Beauregard's plan.--The battle.--Defeat near Staunton.--Fight at
Petersburg.--Decision about Marylanders--Beauregard in disgrace.--
Dispatch from Gen. J. E. Johnston.
JUNE 1ST.--Bright and warm.
At 7-1/2 A.M. cannon and musketry heard northeast of the city, which
either ceased or receded out of hearing at 12 M.; or else the hum of the
city drowned the sounds of battle. Up to 3 P.M. we have no particulars.
Beauregard is on the right of our line; Lee's headquarters was at Yellow
Tavern. He is sufficiently recovered to direct the battle.
Butler has mostly if not entirely evacuated Bermuda Hundred; doubtless
gone to Grant. The President rode out this morning toward the
battle-field. Every one is confident of success, since Beauregard and
Lee command.
The Secretary of War granted a passport to Mr. Pollard, who wrote a
castigating history of the first years of the war, to visit Europe.
Pollard, however, was taken, and is now in the hands of the enemy, at
New York.
Another row with the Bureau of Conscription. Brig.-Gen. Chilton,
Inspector-General, has been investigating operations in Mississippi, at
the instance of Gen. Polk; and Col. Preston, Superintendent of the
Bureau, disdains to answer their communications.
My landlord, Mr. King, _has not_ raised my rent!
JUNE 2D.--Very warm and cloudy.
There was no general engagement yesterday, but heavy skirmishing, and
several assaults at different points; and a dispatch from Gen. Lee says
they resulted favorably to our arms.
A dispatch from Gen. Johnston says his men are in good plight, after
combats enough to make a battle, in all of which the enemy suffered
most.
The local troops (Custis's battalion, etc.) were ordered out to-day. I
have not understood to what point they were ordered; but it indicates
the imminency of a battle. Lee has not less than 80,000 men--veterans.
I saw, to-day, Gen. Beauregard's plan, dated May 14th. It was addressed
to Gen. Bragg, "Commanding Confederate States Armies." He suggested the
falling back on the defenses of Richmond, and detaching 15,000 to the
south side to crush or drive away Butler. He would then not only return
the 15,000 to the north side, but bring over 25,000 additional to crush
Grant.
This scheme was rejected by Bragg on the 19th, after consultation with
the President and the Secretary: the latter indorsing _his_ concurrence
in the rejection, the President not _committing himself in writing_. But
Beauregard was ordered to attack Butler without delay, which was done,
and successfully; but he was not crushed, and still threatens our
railroads with a portion of his army, while the rest has been sent to
reinforce Grant.
Nevertheless, Beauregard is here with some 20,000, and Lee _did_ fall
back to the defenses of Richmond.
Congress has passed a bill increasing the compensation of themselves 100
per cent. Perhaps they will not adjourn now, but remain and await
events.
Senator Hunter and the Secretary of War promenaded the Square yesterday
afternoon in a long "confabulation," supposed by some to relate to
political matters.
5 O'CLOCK P.M.--Heavy and quick cannonading heard some eight or ten
miles east of the city. It continued until night, when it was raining
and cold; and Custis had no blanket, not anticipating such a change.
JUNE 3D.--Raining gently, and cool.
As early as 4 A.M. there was an incessant roar of artillery, the
vibrations of which could be felt in the houses. It could be heard
distinctly in all parts of the city. And ever and anon could be
distinguished great crashes of musketry, as if whole divisions of
infantry were firing at the word of command. It continued until 11
o'clock A.M., when it ceased. A dispatch from Lee stated that his line
(behind breastworks, center and left) had been repeatedly assaulted, and
every time the enemy was repulsed. The attack, it was supposed, was made
to check a flanking movement made yesterday afternoon, by Gen. Ewell, on
the enemy's left, to cut his communications with the White House, his
base of supplies. No doubt the slaughter has been great!
The dispatch from Beauregard indicates that he may be still on the other
side of the river. It may be a _ruse de guerre_, or it may be that the
general's enemies here (in the government) are risking everything to
keep him from participation in the great battles.
Mr. Hunter, being short and fat, rolls about like a pumpkin. He is
everywhere, seeking tidings from the field. It is said the enemy, at
last, has visited his great estates in Essex County; but he'll escape
loss "by hook or by crook." He has made enormously by his crops and his
mills: nevertheless, he would sacrifice all for the Presidency--and
independence.
The President, yesterday, forbade details from the Department Battalion
to remain in the city.
The _Southern_ Express Company has bribed the quartermasters, and is at
its work again, using fine horses and stout details that should be in
the army. Its wagon was at the department to-day with a box of bacon for
Judge Campbell.
About 800 prisoners were marched into the city this afternoon, and it is
believed many more are on the way.
Cannonading was heard again in a northeast direction this evening from 6
till 8-1/2 o'clock, when it ceased--perhaps the prelude to another scene
of carnage to-morrow!
JUNE 4TH.--Showers and sunshine. It is believed Grant has lost 40,000
within the last week!
To-day there has been more or less cannonading along the line; but it is
not known if any infantry were engaged.
The battalion to which Custis (my son) belongs is at Bottom's Bridge,
some sixteen miles distant on the Chickahominy; and I learn that the
enemy shelled it yesterday and last night, without injury, shells
falling short.
It is suspected that Sherman will be ordered from Georgia to reinforce
Grant! It seems Lincoln would give up his hopes of heaven, and plunge
into hell, for the PRESIDENCY.
The Commissary General says Lee must beat Grant before the latter is
reinforced, "or we are gone;" for their destruction of the railroads,
north and northwest, will ruin us--the southern roads being insufficient
to transport stores for the army.
My nephew, Col. R. H. Musser, trans-Mississippi, I am told by Senator
Clark, was complimented on the field of victory by Gen. Taylor. His
brigadier-general having fallen, Col. M. commanded the brigade.
Last evening, about 6 P.M., a cloud nearly overhead assumed the shape of
a section of our fortifications, the segment of a circle, with the
triangle penetrating through from the north. These shapes were
distinctly defined. Could the operations beneath have produced this
phenomenon? was it accidental? or a portent of the future? God knows!
JUNE 5TH.--Raining.
The sudden booming of artillery, shelling our department boys,
intrenching at Bottom's Bridge, was heard until bedtime. I have heard no
results of yesterday's operations.
All is quiet to-day, up to 9 A.M.
Received a letter from Custis. I have not heard whether he received the
food and blanket sent him yesterday; the latter, he says, was wanted
badly the night before. He charges Fanny, as usual, to be regular in
feeding and watering Polly, his parrot; and never to leave the door of
his cage open, for fear he may fly away.
JUNE 6TH.--Clear and hot, but with a fine breeze--southwest.
All is quiet around the city. Saturday night the enemy _again_
penetrated Gen. Breckinridge's line, and _again_ were repulsed by the
Floridians. Some of his regiments (as Mr. Mallory, Secretary of the
Navy, who stopped in front of my house yesterday, told me) did not
behave well.
Yesterday, I learn, both sides buried the dead, with the exception of
some Federals piled up in front of Lee's breastworks. A deserter says
Grant intends _to stink_ Lee out of his position, if nothing else will
suffice. What a war, and for what? The _Presidency_ (United States),
perhaps!
I learn that the Departmental Battalion, near Bottom's Bridge, has been
moved back a mile, out of range of the enemy's shells and sharpshooters.
We have met with a defeat in the Valley, near Staunton, which place has
probably fallen. A letter from Gen. Bragg, this morning, in reply to Mr.
Secretary Seddon's inquiries, says it is too true, and he indorses
copies of dispatches from Gen. Vaughn and Col. Lee to Gen. R. E. Lee,
who sent them to the President, and the President to Gen. B., who sends
them now to the Secretary. Gen. V. calls loudly for reinforcements to
save Staunton, and says Gen. W. E. Jones, who commanded, was killed.
Col. Lee says, "We have been pretty badly whipped." Gen. Bragg knows of
no reinforcements that can be sent, and says Gen. R. E. Lee has command
there as well as here, and was never interfered with. Gen. B. says he
had tendered Gen. Lee his services, but they had not been accepted.
Small heads of early York cabbage sold in market to-day at $3, or $5 for
two. At that rate, I got about $10 worth out of my garden. Mine are
excellent, and so far abundant, as well as the lettuce, which we have
every day. My snap beans and beets will soon come on. The little garden
is a little treasure.
JUNE 7TH.--Rained in the night, clear and cool in the morning.
Gen. Breckinridge's division started toward the Valley early this
morning.
All is quiet near the city; but firing has been heard in the direction
of Bottom's Bridge.
A man from New Kent County, coming through the lines, reports that Gen.
Grant was quite drunk yesterday, and said he would try Lee once more,
and if he failed to defeat him, "the Confederacy might go to hell." It
must have been some other general.
JUNE 8TH.--Clouds and sunshine--cool.
No war news except what appears in the papers.
There was a rumor yesterday that several of the companies of the
Departmental Battalion were captured on Monday, but it was not confirmed
by later accounts.
Our battery of 49 guns was unmasked, and opened on the enemy, who had
been firing over the heads of our young men (clerks). This was replied
to by as many guns from the enemy. Thus both fires were over the heads
of the infantry in the low ground between, and none were hurt, although
the shell sometimes burst just over them.
A pontoon train passed down the river to-day, on this side, one captured
from the United States, and brought from Gordonsville. If Grant crosses,
Lee will cross, still holding the "inside track."
Received a letter from Custis. He is at Gen. Custis Lee's headquarters
on ordnance duty. A pretty position, if a shell were to explode among
the ammunition! He says he has plenty of bread and meat, and so we need
not send any more. But he considers it a horrible life, and would rather
be without his rations than his daily reading, etc. So I sent him
reading enough for a week--all the newspapers I had; a pamphlet on the
Bible Society in the South; Report of the Judiciary Committee on the
Suspension of the _habeas corpus_; and, finally, the last number of the
_Surgical Magazine_, in which he will find every variety of _gunshot
wounds_, _operations_, etc. etc. I had nothing else to send him.
JUNE 9TH.--Sunshine and clouds--warm.
No fighting yesterday. It is reported that the enemy's cavalry and a
corps of infantry recrossed the Pamunky this morning, either after
Breckinridge, or to guard communications with the Rappahannock.
There is a pause also in Georgia.
Yesterday the President vetoed a bill exempting the publishers of
periodicals, etc. He said the time had arrived when "every man capable
of bearing arms should be found in the ranks." But this does not affect
the young and stalwart _Chefs du Bureaux_, or acting assistant generals,
quartermasters, commissaries, etc. etc., who have safe and soft places.
My little garden now serves me well, furnishing daily in cabbage,
lettuce, beets, etc. what would cost $10.
JUNE 10TH.--Clear and cool.
All quiet round the city; but Petersburg was assaulted yesterday and
successfully defended.
The battalion of clerks still remains at Bottom's Bridge, on the
Chickahominy. The pickets hold familiar conversation every day with the
pickets of the enemy, the stream being narrow, and crossed by a log. For
tobacco and the city papers our boys get sugar, coffee, etc. This
intercourse is wrong. Some of the clerks were _compelled_ to volunteer
to retain their offices, and may desert, giving important information to
the enemy.
I had snap beans to-day from my garden. I have seen none in market.
JUNE 11TH.--Sunshine and cloudy--warmer.
There is a calm in military matters, but a storm is gathering in the
Valley of Virginia. Both sides are concentrating for a battle. If we
should be defeated (not likely), then our communications may be cut, and
Grant be under no necessity of fighting again to get possession of
Richmond. Meantime it is possible Grant will retire, and come again on
the south side of the James River.
Congress is debating a measure increasing the President's
compensation--he cannot subsist on his present salary. Nor can any of
us. Mr. Seddon has a large private income, and could well afford to set
the patriotic example of working "for nothing."
We have heard to-day that Lincoln was nominated for re-election at
Baltimore on the 7th inst., and gold rose to $1 96. Fremont is now
pledged to run also, thus dividing the Republican party, and giving an
opportunity for the Democrats to elect a President. If we can only
_subsist_ till then, we may have peace, and must have independence at
all events.
But there is discontent, in the Army of the West, with Gen. Johnston,
and in the East with Bragg, and among the croakers with the President.
New potatoes sold to-day for $5 per quart, $160 per bushel!
Mr. Rhodes, Commissioner of Patents, told me to-day that Gen. Forrest,
at last accounts, was at Tupelo, Miss., doing nothing,--Gen. Wheeler,
his junior in years, superior in rank, to whom he is again subordinated
by the potency of Gen. Cooper's red tape, having most of his men.
Robert Tyler has been with the Departmental Battalion at Bottom's
Bridge, doing service as a private, though the head of a bureau.
This evening at 7 o'clock we heard artillery in the direction of Lee's
army.
JUNE 12TH.--Cold and cloudy.
Some firing again this morning, supposed to be merely an artillery duel.
Heard from Custis, in pencil mark on the back of envelope; and he has
applied for and obtained a transfer from ordnance duty in the rear, back
to his company in the front.
It is rumored that Sheridan has cut the road between Gordonsville and
Charlottesville, and between that place and Lynchburg. If this be true,
he will probably strike south for the Danville Road. Then we shall have
_confusion here, and the famine intensified_. There seems to be no
concert among the military commanders, and no unity of purpose among
civil functionaries. They mistrust one another, and the people begin to
mistrust them all. Meantime the President remains inflexible.
All has been quiet to-day. I suppose the enemy is fortifying, with an
intention to move half his army to the south side of the
river--distracting us by menacing the city and threatening our
communications at the same time.
It is believed here by the croakers that Gen. Lee has lost much of his
influence, from the moment Mr. Foote named him as Dictator in the event
of one being declared.
Now, it would seem, if the plan of Beauregard, rejected by Bragg, had
been adopted, our condition would have been better. It is the curse of
Republics to be torn by the dissensions of rival chieftains in moments
of public danger!
JUNE 13TH.--Clear and cool.
Gen. Bragg sent to the Secretary of War to-day a copy of a letter from
him to the President, yesterday, proposing to send 6000 more troops to
Western Virginia, as Breckinridge has only 9000 and the enemy 18,000.
Lieut.-Gen Holmes sends from Raleigh, N. C., a letter from Hon. T.
Bragg, revealing the existence of a secret organization in communication
with the enemy, styled the "H. O. A.;" and asking authority to arrest
certain men supposed to be implicated.
A letter was received from G. W. Lay, his son-in-law, by the Assistant
Secretary of War, Judge Campbell, dated near Petersburg, stating that
the Southern Express Company would bring articles from Charleston for
him. That company seems to be more potential than ever.
Cannonading was heard far down the Chickahominy this morning. And yet
Lieut.-Gen. Ewell marched his corps to-day out the Brooke Road, just in
the opposite direction! It is rumored that he is marching away for
Washington! If he had transportation, and could march in that direction,
no doubt it would be the speediest way of relieving Richmond. Gen. Lee,
however, knows best.
At the conclave of dignitaries, Hunter, Wigfall, and Secretary Seddon,
yesterday, it is reported that when Mr. Seddon explained Grant's zigzag
fortifications, Senator Hunter exclaimed he was afraid we could never
beat him; when Senator Wigfall said nothing was easier--the President
would put the old folks and children to _praying_ at 6 o'clock A.M. Now
if any one were to tell these things to the President, he would not
believe him.
JUNE 14TH.--Clear and cool.
Gen. Grant has changed his base--disappearing from the front of Lee in
the night. He is supposed to be endeavoring to get his army below the
city, and in communication with Butler on the south side.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee says Gen. Hampton has defeated Sheridan.
Forrest has gained a victory in the West.
Lincoln has been nominated--Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, for
Vice-President.
Gen. Whiting writes that supplies from abroad are coming in abundantly
at Wilmington, N. C.
If we can only preserve our communications with the South, I regard the
campaign, if not the war, pretty nearly at an end, and Richmond safe!
Grant has failed, after doing his utmost to take Richmond. He has
shattered a great army to no purpose; while Lee's army is as strong as
ever. This is true generalship in Lee. But Grant can get more men.
JUNE 15TH.--Clear and cool; warm late in the day.
It is rumored now that the enemy got to Westtown yesterday, some ten
miles below the point on this side occupied by Butler; and to-day he is
leaving, either crossing to the south side (probably to cut the
railroad), or embarking in his transports for no one knows whither. So,
this attempt to take Richmond is as bad a failure as any. Grant has
_used up_ nearly a hundred thousand men--to what purpose? We are not
injured, after withstanding this blow of the concentrated power of the
enemy. It is true some bridges are burned, some railroads have been cut,
and the crops in the line of the enemy's march have been ruined; but
our army is intact: Lee's losses altogether, in killed and wounded, not
exceeding a few thousand.
A report of an officer states that the James River is not fordable
anywhere above for forty miles.
There is a rumor on the street that the head of Ewell's corps (commanded
by Gen. Early) crossed the Rappahannock, yesterday, at United States
Ford. If this be so, there must be consternation in Washington; and the
government there will issue embarrassing orders to Grant.
The spirits of the people here are buoyant with the Western news, as
well as with the result of Lee's campaign.
The death of Gen. Polk, however, is lamented by a good many.
The operations of Forrest and Morgan are inspiring.
JUNE 16TH.--Clear and pleasant weather, but dusty.
The Departmental Battalion marched away, last night, from the
Chickahominy (guarding a ford when no enemy was on the other side!) for
Chaffin's Farm, on the James River. They were halted after marching an
hour or so, and permitted to rest (sleep) while the rest of the brigade
passed on. When Custis awoke he was alone, the battalion having left
him; and he was ill, and knew not the road. So he set out for the city,
with the intention of going down the river road this morning. But he
grew worse after reaching home. Still, he resolved to go; and at 8 A.M.,
having marched all night nearly, he set out again, and met his
sergeant--who had likewise diverged as far as the city--who said if he
was really too ill to march, he would deliver the captain a surgeon's
certificate to that effect, which would be a sufficient explanation of
his absence. So, Surgeon C. Bell Gibson, upon an examination, pronounced
him _sick_, and certified to the captain that he could not be fit for
service for a week or ten days. At 3 P.M. he is in bed with a raging
fever.
There was a fight at Malvern Hill yesterday, the enemy being repulsed.
There was also another assault on Petersburg, repulsed three times; but
the fourth time our forces, _two regiments_, were forced back by
overwhelming numbers from the outer line of defenses.
To-day it is reported that they are fighting again at Petersburg, and
great masses of troops are in motion. The war will be determined,
perhaps, by the operations of a day or two; and much anxiety is felt by
all.
A letter from Hon. G. A. Henry, on the Danville Railroad, saying only
1000 men were there to defend it, with but two cannon without
appropriate ammunition!
Soon after a dispatch came from Col. Withers, at Danville, stating it
was reported 10,000 of the enemy were approaching the road, and only
thirty-two miles distant. He called for reinforcements, but stated his
belief that the number of the enemy was exaggerated.
I delivered these to the Secretary myself, finding him engaged writing a
long letter to Gen. Kirby Smith, beyond the Mississippi!
In this moment of _doubt_ and _apprehension_, I saw Mr. Randolph,
formerly Secretary of War, and Mr. G. A. Myers, his law colleague, at
the telegraph office eagerly in quest of news.
To-day the President decided that Marylanders here are "residents," or
"alien enemies;" if the former, they must fight--if the latter, be
expelled. A righteous judgment.
Last night, as Custis staggered (with debility) upon the pickets at the
fortifications of the city, not having a passport, he was refused
permission to proceed. He then lay down to rest, when one of the pickets
remarked to him that he was not "smart, or he would flank them." Custis
sprang up and thanked him for the _hint_, and proceeded to put it in
practice.
The _Examiner_ to-day says that Col. Dahlgren, a month before his death,
was in Richmond, under an assumed name, with a passport signed by Gen.
Winder, to go whithersoever he would. I think this probable.
At 3 P.M. the wires cease to work between here and Petersburg, and there
are many rumors. But from the direction of the wind, we cannot hear any
firing.
JUNE 17TH.--Clear and pleasant.
A dispatch from Beauregard states that two assaults of the enemy
yesterday, at Petersburg, were repulsed with loss; and it is reported
that he recovered all lost ground to-day. Yet Beauregard has an enemy in
his rear as well as in his front.
When the battles were fought on the south side of the river in May, it
appears that one of Gen. B.'s brigadiers (Colston) stopped some
battalions on the way to Richmond, in an emergency, and this has
certainly given umbrage to the President, as the following indorsement,
which I found on a paper to-day, will show:
"No officer has a right to stop troops moving under the orders of
superior authority. If he assumes such power, he does it at his hazard,
and must be justified by subsequent events rather than by good
intentions.
"Gen. Beauregard has, in this case, by approving and continuing the
order (Gen. Colston's) assumed the responsibility of the act.--J. D.
June 16th, 1864."
JUNE 18TH.--Clear and cool.
To-day, heavy firing is heard on the south side of the river. It is
believed a general engagement is in progress. It is the anniversary of
the battle of WATERLOO. If we gain the day, it will end the war.
It is now said Gen. Early (with Ewell's corps) has reached Lynchburg,
where a battle must occur.
Gen. Ewell has been assigned to the command of this department, Gen.
Ransom going West.
We have advices (4 P.M.) of a terrific battle at Petersburg last
evening, which raged until 11 o'clock at night. The slaughter of the
enemy is reported as unprecedented. Our troops repulsed the assailants
at all points but one, and that, which was carried by the enemy, was
soon recovered.
At 11 P.M. Lee's reinforcements came up, and it is supposed, from the
sounds of cannon, that the battle was recommenced at dawn to-day, and
continued all day. The result has not transpired. This tremendous
conflict _must_ be followed by decisive results. If Lee and Beauregard
gain the day, peace must follow speedily, I think. If they are beaten,
Richmond's fall can hardly be averted. Our shattered army could hardly
get back across the Appomattox, with Butler's army interposed
between--if he still has his army at Bermuda Hundred.
JUNE 19TH, SUNDAY.--Hazy and cool.
We have no details this morning of the fighting yesterday, and some
doubt if a battle was fought. I presume assaults were made on our
intrenchments in diverse places, and repulsed.
Beauregard's battle, Friday night, is still in smoke, but it is rumored
the enemy lost 9000 killed and wounded.
Firing is heard to-day. There may be good policy in keeping back
accounts from the field, until it is all over and something decisive
accomplished. We have not met with serious disaster at all events, else
there would be consternation in the city, for bad news flies fast, and
cannot be kept back.
There was fighting yesterday at Lynchburg,--no result known yet.
Every Sunday I see how shabby my clothes have become, as every one else,
almost, has a good suit in reserve. During the week all are shabby, and
hence it is not noticeable. The wonder is that we are not naked, after
wearing the same garments three or four years. But we have been in
houses, engaged in light employments. The rascals who make money by the
war fare sumptuously, and "have their good things in this world."
The weather is dry and dusty; the hazy atmosphere produced perhaps by
the smoke of battle and the movements of mighty armies.
Eight P.M. The city is still in utter ignorance of the details and
result of the battle yesterday--if there was one. If the government is
in possession of information, it is, for some purpose, studiously kept
from the public, and why, I cannot imagine, unless there has been a
disaster, or Beauregard has done something not approved.
I do not think the people here appreciate the importance of the contest
on the south side of the river. If Lee's army were broken, I doubt
whether it would even attempt to regain the fortifications of Richmond,
for then it might share the fate of Pemberton's army at Vicksburg. And
the fall of Richmond would involve the fall of the State, and Virginia
would immediately become a free State.
JUNE 20TH.--A fog; subsequently dry and dusty, but the sun in a haze,
like Indian summer.
As I feared; there is trouble with Beauregard. He drew off his troops
from in front of Bermuda Hundred to reinforce the fewer regiments at
Petersburg, and _saved_ that city, and Gen. Lee had to drive the enemy
off again from the abandoned line. It is said Beauregard acted contrary
to orders, and has been suspended from command by order of the
President. At all events, Lee is at Petersburg.
Sheridan's raiders are near the city again, followed and preceded by
Wade Hampton and Fitz Lee. Their cannon has been heard all the morning.
Mr. Secretary Memminger has resigned.
JUNE 21ST.--Clear and warmer.
Gen. Beauregard has not been removed from his command,--it would be too
great a shock to popular sentiment.
The iron-clads went out this morning and proceeded down the river,
supported by Custis Lee's brigade of local troops, including the
Departmental Battalion, marching a dozen miles in the sun and dust. More
will be on the sick list.
JUNE 22D.--Dry and pleasant.
The city full of idle rumors--that the whole brigade of local troops
were captured yesterday--that Gen. Fitz Lee has again been made
prisoner, and that another raiding party is threatening the Danville
Road, the canal, etc. There is no foundation for any of them, so far as
I can learn.
JUNE 23D.--Clear and warm.
The news of the capture of 1600 Federals, 4 guns, etc., yesterday at
Petersburg, has put the people here in better humor, which has been bad
enough, made so by reported rapes perpetrated by negro soldiers on young
ladies in Westmoreland County. There has been talk of vengeance, and no
doubt such atrocities cause many more to perish than otherwise would
die.
A Mr. Sale, in the West, sends on an extract from a letter from Col.
----, proposing to the government to sell cotton on the Mississippi
River for sterling exchange in London, and indicating that in this
manner he has large sums to his own credit there, besides $100,000 worth
of cotton in this country. Col. ---- is a commissary, against whom grave
charges have been made frequently, of speculation, etc., but was
defended by the Commissary-General.
Mr. Harvey, president Danville Railroad, telegraphs to Gen. Bragg to
send troops without delay, or the road will be ruined by the raiders.
Bragg sends the paper to the Secretary of War, saying there are no
troops but those in the army of Gen. Lee, and the reserves, the latter
now being called out. Ten days ago, Mr. Secretary Seddon had fair
warning about this road.
JUNE 24TH.--Hot and hazy; dry.
The news (in the papers) of the cutting of our railroad communications
with the South creates fresh apprehension among the croakers.
But at 12 M. we had news of the recovery of the Weldon Road last
evening, and the capture of 500 more prisoners.
We have nothing from the south side raiders since their work of
destruction at Burkesville, cutting the Danville Road.
Mr. Hunter sheds tears over his losses in Essex, the burning of his
mill, etc. But he had been a large gainer by the war.
There is a rumor of fighting at Petersburg to-day.
JUNE 25TH.--Hot and dry.
Twelve hundred Federal prisoners passed our door to-day, taken at
Petersburg--about half the number captured there during the last two
days.
The news of the cutting of the Danville Railroad still produces
despondency with many. But the people are now harvesting a fair crop of
wheat, and the authorities do not apprehend any serious consequences
from the interruption of communication with the South--which is, indeed,
deemed but temporary, as sufficient precaution is taken by the
government to defend the roads and bridges, and there seems to be
discussions between the generals as to authority and responsibility.
There are _too many_ authorities. Gen. Lee will remedy all this.
The clerks are still kept out, on the north side of the James River,
while the enemy is on the south side--the government, meantime, being
almost in a state of paralysis. Such injustice, and such obtuseness,
would seem to be inexcusable.
The Secretary has sanctioned the organization of a force in the Northern
Neck, to capture and slay without mercy such of the enemy as may be
found lurking there, committing outrages, etc.
The President still devotes much time to the merits of applicants for
appointments on military courts, brigadier-generals, etc.
It is reported that Grant has announced to his army that the fighting is
over, and that the siege of Richmond now begins. A fallacy! Even if we
were unable to repair the railroads, the fine crop of wheat just matured
would suffice for the subsistence of the army--an army which has just
withstood the military power of the North. It is believed that nearly
300,000 men have invaded Virginia this year, and yet, so far from
striking down the army of Lee with superior numbers, we see, at this
moment, the enemy intrenching himself at every new position occupied by
him. This manifests an apprehension of sudden destruction himself! But
the country north and east and west of Richmond is now free of Yankees,
and the railroads will be repaired in a few weeks at furthest.
Gen. Hunter, we learn to-day, has escaped with loss out of the State to
the Ohio River, blowing up his own ordnance train, and abandoning his
cannon and stores. So we shall have ammunition and salt, even if the
communication with Wilmington should be interrupted. No, the war must
end, and is now near its end; and the Confederacy will achieve its
independence. This of itself would suffice, but there may be a diversion
in our favor in the North--a revolution there--a thing highly probable
during the excitement of an embittered Presidential campaign. Besides,
there may at any moment be foreign intervention. The United States can
hardly escape a quarrel with France or England. It may occur with both.
JUNE 26TH.--Hot and dry, but breezy.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee, 9 P.M. last evening, says nothing of moment
occurred along the lines yesterday. Our loss in the unsuccessful attempt
of Gen. Haygood to storm a portion of the enemy's works, on Friday, was
97 killed and wounded, and 200 missing.
Gen. Hampton dispatches Gen. Lee that he attacked the enemy's cavalry in
Charles City County, Friday, and drove them out of their intrenchments,
pursuing them eight miles, nearly to Charles City Court House. The enemy
left their killed and wounded on the ground, and strewn along the route.
Gen. Lee says Gen. H. deserves much credit. The enemy (a portion of
Sheridan's force) are still prevented from forming a junction with
Grant.
Flour fell yesterday from $500 to $300 per barrel.
An official report shows that we lost no arms or ordnance stores of
consequence at Staunton. Communications will be restored in that
direction soon. The Valley and Western Virginia, being clear of the
enemy, the fine crop of wheat can be gathered.
Beauregard _is_ in disgrace, I am informed on pretty good authority; but
while his humiliation is so qualified as not to be generally known, for
fear of the resentment of his numerous friends, at the same time he is
reticent, from patriotic motives, fearing to injure the cause.
It is stigmatized as an act of perfidy, that the Federal Government have
brought here and caused to be slaughtered, some 1600 out of 1900
volunteers from the District of Columbia, who were to serve only 30 days
in defense of the Federal city. At the same time our government is
keeping in the service, at hard labor on the fortifications, Custis
Lee's brigade of clerks, who were assured, when volunteering, that they
never would be called out except to defend the fortifications of the
city, built by negroes!
JUNE 27TH.--Bright and hot--afterward light showers.
By the papers we learn that President Lincoln has been on a visit to
Grant's army. If Grant does not accomplish some great wonder in a few
days, his campaign will be noted a failure, even in the North.
We learn to-day that gold is now at $2.15 in the North.
The raiders are beginning to pay the penalty of their temerity; besides
Hampton's fight with them, on this side the James River, we learn that
W. H. F. Lee has struck them a blow on the south side.
JUNE 28TH.--Bright and cool--a little rain last night.
The Departmental Battalion is still kept out. They have built a line of
fortifications four miles long--to Deep Bottom from near Chaffin's Farm.
The Secretary of War intimates that these clerks are kept out by Gen. R.
B. Lee.
The superintendent of the Central Railroad informed the Secretary of War
to-day that the road would be reopened to Staunton on Thursday (day
after to-morrow), such is the slight damage done by the enemy. He asks
that the bridge near Hanover Junction be defended, that being the only
part of the road that can be much injured by a small raiding party. And
he don't want the papers to say anything about the reopening of the
road.
The news from the North, that Congress has refused to repeal the $300
clause in their military bill--allowing drafted men to buy out at $300
each--and the rise of gold to $2.30 for $1--together with the apparent
or real _inertia_ of Grant, seem to inspire great confidence in our
people to-day. They think the worst is really over, and so do I.
My little garden, during the month of June, has saved me $150. A single
cabbage head to-day in market was sold for $10. Although the joint
salaries of Custis and myself amount now to $8000 per annum, we have the
greatest difficulty to subsist. I hope we shall speedily have better
times, and I think, unless some terrible misfortune happens to our arms,
the invader will surely be soon hurled from our soil. What President
Lincoln came to Grant for is merely conjecture--unquestionably _he_
could not suggest any military enterprise more to our detriment than
would occur to his generals.
JUNE 29TH.--Clear and cool--afterward hazy.
"MARIETTA, June 27th.
"GENERAL BRAXTON BRAGG.
"The enemy advanced on our whole line to-day. They assaulted
French, Cheatham, Cleburn, Stevenson, and Quarles, by whom they
were repulsed.
"On the rest of the line the skirmishing was severe.
"Their loss is supposed to be great. Ours is known to be
small. J. E. JOHNSTON, _General_."
The dispatch from Gen. Johnston gives an encouraging account of the
fight in Georgia. But a dispatch from the West states that
reinforcements (20,000) for Sherman's army are marching from La Grange.
It is reported and believed that Gen. Early, at the head of 25,000 men,
marched out of Staunton on Monday _toward the North_. I hope it may not
prove a recruiting measure for Lincoln!
A good deal of firing (cannon) was heard down the river this morning.
Judge Campbell is again "allowing" many persons to pass into the United
States.
JUNE 30TH.--Clear and cool--afterward warm and cloudy.
Our people are made wild with joy to-day, upon hearing of the capture of
a whole brigade of the raiders on the south side, the same that have
been tearing up the Danville Road. The details, with Gen. Lee's
dispatch, will be in the paper to-morrow. It is said we have the general
commanding the raid, etc.
Judge Reagan said to me to-day, when I told him the news, his dark eye
flashing, that sooner or later, but inevitably, these raiders must be
_killed_, and not captured. And Mr. Seddon says he was always in favor
of fighting under the black flag; but, I believe, he never proposed it.