From the Northern papers.--Letter from J. Thompson, Canada.--From Mr.
McRae, our foreign agent.--Dispatch from Major-Gen. Maury.--"General
Order No. 65."--Battle of Reams's Station.
AUGUST 1ST.--Hot and clear; but it rained yesterday three-quarters of an
hour in the afternoon.
Our loss in the affair at Petersburg is about 800, the enemy's 3500. We
captured 2000 small arms.
We have nothing yet from Atlanta, but no doubt there has been another
battle. I hope no disaster has befallen us there. No doubt the wires
have been cut by the raiders, and roads also. It is a critical time in
Georgia. But if Virginia triumphs over the assaults of Grant, all will
go well.
AUGUST 2D.--Bright and hot. At 4 P.M. a cloud rising. Fear my wife, and
daughter Fannie, and Custis (who has a days' furlough), who went this
morning per Fredericksburg Railroad into Hanover County to gather
blackberries, will be caught in a rain. Nevertheless, the rain is
wanted.
Assistant Secretary Campbell is again "allowing" doubtful characters to
pass out of the Confederate States to the United States; among these is
Dr. McClure, "the embalmer," who, too, carried others out for bribes.
The Signal Bureau gives information to-day of Grant's purpose to spring
the mine already sprung, also of a raid, that was abandoned, north and
west of Richmond. They say Grant has now but 70,000 men, there being
only a few men left at Washington. Can the agents paid by the Signal
Bureau be relied on?
Gen. Bragg telegraphs from Columbus, Ga., that Gen. Roddy has been
ordered to reassemble his forces in North Alabama, to cut Sherman's
communications.
The news from Georgia is more cheering.
The commissioners (of prices) have reduced the schedule: it was
denounced universally. It is said by the _Examiner_ that the extravagant
rates, $30 per bushel for wheat, and $50 for bacon, were suggested by a
farmer in office.
Gen. Lee writes that he had directed Morgan to co-operate with Early,
but he was sick.
The enemy's account of our loss in the battle before Atlanta is
exaggerated greatly. Sherman's army is _doomed_, I think.
Seven P.M. No rain here, but my family were drenched in a hard shower at
Hanover Junction, and what was worse, they got no blackberries, the hot
sun having dried the sap in the bushes.
AUGUST 3D.--Cloudy, but no rain.
The press dispatches last night assert that still another raiding party,
besides Stoneman's, was dispersed or captured.
It is rumored to-day that Beauregard has sprung a mine under Grant's
fortifications. This may be so. _Later._ It was _not_ so.
AUGUST 4TH.--Clear and hot.
All quiet at Petersburg. President Lincoln was at Fortress Monroe on
Sunday last, after the explosion and its failure.
The Northern papers acknowledge that Grant sustained a terrible disaster
at Petersburg, losing in killed, wounded, and missing 5000. They say the
negro troops caused the failure, by running back and breaking the lines
of the whites. The blacks were pushed forward in front, and suffered
most.
From the same source we learn that our troops have penetrated
Pennsylvania, and laid the city of Chambersburg in ashes. This may be
so, as they have burned some half dozen of our towns, and are now daily
throwing shell into Charleston, Atlanta, and Petersburg.
A letter to the Secretary from J. Thompson, in Canada (per Capt. Hines),
was received to-day. He says the _work_ will not probably begin before
the middle of August. I know not what sort of work. But he says _much
caution is necessary_. I suppose it to be the destruction of the Federal
army depots, etc. in the United States.
Public meetings and the public press continue to denounce in unmeasured
terms the high schedule of prices recently sanctioned by the Commissary
and Quartermaster's bureaus. And, although the schedule has been
modified, much odium will attach to all concerned in it. A large farmer,
at the rates fixed for his products, would realize, perhaps, $200,000
per annum.
AUGUST 5TH.--Hot and dry. I hope there will be a rain-cloud this
evening.
No war news, except a letter from Gen. Lee, indicating that Gen. Morgan
is probably on a raid in Northwest Virginia and in Pennsylvania. Morgan
proposed going into Georgia (rear of Sherman), but the Secretary
indorsed that perhaps the matter had as well be left to Gen. Lee. The
President quietly indorsed that he "concurred in the conclusion that all
the movements of troops in Virginia had best be left to the discretion
of Gen Lee."
Gen. Hood telegraphs that no important change has occurred in front of
Atlanta. There was some skirmishing yesterday, and shell thrown into
Atlanta.
My daughter Anne, after ten months' residence in the country, returned
to-day (with Miss Randolph, of Loudon Co.) in perfect health. She
brought apples, eggs, a watermelon, cucumbers, etc.
Mr. Davies sold my reel (German silver) to-day for $75, or about $3.20
in gold--enough to buy a cord of wood. I parted with it reluctantly, as
I hope to catch fish yet.
AUGUST 6TH.--Hot and dry.
The booming of cannon heard yesterday evening was from one of our
batteries below Drewry's Bluff. The enemy answered from their batteries,
the existence of which we had no knowledge of before. No one was hurt.
About the same time Gen. Beauregard sprung a mine _under_ the enemy's
mine, and blew it up, no doubt destroying many lives. This was succeeded
by heavy, but, perhaps, harmless shelling along the lines.
Another raiding party has been defeated and dispersed at Madison, Ga.
But we have been unfortunate in a naval engagement in the lower bay, at
Mobile. We have lost Admiral Buchanan's ram "Tennessee," and several
other steamers. One of the enemy's monitors was sunk. They had five
vessels to our one.
Battles are momentarily expected at Atlanta and Winchester. We have
nothing additional from the North.
AUGUST 7TH.--Hot and dry; but heavy rains in other parts of the State.
The 1st Army Corps moved through the city last night, via the Central
and Fredericksburg Railroads, and this morning Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry
corps is passing in the same direction--9 A.M.
All this indicates a transferrence of the scene of operations nearer the
enemy's country--the relief of Richmond--the failure of Grant's MAD BULL
campaign, prompted by President Lincoln, who is no general.
Honor to Lee!--the savior of his country! and the noble band of heroes
whom he has led to victory!--but first to God.
AUGUST 8TH.--Hot and dry.
There are rumors of battles near Winchester and in Georgia.
Mr. Benjamin writes the Secretary of War for a passport for ----, who is
going to New York, "for our service."
In the assault on the fortifications near Petersburg last week, it is
said Hancock's (enemy's) corps lost half its men.
Watermelons have sold at $20 each; corn, $10 per dozen ears; and
everything else in the markets in proportion.
My yellow tomatoes are just maturing. The dry weather has ruined nearly
everything else in the garden.
AUGUST 9TH.--Very hot; very dry; very dusty.
The President has directed the late Gen. (now Lieut.-Col.) Pemberton to
organize a mortar and cavalry force to dislodge the enemy from Deep
Bottom, on this side of the river, and to select three or four batteries
to render the navigation of the James River difficult and dangerous.
Col. P. says he must have some 1500 cavalry, etc.
Letters from Mr. McRae, our agent abroad, show that our finances and
credit are improving wonderfully, and that the government will soon have
a great many fine steamers running the blockade. Mr. McR. has contracted
for eight _steel_-clad, steamers with a single firm, Frazer, Trenholm &
Co.--_the latter now our Secretary of the Treasury_.
The President indorsed a cutting rebuke to both the Secretary of War and
a Mr. (now Lieut.-Col.) Melton, A. A. General's office, to-day. It was
on an order for a quartermaster at Atlanta to report here and settle his
accounts. Mr. M. had written on the order that it was issued "by order
of the President." The President said he was responsible for all orders
issued by the War Department, but it was a great presumption of any
officer in that department to assume to indorse on any paper that it was
by his special order, and that, too, "by command of the Secretary of
War," the usual form.
AUGUST 10TH.--Hot and dry until 4 P.M. Gust, and 15 minutes' rain. Good
for turnips.
Forts Gaines and Powell are lost--the latter blown up. Gen. Maury
telegraphs for infantry, has some 4000 men for the defense of Mobile,
etc.
Our raiders, under McCausland and Bradley Johnson, it is said were
surprised and defeated last Sunday, with loss of 400 men, 500 horses,
and 4 pieces of artillery. A rumor prevails that Early has gained
another victory near Winchester.
No news yet from our agent sent to North Carolina to purchase supplies,
but we learn flour and bacon are not held one quarter as high there as
here. I do sincerely hope Grant's raiders will keep quiet until _I_ can
get something to eat!
AUGUST 11TH.--Hot and dry.
Dispatches from secret agents at Washington state that Grant and his
staff have arrived, that half his army preceded him, and the remainder
will soon follow. The campaign is considered a disastrous failure, and
it is anticipated that henceforth the scene of operations is to be
transferred from Richmond to Washington. They say President Lincoln's
face expresses "great terror," and affairs there are in a critical
condition.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee states that Gen. Bradley Johnson's brigade of
cavalry was surprised and routed on the 7th inst. by Averill. He has
directed that Gen. J. be relieved.
A dispatch from Gen. Hood (Atlanta, Ga.) says no important change in
affair has occurred since yesterday, except that Major-Gen. Bates is
wounded. There are 5000 militia in the trenches.
AUGUST 12TH.--Hot and dry. At 3 P.M. rained about three minutes. We are
burning up.
There is no war news. A rumor in the street says Atlanta has fallen. I
don't believe it. Yesterday Gen. Hood said no important change had
occurred, etc.
I saw a soldier to-day from Gen. Early's army near Martinsburg, and the
indications were that it was on the eve of crossing the Potomac. He left
it day before yesterday, 10th inst. He says Kershaw's division was at
Culpepper C. H., 50 miles from Early.
Detachments of troops are daily passing through the city, northward. All
is quiet below on the James River. Grant's campaign against Richmond is
confessedly a failure.
AUGUST 13TH.--Hot and dry. Large green worms have attacked my tomatoes,
and from the leaves are proceeding to the fruit. But not many of them
will escape! I am warring on them.
No war news, except the continuation of the movement of troops
_northward_. Hampton's division of cavalry, at least three brigades,
passed this morning.
From Mobile and Atlanta we have nothing of interest.
Flour is falling: it is now $200 per barrel--$500 a few weeks ago; and
bacon is falling in price also, from $11 to $6 per pound. A commission
merchant said to me, yesterday, that there was at least eighteen months'
supply (for the people) of breadstuffs and meats in the city; and
pointing to the upper windows at the corner of Thirteenth and Cary
Streets, he revealed the ends of many barrels piled above the windows.
He said that flour had been there two years, held for "still higher
prices." Such is the avarice of man. Such is war. And such the greed of
extortioners, even in the midst of famine--and famine in the midst of
plenty!
AUGUST 14TH.--Hot and dry.
Rumors of a fight down the river yesterday, driving the enemy from Deep
Bottom, and grounding of the Richmond. Guns were heard, and I suppose we
made a demonstration both by land and water.
Cavalry (Hampton's) still pass northward. They ride as if they grew to
the horses. As they trot past, they can be seen cutting and dividing
large round watermelons, and none are permitted to fall. Occasionally a
staring negro in the street is astonished by the crushing of a rind on
his head.
I never saw melons and other fruit so abundant; but they are held so
high I cannot indulge.
Mr. Seddon draws 75 pounds rice per month, his family being fifty; and
gets 12 pads cotton yarn from the State distribution. I shall get 10-1/2
pounds rice, at 50 cents--retail price, $2; and perhaps 1 pad--5
pounds--yarn for $45; my family being seven.
AUGUST 15TH.--Cloudy, damp, and pleasant. A rain fell last night,
wetting the earth to a considerable depth; and the wind being southeast,
we look for copious showers--a fine season for turnips, etc.
Cannon was distinctly heard from my garden yesterday evening, and
considerable fighting has been going on down the river for several days;
the result (if the end is yet) has not been officially stated. It is
rumored that Pemberton lost more batteries; but it is only rumor, so
far. Nor have we anything definite from Early or Hood.
Bacon has fallen to $5 and $6 per pound, flour to $175 per barrel. I
hope we shall get some provisions from the South this week.
Sowed turnip-seed in every available spot of my garden to-day. My
tomatoes are beginning to mature--better late than never.
The following official dispatch was received on Saturday:
"MOBILE, August 11th.--Nothing later from Fort Morgan. The wires
are broken. Gen. Forrest drove the enemy's advance out of Oxford
last night.
"All the particulars of the Fort Gaines surrender known, are that
the commanding officer communicated with the enemy, and made terms,
without authority. His fort was in good condition, the garrison
having suffered little.
"He made no reply to repeated orders and signals from Gen. Page to
hold his fort, and surrendered upon conditions not known
here. D. H. MAURY, _Major-General_."
Gen. Taylor will cross the Mississippi with 4000 on the 18th of this
month. Sherman must get Atlanta quickly, or not at all.
AUGUST 16TH.--Warm and cloudy.
There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that
we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few
days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.
The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river,
and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been
called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be
meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.
Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75
wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.
AUGUST 17TH.--Cloudy, and slight showers. In the afternoon dark clouds
going round.
We have nothing from below but vague rumors, except that we repulsed the
enemy yesterday, slaughtering the negro troops thrust in front.
From Atlanta, it is said the enemy have measurably ceased artillery
firing, and it is inferred that their ammunition is low, and perhaps
their communications cut.
The President and Secretary of War were in council all the morning, it
is said, on _appointments_ and _promotions_ in the army.
The President rode out toward the battle-field at 2-1/2 P.M. There have
been no guns heard to-day.
AUGUST 18TH.--Cloudy and pleasant.
Still we have no authentic account of the details of the fights on the
north side of the James River. We know we lost two brigadier-generals,
and that we captured some 600 prisoners. Of the number killed and
wounded on either side is all conjecture, although a semi-official
statement makes our loss but "light."
Nevertheless, I happen to know that the President rode out yesterday,
and remained until late in the night: for Mr. Craddock, his special
detective (and formerly his messenger), whom he sent for to accompany
him, assures me while on the field there was a flag of truce to bury the
dead, and that the slaughter had been large. Our cavalry had suffered;
but he thinks the enemy's infantry lost many more men than all our slain
together. He says, moreover, that only one negro prisoner reached the
city. The rest, thrust forward, being killed on the field in action, I
suppose.
At 2 P.M. a rumor began to be expanded that a terrific and probably a
decisive battle was going on at Petersburg. One report says the enemy
assaulted our lines, the operations on this side of the river having
been more a feint to draw our forces away; another that Gen. Beauregard
attacked the enemy, finding their troops in large force had crossed over
to this side, and this in the absence of Gen. Lee, he taking the
responsibility. Be this as it may, some stir was in the cabinet: and the
Secretary of War was with the President from 11 A.M. till 3 P.M. This
might be on "appointments and promotions," and it might be on
Beauregard.
About 5 P.M. brisk artillery firing was heard in a southeast direction,
which increased in rapidity, and apparently became nearer the city,
until musketry could be distinctly heard from all parts of the city. My
daughter Anne and her younger brother, Thomas, had walked out to
Hollywood Cemetery, where they could not only hear the firing, but could
see the lines of smoke below the city, on the left or north bank.
Between 6 and 7 P.M. the sound seemed to recede, indicating that the
assault had been repulsed; and finally all was silent again. It is
probable the battle raged likewise on the south side of the river, and
it may be hoped the assault on Petersburg was similarly repulsed. We
shall know to-morrow.
AUGUST 19TH.--Damp and cloudy.
There was no serious battle. The wind was in a quarter which brought the
sounds to us, even from the skirmishers, ten miles distant. But our
gun-boats shelled the enemy out of their position on Signal Hill, and
there was heavy cannonading along the line on the south side of the
river. And, as appears by the papers, there was severe fighting at
different points of the line.
We have now some further details of the battle of Tuesday. Our loss was
1000; the enemy's, it is said, 5000 to 8000.
It is now, 5 P.M., raining gently, thank Heaven!
To-day we had a distribution of meats, etc. brought from North Carolina
by our agent. Custis and I invested $200: we have received 26 pounds
bacon and 24 smoked herrings--worth here about $200. Half the money
remains in the agent's hands, for which we expect to get 300 pounds of
flour--if the enemy will let the railroads alone.
It is believed another raid has crossed the Weldon Road, and is sweeping
in the direction of the Lynchburg and Danville Road. The speculators are
on the _qui vive_ already, and no flour can be had. I fear _our_ flour
will be intercepted, delayed, and perhaps lost! The meat we got to-day
will supply but two ounces for each member of my family daily for two
months. This is war, terrible war! But if Grant is not rapidly
reinforced, at the present rate of his losses his army will be consumed
in two months. There is some consolation in that prospect!
AUGUST 20TH.--Rained hard all night, and a good deal to-day. Between 10
and 11 P.M. last evening, as we were retiring, a musket was fired
somewhere in the rear of the building, and fragments of lime and brick
were heard rattling against the window-shutters. This morning I
perceived where the ball struck, a few inches below the window-sill of
the chamber on the second floor, where Custis and Tom were lying. Some
one, I suppose, had heedlessly fired his gun, after returning from the
fortifications.
Well, the papers to-day fall below the official announcement of the work
of yesterday afternoon. Gen. Lee's dispatch says we captured 2700
prisoners near Petersburg on the Weldon Road. No other particulars are
given, and the affair is still in mystery, for some purpose, perhaps.
It is rumored that Gen. Hampton captured 4000 men last night or this
morning; but I doubt. Without that, the week's work is good--Grant
losing from 10,000 to 15,000 men. A few more weeks, at that rate, will
consume his army, and then--peace?
Gen. Bragg complains, in a letter to the Secretary of War, that the
orders of the department, and of the Adjutant-General, are not
furnished him, which must diminish, if persisted in, his usefulness in
the important position to which the President has called him. They, are
all inimical to Bragg--all but the President, who is bound in honor to
sustain him.
The price of flour has fallen again; Lee's victory frightening the
dealers.
Robert Hill, commission merchant, Bank Street, gave me two pounds of
coffee to-day when I told him of Lee's dispatch. It was accepted, of
course, and is worth some $20 per pound.
Guns are heard down the river again this evening, and all are wondering
what Lee is doing now.
AUGUST 21ST.--Cloudy and pleasant; no rain last night, but the earth is
saturated. No additional news from the army. It is said Gen. Bragg
prevents news, good or bad, from expanding--believing that any
intelligence whatever in the newspapers affords information to the
enemy; and he is right. All the mysteries will be solved in a few days,
and we shall have all the news, good, bad, and indifferent. I heard
cannon last evening; also this morning. Our casualties could not have
been large, else the ambulance train would have been in motion. That is
certain. It may be that Grant's army is _crumbling_,--I hope so; and it
may possibly be that _negotiations_ are in progress. There _must_ be an
end of this; for the people of both sections are tired of it.
So far Grant has unquestionably failed in his enterprises against
Richmond, and his present reduced strength certainly renders it unlikely
that he can prevail against us hereafter. His new levies, if he gets
any, will not be fit for the field this year; and all his veterans will
soon be gone,--killed, or home,--never to return. Thank God, the
prospect of peace is "bright and brightening," and a dark cloud is above
the horizon in the North. Lincoln and his party are now environed with
dangers rushing upon them from every direction.
No doubt Lee's army is weakened by detachments sent to Early; but then
the local troops have been sent home, which is at least a favorable
augury. The following order is published:
"GENERAL ORDER NO. 65.
"It having been represented to the War Department that there are
numbers of foreigners entrapped by artifice and fraud into the
military and naval service of the United States, who would gladly
withdraw from further participation in the inhuman warfare waged
against a people who have never given them a pretext for hostility;
and that there are many inhabitants of the United States now
retained in that service against their will, who are averse to
aiding in the unjust war now being prosecuted against the
Confederate States; and it being also known that these men are
prevented from abandoning such compulsory service by the difficulty
they experience in escaping therefrom, it is ordered that all such
persons coming within the lines of the Confederate armies shall be
received, protected, and supplied with means of subsistence, until
such of them as desire it can be forwarded to the most convenient
points on the border, where all facilities will be afforded them to
return to their homes.
"By order,
"(Signed) S. COOPER,
"_A. and I. General_."
My turnips have not come up yet, and I fear the hot sun has destroyed
the vitality of the seed. It is said the enemy still hold the Weldon
Road; if so, then I fear our flour will be delayed, if not lost.
What if Grant now had the 140,000 more--lost in this campaign? Or if
Lincoln should succeed in getting into the field the 500,000 men now
called for?
The next two months will be the most interesting period of the war;
everything depends upon the result of the Presidential election in the
United States. We rely some little upon the success of the peace party.
The order from the Adjutant-General's office was first suggested by Gen.
Beauregard, discountenanced by Mr. Secretary Seddon, approved by the
President, and slightly modified by Gen. Lee. It remains to be seen what
will be its effect. Deserters are certainly coming over in large
numbers; so much so, that it is proposed to establish a depot for them
in Georgia. Gen. Winder writes that it is not his province to be charged
with them as well as with the prisoners. He is miserable; his rogues and
cut-throats have mostly remained behind, preferring a city residence;
and the Bureau of Conscription _will not_, it seems, conscribe
Marylanders, most of whom have grown rich here. Will the President and
the Secretary of War yield to Assistant Secretary Campbell, and the
"Bureau," and Judge Halliburton,--or will they execute the act of
Congress, enrolling all "residents" for the common defense! _Nous
verrons._
One meets no beggars yet, although we have been suffering a famine for
more than a year.
The State Government is now selling a little rice--one and a half pounds
per month to each member of a family--at 50 cents per pound, the
ordinary price being about $2. And the City Council has employed a
butcher to sell fresh meat at about $3.50 per pound. The State will also
distribute cotton cloth and yarn, at something less than the usual
prices. There would be quite enough of everything necessary, if it were
equally distributed.
AUGUST 22D.--Sunshine and clouds, cool and pleasant.
There was heavy fighting on the Weldon Road yesterday evening, still
held by the enemy; but no official account of the result--if it has yet
reached a result--has been received. The city is full of extravagant
rumors, and I incline to the belief that we gained no advantage
yesterday. We took some 300 prisoners, certainly; but I fear Haygood's
Brigade of South Carolinians ventured too far, when they were enveloped
by greatly superior numbers--and--we shall know all to-morrow.
The news from Hood, Wheeler, Forrest, etc. in the Southwest promises
well.
AUGUST 23D.--Clear and pleasant.
The enemy still occupy the Weldon Road, beyond Petersburg, in great
force. Our loss in killed, wounded, and captured is estimated (in
Sunday's fight) at 1000; under the mark, perhaps.
I hear of no raid yet against the Danville Road; but the flour
speculators have put up the price again. Gen. Kemper told me this
morning that he had 3000 of the reserves defending the Danville Road,
the number Gen. Lee asked for.
Gen. Hood is so strong at Atlanta, that he has promised to send, in an
emergency, a brigade to Mobile.
Interesting events will crowd each other rapidly, now.
AUGUST 24TH.--Clear and pleasant.
Operations now must be initiated by the enemy. Gen. Lee writes that he
is too weak to attempt to dislodge the Yankees from the Weldon
Railroad. He cannot afford the loss of men necessary to accomplish it.
He says the enemy, however, was "worsted" in the two conflicts, that of
Friday and Sunday. And if he were to drive him away, the road would
still be subject to interruption. He thinks we can still get supplies,
by wagons, round the enemy's position, as well as by the Danville Road.
He also suggests that corn be imported at Wilmington, and that every
effort be made to accumulate supplies here; and he thinks we can hold
out until corn matures some six weeks hence, so that the moral effect
will be good, when it is apparent the efforts of the enemy to cut off
our supplies are thwarted. He thinks the enemy has relinquished the idea
of forcing our fortifications. But he says that Grant intended to force
his way into Richmond last week.
I wrote a letter to the President to-day, urging the necessity of
preventing the transportation of any supplies on the railroads except
for distribution at cost, and thus exterminating the speculators. The
poor must be fed and protected, if they be relied upon to defend the
country. The rich bribe the conscription officers, and keep out of the
ranks, invest their Confederate money and bonds in real estate, and
would be the first to submit to the United States Government; and the
poor, whom they oppress, are in danger of demoralization from suffering
and disgust, and might also embrace reunion rather than a prolongation
of such miseries as they have so long experienced. The patriotism of
1861 must be revived, or independence cannot be achieved. If a Peace
Democrat be elected, no doubt terms of peace will be tendered, on the
basis of _reunion_; and if they be rejected, perhaps the war may be
continued. Or Lincoln may modify his conditions of peace; and the rich,
always seeking repose and security, may embrace them. The surest plan is
to break up speculation, and put the rich as well as the poor in the
army. We must _deserve_ independence, else we shall not get it. There
must be no partiality, and especially in favor of the rich. I wrote
plainly, intimating the danger of Reconstruction, without the greatest
care, and a scrupulous performance of duty.
AUGUST 25TH.--Clear and warm.
No war news, except reports that Gen. Wheeler has destroyed much of the
railroad in Sherman's rear, and that Early has forced Sheridan back
across the Potomac.
Gen. Lee writes that he already notices the good effect of the order
published by our government, encouraging desertions from the enemy's
armies. He suggests that it be translated into the German, and
circulated extensively in the enemy's country.
My turnips seem to be coming up at last; have sown them everywhere, so
that when other crops come off, the ground will still be producing
something.
Bought a bushel of red peas to-day for $30--the last for sale--the rest
being taken for _horses_. Such is the food that my family is forced to
subsist on.
Mr. Haxall, a millionaire, of conscript age, has just been appointed
assessor of tax-in-kind. The salary is a pitiful sum, but the rich man
is kept out of the army while the poor man is forced to fight in defense
of his property.
The President is indefatigable in his labors. Every day the papers he
sends to the department bear evidence of his attention to the minutest
subject, even to the small appointments; he frequently rejects the
Secretary's recommendations.
Gen. Bragg recommends that publication be made here, in the United
States, and in Europe, encouraging enlistments of foreigners in our
army.
AUGUST 26TH.--Clear; but rained copiously last night.
A letter from Gen. Lee indicates that the "Bureau of Conscription" fails
to replenish the army. The rich men and slaveowners are but too
successful in getting out, and in keeping out of the service. The
Governor, who commissions magistrates, is exempting some fifty daily,
and these, in many instances, are not only young men, but speculators.
And nearly every landed proprietor has given bonds to furnish meal, etc.
to obtain exemption. Thus _corruption_ is eating to the heart of the
cause, and I fear the result of the contest between speculation and
patriotism. Mr. Seddon says he has striven to make the conscription
officers do their duty, and was not aware that so many farmers had
gotten exemption. He promises to do all in his power to obtain recruits,
and will so use the strictly _local_ troops as to render the Reserves
more active. What that means we shall soon see.
A dispatch from Mobile says Fort Morgan is in the possession of the
enemy! _Per contra_, a dispatch from the same place says Memphis is in
the possession of Forrest.
AUGUST 27TH.--Bright morning, and fine shower last night. The people are
smiling to-day from our success of Thursday, announced in the following
dispatch from Gen. Lee:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"August 26th, 1864.
"HON. J. A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
"General A. P. Hill attacked the enemy in his intrenchments at
Reams's Station yesterday evening, and at the second assault
carried his entire line.
"Cook's and McRae's North Carolina brigades, under Gen. Heth, and
Lane's North Carolina brigade, of Wilcox's division, under Gen.
Connor, with Pegram's artillery, composed the assaulting party.
"One line of breastworks was carried by the cavalry under Gen.
Hampton with great gallantry, who contributed largely to the
success of the day.
"Seven stands of colors, two thousand prisoners, and nine pieces of
artillery are in our possession.
"The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded is reported to be
heavy--ours relatively small.
"Our profound gratitude is due to the Giver of all victory, and our
thanks to the brave men and officers engaged.
"R. E. LEE."
It is said to-day that our captures will amount to 2500, and a
brigadier-general is among the prisoners.
The President intimated to-day to the Secretary that when he respites a
prisoner condemned to death, he does not desire the case brought to him
again to approve the execution.
AUGUST 28TH.--A bright, pleasant day.
No news. Walked, as usual, to the department to see if any important
letters had come, and then hastened back that the family might go to
church in time.
Oh what a lovely day in such an unlovely time! The recent rains have
washed the dust from the still dark-green leaves of the trees and
vegetation in my little yard and garden, and they rustle in a genial
sunlight that startles a memory of a similar scene, forty or more years
ago! It is a holy Sabbath day upon the earth,--but how unholy the men
who inhabit the earth! Even the tall garish sun-flowers, cherished for
very memories of childhood's days by my wife, and for amusement by my
little daughter, have a gladdening influence on my spirits, until some
object of scanty food or tattered garment forces upon the mind a
realization of the reign of discord and destruction without. God grant
there may be a speedy end of the war! And the words Armistice and Peace
are found in the Northern papers and upon every one's tongue here.
My tomato vines are looking well and are bearing well, now. My turnips
are coming up everywhere. The egg-plants I nurtured so carefully have
borne no fruit yet, but are going to blossom. The okras have recovered
under the influence of recent showers, and have new blossoms.
Our agent in North Carolina has been delayed by illness, and has bought
us no flour yet, but we still have hope. We trust that the enemy will
not cut our communications with the South, since he has met with so many
heavy mishaps in attempting it. Grant has attempted everything in his
power to get Richmond, and was foiled in all. I hope he will withdraw
soon. Why stay, with no prospect of success? A few days more may solve
his purposes and plans, or Lee may have more enterprises against him.
It is a cloudless, silent, solemn Sabbath day, and I thank God for it!
AUGUST 29TH.--Bright and pleasant morning; another fine shower last
night.
No important intelligence from the armies.
AUGUST 30TH.--Bright and pleasant.
Gen. Hood telegraphs Gen Bragg that the enemy has shifted his line
somewhat, drawing back his left and extending his right wing. Also that
dispatches from Wheeler (August 19th) informs him that Dalton was
captured, as stated, with 200 prisoners, 200 mules, a large amount of
stores; several train supplies destroyed, as well as twenty-five miles
of railroad in Sherman's rear. If that don't disturb the equanimity of
Sherman, he must be an extraordinary general indeed.
Gen. Lee says the Bureau of Conscription has ceased to send forward
recruits, and suggests that the conscript officers and their tens of
thousands of details be now ordered into the ranks themselves. The
Secretary does not agree to this, and the Assistant Secretary's
son-in-law is one of "the Bureau."
Nine-tenths of the President's time and labor consist of discriminating
between applicants for office and for promotion. They are all
politicians still! And the Secretaries of State, Navy, and the
Postmaster-General are getting to be as fat as bears, while some of the
subordinates I wot of are becoming mere shadows from scarcity of food.
AUGUST 31ST.--Bright and pleasant.
The only news to-day was a dispatch from Gen. Hood, stating that the
enemy had left Holly Springs, Miss., for the Mississippi River, supposed
to reinforce Sherman, whose communications are certainly cut. It seems
to me that Sherman must be doomed. Forces are gathering from every
quarter around him, and it is over 200 miles to Mobile, if he has any
idea to force his way thitherward.
Attended an auction to-day. Prices of furniture, clothing, etc. still
mounting higher.
Common salt herrings are at $16 per dozen; salt shad, $8 a piece. Our
agent was heard from to-day. He has no flour yet, but we still have
hopes of getting some.