The Federal Presidency.--The Chicago Convention.--Fall of Atlanta.--
Bureau of Conscription.--From Gen. Hood.--Vice-President Stephens on
the situation.--Letter from Mrs. Mendenhall.--Dispatch from Gen.
Lee.--Defeat of Gen. Early.--From Gov. Vance.--From Gov. Brown, of
Georgia.--Gen. Lee's indorsement of Col. Moseby.--Hon. Mr. Foote.--
Attack on Fort Gilmer.--Indiscriminate arrest of civilians.
SEPTEMBER 1ST.--Clear, bright, and cool.
The intelligence from the North indicates that Gen. McClellan will be
nominated for the Presidency. Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of
War, shakes his head, and says he is not the right man. Our people take
a lively interest in the proceedings of the Chicago Convention, hoping
for a speedy termination of the war.
Senator Johnson, of Missouri, has a project of taxation for the
extinguishment of the public debt--a sweeping taxation, amounting to
one-half the value of the real and personal estate of the Confederate
States. He got me to commit his ideas to writing, which I did, and they
will be published.
Gen. Kemper told me to-day that there were 40,000 able-bodied men in
Virginia now detailed.
There is a project on the tapis of introducing lady clerks into this
bureau--all of them otherwise able to subsist themselves--while the poor
refugees, who have suffered most, are denied places. Even the President
named one to-day, Mrs. Ford, who, of course, will be appointed.
SEPTEMBER 2D.--Bright, and cool, and dry.
It is reported that a battle has occurred at Atlanta; but I have seen no
official confirmation of it.
It is rumored that Gen. McClellan has been nominated by the Chicago
Convention for President, and Fernando Wood for Vice-President. There is
some interest felt by our people in the proceedings of this convention,
and there is a hope that peace candidates may be nominated and elected.
Senator Johnson (Missouri) told me to-day that he had seen Mrs. Vaughan
(wife of our Gen. V.), just from the United States, where she had been
two months; and she declares it as her belief that Gen. McClellan will
be elected, if nominated, and that he is decidedly for peace. She says
the peace party would take up arms to put an end to Lincoln's sanguinary
career, but that it is thought peace can be soonest restored by the
ballot-box.
The President to-day arrested the rush of staff appointments.
To-day an old gentleman, after an interview with Mr. Secretary ----,
said he might be a good man, an honest man; but he certainly had a "most
villainous face."
SEPTEMBER 3D.--Slight rain in the morning.
There is an ugly rumor on the streets to-day--disaster to Gen. Hood, and
the fall of Atlanta. I cannot trace it to an authentic source; and, if
true, the telegraph operatives must have divulged it.
A dispatch from Petersburg states that there is much cheering in Grant's
army for McClellan, the nominee of the Chicago Convention for the
Presidency.
I think the resolutions of the convention amount to a defiance of
President Lincoln, and that their ratification meetings will inaugurate
civil war.
The President has called upon the Governor of Alabama for the entire
militia of the State, to be mustered into the service for the defense of
the States. It is dated September 1st, and will include all exempted by
the Conscription Bureau as _farmers_. Every farm has its exempted or
detailed man under bonds to supply meat, etc.
I incline to the belief that Hood has met with disaster at Atlanta. If
so, every able-bodied man in that State will be hunted up for its
defense, unless, indeed, the Union party should be revived there.
There will be a new clamor against the President, for removing Johnston,
and for _not_ putting Beauregard in his place.
But we may get aid from the North, from their civil dissensions. If
Lincoln could precipitate 500,000 additional men upon us now, we should
be compelled to give back at all points. But this he cannot do. And the
convention at Chicago did not adjourn _sine die_, and may be called
again at any time to exercise _other_ functions than the mere nomination
of candidates, etc.
SEPTEMBER 4TH.--Showery.
Atlanta has fallen, and our army has retreated some thirty miles; such
is Hood's dispatch, received last night.
The cheering in Grant's camp yesterday was over that event. We have not
had sufficient generalship and enterprise to destroy Sherman's
communications.
Some 40,000 landowners, and the owners of slaves, are at their
comfortable homes, or in comfortable offices, while the poor and
ignorant are relied upon to achieve independence! and these, very
naturally, disappoint the President's expectations on momentous
occasions.
SEPTEMBER 5TH.--Clear and warm.
Gen. Lee has called for 2000 negroes (to be impressed) to work on the
Petersburg fortifications. Gen. Lee has been here two days, giving his
advice, which I hope may be taken. He addresses Gen. Bragg as
"commanding armies C. S." This _ought_ to be an example for others to
follow.
The loss of Atlanta is a stunning blow.
I am sick to-day--having been swollen by beans, or rather cow-peas.
SEPTEMBER 6TH.--Raining moderately, and cool.
Gen. Bragg has taken the Bureau of Conscription in hand, since Col.
August, "acting superintendent," wrote him a "disrespectful and
insubordinate" note. He required a report of the officers in the bureau,
from Lieut.-Col. Lay, "Acting Superintendent,"--there have been three
"acting superintendents" during the last three days,--and Col. Lay
furnished it. On this Gen. B. remarks that one young and able-bodied
colonel (August) was here while his regiment was in the field, and
recommended that he be permitted to have an opportunity to see some
"service" before the war is ended, and military experience, which will
teach him to be more respectful to seniors, etc.; and that the
able-bodied lieutenant-colonel (Lay), from whom he can get no report of
inspections, and who remains here idle most of his time, could render
more efficient service in the field.
And he thought Lieut. Goldthwait, relative of the Assistant Secretary of
War, in the bureau, was performing functions that would better pertain
to an older and more experienced man. In short, the whole organization
required modification.
These papers, with this indorsement, being sent to the President, that
functionary sends them to the Secretary of War, with an indorsement
intimating that such remarks from Gen. Bragg required _action_. Here's a
row! Perhaps the Secretary himself may _flare up_, and charge Gen. B.
with interference, etc.;--but no, he must see that Gen. B. is acting
with the concurrence of the President.
But the Assistant Secretary, Col. August, Lieut.-Col. Lay, etc. will be
like so many hornets stirred up with a pole, and no doubt they are rich
enough to defy the emoluments of office.
SEPTEMBER 7TH.--Clear and cool; rained in the night.
Gen. J. H. Morgan is dead,--surprised and killed in Tennessee,--and his
staff captured.
Gen. Hood telegraphs that the enemy is still _retreating_--toward
Atlanta, I suppose.
The cruiser Tallahassee having run into Wilmington, that port is now
pretty effectually closed by an accumulation of blockaders.
It is said Gen. Forrest has blown up Tunnel Hill; if so, Sherman must be
embarrassed in getting supplies of ordnance stores.
Sir Wm. Armstrong has sent from England one or two splendid guns (a
present) to our government, with equipments, etc. And the manufacturers
have presented us with a battery of Whitworth guns, six in number, but
they have not arrived yet.
SEPTEMBER 8TH.--Bright and cool; subsequently cloudy and warm.
Dispatches from Gen. Hood (Sept. 7th) state--1st dispatch: that Sherman
still holds his works one and a half miles from Jonesborough. 2d
dispatch, same date: "Sherman continues his retreat!" He says, in a 3d
dispatch, that Sherman visited the hospitals, and said he would rest
awhile at Atlanta, and then march away to Andersonville, where we keep
the Federal prisoners. Although Hood attaches no importance to
declarations from such a source, yet he deems it a matter of first
importance to remove the prisoners, which suggestion Gen. Bragg refers
to the Secretary of War without remark. Gen. Hood also urges the
reinforcing of his army from the trans-Mississippi Department. He is
sending a brigade to Opelika, to await a raid.
Gen. Forrest has been ordered, the President approving, to Middle
Tennessee; but, contrary to his desire, he is not allowed to proclaim
amnesty to the thousands of deserters expected to join him, so firmly do
the President and Gen. Bragg adhere to Gen. Lee's advice never to
proclaim pardon in advance to deserters, even at this critical epoch in
our affairs.
All of us have been made sick by eating red peas, or rather
_over_eating.
Our cause is in danger of being lost for want of horses and mules, and
yet I discovered to-day that the government has been _lending_ horses to
men who have but recently suffered some of the calamities of war! I
discovered it in a letter from the Hon. _R. M. T. Hunter_, of Essex
County, asking in behalf of himself and neighbors to be permitted to
retain the borrowed horses beyond the time specified--Oct. 1st. Mr.
Hunter borrowed two horses and four mules. He is worth millions, and
only suffered (having a mill burned) his first loss by the enemy a few
weeks ago! Better, far better, would it be for the Secretary to borrow
or impress one hundred thousand horses, and mount our infantry to cut
the communications of the enemy, and hover on his flanks like the
Cossacks in Russia.
SEPTEMBER 9TH.--Rained last night; clear to-day.
We hear of great rejoicing in the United States over the fall of
Atlanta, and this may be premature. President Lincoln has issued a
proclamation for thanksgiving in the churches, etc.
Mr. Benjamin informs the Secretary of War that the President has agreed
to facilitate the emigration of Polish exiles and a few hundred
Scotchmen, to come through Mexico, etc. The former will enter our
service.
The "Hope" has arrived at Wilmington with Sir Wm. Armstrong's present of
a fine 12-pounder, all its equipments, ammunition, etc. Also (for sale)
two 150-pounder rifled guns, with equipments, etc.
SEPTEMBER 10TH.--Slight showers, and warm.
Gen. J. H. Morgan was betrayed by a woman, a Mrs. Williamson, who was
entertaining him.
Custis made an estimate of the white male population in seven States
this side of the Mississippi, leaving out Tennessee, between the ages of
fifteen and fifty, for Gen. Kemper, for Gen. Lee, which is 800,000,
subject to deduction of those between fifteen and seventeen, disabled,
250,000, leaving 550,000--enough for defense for several years yet, if
the Bureau of Conscription were abolished and a better system adopted.
It is said the draft is postponed or abandoned in the United States. I
hope so.
Two 32-pounder guns passed down the river to-day on this side. We shall
probably hear from them soon, and then, perhaps--lose them.
SEPTEMBER 11TH.--Showery.
No war news, though important events are looked for speedily. It is
time. If our coat-tails were off, we should, in nine cases out of ten,
be voted a nation of _sans cullottes_. We are already meager and
emaciated. Yet I believe there is abundance of clothing and food, held
by the extortioners. The government should wage war upon the
speculators--enemies as mischievous as the Yankees.
SEPTEMBER 12TH.--Clear, and quite cold.
Gen. Hood has agreed to a short armistice with Sherman, ten days,
proposed by the latter. Our people don't know what to think of this, and
the government is acquiescent.
But there is a mournful gloom upon the brows of many, since Gen. Grant
holds the Weldon Road, and is daily receiving reinforcements, while we
get but few under the Conscription system and the present organization
of the bureau.
There is a rumor of an intention to abandon Petersburg, and that 20,000
old men and boys, etc. must be put in the trenches on our side
immediately to save Richmond and the cause.
Over 100,000 landed proprietors, and most of the slaveowners, are now
out of the ranks, and soon, I fear, we shall have an army that will not
fight, having nothing to fight for. And this is the result of the
pernicious policy of partiality and exclusiveness, disintegrating
society in such a crisis, and recognizing distinction of ranks,--the
_higher_ class staying home and making money, the _lower_ class thrust
into the trenches. And then the infamous schedule, to make the fortunes
of the farmers of certain counties.
I bought 30 yards of brown cotton to-day, at $2.50 per yard, from a man
who had just returned from North Carolina. The price here is $5. I sold
my dear old silver reel some time ago (angling) for $75, the sum paid
for this cotton.
Already the _Dispatch_ is publishing paragraphs in praise of the "Bureau
of Conscription," never dreaming that it strikes both Gen. Bragg and the
President. These articles are written probably by Lieut.-Col. Lay or
Col. August. And the _Examiner_ is opening all its batteries again on
the President and Gen. Bragg. The conscription men seem to have the
odds; but the President, with a single eye, can discern his enemies, and
when fully aroused is apt to pounce upon them like a relentless lion.
The times are critical, however, and the Secretary of War is very
reserved, even when under positive orders to act.
SEPTEMBER 13TH.--A bright, cool morning.
Dispatches from Lieut.-Gen. R. Taylor indicate that Federal troops are
passing up the Mississippi River, and that the attack on Mobile has been
delayed or abandoned.
Gen. Lee writes urgently for _more men_, and asks the Secretary to
direct an inquiry into alleged charges that the bureaus are getting
able-bodied details that should be in the army. And he complains that
rich young men are elected magistrates, etc., just to avoid service in
the field.
Gen. McClellan's letter accepting the nomination pledges a restoration
of the Union "at all hazards." This casts a deeper gloom over our
croakers.
"Everybody" is now abusing the President for removing Gen. Johnston, and
demand his restoration, etc.
Our agent has returned, without wheat or flour. He says he has bought
some wheat, and some molasses, and they will be on soon. I hope Gen.
Grant will remain quiet, and not cut our only remaining railroad
(south), until we get a month's supply of provisions! I hear of
speculators getting everything they want, to oppress us with
extortionate prices, while _we_ can get nothing through on the railroads
for our famishing families, even when we have an order of the government
for transportation. The companies are bribed by speculators, while the
government pays more moderate rates. And the quartermasters on the roads
are bribed, and, although the Quartermaster-General is apprised of these
corruptions, nothing is done to correct them.
And Mr. Seward has promised, for President Lincoln, that slavery will
not be disturbed in any State that returns to the Union; and McClellan
pledges States rights, and all the constitutional guarantees, when the
Union is re-established. A few more disasters, and many of our croakers
would listen to these promises. The rich are looking for security, and
their victims, the poor and oppressed, murmur at the Confederate States
Government for its failure to protect them.
In this hour of dullness, many are reflecting on the repose and
abundance they enjoyed once in the Union. But there are more acts in
this drama! And the bell may ring any moment for the curtain to rise
again.
Dr. Powell brought us some apples to-day, which were fried for dinner--a
scanty repast.
SEPTEMBER 14TH.--Bright and cold.
Gen. Lee is in the city, looking after recruits, details, etc.
Mr. Secretary Seddon appears to be in very high spirits to-day, and says
our affairs are by no means so desperate as they seem on the surface. I
hope the good coming will come soon.
Gen. Beauregard has been sent to North Carolina on a tour of inspection.
No news of our wheat and molasses yet; and we have hardly money enough
to live until the next pay-day. We have no coal yet.
Four o'clock P.M. A brisk cannonade down the river is distinctly heard.
It is not supposed to be a serious matter,--perhaps we are shelling Gen.
Butler's observatory, erected within his lines to overlook ours.
SEPTEMBER 15TH.--Bright and pleasant.
The firing was from our gun-boats and two batteries, on Gen. Butler's
canal to turn the channel of the river.
Our fondly-cherished visions of peace have vanished like a mirage of the
desert; and there is general despondency among the croakers.
Mr. Burt, of South Carolina (late member of Congress), writes from
Abbeville that Vice-President A. H Stephens crossed the Savannah River,
when Sherman's raiders were galloping through the country, in great
alarm. To the people near him he spoke freely on public affairs, and
criticised the President's policy severely, and the conduct of the war
generally. He said the enemy might now go where he pleased, our strength
and resources were exhausted, and that we ought to make _peace_. That we
could elect any one we might choose President of the United States, and
intimated that this would enable us to secure terms, etc., which was
understood to mean reconstruction of the Union.
A dispatch from Gen. Hood, dated yesterday, says Wheeler has been
forced, by superior numbers, south of the Tennessee River; and he now
proposes that he (W.) shall retreat south along the railroad, which he
is to destroy. This is the very route and the very work I and others
have been hoping would engage Wheeler's attention, for weeks. For one, I
am rejoiced that the enemy "forced" him there, else, it seems, Sherman's
communications never would have been seriously interrupted. And he
proposes sending Forrest to operate with Wheeler. Forrest is in Mobile!
Gen. Morgan's remains are looked for this evening, and will have a great
funeral. And yet I saw a communication to the President to-day, from a
friend of his in high position, a Kentuckian, saying Morgan did not die
too soon; and his reputation and character were saved by his timely
death! The charges, of course, will be dropped. His command is reduced
to 280 men; he was required to raise all his recruits in Kentucky.
SEPTEMBER 16TH.--Bright and pleasant--the weather.
Gen. Hood telegraphs that his army is so much mortified at the feeble
resistance it made to Sherman, that he is certain it will fight better
the next time.
Mr. Benjamin asks a passport and transportation for Mrs. Jane L. Brant,
who goes to Europe in the employment of the government.
Gen. Morgan's funeral took place to-day. None were allowed to see him;
for the coffin was not opened. On the way to Hollywood Cemetery, Gen.
Ewell received a dispatch that our pickets were driven in at Chaffin's
Farm. This demonstration of the enemy compelled him to withdraw the
military portion of the procession, and they were hurried off to the
battle-field.
The local troops (clerks, etc.) are ordered to assemble at 5 P.M.
to-day. What does Grant mean? He chooses a good time, if he means
anything serious; for our people, and many of the troops, are a little
despondent. They are censuring the President again, whose popularity
ebbs and flows.
SEPTEMBER 17TH.--Bright and dry.
The demonstration of the enemy yesterday, on both sides of the river,
was merely reconnoissances. Our pickets were driven in, but were soon
re-established in their former positions.
The Secretary of War is now reaping plaudits from his friends, who are
permitted to bring flour enough from the Valley to subsist their
families twelve months. The poor men in the army (the rich are not in
it) can get nothing for their families, and there is a prospect of their
starving.
Gen. Hood is a prophet. I saw a letter from him, to-day, to the
President, opposing Gen. Morgan's last raid into Kentucky: predicting
that if he returned at all, it would be with a demoralized handful of
men--which turned out to be the case. He said if Morgan had been with
Gen. Jones in the Valley, we might not have been compelled to confess a
defeat, and lament the loss of a fine officer.
They do not take Confederate notes in the Valley, but sell flour for $8
per barrel in gold, which is equal to $200 in paper; and it costs nearly
$100 to bring it here. Chickens are selling in market for $7 each,
paper, or 37-1/2 cents, specie.
SEPTEMBER 18TH.--Cool and cloudy; symptoms of the equinoctial gale.
We have intelligence of another brilliant feat of Gen. Wade Hampton. Day
before yesterday he got in the rear of the enemy, and drove off 2500
beeves and 400 prisoners. This will furnish fresh meat rations for
Lee's army during a portion of the fall campaign. I shall get some
shanks, perhaps; and the prisoners of war will have meat rations.
Our people generally regard McClellan's letter of acceptance as a war
speech, and they are indifferent which succeeds, he or Lincoln, at the
coming election; but they incline to the belief that McClellan will be
beaten, because he did not announce himself in favor of peace,
unconditionally, and our independence. My own opinion is that McClellan
did what was best for him to do to secure his election, and that he will
be elected. Then, if we maintain a strong front in the field, we shall
have peace and independence. Yet his letter convinces me the peace party
in the United States is not so strong as we supposed. If it shall appear
that subjugation is not practicable, by future success on our part, the
peace party will grow to commanding proportions.
Our currency was, yesterday, selling $25 for $1 in gold; and all of us
who live on salaries live very badly: for food and everything else is
governed by the specie value. Our $8000 per annum really is no more than
$320 in gold. The rent of our house is the only item of expense not
proportionably enlarged. It is $500, or $20 in gold. Gas is put up to
$30 per 1000 feet.
Four P.M. We hear the deep booming of cannon again down the river. I
hope the enemy will not get back the beeves we captured, and that my
barrel of flour from North Carolina will not be intercepted!
J. J. Pollard's contract to bring supplies through the lines, on the
Mississippi, receiving cotton therefor, has been revoked, it being
alleged by many in that region that the benefits reaped are by no means
mutual.
And Mr. De Bow's office of Cotton Loan Agent has been taken away from
him for alleged irregularities, the nature of which is not clearly
stated by the new Secretary of the Treasury, who announces his removal
to the Secretary of War.
The President has had the porch of his house, from which his son fell,
pulled down.
A "private" letter from Vice-President Stephens was received by Mr.
Secretary Seddon to-day.
The cannonading ceased at sundown. The papers, to-morrow, will inform us
what it was all about. Sunday is not respected in war, and I know not
what is. Such terrible wars as this will probably make those who survive
appreciate the blessings of peace.
SEPTEMBER 19TH.--Clear and pleasant.
We have nothing yet explanatory of the shelling yesterday.
To-day we have news of an expedition of the enemy crossing Rapidan
Bridge on the way toward Gordonsville, Charlottesville, etc. Gen.
Anderson's division, from Early's army, is said to be marching after
them. We shall learn more of this business very soon.
Mrs. D. E. Mendenhall, Quaker, Jamestown, N. C., has written a "strictly
confidential" letter to Mr. J. B. Crenshaw, of this city (which has gone
on the files of the department), begging him to use his influence with
Mr. Secretary Seddon (which is great) to get permission for her to send
fourteen negroes, emancipated by her late husband's will, to Ohio. She
says there is but one able to bear arms, and he is crazy; that since the
enemy uses negro soldiers, she will withhold the able-bodied ones; that
she has fed our soldiers, absolutely starving some of her stock to
death, that she might have food for our poor men and their families,
etc. etc.
No news from our flour.
I saw Nat Tyler to-day, and told him to call upon the farmers, in the
_Enquirer_, to send their provisions to the city immediately, or they
may lose their crops, and their horses too. He said he would.
The only news of interest is contained in the following official
dispatch from Gen. Lee:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"September 17th, 1864.
"HON. J. A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
"At daylight yesterday the enemy's skirmish line west of the
Jerusalem Plank Road was driven back upon his intrenchments along
their whole extent. Ninety prisoners were taken by us in the
operation.
"At the same hour Gen. Hampton attacked the enemy's position north
of the Norfolk Railroad, near Sycamore Church, and captured about
three hundred prisoners, some arms and wagons, a large number of
horses, and twenty-five hundred cattle.
"Gen. Gregg attacked Gen. Hampton, on his return in the afternoon,
at Belchess' mill, on the Jerusalem Plank Road, but was repulsed
and driven back. Everything was brought off safely.
"Our entire loss does not exceed fifty men. R. E. LEE."
Gen. Preston, Superintendent Bureau of Conscription, has made a labored
defense (written by Colonels Lay and August) of the bureau against the
allegations of Gen. Bragg. This was sent to the President by the
Secretary of War, "for his information." The President sent it back,
to-day, indorsed, "the subject is under general consideration."
The "Bureau," by advertisement, to-day, calls upon everybody between the
ages of sixteen and fifty to report at certain places named, and be
registered, and state the reasons why they are not now in the army and
in the field. What nonsense! How many do they expect to come forward,
voluntarily, candidates for gunpowder and exposure in the trenches?
SEPTEMBER 20TH.--Bright and pleasant.
An order has been given to impress _all_ the supplies (wheat and meat)
in the State, and Gen. Kemper has been instructed to lend military aid
if necessary. This is right, so that speculation may be suppressed. But,
then, Commissary-General Northrop says it is _all_ for the army, and the
_people_--non-producers--may starve, for what he cares. If this
unfeeling and despotic policy be adopted by the government, it will
strangle the Confederacy--strangle it with red-tape.
I learned, to-day, that Gen. Preston, Superintendent of the Bureau of
Conscription, resigned upon seeing Gen. Bragg's and the President's
indorsements on the bureau papers; but the Secretary and the President
persuaded him to recall the resignation. He is very rich.
A practical railroad man has sent to the Secretary a simple plan, by
which twenty-five men with crowbars can keep Sherman's communications
cut.
There is a rumor that Sherman has invited Vice-President Stephens,
Senator H. V. Johnson, and Gov. Brown to a meeting with him, to confer
on terms of peace--_i.e._ the return of Georgia to the Union. The
government has called for a list of all the Georgians who have sailed
from our ports this summer.
A letter from Hon. R. W. Barnwell shows that he is opposed to any
conference with the enemy on terms of peace, except unconditional
independence. He thinks Hood hardly competent to command the army, but
approves the removal of Johnston. He thinks Sherman will go on to
Augusta, etc.
The raid toward Gordonsville is now represented as a small affair, and
to have returned as it came, after burning some mills, bridges, etc.
I saw a letter, to-day, written to the President by L. P. Walker, first
Secretary of War, full of praise. It was dated in August, before the
fall of Atlanta, and warmly congratulated him upon the removal of Gen.
Johnston.
Gov. Bonham sent a telegram to the Secretary of War, to-day, from
Columbia, asking if the President would not soon pass through that city;
if such were his intentions, he would remain there, being very anxious
to see him.
Beauregard is at Wilmington, while the whole country is calling for his
appointment to the command of the army in Georgia. Unless some great
success crowns our arms before Congress reassembles, the President will
be assailed with great bitterness, and the consequences may be fatal.
SEPTEMBER 21ST.--Cloudy and somber.
We have authentic intelligence of the defeat of our forces under Gen.
Early, near Winchester. Two generals, Rhodes and Godwin, were killed. We
lost some guns, and heavily in killed and wounded. The enemy have
Winchester, and Early has retreated, bringing off his trains, however.
This has caused the croakers to raise a new howl against the President,
for they know not what.
Mr. Clapman, our disbursing clerk (appointed under Secretary Randolph),
proposed, to-day, to several in his office--jestingly, they
supposed--revolution, and installing Gen. Lee as Dictator. It may be a
jest to some, but others mean it in earnest.
I look for other and more disastrous defeats, unless the speculators are
demolished, and the wealthy class put in the ranks. Many of the privates
in our armies are fast becoming what is termed machine soldiers, and
will ere long cease to fight well--having nothing to fight for. Alas,
the chivalry have fallen! The lagging land proprietors and slaveowners
(as the Yankees shrewdly predicted) want to be captains, etc. or
speculators. The poor will not long fight for their oppressors, the
money-changers, extortioners, etc., whose bribes keep them out of the
service.
Mr. Foote openly advocates a convention; and says the other States will
have one certainly: and if Virginia declines to unite in it, she will be
"left out in the cold." This is said of him; I have not heard him say
it. But I believe a convention in any State or States, if our disasters
continue, will lead to reconstruction, if McClellan be elected. If
emancipation, confiscation, etc. be insisted on, the war will never
terminate but in final separation.
SEPTEMBER 22D.--Cloudy; rained much last night.
The following is all we know yet of Early's defeat:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"September 20th, 1864.
"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON.
"Gen. Early reports that, on the morning of the 19th, the enemy
advanced on Winchester, near which place he met his attack, which
was resisted from early in the day till near night, when he was
compelled to retire. After night he fell back to Newtown, and this
morning to Fisher's Hill.
"Our loss reported to be severe.
"Major-Gen. Rhodes and Brig.-Gen. Godwin were killed, nobly doing
their duty.
"Three pieces of artillery of King's battalion were lost.
"The trains and supplies were brought off safely.
"(Signed) R. E. LEE."
The profound chagrin produced by this event is fast becoming a sort of
reckless unconcern. Many would fight and die in the last ditch, rather
than give up Richmond; and many others are somewhat indifferent as to
the result, disgusted with the management of affairs.
The President left the city on Monday, ignorant of the defeat of Early,
for Georgia. It is said Beauregard is with him; but this is not certain.
His private secretary, Mr. Burton Harrison, says he will be absent at
least a month, perhaps until Christmas. Congress meets early in
November; and before that day we may have terrible events--events
determining the fate of the war.
We have heard heavy firing down the river all day; but it may not be a
serious matter, though a general battle is looked for soon on the south
side.
Gen. Lee will soon be reinforced materially. The President has adopted
a suggestion I made to Gen. Bragg, and a general order is published
to-day virtually abolishing the Bureau of Conscription. The business is
mostly turned over to the commanders of the Reserves; and conscription
is to be executed by Reserve men unfit for duty in the field. All the
former conscript officers, guards, details, clerks, etc. fit to bear
arms, are to go into the ranks.
"When the cat's away, the mice will play," is an old saying, and a true
one. I saw a note of invitation to-day from Secretary Mallory to
Secretary Seddon, inviting him to his house at 5 P.M. to partake of
"pea-soup" with Secretary Trenholm. His "pea-soup" will be oysters and
champagne, and every other delicacy relished by epicures. Mr. Mallory's
red face, and his plethoric body, indicate the highest living; and his
party will enjoy the dinner while so many of our brave men are
languishing with wounds, or pining in a cruel captivity. Nay, they may
feast, possibly, while the very pillars of the government are crumbling
under the blows of the enemy.
It is said the President has gone to Georgia to prevent Governor Brown,
Stephens, H. V. Johnson, Toombs, etc. from making peace (for Georgia)
with Sherman.
A splenetic letter from Gov. Vance indicates trouble in that quarter. He
says the Confederate States Government threw every possible impediment
in his way when he bought a steamer and imported machinery to
manufacture clothing for the North Carolina troops, and now the
Confederate States Quartermaster-General is interfering with these
factories, because, he says, he, the Governor, is supplying the troops
at less expense than the Quartermaster-General would do. He demands
details for the factories, and says if the Confederate States Government
is determined to come in collision with him, he will meet it. He says he
will not submit to any interference. Gov. Vance was splenetic once
before, but became amiable enough about the time of the election. Since
his election for another term, he shows his teeth again.
SEPTEMBER 23D.--Raining.
Our loss, killed, wounded, and taken in the battle near Winchester, is
estimated by our people at 2500. The enemy say they got 2500 prisoners.
The enemy's loss in killed and wounded amounted probably to as much as
ours.
Gen. Lee writes that, in his opinion, the time has come for the army to
have the benefit of a certain per cent of the negroes, free and slave,
as teamsters, laborers, etc.; and he suggests that there should be a
corps of them permanently attached to the army. He says if we do not
make use of them in the war, the enemy will use them against us. He
contemplates staying where he is during the winter, and proposes
building a railroad from his rear to the oak woods, as the pines do not
answer a good purpose.
Gen. Hood telegraphs (dated yesterday) his intention to get in the
enemy's rear, and intercept supplies from Dalton. Sherman must either
attempt to drive him from that position (north bank of the
Chattahoochee), or advance farther south with his supplies cut off and
our army assaulting his rear.
Mr. Roy (clerk), cousin of Mr. Seddon, said to-day that he regarded the
Confederacy near its end, and that the Union would be reconstructed.
Our good friend Dr. Powell brought us a gallon of sorghum molasses
to-day.
SEPTEMBER 24TH.--Raining alternate hours and warm. Had a chill this
morning, and afterward several spells of blindness, from rushes of blood
to the head. Came home and bathed my feet and recovered.
Another disaster! but no great loss of men. Gen. Early was compelled to
retreat again on Thursday, 22d inst., the enemy flanking him, and
getting in his rear. He lost 12 more guns. This intensifies the chagrin
and doubts prevalent in a certain class of the community. However, Lee
commands in Virginia, and there may be better luck next time, which will
cause everybody's spirits to rise.
Gen. Lee writes a long letter to the Secretary of War, deprecating the
usage of the port of Wilmington by the Tallahassee and other cruisers,
that go out and ravage the enemy's commerce, such as the destruction of
fishing smacks, etc. Already the presence of the Tallahassee and the
Edith at Wilmington has caused the loss of one of our blockade-runners,
worth more than all the vessels destroyed by the Tallahassee, and the
port is now guarded by such an additional number of blockaders that it
is with difficulty our steamers can get in with supplies, Gen. L.
suggests that Charleston or some other port be used by our cruisers; and
that Wilmington be used exclusively for the importation of
supplies--quartermaster's, commissary's ordnance, etc. Gen. L. advises
that supplies enough for two or three years be brought in, so that we
shall not be under apprehension of being destitute hereafter. Such were
his ideas. Lieut. Wood, who commands the Tallahassee, is the President's
nephew, and gains eclat by his chivalric deeds on the ocean; but we
cannot afford to lose our chances of independence to glorify the
President's nephew. Gen. Lee but reiterates what has been written on the
same subject by Gen. Whiting at Wilmington.
SEPTEMBER 25TH.--Clear and cool. Pains in my head, etc.
Hon. Mr. Foote told G. Fitzhugh early this morning that he had learned
Gen. Early's army was scattered to the winds; that the enemy had the
Central Railroad (where?) and would soon have all the roads. This is not
credited, though it may be so.
There is a mysterious fascination in scenes of death and carnage. As I
crossed Franklin Street, going down to the department this morning, I
heard on my right the cry of "halt!" and saw a large man in citizen's
clothes running toward me pursued by a soldier--coming from the
direction of Gen. Ewell's headquarters. The man (perhaps a deserter) ran
on, and the soldier took deliberate aim with his rifle, and burst a cap.
I stood and watched the man, being riveted to the spot by a strange
fascination, although I was nearly in a line with the pursuit. An
irresistible curiosity seized me to see the immediate effects of the
shot. The man turned up Ninth Street, the soldier fixing another cap as
he ran, and, taking deliberate aim, the cap failed to explode the charge
again. I saw several persons crossing the street beyond the flying man,
who would have been greatly endangered if the rifle had been
discharged. In war the destruction of human life excites no more pity
than the slaughter of beeves in peace!
SEPTEMBER 26TH.--Bright and cool.
Gen. Early is still falling back; on Saturday he was at Port Republic,
but he will soon be reinforced, and may turn the tide on Sheridan.
A long letter was received at the department to-day from Gov. Brown,
absolutely _refusing_ to respond to the President's call for the militia
of that State. He says he will _not_ encourage the President's ambitious
projects by placing in his hands, and under his unconditional control,
all that remains to preserve the reserved rights of his State. He
bitterly and offensively criticises the President's management of
military affairs--sending Morgan into Kentucky, Wheeler into East, and
Forrest into West Tennessee, instead of combining all upon Sherman's
rear and cutting his communications. He says Georgia has fifty regiments
in Virginia, and if the President won't send reinforcements, then he
_demands_ the return of Georgia troops, and he will endeavor to defend
the State without his aid, etc.
SEPTEMBER 27TH.--Bright and pleasant.
We have rumors of heavy fighting yesterday near Staunton, but no
authentic accounts.
A dispatch from Gen. R. Taylor says Gen. Forrest had gained a victory at
Athens, Ala., capturing some 1500 prisoners, 500 horses, etc. etc.
We still hear the thunder of artillery down the river--the two armies
shelling each other, I suppose, as yet at a safe distance. A few more
days and the curtain will rise again--Lee and Grant the principal actors
in the tragedy!
The President is making patriotic speeches in Alabama and Georgia.
Mr. Hudson, of Alabama, proposes to deliver to the government 5,000,000
pounds of bacon for the same number of pounds cotton, delivered at the
same place.
Our cotton agent in Mississippi is authorized by the government here to
sell cotton in exposed situations to the enemy's agents for _specie_,
and to buy for Confederate notes.
The funeral expenses of Gen. Morgan the other day amounted to $1500; the
Quartermaster-General objects to paying it, and sends the bill to the
Secretary for instructions.
The following is a copy of Gen. Lee's indorsement on Lieut.-Col.
Moseby's report of his operations from the 1st of March to the 11th of
September, 1864:
"HEADQUARTERS, ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"September 19th, 1864.
"Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant and Inspector-General for
the information of the department. Attention is invited to the
activity and skill of Col. Moseby, and the intelligence and
courage of the officers and men of his command, as displayed in
this report.
"With the loss of little more than 20 men, he has killed, wounded,
and captured, during the period embraced in this report, about 1200
of the enemy, and taken more than 1600 horses and mules, 230 beef
cattle, and 85 wagons and ambulances, without counting many smaller
operations. The services rendered by Col. Moseby and his command in
watching and reporting the enemy's movements have also been of
great value. His operations have been highly creditable to himself
and his command.
"(Signed) R. E. LEE, _General_.
"Official: JOHN BLAIR HOGE,
"_Major and Assistant Adjutant-General._"
SEPTEMBER 28TH.--Bright; subsequently cloudy and warm rain.
Staunton was entered by the enemy's cavalry on Monday afternoon.
We have no news whatever to-day from any quarter. But the deep booming
of cannon is still heard down the river, foreboding an awful conflict
soon.
I saw three 10-inch Columbiads at the Petersburg depot to-day; they are
going to move them toward Petersburg, I believe.
Gold is thirty for one to-day, and still rising, Forrest's exploit
having done nothing to revive confidence in Treasury notes here.
SEPTEMBER 29TH.--Bright and beautiful.
As I walked down to the department, heavy and brisk cannonading below
assailed the ear. It was different from the ordinary daily shelling, and
to my familiar senses, it could only be a BATTLE. The sounds continued,
and even at my desk in the department the vibrations were very
perceptible.
About 10 o'clock, when walking down Main Street (the cannon still
heard), I met Robert Tyler and Mr. Foote, member of Congress, the latter
in some excitement, denouncing the management of affairs by the
Executive. He said if Richmond were lost, he should move that the people
take matters in their own hands, and proclaim a DICTATOR. Mr. Tyler,
commanding his temper, banteringly told him that he ran some risk of
being arrested, tried by drum-head court-martial, and shot--before
night. Mr. Foote whirled away, repeating his desperate purpose; and
Tyler repeating, more gravely, that he might be arrested for treasonable
language--and ought to be.
Mr. Tyler then invited me to join him at breakfast at a neighboring
restaurant, where we had each a loaf of bread, a cup of coffee with milk
(but brown sugar), and three eggs. The bill was sixteen dollars!
When I returned to the department, information came that the enemy had
captured Fort Harrison (Signal Hill), near Chaffin's Bluff, and were
advancing toward the city. From that moment much excitement sprung up
(the greatest I have ever known here), and all the local organizations
were immediately ordered out. Not only this, but squads of guards were
sent into the streets everywhere with orders to arrest every able-bodied
man they met, regardless of papers; and this produced a consternation
among the civilians. The offices and government shops were closed, and
the tocsin sounded for hours, by order of the Governor, frightening some
of the women.
At 2 P.M. the fight was nearer, and it was reported that the enemy were
at the intermediate fortifications--three miles distant.
From the observatory on the War Department we could see the puffs of
white smoke from our guns; but these were at the intermediate line,
several miles distant, and the enemy were, of course, beyond. We could
see our cannon firing from right to left at least a mile in length; and
the enemy had evidently made much progress toward the city. The firing
then ceased, however, at 3 P.M., indicating that the enemy had withdrawn
from that point; but the booming of artillery was still heard farther to
the right on or near the river. And this continued until the present
writing, 5 P.M. We have no particulars; but it is reported that the
enemy were handsomely repulsed. Clouds of dust can be seen with the
telescope in that direction, which appears to the naked eye to be smoke.
It arises no doubt from the march of troops, sent by Gen. Lee. We must
soon have something definite from the scene of action.
Half-past five P.M. Gen. Ewell dispatches that the enemy's attack on
Fort Gilmer (five miles below the same we saw) was handsomely repulsed.
A dispatch from Gen. Pemberton, on Williamsburg Road, says there is no
immediate danger there.
Another dispatch from Georgia says Forrest has captured 800 more men
somewhere in Alabama, on the railroad.
At night, distant cannon heard. Gen. Ewell said in his last dispatch
that as soon as certain reinforcements came up he would take the
offensive, attacking the enemy. The conflict recedes, and I presume he
is driving the enemy back.
Mr. Foote intimates that the President will not return to Richmond, and
did not intend to return.
SEPTEMBER 30TH.--Cloudy, and occasional showers.
None of the papers except the _Whig_ were published this morning, the
printers, etc. being called out to defend the city. Every device of the
military authorities has been employed to put the people here in the
ranks. Guards everywhere, on horseback and on foot, in the city and at
the suburbs, are arresting pedestrians, who, if they have not passes
from Gen. Kemper, are hurried to some of the depots or to the City
Square (iron palings), and confined until marched to the field or
released. Two of the clerks of the War Department, who went down to the
Spottswood Hotel to hear the news, although having the Secretary's own
details, were hustled off to a prison on Gary Street to report to Lieut.
Bates, who alone could release them. But when they arrived, no Lieut.
Bates was there, and they found themselves incarcerated with some five
hundred others of all classes and conditions. Here they remained cooped
up for an hour, when they espied an officer who knew them, and who had
them released.
To-day the guards arrested Judges Reagan and Davis, Postmaster-General
and Attorney-General, both members of the cabinet, because neither of
them were over fifty years old. Judge Reagan grew angry and stormed a
little; but both were released immediately.
Gen. Lee dispatched Gen. Bragg, at 9 P.M. last night, that all the
assaults of the enemy on Fort Gilmer had been repulsed, the enemy losing
many in killed, and wounded, and prisoners, while our loss was small.
And we have driven the Yankees from Staunton, and have them in full
retreat again as far as Harrisonburg.
To-day at 2 P.M. another battle occurred at or near Fort Harrison or
Signal Hill, supposed to be an attempt on our part to retake the post. I
never heard more furious shelling, and fear our loss was frightful,
provided it was our assault on the enemy's lines. We could see the white
smoke, from the observatory, floating along the horizon over the woods
and down the river. The melee of sounds was terrific: heavy siege guns
(from our steam-rams, probably) mingled with the incessant roar of field
artillery. At 3 P.M. all was comparatively quiet, and we await
intelligence of the result.