. Lovell (who lost New Orleans)
has applied for a command in the West, and Gen. Johnston approves it
strongly. He designs dividing his army into three corps, giving one (3d
division) to Gen. Hardee; one (2d division) to Gen. Hindman; and one
(1st division) to Lovell. But the Secretary of War (wide awake) indorses
a disapproval, saying, in his opinion, it would be injudicious to place
a corps under the command of Gen. Lovell, and it would not give
confidence to the army. This being sent to the President, came back
indorsed, "opinion concurred in.--J. D."
Gen. Pillow has applied for the command of two brigades for operations
between Gen. Johnston's and Gen. Polk's armies, protecting the flanks of
both, and guarding the coal mines, iron works, etc. in Middle Alabama.
This is strongly approved by Generals Johnston, Polk, Gov. Watts & Co.
But the President has not yet decided the matter.
The Commissary-General is appointing many ladies to clerkships. Old men,
disabled soldiers, and ladies are to be relied on for clerical duty,
nearly all others to take the field. But every ingenuity is resorted to
by those having in substitutes to evade military service.
There is a great pressure of foreigners (mostly Irish) for passes to
leave the country.
FEBRUARY 2D.--So lax has become Gen. Winder's rule, or deficient, or
worse, the vigilance of his detectives,--the rogues and
cut-throats,--one of them keeps a mistress in a house the rent of which
is more than his salary, that five Jews, the other day, cleared out in a
schooner laden with tobacco, professedly for Petersburg, but sailed
directly to the enemy. They had with them some $10,000 in gold; and as
they absconded to avoid military service in the Confederate States, no
doubt they imparted all the information they could to the enemy.
Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of State, asked the Secretary of War to-day to
make such arrangements as would supply the State Department with regular
files of Northern papers. They sometimes have in them important
diplomatic correspondence, and the perusal of this is about all the
Secretary of State has to do.
It is rumored that the Hon. Robert Toombs has been arrested in Georgia
for treason. I cannot believe it, but I know he is inimical to the
President.
The British papers again seem to sympathise with us.
Senator Orr writes to the Secretary that a resolution of the Senate,
asking for copies of Gen. Beauregard's orders in 1862 for the
fortification of Vicksburg (he was the first to plan the works which
made such a glorious defense), and also a resolution calling for a copy
of Gen. B.'s charges against Col. ----, had not been responded to by the
President. He asks that these matters may be brought to the President's
attention.
The weather is beautiful and spring-like again, and we may soon have
some news both from Tennessee and North Carolina. From the latter I hope
we shall get some of the meat endangered by the proximity of the enemy.
FEBRUARY 3D.--The following dispatch indicates the prestige of success
for the year 1864, and it is probable it will be followed by a
succession of successes, for the administration at Washington will find,
this year, constant antagonisms everywhere, in the North as well as in
the South, and in the army there will be opposing parties--Republicans
and Democrats. On the part of the South, we have experienced the great
agony of 1863, and have become so familiar with horrors that we shall
fight with a fearful desperation. But the dispatch:
"Glorious news! The whole Yankee force, about 150, are our prisoners,
and their gun-boat 'Smith Briggs,' destroyed.
"No one hurt on our side. Four Yankees killed and two or three wounded.
"The prisoners are now at Broad Water. Send down a train for them
to-morrow."
We learn that this Yankee force was commissioned to destroy a large
factory at Smithfield, in Isle of Wight County. We do not know the size
or composition of our command which achieved the results noticed above,
but understand that it contained two companies of the Thirty-first North
Carolina Regiment.
Congress has not yet finally acted on the Tax bill, nor on the new
Conscription bill.
The Secretary of War said to-day that he would not allow the increased
pay to any of his civil officers who were young and able to bear
arms--and this after urging Congress to increase their compensation. It
will be very hard on some who are refugees, having families dependent on
them. Others, who board, must be forced into the army (the design), for
their expenses per month will be some fifty per cent, more than their
income.
The weather is clear but colder.
FEBRUARY 4TH.--Clear and pretty cold. We have news of another brilliant
affair at Kinston, N. C., where Gen. Pickett has beaten the enemy,
killing and wounding and taking some 500 men, besides capturing another
gun-boat! Thus the campaign of 1864 opens auspiciously.
And Gen. Early has beaten the foe in Hardy County, Northwest Virginia,
capturing, it is said, some 800.
It is supposed that Gen. Pickett will push on to Newbern, and probably
capture the town. At all events we shall get large supplies from the
tide-water counties of North Carolina. General Lee planned the
enterprise, sending some 15,000 men on the expedition.
Yesterday the Senate Committee reported _against_ the House bill
modifying the act making all men liable to conscription who have hired
substitutes. But they are debating a new exemption bill in the House.
It is true Mr. Toombs was arrested at Savannah, or was ejected from the
cars because he would not procure a passport.
To-day Mr. Kean, the young Chief of the Bureau of War, has registered
all the clerks, the dates of their appointments, their age, and the
number of children they have. He will make such remarks as suits him in
each case, and submit the list to the Secretary for his action
regarding the increased compensation. Will he intimate that his own
services are so indispensable that he had better remain out of the
field?
The following "political card" for the Northern Democrats was played
yesterday. I think it a good one, if nothing more be said about it here.
It will give the Abolitionists trouble in the rear while we assail them
in the front.
The following extraordinary resolutions were, yesterday, introduced in
the House of Representatives by Mr. Wright of Georgia. The House went
into secret session before taking any action upon them.
"WHEREAS: The President of the United States, in a late public
communication, did declare that no propositions for peace had been made
to that government by the Confederate States, when, in truth, such
propositions were prevented from being made by the President of the
United States, in that he refused to hear, or even to receive, two
commissioners, appointed to treat expressly of the preservation of
amicable relations between the two governments.
"Nevertheless, that the Confederate States may stand justified in the
sight of the conservative men of the North of all parties, and that the
world may know which of the two governments it is that urges on a war
unparalleled for the fierceness of the conflict, and intensifying into a
sectional hatred unsurpassed in the annals of mankind. Therefore,
"_Resolved_, That the Confederate States invite the United States,
through their government at Washington, to meet them by representatives
equal to their representatives and senators in their respective Congress
at ----, on the ---- day of ---- next, to consider,
"_First_: Whether they cannot agree upon the recognition of the
Confederate States of America.
"_Second_: In the event of such recognition, whether they cannot agree
upon the formation of a new government, founded upon the equality and
sovereignty of the States; but if this cannot be done, to consider
"_Third_: Whether they cannot agree upon treaties, offensive, defensive,
and commercial.
"_Resolved_, In the event of the passage of these resolutions, the
President be requested to communicate the same to the Government at
Washington, in such manner as he shall deem most in accordance with the
usages of nations; and, in the event of their acceptance by that
government, he do issue his proclamation of election of delegates, under
such regulations as he may deem expedient."
Eighteen car loads of coffee went up to the army to-day. I have not
tasted coffee or tea for more than a year.
FEBRUARY 5TH.--Bright frosty morning, but warmer and hazy later in the
day. From dispatches from North Carolina, it would seem that our
generals are taking advantage of the fine roads, and improving the
opportunity, while the enemy are considering the plan of the next
campaign at Washington.
FEBRUARY 6TH.--Major-Gen. Breckinridge, it is said, is to command in
Southwestern Virginia near the Kentucky line, relieving Major-Gen. Sam
Jones.
Yesterday the cabinet decided to divide the clerks into three classes.
Those under eighteen and over forty-five, to have the increased
compensation; those between those ages, who shall be pronounced unable
for field service, also to have it; and all others the Secretaries may
certify to be necessary, etc. This will cover all their cousins,
nephews, and pets, and exclude many young men whose refugee mothers and
sisters are dependent on their salaries for subsistence. Such is the
unvarying history of public functionaries.
Gen. Pickett, finding Newbern impregnable, has fallen back, getting off
his prisoners, etc. But more troops are going to North Carolina.
FEBRUARY 7TH, SUNDAY.-- _The tocsin is sounding at_ 9 A.M. It appears
that Gen. Butler is marching up the Peninsula (I have not heard the
estimated number of his army) toward Richmond. But, being in the
Secretary's room for a moment, I heard him say to Gen. Elzey that the
"local defense men" must be relied on to defend Richmond. These men are
mainly clerks and employees of the departments, who have just been
_insulted_ by the government, being informed that no increased
compensation will be allowed them because they are able to bear arms. In
other words, they must famish for subsistence, and their families with
them, because they happen to be of fighting age, and have been patriotic
enough to volunteer for the defense of the government, and have drilled,
and paraded, and marched, until they are pronounced good soldiers.
Under these circumstances, the Secretary of War says they must be relied
upon to defend the government. In my opinion, many of them are _not_
reliable. Why were they appointed contrary to law? Who is to blame but
the Secretaries themselves? Ah! but the Secretaries had pets and
relatives of fighting age they must provide for; and _these_, although
not dependent on their salaries, will get the increased compensation,
and will also be exempted from aiding in the defense of the city--at
least such has been the practice heretofore. These things being known to
the proscribed local troops (clerks, etc.), I repeat my doubts of their
reliability at any critical moment.
We have good news from the Rappahannock. It is said Gen. Rosser
yesterday captured several hundred prisoners, 1200 beeves, 350 mules,
wagons of stores, etc. etc.
Nevertheless, there is some uneasiness felt in the city, there being
nearly 12,000 prisoners here, and all the veteran troops of Gen. Elzey's
division are being sent to North Carolina.
FEBRUARY 8TH.--The air is filled with rumors--none reliable.
It is said Gen. Lee is much provoked at the alarm and excitement in the
city, which thwarted a plan of his to capture the enemy on the
Peninsula; and the militia and the Department Battalions were kept
yesterday and to-day under arms standing in the cold, the officers
blowing their nails, and "waiting orders," which came not. Perhaps they
were looking for the "conspirators;" a new hoax to get "martial law."
A Union meeting has been held in Greensborough, N. C. An intelligent
writer to the department says the burden of the speakers, mostly
lawyers, was the terrorism of Gen. Winder and his corps of rogues and
cut-throats, Marylanders, whose operations, it seems, have spread into
most of the States. Mr. Sloan, the writer, says, however, a vast
majority of the people are loyal.
It is said Congress is finally about to authorize martial law.
My cabbages are coming up in my little hot-bed--half barrel.
Gen. Maury writes from Mobile that he cannot be able to obtain any
information leading to the belief of an intention on the part of the
enemy to attack Mobile. He says it would require 40,000 men, after three
months' preparation, to take it.
Gov. Brown, of Georgia, says the Confederate States Government has kept
bad faith with the Georgia six months' men; and hence they cannot be
relied on to relieve Gen. Beauregard, etc. (It is said the enemy are
about to raise the siege of Charleston.) Gov. B. says the State Guard
are already disbanded. He says, moreover, that the government here, if
it understood its duty, would not seize and put producers in the field,
but would stop details, and order the many thousand young officers
everywhere swelling in the cars and hotels, and basking idly in every
village, to the ranks. He is disgusted with the policy here. What are we
coming to?
Everywhere our troops in the field, whose terms of three years will
expire this spring, are re-enlisting for the war. This is an effect
produced by President Lincoln's proclamation; that to be _permitted_ to
return to the Union, all men must first take an oath to abolish slavery!
FEBRUARY 9TH.--A letter from Gen. Johnston says he received the
"confidential instructions" of the President, from the Secretary of War,
and succeeded in getting Gen. Cleburn to lay aside his "memorial," the
nature of which is not stated; but I suspect the President was getting
alarmed at the disposition of the armies to dictate measures to the
government.
Hon. Mr. Johnson, Senator, and Hon. Mr. Bell, Representative from
Missouri, called on me to-day, with a voluminous correspondence, and
"charges and specifications" against Lieut.-Gen. Holmes, by my nephew,
Lieut.-Col. R. H. Musser. They desired me to read the papers and submit
my views. I have read them, and shall advise them not to proceed in the
matter. Gen. Holmes is rendered unfit, by broken health, for the command
of a Western Department, and his conviction at this time would neither
benefit the cause nor aid Lieut.-Col. Musser in his aspirations. It is
true he had my nephew tried for disobedience of orders; but he was
honorably acquitted. Missouri will some day rise like a giant, and deal
death and destruction on her oppressors.
Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, says the enemy have taken more guns from
us than we from them--exclusive of siege artillery--but I don't think
so.
Our people are becoming more hopeful since we have achieved some
successes. The enemy cannot get men again except by dragging them out,
unless they should go to war with France--a not improbable event.
FEBRUARY 10TH.--Gen. Lee wrote to the Secretary of War, on the 22d of
January, that his army was not fed well enough to fit them for the
exertions of the spring campaign; and recommended the discontinuance of
the rule of the Commissary-General allowing officers at Richmond,
Petersburg, and many other towns, to purchase government meat, etc. etc.
for the subsistence of their families, at schedule prices. He says the
salaries of these officers ought to be sufficient compensation for their
services; that such allowances deprived the officers and soldiers _in
the field_ of necessary subsistence, and encouraged able-bodied men to
seek such easy positions; it offended the people who paid tithes, to see
them consumed by these non-combating colonels, majors, etc., instead of
going to feed the army; and it demoralized the officers and soldiers in
the field.
This letter was referred to the Commissary-General, who, after the usual
delay, returned it with a long argument to show that Gen. Lee was in
"_error_," and that the practice was necessary, etc.
To this the Secretary responded by a peremptory _order_, restricting the
city officers in the item of meat.
Again the Commissary-General sends it back, recommending the
_suspension_ of the order until it be seen what Congress will do! Here
are twenty days gone, and the Commissary-General has his own way still.
He don't hesitate to bully the Secretary and the highest generals in the
field. Meantime the Commissary-General's pet officers and clerks are
living sumptuously while the soldiers are on hard fare. But,
fortunately, Gen. Lee has captured 1200 beeves from the enemy since his
letter was written.
And Gen. Cobb writes an encouraging letter from Georgia. He says there
is more meat in that State than any one supposed; and men too. Many
thousands of recruits can be sent forward, and meat enough to feed them.
The President has issued a stirring address to the army.
The weather is still clear, and the roads are not only good, but
dusty--yet it is cold.
They say Gen. Butler, on the Peninsula, has given orders to his troops
to respect private property--and not to molest non-combatants.
FEBRUARY 11TH.--Night before last 109 Federal prisoners, all
commissioned officers, made their escape from prison--and only three or
four have been retaken!
The letter of Mr. Sloan, of North Carolina, only produced a reply from
the Secretary that there was not the slightest suspicion against Gen. W.,
and that the people of North Carolina would not be satisfied with anybody.
Eight thousand men of Johnston's army are without bayonets, and yet Col.
Gorgas has abundance.
Governor Milton, of Florida, calls lustily for 5000 men--else he fears
all is lost in his State.
To-day bacon is selling for $6 per pound, and all other things in
proportion. A negro (for his master) asked me, to-day, $40 for an old,
tough turkey gobbler. I passed on very briskly.
We shall soon have martial law, it is thought, which, judiciously
administered, might remedy some of the grievous evils we labor under. I
shall have no meat for dinner to-morrow.
FEBRUARY 12TH.--It is warm to-day, and cloudy; but there was ice early
in the morning. We have recaptured twenty-odd of the escaped prisoners.
A bill has passed Congress placing an embargo on many imported articles;
and these articles are rising rapidly in price. Sugar sold to-day at
auction in large quantity for $8.00 per pound; rice, 85 cents, etc.
There is a rumor that Gen. Finnegan has captured the enemy in Florida.
Gen. Lee says his army is rapidly re-enlisting for the war.
FEBRUARY 13TH.--Bright, beautiful weather, with frosty nights.
The dispatches I cut from the papers to-day are interesting. Gen. Wise,
it appears, has met the enemy at last, and gained a brilliant
success--and so has Gen. Finnegan. But the correspondence between the
President and Gen. Johnston, last spring and summer, indicates constant
dissensions between the Executive and the generals. And the President is
under the necessity of defending _Northern_ born generals, while
Southern born ones are without trusts, etc.
INTERESTING FROM FLORIDA.
OFFICIAL DISPATCH.
"CHARLESTON, February 11th, 1864.
"TO GEN. S. COOPER.
"Gen Finnegan has repulsed the enemy's force at Lake City--details
not known.
"(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD."
SECOND DISPATCH.
"CHARLESTSON, February 11th--11 A.M.
"TO GEN. S. COOPER.
"Gen. Finnegan's success yesterday was very creditable--the enemy's
force being much superior to his own. His reinforcements had not
reached here, owing to delays on the road. Losses not yet reported.
"(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD."
REPULSE OF THE ENEMY NEAR CHARLESTON.
OFFICIAL DISPATCH.
"CHARLESTON, February 12th, 1864.
"Gen. Wise gallantly repulsed the enemy last evening on John's
Island. He is, to-day, in pursuit. Our loss very trifling. The
force of the enemy is about 2000; ours about one-half.
"(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD."
Every day we recapture some of the escaped Federal officers. So far we
have 34 of the 109.
The President sent over a "confidential" sealed letter to the Secretary
to-day. I handed it to the Secretary, who was looking pensive.
Dr. McClure, of this city, who has been embalming the dead, and going
about the country with his coffins, has been detected taking Jews and
others through the lines. Several _live men_ have been found in his
coffins.
Again it is reported that the enemy are advancing up the Peninsula in
force, and, to-morrow being Sunday, the local troops may be called out.
But Gen. Rhodes is near with his division, so no serious danger will be
felt, unless more than 20,000 attack us. Even that number would not
accomplish much--for the city is fortified strongly.
It is rumored by blockade-runners that gold in the North is selling at
from 200 to 500 per cent. premium. If this be _true_, our day of
deliverance is not distant.
FEBRUARY 14TH.--Clear and windy. There is nothing new that I have heard
of; but great apprehensions are felt for the fate of Mississippi--said
to be penetrated to its center by an overwhelming force of the enemy.
It is defended, however, or it is to be, by Gen. (Bishop) Polk.
I hear of more of the escaped Federal officers being brought in to-day.
The correspondence between the President and Gen. Johnston is causing
some remark. The whole is not given. Letters were received from Gen. J.
to which no allusion is made, which passed through my hands, and I think
the fact is noted in this diary. He intimated, I think, that the
position assigned him was equivocal and unpleasant in Tennessee. He did
not feel inclined to push Bragg out of the field, and the President, it
seems, would not relieve Bragg.
Mr. Secretary Seddon, it is now said, is resolved to remain in office.
FEBRUARY 15TH.--We have over forty of the escaped Federal officers.
Nothing more from Gens. Wise and Finnegan. The enemy have retreated
again on the Peninsula. It is said Meade's army is falling back on
Washington.
We have a snow storm to-day.
The President is unfortunate with his servants, as the following from
the _Dispatch_ would seem:
"_Another of President Davis's Negroes run away._--On Saturday night
last the police were informed of the fact that Cornelius, a negro man in
the employ of President Davis, had run away. Having received some clew
of his whereabouts, they succeeded in finding him in a few hours after
receiving the information of his escape, and lodged him in the upper
station house. When caught, there was found on his person snack enough,
consisting of cold chicken, ham, preserves, bread, etc., to last him for
a long journey, and a large sum of money he had stolen from his master.
Some time after being locked up, he called to the keeper of the prison
to give him some water, and as that gentleman incautiously opened the
door of his cell to wait on him, Cornelius knocked him down and again
made his escape. Mr. Peter Everett, the only watchman present, put off
after him; but before running many steps stumbled and fell, injuring
himself severely."
FEBRUARY 16TH.--A plan of invasion. Gen. Longstreet telegraphs that he
has no corn, and cannot stay where he is, unless supplied by the
Quartermaster-General. This, the President says, is impossible, for
want of transportation. The railroads can do no more than supply grain
for the horses of Lee's army--all being brought from Alabama, Georgia,
South Carolina, etc. But the President says Longstreet might extricate
himself from the exigency by marching into Middle Tennessee or Kentucky,
or both.
Soon after this document came in, another followed from the Tennessee
and Kentucky members of Congress, inclosing an elaborate plan from Col.
Dibrell, of the Army of Tennessee, of taking Nashville, and getting
forage, etc. in certain counties not yet devastated, in Tennessee and
Kentucky. Only 10,000 additional men will be requisite. They are to set
out with eight days' rations; and if Grant leaves Chattanooga to
interfere with the plan, Gen. Johnston is to follow and fall upon his
rear, etc. Gen. Longstreet approves the plan--is eager for it, I infer
from his dispatch about corn; and the members of Congress are in favor
of it. If practicable, it ought to be begun immediately; and I think it
will be.
A bright windy day--snow gone.
The Federal General Sherman, with 30,000 men, was, at the last dates,
still marching southeast of Jackson, Miss. It is predicted that he is
rushing on his destruction. Gen. Polk is retreating before him, while
our cavalry is in his rear. He cannot keep open his communications.
FEBRUARY 17TH.--Bright and very cold--freezing all day. Col. Myers has
written a letter to the Secretary, in reply to our ordering him to
report to the Quartermaster-General, stating that he considers himself
the Quartermaster-General--as the Senate has so declared. This being
referred to the President, he indorses on it that Col. Myers served long
enough in the United States army to know his status and duty, without
any such discussion with the Secretary as he seems to invite.
Yesterday Congress consummated several measures of such magnitude as
will attract universal attention, and which must have, perhaps, a
decisive influence in our struggle for independence.
Gen. Sherman, with 30,000 or 40,000 men, is still advancing deeper into
Mississippi, and the Governor of Alabama has ordered the non-combatants
to leave Mobile, announcing that it is to be attacked. If Sherman
_should go on_, and succeed, it would be the most brilliant operation
of the war. If he goes on and fails, it will be the most disastrous--and
his surrender would be, probably, like the surrender of Lord Cornwallis
at Yorktown. He ought certainly to be annihilated.
I have advised Senator Johnson to let my nephew's purpose to bring Gen.
Holmes before a court-martial lie over, and I have the papers in my
drawer. The President will probably promote Col. Clark to a
brigadiership, and then my nephew will succeed to the colonelcy; which
will be a sufficient rebuke to Gen. H., and a cataplasm for my nephew's
wounded honor.
The _Examiner_ has whipped Congress into a modification of the clause
putting assistant editors and other employees of newspaper proprietors
into the army. They want the press to give them the meed of praise for
their bold measures, and to reconcile the people to the tax, militia,
and currency acts. This is the year of crises, and I think we'll win.
We are now sending 400 Federal prisoners to Georgia daily; and I hope we
shall have more food in the city when they are all gone.
FEBRUARY 18TH.--This was the coldest morning of the winter. There was
ice in the wash-basins in our bed chambers, the first we have seen
there. I fear my cabbage, beets, etc. now coming up, in my half barrel
hot-bed, although in the house, are killed.
The topic of discussion everywhere, now, is the effect likely to be
produced by the Currency bill. Mr. Lyons denounces it, and says the
people will be starved. I have heard (not seen) that some holders of
Treasury notes have burnt them to spite the government! I hope for the
best, even if the worst is to come. Some future Shakspeare will depict
the times we live in in striking colors. The wars of "The Roses" bore no
comparison to these campaigns between the rival sections. Everywhere our
troops are re-enlisting for the war; one regiment re-enlisted, the other
day, for forty years!
The President has discontinued his Tuesday evening receptions. The
Legislature has a bill before it to suppress theatrical amusements
during the war. What would Shakspeare think of that?
Sugar has risen to $10 and $12 per pound.
FEBRUARY 19TH.--Cold and clear. Congress adjourned yesterday, having
passed the bill suspending the writ of _habeas corpus_ for six months
at least. Now the President is clothed with DICTATORIAL POWERS, to all
intents and purposes, so far as the war is concerned.
The first effect of the Currency bill is to inflate prices yet more. But
as the volume of Treasury notes flows into the Treasury, we shall see
prices fall. And soon there will be a great rush to fund the notes, for
fear the holders may be _too late_, and have to submit to a discount of
33-1/2 per cent.
Dispatches from Gen. Polk state that Sherman has paused at Meridian.
FEBRUARY 20TH.--Bright, calm, but still cold--slightly moderating. Roads
firm and dusty. Trains of army wagons still go by our house laden with
ice.
Brig.-Gen. Wm. Preston has been sent to Mexico, with authority to
recognize and treat with the new Emperor Maximilian.
I see, by a letter from Mr. Benjamin, that he is intrusted by the
President with the custody of the "secret service" money.
Late papers from the United States show that they have a money panic,
and that gold is rising in price. In Lowell not a spindle is turning,
and 30,000 operatives are thrown out of employment!
From England we learn that the mass of the population are memorializing
government to put an end to the war!
I saw a _ham_ sell to-day for $350; it weighed fifty pounds, at $7 per
pound.
FEBRUARY 21ST.--Cold, clear, and calm, but moderating.
Mr. Benjamin sent over, this morning, extracts from dispatches received
from his commercial agent in London, dated December 26th and January
16th, recommending, what had already been suggested by Mr. McRae, in
Paris, a government monopoly in the export of cotton, and in the
importation of necessaries, etc.
This measure has already been adopted by Congress, which clearly shows
that the President can have any measure passed he pleases; and this is a
good one.
So complete is the Executive master of the "situation", that, in advance
of the action of Congress on the Currency bill, the Secretary of the
Treasury had prepared plates, etc. for the new issue of notes before the
bill passed calling in the old.
Some forty of the members of the Congress just ended failed to be
re-elected, and of these a large proportion are already seeking office
or exemption.
The fear is now, that, from a plethora of paper money, we shall soon be
without a sufficiency for a circulating medium. There are $750,000,000
in circulation; and the tax bills, etc. will call in, it is estimated,
$800,000,000! Well, I am willing to abide the result. Speculators have
had their day; and it will be hoped we shall have a season of low
prices, if scarcity of money always reduces prices. There are grave
lessons for our edification daily arising in such times as these.
I know my ribs stick out, being covered by skin only, for the want of
sufficient food; and this is the case with many thousands of
non-producers, while there is enough for all, if it were equally
distributed.
The Secretary of War has nothing new from Gen. Polk; and Sherman is
supposed to be still at Meridian.
There is war between Gen. Winder and Mr. Ould, agent for exchange of
prisoners, about the custody and distribution to prisoners, Federal and
Confederate. It appears that parents, etc. writing to our prisoners in
the enemy's country, for want of three cent stamps, are in the habit of
inclosing five or ten cent pieces, and the perquisites of the office
amounts to several hundred dollars per month--and the struggle is really
between the clerks in the two offices. A. Mr. Higgens, from Maryland, is
in Winder's office, and has got the general to propose to the Secretary
that he shall have the exclusive handling of the letters; but Mr. Ould,
it appears, detected a letter, of an alleged treasonable character, on
its way to the enemy's country, written by this Higgens, and reported it
to the Secretary. But as the Secretary was much absorbed, and as Winder
will indorse Higgens, it is doubtful how the contest for the perquisites
will terminate.
The Secretary was aroused yesterday. The cold weather burst the
water-pipe in his office, or over it, and drove him off to the
Spottswood Hotel.
FEBRUARY 22D.--The offices are closed, to-day, in honor of Washington's
birth-day. But it is a _fast_ day; meal selling for $40 per bushel.
Money will not be so abundant a month hence! All my turnip-greens were
killed by the frost. The mercury was, on Friday, 5 deg. above zero; to-day
it is 40 deg.. Sowed a small bed of curled Savoy cabbage; and saved the
early York in my half barrel hot-bed by bringing it into the parlor,
where there was fire.
A letter from Lieut.-Col. R. A. Alston, Decatur, Ga., says Capt. ----
----, one of Gen. Morgan's secret agents, has just arrived there, after
spending several months in the North, and reports that Lincoln cannot
recruit his armies by draft, or any other mode, unless they achieve some
signal success in the spring campaign. He says, moreover, that there is
a perfect organization, all over the North, for the purpose of
revolution and the expulsion or death of the Abolitionists and free
negroes; and of this organization Generals ------, ------, and ---- ----
---- are the military leaders. Col. A. asks permission of the Secretary
of War to go into Southern Illinois, where, he is confident, if he
cannot contribute to precipitate civil war, he can, at least, bring out
thousands of men who will fight for the Southern cause.
Dispatches from Gen. Lee show that nearly every regiment in his army has
re-enlisted for the war.
The body guard of the President has been dispersed.
Here is the sequel to the history of the Jew whose goods brought such
fabulous prices at auction a few weeks ago:
"_A Heavy Robbery--A former citizen of Richmond stripped of all his
goods and chattels._--A few weeks ago, Mr. Lewis Hyman, who had for some
years carried on a successful and profitable trade in jewelry in the
City of Richmond, disposed of his effects with a view of quitting the
Confederacy and finding a home in some land where his services were less
likely to be required in the tented field. Having settled up his
business affairs to his own satisfaction, he applied for and obtained a
passport from the Assistant Secretary of War, to enable him to pass our
lines. He first took the Southern route, hoping to run out from
Wilmington to Nassau; but delays occurring, he returned to Richmond.
From this point he went to Staunton, determined to make his exit from
the country by the Valley route. All went on smoothly enough until he
had passed Woodstock, in Shenandoah County. Between that point and
Strasburg he was attacked by a band of robbers and stripped of
everything he possessed of value, embracing a heavy amount of money and
a large and valuable assortment of jewelry. We have heard his loss
estimated at from $175,000 to $200,000. His passport was not taken from
him, and after the robbery he was allowed to proceed on his
journey--minus the essential means of traveling. It is stated that some
of the jewelry taken from him has already made its appearance in the
Richmond market.
"P.S.--Since writing the above, we have had an interview with Mr. Jacob
Ezekiel, who states that the party of Mr. Hyman consisted of Lewis
Hyman, wife and child, Madam Son and husband, and H. C. Ezekiel; and the
presumption is that if one was robbed, all shared the same fate. Mr. E.
thinks that the amount in possession of the whole party would not exceed
$100,000. On Friday last two men called upon Mr. Ezekiel, at his place
of business in this city, and exhibited a parchment, in Hebrew
characters, which they represented was captured on a train on the
Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. This story, Mr. Ezekiel thinks, is
incorrect, from the fact that he received a letter from his son, then at
Woodstock, dated subsequent to the capture of the train on that road;
and he is satisfied that the articles shown him belonged to some of the
parties above mentioned."
FEBRUARY 23D.--Bright and pleasant.
A letter from Gen. Maury indicates now that Mobile is surely to be
attacked. He says they may force a passage at Grant's Pass, which is
thirty miles distant; and the fleet may pass the forts and reach the
lower bay. Gen. M. has 10,000 effective men, and subsistence for 20,000
for six months. He asks 6000 or 7000 more men. He has also food for 4000
horses for six months. But he has only 200 rounds for his cannon, and
250 for his siege guns, and 200 for each musket.
Meal is the only food now attainable, except by the rich. We look for a
healthy year, everything being so cleanly consumed that no garbage or
filth can accumulate. We are all good scavengers now, and there is no
need of buzzards in the streets. Even the pigeons can scarcely find a
grain to eat.
Gold brought $30 for $1, Saturday. Nevertheless, we have only good news
from the armies, and we have had a victory in Florida.
FEBRUARY 24TH.--Bright and pleasant. Intelligence from the West is of an
interesting character. The column of Federal cavalry from Memphis,
destined to co-operate with Gen. Sherman, has been intercepted and a
junction prevented. And both Sherman and the cavalry are now in full
retreat--running out of the country faster than they advanced into it.
The desert they made as they traversed the interior of Mississippi they
have now to repass, if they can, in the weary retreat, with no supplies
but those they brought with them. Many will never get back.
And a dispatch from Beauregard confirms Finnegan's victory in Florida.
He captured all the enemy's artillery, stores, etc., and for three miles
his dead and wounded were found strewn on the ground. Thus the military
operations of 1864 are, so far, decidedly favorable. And we shall
probably soon have news from Longstreet. If Meade advances, Lee will
meet him--and let him beware!
Gold is still mounting up--and so with everything exposed for sale.
When, when will prices come down?
But we shall probably end the war this year--and independence will
compensate for all. The whole male population, pretty much, will be in
the field this year, and our armies will be strong. So far we have the
prestige of success, and our men are resolved to keep it, if the
dissensions of the leaders do not interfere with the general purpose.
FEBRUARY 25TH.--The President has certainly conferred on Bragg the
position once (1862) occupied by Lee, as the following official
announcement, in all the papers to-day, demonstrates:
"WAR DEPARTMENT,
"ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
"RICHMOND, February 24th, 1864.
"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 23.
"Gen. Braxton Bragg is assigned to duty at the seat of government,
and, under direction of the President, is charged with the conduct
of military operations in the armies of the Confederacy.
"By order of the Secretary of War.
"S. COOPER,
"_Adjutant and Inspector General._"
No doubt Bragg can give the President valuable counsel--nor can there be
any doubt that he enjoys a secret satisfaction in triumphing thus over
popular sentiment, which just at this time is much averse to Gen.
Bragg. The President is naturally a little oppugnant.
He has just appointed a clerk, in the Department of War, a military
judge, with rank and pay of colonel of cavalry--one whom he never saw;
but the clerk once had a street fight with Mr. Pollard, who has
published a pamphlet against the President. Mr. Pollard sees his enemy
with three golden stars on each side of his collar.
The retreat of Sherman seems to be confirmed.
Gen. Beauregard sends the following dispatch:
"CHARLESTON, February 23d--2 15 P.M.
"TO GEN. S. COOPER.
"The latest reports from Gen. Finnegan give no particulars of the
victory at Occum Pond, except that he has taken all of the enemy's
artillery, some 500 or 600 stand of small arms already collected,
and that the roads for three miles are strewn with the enemy's dead
and wounded.
"(Signed) G. T. BEAUREGARD."
The _Examiner_ has the following remarks on the appointment of Bragg:
"The judicious and opportune appointment of Gen. Bragg to the post of
Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate Armies, will be appreciated as an
illustration of that strong common sense which forms the basis of the
President's character, that regard for the opinions and feelings of the
country, that respect for the Senate, which are the keys to all that is
mysterious in the conduct of our public affairs. The Confederate armies
cannot fail to be well pleased. Every soldier's heart feels that merit
is the true title to promotion, and that glorious service should insure
a splendid reward. From Lookout Mountain, a step to the highest military
honor and power is natural and inevitable. Johnston, Lee, and Beauregard
learn with grateful emotions that the conqueror of Kentucky and
Tennessee has been elevated to a position which his superiority
deserves. Finally this happy announcement should enliven the fires of
confidence and enthusiasm, reviving among the people like a bucket of
water on a newly kindled grate."
The day before his appointment, the _Enquirer_ had a long editorial
article denouncing in advance his assignment to any prominent position,
and severely criticised his conduct in the West. To-day _it hails his
appointment as Commander-in-Chief with joy and enthusiasm_! This reminds
one of the _Moniteur_ when Napoleon was returning from Elba. The
_Enquirer's_ notion is to prevent discord--and hence it is patriotic.
The weather is still bright, pleasant, but dusty. We have had only one
rain since the 18th of December, and one light snow. My garden is too
dry for planting.
We have not only the negroes arrayed against as, but it appears that
recruiting for the Federal army from Ireland has been carried on to a
large extent.
FEBRUARY 26TH.--Cool, bright, but windy and dusty.
Dispatches announce heavy skirmishing in the vicinity of Dalton--and
Gen. Johnston's army was in line of battle. It may be merely a feint of
the enemy to aid in the extrication of Sherman.
Gen. Lee is here in consultation with the President. They decided that
over 1000 men be transferred from the army to the navy--so that
something may be soon heard from our iron-clads.
Pork is selling at $3 per pound to-day.
Writings upon the walls of the houses at the corners of the streets were
observed this morning, indicating a riot, if there be no amelioration of
the famine.
FEBRUARY 27TH.--Bright and pleasant--dusty. But one rain during the
winter!
The "associated press" publishes an unofficial dispatch, giving almost
incredible accounts of Gen. Forrest's defeat of Grierson's cavalry,
10,000 strong, with only 2000. It is said the enemy were cut up and
routed, losing all his guns, etc.
Sugar is $20 per pound; new bacon, $8; and chickens, $12 per pair. Soon
we look for a money panic, when a few hundred millions of the paper
money is funded, and as many more collected by the tax collectors.
Congress struck the speculators a hard blow. One man, eager to invest
his money, gave $100,000 for a house and lot, and he now pays $5000 tax
on it; the interest is $6000 more--$11,000 total. His next door
neighbor, who bought his house in 1860 for $10,000, similar in every
respect, pays $500 tax (valued at date of sale), interest $600; total,
$1100 per annum. The speculator pays $10,000 per annum more than his
patriotic neighbor, who refused to sell his house for $100,000.
FEBRUARY 28TH.--Bright, cool, and dusty. No war news; nor denial or
confirmation of the wonderful victory of Forrest in Mississippi. That he
captured the enemy's artillery and drove them back, is official.
Longstreet has retired from before Knoxville; perhaps to assault
Nashville, or to penetrate Kentucky.
Yesterday the Secretary ordered Col. Northrop to allow full rations of
meal to the engineer corps; to-day he returns the order, saying: "There
is not sufficient transportation for full rations to the troops in the
field."
Last night the Secretary sent for Mr. Ould, exchange agent, and it is
thought an exchange of prisoners will be effected, and with Butler. A
confidential communication _may_ have been received from Butler, who is
a politician, and it may be that he has offered _secret_ inducements,
etc. He would like to establish a _trade_ with us for tobacco, as he did
for cotton and sugar when he was in New Orleans. No doubt some of the
high officials at Washington would _wink_ at it for a share of the
profits.
The Southern Express Company (Yankee) has made an arrangement with the
Quartermaster-General to transport private contributions of supplies to
the army--anything to monopolize the railroads, and make private
fortunes. Well, "all's well that ends well,"--and our armies may be
_forced_ to forage on the enemy.
I copy this advertisement from a morning paper:
"NOTICE.--Owing to the heavy advance of feed, we are compelled to
charge the following rates for boarding horses on and after the 1st
of March:
Board per month $300.00
" " day 15.00
Single feed 5.00
"_Virginia Stables._ JAMES C. JOHNSON,
W. H. SUTHERLAND,
B. W. GREEN."
Congress and the President parted at the adjournment in bad temper. It
is true everything was passed by Congress asked for by the Executive as
necessary in the present exigency--a new military bill, putting into the
service several hundred thousand more men, comprising the entire male
population between the ages of 17 and 50; the tax and currency bills,
calculated to realize $600,000,000 or $800,000,000; and the suspension
of the writ of _habeas corpus_. These were conceded, say the members,
for the sake of the country, and not as concessions to the Executive.
But the Commissary-General's nomination, and hundreds of others, were
not sent into the Senate, in derogation of the Constitution; and
hundreds that were sent in, have not been acted on by the Senate, and
such officers now act in violation of the Constitution.
Dill's Government Bakery, Clay Street, is now in flames--supposed to be
the work of an incendiary. Loss not likely to be heavy.
FEBRUARY 29TH.--Raining moderately.
There is a rumor that Frederick's Hall, between this city and
Fredericksburg, was taken to-day by a detachment of the enemy's cavalry,
an hour after Gen. Lee passed on his way to the army. This is only
rumor, however.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee's Chief Commissary, received to-day, says the
army has only bread enough to last till the 1st of March, to-morrow! and
that meat is getting scarce again. Col. Northrop, the Commissary-General,
indorses on this, that he _foresaw_ and frequently _foretold_ that such
a crisis would come. He says transportation sufficient cannot be had,
and that he has just heard of an accident to the Wilmington Railroad,
which will diminish the transportation of corn one-half; and he says a
similar accident to the Charlotte Road would be fatal. Comfortable! And
when I saw him afterward, his face was lit up with triumph, as if he had
gained a victory! He _predicted_ it, because they would not let him
impress all the food in the country. And now he has no remedy for the
pressing need. But the soldiers won't starve, in spite of him.