Attempt to retake Fort Harrison.--A false alarm.--Dispatches from Gen.
Lee.--Impressments.--Gen. Butler's generosity.--Matters in and about
the city.--Beverly Tucker's contract with a New York firm for
supplies.
OCTOBER 1ST.--Raining and cold. Horrible for the troops in the trenches!
The battle, yesterday (on this side of the river), was an attempt of
Gen. Lee to retake Fort Harrison, near Chaffin's Bluff, which _failed_,
after two essays. Gen. Lee deemed its recapture important, and exposed
himself very much in the assault: so much so as to cause a thrill of
alarm throughout the field. But it all would not do; the enterprise of
the enemy had in a few hours rendered the place almost impregnable.
Judge Lyons, who came in to-day (from a visit to the field), estimates
our killed and wounded at from 700 to 1000.
But we have better news from other quarters. Generals Hampton and Heath
attacked the enemy on the south side of the river, yesterday, and
captured 900 men.
Gen. Early sends word that the whole force of the enemy (Sheridan's
army) is in full retreat, and he is in pursuit.
Gen. Echols, West Virginia and East Tennessee, reports several successes
to our arms in that region.
This has been a terrible day; a storm of wind and driving rain. Heavy
guns are heard at intervals down the river.
At 4 P.M., while writing the last line, a furious cannonade has sprung
up on the southeast of the city, and seemingly very near to it. It may
be a raid. The firing increases in rapidity, mingled, I think, with the
roar of small arms. We can hear distinctly the whistle of shot and
shell, and the detonations shake the windows. It may be that the
atmosphere (dampness) and the wind from the east cause some deception as
to the distance; but really it would seem that from the apparent
proximity of the enemy's guns, some of the shells must reach the eastern
parts of the city. After thirty minutes' quick firing, it ceases in a
great measure. At 5 P.M. it was resumed, and continued until dark. Some
think it but a raid, others report 40,000 men engaged. If this be so,
to-morrow will probably be fought the great battle for Richmond.
Doubtless, Grant is eager to hold some position from which he can shell
the city.
OCTOBER 2D.--Cloudy and calm.
All quiet. It was a false alarm yesterday evening. Nothing but some of
the enemy's cavalry scouts were seen from the intermediate batteries,
and it was merely a waste of ammunition on our part, and destruction of
timber where the enemy were partially sheltered. Not a gun, so far as I
can learn, was fired against our fortifications. Gen. Pemberton must
have known that none of the enemy's infantry and artillery had marched
in this direction through the storm, and in the mud, or else our scouts
are worthless.
But we have news of the capture of 500 more prisoners near Petersburg,
yesterday. The particulars of the fight have not yet been received.
Every male between seventeen and fifty-five is now required to have a
pass, from Gen. Kemper or Gen. Barton, to walk the streets, even to
church. The militia are all out, except those hidden in the back rooms
of their shops--extortioners; and the city is very quiet. No wonder the
women and children were thrown into a panic yesterday.
The shelling did some good in the Saturday evening market, as most of
the people were eager to get home. A boy sold me apples at 75 cents per
quart, instead of $1.
The physicians have had a meeting, and agree to charge $30 per visit.
The bombardment is still in progress at Charleston, and there has never
been any intermission. The enemy's batteries now reach over two-thirds
of that devoted city.
I see by a Northern paper that Gen. Grant is having his children
educated at Burlington, N. J.; perhaps at the same institutions where
mine were educated; and I perceive that our next door neighbor, Mrs.
Kinsey, has been waving the "glorious Stars and Stripes" over Gen. G.'s
head, from her ample porch. Well, I would not injure that flag; and I
think it would never be assailed by the Southern people, if it were only
kept at home, away from our soil. We have a flag of our own we prefer.
OCTOBER 3D.--Misty and damp, but warm.
Guns heard down the river. On Friday, it seems, the enemy penetrated and
held a portion of our works below Petersburg; and although we captured
many prisoners, it does not appear that we regained the works or retook
the cannon.
So far, although the enemy's loss in men may have been greater in the
operations of the last few days, it would seem that we have _lost
ground_; that our forts, etc. have been captured and _held_, up to this
moment; and that both the right and left wings of Grant have been
_advanced_, and established in the positions taken. All this, too, under
the eye of Gen. Lee. It is enough to make one tremble for Richmond. They
do not heed his calls for _men_.
In the North, the Presidential campaign is growing _warm_. McClellan's
friends have been denounced as "traitors" in Ohio, and one of their
meetings broken up by the soldiers. This fire may spread, and relieve
us.
It is now said a corps of the enemy's infantry was really peeping from
the groves and lanes west of the city, on Saturday, when the furious
shelling took place.
Rumors--we have nothing but rumors--of fighting, said to be in progress
on the south side of the river. It is said the enemy, that were a few
days ago menacing Richmond, are recrossing to the Petersburg side.
OCTOBER 4TH.--Foggy; then bright; then very warm.
Gen. Lee is at Chaffin's Bluff. A dispatch from him this morning states
that the enemy's infantry are near Harrisonburg, in the Valley, and that
his cavalry is retiring.
9 A.M. Another dispatch from Gen. Lee. The raiders' cavalry, only 250
strong, are at Brandy Station, a body of their infantry at Bealton
Central Railroad.
9-1/2 A.M. Gen. Lee says Gen. Breckinridge repulsed the enemy's attack
on Saltville, on Sunday, 2d inst.; it was a "bloody" repulse, and Gen. B.
is _pursuing_.
Gen. Beauregard has been appointed to the supervisory command of the
army in Georgia, etc.; in response to the universal calls of the people.
The enemy threw up earthworks yesterday, toward the city, from Fort
Harrison, one mile in length. He is now within five miles of the city,
and if his progress is not checked, he will soon be throwing shells at
us.
But Lee is there, digging also.
Flour rose yesterday to $425 per barrel, meal to $72 per bushel, and
bacon $10 per pound. Fortunately, I got 100 pounds of flour from North
Carolina a few days ago at $1.20 per pound. And Thomas, my son, detailed
as clerk for Gen. Kemper, will draw 30 pounds of flour and 10 pounds
bacon per month.
OCTOBER 5TH.--Bright, and very warm.
There is a report that Gen. Hood's army is at Marietta, in Sherman's
rear, and it may be so.
One of the clerks (Mr. Bechtel) was killed yesterday by one of the
enemy's sharpshooters at Chaffin's Farm. He was standing on the parapet,
looking in the direction of the enemy's pickets. He had been warned to
no purpose. He leaves a wife and nine children. A subscription is handed
round, and several thousand dollars will be raised. Gen. R. E. Lee was
standing near when he fell.
All is quiet to-day. But they are impressing the negro men found in the
streets to-day to work on the fortifications. It is again rumored that
Petersburg is to be given up. I don't believe it.
OCTOBER 6TH.--Bright, and very warm.
The President returned this morning, hastened hither by the perils
environing the capital.
An order is published this morning revoking all details for the army of
persons between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years of age. If
this be rigidly enforced, it will add many thousands to the army. It is
said there are 8000 details in the military bureaus of this State.
A dispatch from Gen. Hood, near Lost Mountain (in Georgia, Sherman's
rear), dated yesterday, says Sherman is marching out of Atlanta to
attack him. He says Gen. Stewart's corps struck the railroad at Big
Shanty, capturing 350 prisoner and destroying ten miles of the road.
Gen. Forrest is marching against Altoona. We shall soon have stirring
news.
All is quiet near Petersburg and Richmond to-day. Eight of the local
companies (clerks) have been ordered to guard the prisoners to
Salisbury, N. C.
I saw a New York _Tribune_ to-day, of the 17th inst., and find the
Peterson's are advertising new editions of several of my books.
OCTOBER 7TH.--Bright and beautiful.
The government, after giving the news from Georgia, position of Hood, to
the press, suppressed it. It is well, perhaps, not to permit Grant, who
sees our papers daily, to know what we are doing there.
There are rumors of fighting to-day near Chaffin's Bluff, but we hear no
cannon, except an occasional shell at long intervals.
Gen. Bragg is now in hot water with the Quartermaster-General, for
ordering the trial of Lieut.-Col. Cone and Major Maynard,
Quartermasters, in the city, for alleged violation of law and orders.
Gen. Preston is away again or sick, and Col. August and Lieut.-Col. Lay
are again signing papers at "the Bureau," as "acting superintendents."
Bragg may aim another bomb at the refractory concern.
OCTOBER 8TH.--Cloudy, windy, and cold.
The fighting yesterday was more serious than I supposed. It was supposed
the conflict would be resumed to-day, but we have no information of any
fighting up to this hour--5 P.M.
From Gen. Hood we have a dispatch, saying Major-Gen. French attacked
Altoona day before yesterday. He carried all the outworks, but failed at
the inner one, and learning a body of the enemy were approaching his
rear, Gen. F. withdrew to the main body of the army. He says nothing of
the loss, etc. on either side.
At the Tredegar Works, and in the government workshops, the detailed
soldier, if a _mechanic_, is paid in money and in rations (at the
current prices) about $16 per day, or nearly $6000 per annum. A member
of Congress receives $5500, a clerk $4000.
OCTOBER 9TH, SUNDAY.--Cloudy, windy, and very cold.
I hear of no operations yesterday, although, as usual, some cannonnading
was audible yesterday evening.
It is said Gen. Pemberton was in great perturbation during the several
advances of the enemy last week. Like Boabdil, the Unlucky of Grenada,
he lost some of his cannon, and every one anticipated disaster under his
command. This will furnish fresh material for assaults in Congress on
the President, if that body should meet again next month, for placing
this officer in so responsible a command, whatever may be his skill,
when the soldiers and the people have no faith in him. It is
characteristic of the President to adhere to what he deems just and
proper, regardless of anticipated consequences. This was the habit of
Caesar--but he fell.
An effort is again being made to replenish Lee's army with able-bodied
details employed in the various departments, but I fear it will only
result, as heretofore, in sending to the ranks the weak and diseased who
are poor and friendless.
OCTOBER 10TH.--_A white frost_; first frost of the season. All quiet
below.
Gen. W. M. Gardner (in Gen. Winder's place) reports that of the exempts
and citizens taken from the streets to the front, last week, _a majority
have deserted_. This proves that even a despotic military act cannot be
committed with impunity.
Gen. Beauregard telegraphs from Opelika, Ala., that he has arranged
matters satisfactorily between Gov. Brown of Georgia and Gen. Cobb,
regarding exempts and State militia.
The President directs the Secretary to ascertain if this has been done
in accordance with law and the interests of the service.
Gen. R. Taylor telegraphs that Gen. E. K. Smith has proclaimed pardon to
deserters, from trans-Mississippi Department, after he had arrested most
of them and sent them to their regiments, and now he recommends that no
more troops be brought over the river or they will be sure to desert.
The President directs the Secretary to correspond with Gen. Smith on the
subject. Gen. Taylor is the President's kinsman--by his first marriage.
Gen. Beauregard left Opelika on the 7th inst. for Hood's army, so in a
few days we may expect a battle.
OCTOBER 11TH.--Bright and pleasant. All is quiet below.
From Georgia we have many rumors. It is reported that a battle has been
fought (second time) at Altoona, which we captured, with 4000 prisoners;
that Rome has been taken, with 3000 negro prisoners; and, finally, that
we have Atlanta again. I have seen no such dispatches. But the gentleman
who assured me it was all true, has a son a clerk at the President's
office, and a relative in the telegraph office. Dispatches may have come
to the President; and, if so, it may be our policy to forbid their
publication for the present, as the enemy would derive the first
intelligence of their disaster from our newspapers.
Well, Gen. Gardner reports, officially, that of the number of exempts,
and of the mixed class of citizens arrested in the streets, and
summarily marched to the "front," "a majority have deserted!" Men, with
exemptions in their pockets, going to or returning from market, have
been seized by the Adjutant-General's orders, and despotically hurried
off without being permitted even to send a message to their families.
Thousands were entrapped, by being directed to call at Gen. Barton's
headquarters, an immense warehouse, and receive passes; but no Gen.
Barton was there--or if there, not visible; and all the anxious seekers
found themselves in prison, only to be liberated as they were
incorporated into companies, and marched "to the front." From the age of
fifteen to fifty-five, all were seized by that order--no matter what
papers they bore, or what the condition of their families--and hurried
to the field, where there was no battle. No wonder there are many
deserters--no wonder men become indifferent as to which side shall
prevail, nor that the administration is falling into disrepute at the
capital.
OCTOBER 12TH.--Bright and beautiful. All quiet below, save an occasional
booming from the fleet.
Nothing from Georgia in the papers, save the conjectures of the Northern
press. No doubt we have gained advantages there, which it is good policy
to conceal as long as possible from the enemy.
Squads of able-bodied _detailed_ men are arriving _at last_, from the
interior. Lee's army, in this way, will get efficient reinforcements.
The Secretary of the Treasury sends a note over to the Secretary of War
to-day, saying the Commissary-General, in his estimates, allows but
$31,000,000 for tax in kind--whereas the tax collectors show an actual
amount, credited to farmers and planters, of $145,000,000. He says this
will no doubt attract the notice of Congress.
Mr. Peck, our agent to purchase supplies in North Carolina, has
delivered no wheat yet. He bought supplies for his family; 400 bushels
of wheat for 200 clerks, and 100 for Assistant Secretary of War, Judge
Campbell, and Mr. Kean, the young Chief of the Bureau. This he says he
bought with private funds; but he brought it at the government's
expense. The clerks are resolved not to submit to his action.
I hear of more desertions. Mr. Seddon and Mr. Stanton at Washington are
engaged in a singular game of chance. The harsh orders of both cause
mutual abandonments, and now we have the spectacle of men deserting our
regiments, and quite as many coming over from the enemy's regiments near
the city.
Meantime Gen. Bragg is striving to get the able-bodied men out of the
bureaus and to place them in the field.
The despotic order, arresting every man in the streets, and hurrying
them to "the front," without delay, and regardless of the condition of
their families--some were taken off when getting medicine for their sick
wives--is still the theme of execration, even among men who have been
the most ultra and uncompromising secessionists. The terror caused many
to hide themselves, and doubtless turned them against the government.
They say now such a despotism is quite as bad as a Stanton despotism,
and there is not a toss-up between the rule of the United States and the
Confederate States. Such are some of the effects of bad measures in such
critical times as these. Mr. Seddon has no physique to sustain him. He
has intellect, and has read much; but, nevertheless, such great men are
sometimes more likely to imitate some predecessor at a critical moment,
or to adopt some bold yet inefficient suggestion from another, than to
originate an adequate one themselves. He is a scholar, an invalid,
refined and philosophical--but effeminate.
OCTOBER 13TH.--Rained all night; clear and cool this morning.
The government publishes nothing from Georgia yet; but it is supposed
there is intelligence of an important character in the city, which it
would be impolitic to communicate to the enemy.
All still remains quiet below the city. But the curtain is expected to
rise on the next act of the tragedy every moment. Gen. Grant probably
furloughed many of his men to vote in Pennsylvania and Ohio, on Tuesday
last--elections preliminary to the Presidential election--and they have
had time to return to their regiments.
If this pause should continue a week or two longer, Gen. Lee would be
much strengthened. Every day the farmers, whose details have been
revoked, are coming in from the counties; and many of these were in the
war in '61 and '62--being experienced veterans. Whereas Grant's
recruits, though greater in number, are raw and unskilled.
The Medical Boards have been instructed to put in all men that come
before them, capable of bearing arms _ten days_. One died in the
trenches, on the eleventh day, of consumption!
There is a rumor of a fight on our extreme left. It is said Field's
division (C. S.) repulsed three assaults of the enemy. If the battle be
still continued (4 P.M.--the wind from the west prevents us from hearing
guns), no doubt it is the beginning of a general engagement--decisive,
perhaps, of the fate of Richmond.
We have many accounts of evasions of military service, occasioned by the
alleged bad faith of the government, and the despotic orders from the
Adjutant-General's office.
And yet Gov. Smith's certificates for exemption of rich young Justices
of the Peace, Commissioners of the (county) Revenue, Deputy Sheriffs,
clerks, constables, officers and clerks of banks, still come in daily;
and they are "allowed" by the Assistant Secretary of War. Will the poor
and friendless fight their battles, and win their independence for them?
It may be so; but let not rulers in future wars follow the example!
Nothing but the conviction that they are fighting for their families,
their sacred altars, and their little property induces thousands of
brave Southerners to remain in arms against such fearful odds as are now
arrayed against them.
Mr. Kean, the young Chief of the Bureau of War, has come in from "the
front," with a boil on his thigh. He missed the sport of the battle
to-day.
Mr. Peck, the agent to purchase supplies for his starving fellow-clerks,
confesses that he bought 10 barrels of flour and 400 pounds of bacon for
himself; 4 barrels of flour for Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of
War; 4 barrels for Mr. Kean, 1 for Mr. Cohen, and 1 for Mr. Shepherd.
This has produced great indignation among the 200 clerks who sent him,
and who got but 73-1/2 pounds each, and they got 13 pounds of bacon
each; while Mr. P. bought for himself 400 pounds.
OCTOBER 14TH.--The following dispatch from Gen. Lee cheered the city
this morning. None of the particulars of the battle have yet transpired,
and all are looking hourly for a renewal of the contest.
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"October 13th, 1864.
"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
"At seven o'clock this morning the enemy endeavored to advance
between the Darbytown and Charles City Roads, but was repulsed in
every attempt. The most strenuous effort was made about four P.M.,
after which he withdrew, leaving many dead. Our loss very slight.
"Gen. Breckinridge reports that a force of the enemy came to
Greenville on the 12th, and was defeated by Gen. Vaughan. Some
prisoners, two stands of colors, many horses and arms were
captured. The enemy lost many killed and wounded. Our loss slight.
"R. E. LEE, _General_."
It is now 2 P.M., and yet we hear no cannon. If Grant does not renew the
strife immediately, it will be natural to suppose he failed in his
purpose yesterday, or that some unforeseen occurrence within his lines
has happened. Be it either, it is a grateful respite to us.
On the 8th inst., Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, wrote the
President a letter in vindication of P. Hamilton's loyalty. Mr. H. is
commissioner under suspension of the writ of _habeas corpus_ to look
into the loyalty of others, and was appointed on Judge C.'s
recommendation. Some private individual in Mobile wrote the President,
impeaching the patriotism of Mr. H., and also hinted something in
relation to the loyalty of Judge C. This matter was shown to Mr. Seddon
by the President, and Mr. S. spoke to Judge C. about it in his own
manner, which produced the letter of Judge C. to the President. The
President sends back the letter to-day, to the "Secretary of War,"
indorsed in substance as follows: "He was surprised to receive such a
letter, when he had intimated no purpose to have the matter
investigated." Judge C. had procured indorsements of Mr. H. from
Alabama, which _let the matter out_; and it would have been
_appropriate_--the President uses this word rather than _improper_, as
he cannot dispense with either the Secretary or his assistant just
now--to have consulted him before taking any steps whatever in the
business. He seems vexed, even at Mr. S.
OCTOBER 15TH.--A bright and glorious day--above.
All was quiet yesterday below, indicating that the enemy suffered
severely in the last assault on our lines.
But we have nothing from Georgia. From the Valley, our cavalry had the
misfortune to lose eleven guns by indiscreetly venturing too far in
pursuit.
And the news from the United States indicates that Pennsylvania, Ohio,
and Indiana have gone for the Republican candidates. This foreshadows
Lincoln's re-election, and admonishes us to prepare for other campaigns,
though languishing for peace.
The farmers are now pouring in to replenish the armies, under the recent
order revoking the details of agriculturists; and these are fine-looking
men, and there will soon be successes in the field. Lately the
indulgence of details to an immoderate extent, and corruption in the
business of conscription, had depleted the armies extensively of men of
substance and standing, and this may account for our disasters. Men, to
fight well, must have something to fight for.
Gen. Price, at the head of 20,000 men, is in Missouri. To expel him,
many troops will be required; and this may relieve us a little in the
East.
My wife lost her purse in market this morning, before making any
purchases; it contained $22 and her eye-glasses. I don't think there are
any pickpockets except the extortioners.
OCTOBER 16TH, SUNDAY.--A pleasant sunny Sabbath morn.
The quiet below continues. Not a gun has been heard for three days; the
longest intermission we have had for many months. What can it mean?
Sheridan has spread desolation in the Shenandoah Valley, perhaps to
prevent Early from penetrating Pennsylvania, etc., intending to come
with all expedition to Grant.
Troops, or rather detailed men, and late exempts, are beginning to
arrive from North Carolina. I saw 250 this morning. Some of them were
farmers who had complied with the terms prescribed, and a week ago
thought themselves safe from the toils and dangers of war. They murmur,
but there is no escape. They say the Governor has called out the militia
officers, and magistrates also.
Desertion is the order of the day, on both sides. Would that the _men_
would take matters in their own hands, and end the war, establishing our
independence. Let every man in both armies desert and go home!
Some one has sent a "Circular" of the "Bureau of Conscription" to the
President, dated some few weeks ago, and authorizing enrolling officers
everywhere to furlough farmers and others for sixty days, to make out
their claims for exemption. This the President says in his indorsement
defeats his efforts to put the whole able-bodied male population in the
field; and no doubt has been the source of the many abuses charged
against the "bureau." The Secretary sends the paper to the "bureau" for
report, stating that he felt great surprise at the terms of the
"Circular," and had no recollection of having seen or sanctioned such a
document. The Superintendent reports that it was issued by the authority
of the Secretary of War, and was warranted by law--looking to the
interests of agriculture, etc. The truth is that the Circular was
prepared by a subordinate in the Bureau of Conscription, and signed by
Col. August, "Acting Superintendent." It was approved by Judge Campbell,
Assistant Secretary of War, "by order of the Secretary of War" who never
saw it. Mr. Seddon has left all the business of conscription in the
hands of Judge Campbell; and poor Gen. Preston--indolent and ill--has
been compelled to sign, sanction, and defend documents he knew nothing
about; and Mr. Seddon is in a similar predicament.
The Secretary of War has written a long letter to Gen. Lee, suggesting
that he assemble a council of officers to decide what measure shall be
adopted in regard to the treatment of prisoners in the hands of the
enemy. It appears that Gen. Butler has notified Gen. Lee that he is now
retaliating fearfully--making them work in his canal--on certain
Confederates for some alleged harsh treatment of _negro_ prisoners in
our hands--sending slaves back to their masters. Mr. Seddon, without
assuming any responsibility himself, yet intimates the idea that this
government is prepared to sanction the most sanguinary remedy; and I
understand several members of the cabinet to have always been in favor
of fighting--that is, having others fight--under the black flag. If the
government had only listened to Gen. Lee's suggestions, we should have
had abundance of men in the field to beat the enemy out of Virginia. I
hope the present recruiting excitement comes not too late. And I trust
he will interpose so far in behalf of the country as to wrest the
railroads from the hands of the speculators and the dishonest
quartermasters.
Not a gun has been heard by me to-day, and the mysterious silence defies
my powers of penetration. I only hope it may continue _sine die_.
OCTOBER 17TH.--Bright and beautiful.
Still all quiet below, and reinforcements (details revoked) are now
arriving--1000 per day.
The Northern news makes some doubt as to the result of the election in
Pennsylvania.
From the Valley we have rumors of victory, etc.
A thrill of horror has been produced by a report that Gen. Butler has,
for some time past, kept a number of his prisoners (Confederates) at
work in his canal down the river, and supposing they were Federals, our
batteries and gun-boats have been shelling our own men!
OCTOBER 18TH.--Cloudy and cool.
Quiet below, but it is rumored that the enemy has erected one or two
sand batteries, mounted with 400-pounders, bearing on our fleet of
gun-boats.
The following dispatch was received from Gen. Hood to-day:
"9 MILES SOUTH OF LAFAYETTE, GA.,
"Oct. 15th, via SELMA, Oct. 17th, 1864.
"GEN. BRAGG.
"This army struck the communications of the enemy about a mile
above Resaca on the 12th inst, completely destroying the railroad,
including block-houses, from that point to within a short distance
of Tunnel Hill, and about four miles of the Cleaveland Railroad,
capturing Dalton and all intermediate garrisons, with their stores,
arms, and equipments, and about 1000 prisoners.
"The main body of Sherman's army seems to be moving toward
Dalton. J. B. HOOD, _General_."
The following was received from Gen. Lee yesterday:
"HEADQUARTERS ARMY NORTHERN VIRGINIA,
"Oct. 16th, 1864.
"HON. JAMES A. SEDDON, SECRETARY OF WAR.
"On the 14th instant, Col. Moseby struck the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad at Duffield, and destroyed a United States mail train,
consisting of a locomotive and ten cars, and securing twenty
prisoners and fifteen horses.
"Among the prisoners are two paymasters, with one hundred and
sixty-eight thousand dollars in government funds.
"R. E. LEE."
It is reported also that Gen. Early has gained some advantage in a
battle; not authentic.
Gen. Bragg is going away, probably to Wilmington. The combination
against him was too strong.
But "the Bureau of Conscription" is pretty nearly demolished under his
blows. Order 81 directs the generals of Reserves to appoint inspecting
officers for all the Congressional Districts, to revise all exemptions,
details, etc., with plenary powers, without reference to "the Bureau."
The passport checks on travel Northward are now the merest farce, and
valuable information is daily conveyed to the enemy.
OCTOBER 19TH.--Bright and beautiful.
Still all quiet below, the occasional bombarding near Petersburg being
beyond our hearing.
Yesterday, Gen. Preston, a millionaire, who can stalk stiffly anywhere,
had an interview with the President, who admitted that he had dictated
the General Orders--"76," "77," "78,"--rushing almost everybody into the
army, but that it was not his meaning to take the whole business of
conscription from "the Bureau." Yet Gen. P., the superintendent, thinks
the _reading_ of the orders will admit of that construction, and he has
written to the President asking another order, defining his position,
etc., else his occupation is gone. The President cannot afford to lose
Gen. P.
From Gen. Early's army we learn that the detailed men and reserves are
joining in great numbers, and the general asks 1000 muskets. Col.
Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, says he has but 300 available, his shops
being closed, the workmen in the trenches, etc.
All the ordnance, quartermaster, and commissary stores of Hood's army
were ordered to Columbus, Ga. We expect stirring news from Georgia
daily, and the opinion prevails that Sherman will "come to grief."
The militia, furloughed by Gov. Brown so inopportunely, are returning to
the front, the time having expired.
A Mr. B. is making Lincoln speeches in New York. It seems to me he had a
passport from Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of State.
Gen. Lee writes to-day that negroes taken from the enemy, penitentiary
convicts, and recaptured deserters ought not to be sent by the Secretary
to work on the fortifications.
OCTOBER 20TH.--Cloudy. There is a street rumor of a battle below, and on
the Petersburg line. The wind is from the west, and yet we hear no guns.
The Secretary of the Treasury sent to the Secretary of War to-day an
argument showing that, without a violation of the Constitution, clerks
appointed to places created by Congress cannot be removed. We shall see
what the Secretary says to that.
OCTOBER 21ST.--Bright.
Fort Harrison (Federal) opened its batteries on our lines at Chaffin's
Farm yesterday evening, without effect. An officer tells me that heavy
and quick firing was also heard on the Petersburg lines, indicating, he
thought, a battle. We have nothing of this in the papers, or in any
dispatch I have seen.
Assistant Secretary Campbell is writing a portion of Mr. Secretary
Seddon's report for him. Mr. C.'s son was promoted to a majority
yesterday.
At 2 P.M. we have a rumor that Gen. Early has been defeated, losing all
his guns but one.
A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury recommends the detail or
exemption of the bank officers of South Carolina. The poor country
clod-hoppers have no friends, and must do the fighting.
The following order, dictated by the President, has been published:
"ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
"RICHMOND, October 20th, 1864.
"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 82.
"I. The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance will, without delay, take
measures to place in the field one-fifth of all the men employed
in his department (including contractors and their employees) of
the classes specified in General Order No. 77, A. and I. G. Office
(current series). To this end he will direct the several officers
in charge of arsenals, workshops, depots, etc. to turn over to the
nearest enrolling officers, by lists showing their ages,
occupations, and residences, such proportion of their employees
(including contractors and employees under them) of the classes
above referred to as will constitute in the aggregate one-fifth of
the whole number in the said classes, according to returns in his
office of Sept. 30th, 1864. Duplicates of such lists will be sent
to the Generals of Reserves of the States, and triplicates to the
Chief of Ordnance. Three days are allowed for the execution of this
Order after its reception at any post or station of the Ordnance
Department.
"II. The Chief of the Niter and Mining Bureau will, in like manner,
turn over, on similar lists, one-fifth of all men of the classes
specified in General Order No. 77, employed in iron, lead, copper,
and coal mines, and all service appertaining thereto, whether
directly under officers of his Bureau or by contractors. Duplicate
and triplicate lists to be furnished as above directed in the
Ordnance Bureau, and will in the same manner turn over one-fifth of
all such men now employed in the Niter service.
"The period of three days, under the same conditions as above
mentioned, is allowed for the execution of this order.
"III. The list of persons directed in the foregoing sections to be
turned over to the enrolling officers will be prepared at once on
the reception of this Order, and will be furnished to the said
officers within three days, as above prescribed, by the various
officers of each of the above Bureaus, having men under their
charge, and every assistance will be rendered by the latter to the
enrolling officer to carry out the intention of this order.
"IV. So much of General Order No. 77 as relates to men employed in
the two Bureaus named above is hereby suspended, and the foregoing
Orders will stand in lieu of all requirements under the former.
"By order. S. COOPER,
"_A. and I. General_."
OCTOBER 22D.--Cloudy; rained last night. 2 P.M.--Cold, and prospects of
snow.
The news of Early's disaster, and loss of artillery at Strasburg, is
confirmed, and casts a new vexation over the country.
Mr. M. Byrd, Selma, Ala., is addressing some bold letters to the
President on the blunders of the administration.
Gen. Longstreet has resumed command of the first army corps.
G. W. Custis Lee (son of the general) has been made a major-general.
There was no fighting below yesterday, that I have heard of.
Gold, which was $1 for $30 in Confederate States notes, commands $35 for
$1 to-day, under the news from the Valley. Yet our sagacious statesmen
regard the re-election of Lincoln (likely to follow our reverses) as
favorable to independence, though it may prolong the war. It is thought
there will certainly be revolution or civil war in the North, if the
Democrats be beaten; and that will relieve us of the vast armies
precipitated on our soil. Many of the faint-hearted croakers are anxious
for peace and reconstruction.
Gen. Butler, called "the Beast" by the press, has certainly performed a
generous action. Messrs. McRae and Henley, two government clerks in the
local battalion, wandered into the enemy's lines, and were put to work
in the canal by Gen. Butler, who had been informed that we made some
prisoners taken from him work on the fortifications. This was done but a
short time, when they were relieved; and Mr. McRae was permitted to
return to the city, to learn whether the Federal prisoners were really
required to perform the labor named. No restrictions were imposed on
him, no parole required. He came with Gen. B.'s passport, but felt in
honor bound to communicate no intelligence, and voluntarily returned to
captivity. We _had_ Federal prisoners at work, but they were remanded to
prison.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23D.--Bright and frosty.
From the United States papers we learn that a great victory is claimed
over Gen. Early, with the capture of forty-three guns!
It is also stated that a party of "Copperheads" (Democrats), who had
taken refuge in Canada, have made a raid into Vermont, and robbed some
of the banks of their specie.
The fact that Mr. McRae, who, with Mr. Henley (local forces), fell into
the hands of the enemy a few miles below the city, was permitted to
return within our own lines with a passport (without restrictions, etc.)
from Gen. Butler, has not been mentioned by any of the newspapers, gives
rise to many conjectures. Some say that "somebody" prohibited the
publication; others, that the press has long been misrepresenting the
conduct of the enemy; there being policy in keeping alive the
animosities of the army and the people.
The poor clerks in the trenches are in a demoralized condition. It is
announced that the Secretary of War has resolved to send them all to
Camp Lee, for medical examination: those that have proved their ability
to bear arms (in defense of the city) _are to be removed from office_,
and put in the army. One-half of them will desert to the enemy, and
injure the cause. About one hundred of them were appointed before the
enactment of the act of Conscription, under the express guarantee of the
Constitution that they should not be molested during life. If the
President removes these, mostly refugees with families dependent upon
their salaries, it will be a plain violation of the Constitution; and
the victims cannot be relied on for their loyalty to the government. If
the government wastes precious time in such small matters, while events
of magnitude demand attention, the cause is fast reaching a hopeless
condition. The able-bodied money-changer, speculator, and extortioner is
still seen in the street; and their number is legion.
The generals in the field are sending back the poor, sickly recruits
ordered out by the Medical Board: the able-bodied rich men escape by
bribery and corruption; and the hearty _officers_--acting
adjutant-generals, quartermasters, and commissaries--ride their sleek
horses through the city every afternoon. This, while the cause is
perishing for want of men and horses!
OCTOBER 24TH.--Clouds and sunshine. Nothing new of importance from the
army.
Gov. Smith has been writing letters to Gen. Lee, asking that Gen. Early
be superseded in the Valley. Pity it had not been done! Gen. Lee
replied, expressing confidence in Early; and the President (since the
disaster!) coincides with Lee.
The President administers a sharp rebuke to Gen. Whiting, for
irregularly corresponding with Generals Lee and Beauregard on the
subject of Lieut. Taylor Wood's naval expedition, fitting out at
Wilmington.
The President and cabinet are still at work on the one hundred clerks in
the departments whom they wish to displace.
I append the result of my gardening this year. The dry weather in May
and June injured the crop, or the amount would have been much larger.
Total valuation, at market prices, $347.
OCTOBER 25TH.--Bright and beautiful morning.
All quiet below. Mr. McRae has been permitted by Gen. Butler to return
again to the city to await his exchange, pledged not to bear arms, etc.
Many more of the government employees, forced into the trenches, would
be happy to be in the same predicament. A great many are deserting under
a deliberate conviction that their rights have been despotically invaded
by the government; and that this government is, and is likely to be, as
tyrannous as Lincoln's. No doubt many give valuable information to the
enemy.
The Superintendent of the Bureau of Conscription is at open war with the
General of Reserves in Virginia, and confusion is likely to be worse
confounded.
Gen. Cooper, A. and I. General (Pennsylvanian), suggests to the
President the appointment of Gen. Lovell to the command of all the
prisons containing Federal captives. Gen. Lovell, too, is a Northern
man.
OCTOBER 26TH.--Clear and frosty. Quiet below.
Gen. W. M. Gardner (in Gen. Winder's place here) has just got from Judge
Campbell passports for his cousin, Mary E. Gardner, and for his
brother-in-law F. M. White, to go to Memphis, Tenn., where they mean to
reside.
Mr. Benjamin publishes a copy of a dispatch to Mr. Mason, in London, for
publication there, showing that if the United States continue the war,
she will be unable to pay her debts abroad, and therefore foreigners
ought not to lend her any more money, or they may be ruined. This from a
Secretary of State! It may be an electioneering card in the United
States, and it may reconcile some of our members of Congress to the
incumbency of Mr. B. in a sinecure position.
A friend of Mr. Seddon, near Vicksburg, writes for permission to sell
thirty bales of cotton--$20,000 worth--to the enemy. He says Mr.
Seddon's estate, on the Sunflower, has not been destroyed by the enemy.
That's fortunate, for other places have been utterly ruined.
Investigations going on in the courts show that during Gen. Winder's
"Reign of Terror," passports sold for $2000. Some outside party
negotiated the business and procured the passport.
Gen. Early has issued an address to his army, reproaching it for having
victory wrested out of its hands by a criminal indulgence in the plunder
found in the camps captured from the enemy. He hopes they will retrieve
everything in the next battle.
Governor Smith's exemptions of magistrates, deputy sheriffs, clerks, and
constables, to-day, 56.
OCTOBER 27TH.--Slightly hazy and sunshine.
Quiet, save aimless and bootless shelling and picket firing along the
lines on the south side of the river.
Hon. Geo. Davis, Attorney-General, to whom was referred the question of
the constitutionality of the purposed removal from office of clerks
appointed to fill places specifically created by act of Congress
previous to the enactment of the Conscript law, without there being
alleged against them any misconduct, inefficiency, dishonesty, etc., has
reported that as several subsequent acts of Congress already indicate an
intention to put all capable of bearing arms in the army, it is the duty
of the President and the Secretary of War _to carry out the intentions
of Congress_, leaving the constitutional question to the decision of the
courts! The Constitution they swore upon the holy, etc. to support!
Thus, a refugee must either starve his wife and children by
relinquishing office, or be disgraced by appealing to the courts!
It is reported that 30,000 of the enemy crossed to this side of the
river last night, and that fighting has began at 10 A.M.; but I hear
nothing save an occasional report of cannon.
It is said brisk skirmishing is now (12 M.) going on along the lines.
Gen. Cooper and Mr. Secretary Seddon wants Brig.-Gen. R. (Charleston)
relieved, for insulting a lady in one of his fits of drunkenness. The
President is reluctant to consent.
We have intelligence to-day of gun-boats and transports ascending the
Rappahannock River. Another squall from that quarter!
Three P.M. The cannonading has grown quick and terrific along the
lines, below the city (north side), with occasional discharges nearer,
and farther to the left (north), as if the enemy were attempting to
flank our army.
The sounds are very distinctly heard, the weather being damp and the
wind from the southeast. We can distinguish the bursting of the shell
quickly after the discharge of the cannon.
The firing ceased at dark. It rains hard and steadily, now. What a life!
what suffering, in mud and water, without tents (in the trenches),
burdened with wet blankets, and perhaps without food! To-morrow, in all
probability, a battle will be fought.
Gen. Lee, for several weeks, as if aware of the impending operations in
this vicinity, has been on this side of the river, superintending in
person the fortifications multiplied everywhere for the defense of the
city, while reinforcements have been pouring in by thousands. It must be
a fearful struggle, if Gen. Grant really intends to make another effort
to capture Richmond by assault! Our works, mostly made by the negroes,
under the direction of skillful engineers, must be nearly impregnable,
and the attempt to take them will involve a prodigious expenditure of
blood.
OCTOBER 28TH.--Rained all night, but bright this morning.
We have no clear account yet of the fighting yesterday; but we know the
enemy was repulsed on this side of the river. It is thought that the
operations on the south side were of greater magnitude, where we lost a
brigadier-general (Dearing) of cavalry. We shall know all in a few days.
The fighting was not resumed this morning.
It is rumored that Mr. Seddon will resign, and be succeeded by Gen.
Kemper. I am incredulous.
The "dog-catchers," as the guards are called, are out again, arresting
able-bodied men (and sometimes others) in the streets, and locking them
up until they can be sent to the front. There must be extraordinary
danger anticipated by the authorities to induce a resort to so extreme a
measure.
Two P.M. No news from the field---no cannon heard to-day.
Large amounts of cloth from Europe for the army have recently arrived at
Wilmington, N. C.; but the speculators occupy so much space in the cars,
that transportation cannot be had for it. The poor soldiers are likely
to suffer in consequence of this neglect of duty on the part of the
government.
OCTOBER 29TH.--Clear and pleasant.
We are beginning to get authentic accounts of the operations on
Thursday; and yet, from the newspaper publications, we see that the
government has withheld one of Gen. Lee's dispatches from publication.
Altogether, it must be regarded as a decisive failure on the part of the
enemy to obtain any lodgment nearer to the objective point; while his
loss was perhaps two to our one.
A letter from Gen. Howell Cobb, Macon, Ga., in reply to one from the
Secretary by the President's direction, states that Gen. Beauregard, in
arranging difficulties with Gov. Brown, did not compromise the dignity
or interests of the Confederate States Government, or violate any law.
It is now said Sheridan is retreating toward the Potomac, followed by
Early. Some 500 more recruits for Early left Richmond yesterday. This
would indicate that Gen. Lee has men enough here.
The President suggests that confidential inspectors be sent to ascertain
whether Gen. Early's army has lost confidence in him. Both Gen. Lee and
the President are satisfied that the charges of drunkenness against Gen.
E. merit no attention. The Secretary had indorsed on a paper (referred
by him to the President) that he shared the belief in the "want of
confidence," etc.--and no doubt would have him removed.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30TH.--Bright and beautiful.
Some firing was heard early this morning on the Darbytown road, or in
that direction; but it soon ceased, and no fighting of moment is
anticipated to-day, for Gen. Longstreet is in the city.
My son Thomas drew a month's rations yesterday, being detailed for
clerical service with Gen. Kemper. He got 35 pounds of flour (market
value $70), 31 pounds of beef ($100.75), 3 pounds of rice ($6), one
sixth of a cord of wood ($13.33), salt ($2), tobacco ($5), vinegar
($3)--making $200 per month; clothing furnished by government,$500 per
annum; cash, $18 per month; $4 per day extra, and $40 per month for
quarters; or $5000 per annum. Custis and I get $4000 each--making in all
$13,000! Yet we cannot subsist and clothe the family; for, alas, the
paper money is $30 for one in specie!
The steamers have brought into Wilmington immense amounts of
quartermaster stores, and perhaps our armies are the best clad in the
world. If the spirit of speculation be laid, and all the men and
resources of the country be devoted to defense (as seems now to be the
intention), the United States could never find men and material
sufficient for our subjugation. We could maintain the war for an
indefinite period, unless, indeed, fatal dissensions should spring up
among ourselves.
OCTOBER 31ST.--Bright. Tom's rations came in--worth $200--for a month.
Gen. Lee writes that it is necessary for the gun-boats to guard the
river as far below Chaffin's Bluffs as possible, to prevent the enemy
from throwing a force to the south bank in the rear of Gen. Pickett's
lines; for then Gen. P. must withdraw his forces, and the abandonment of
Petersburg will follow, "with its railroad connections, throwing the
whole army back to the defense of Richmond. I should regard this as a
great disaster, and as seriously endangering the safety of the city. We
should not only lose a large section of country from which our position
enables us to draw supplies, but the enemy would be brought nearer to
the only remaining railway communication between Richmond and the South.
It would make the tenure of the city depend upon our ability to hold
this long line of communication against the largely superior force of
the enemy, and I think would greatly diminish the prospects of
successful defense." He suggests that more men and small boats be put in
the river to prevent the enemy from placing torpedoes in the rear of the
iron-clads, when on duty down the river at night.
J. H. Reagan, Postmaster-General, has written a furious letter to the
Secretary, complaining of incivility on the part of Mr. Wilson,
Commissary Agent to issue beef in Richmond. Judge R. went there to draw
the beef ration for Col. Lubbock, one of the President's aid-de-camps
(late Governor of Texas). He says he is able-bodied and ought to be in
the army. Mr. Wilson sends in certificates of two men who were present,
contradicting the judge's statement of the language used by Mr. W. The
Secretary has not yet acted in the case.
Beverly Tucker is in Canada, and has made a contract for the Confederate
States Government with ------ & Co., of New York, to deliver bacon for
cotton, pound for pound. It was made by authority of the Secretary of
War, certified to by Hon. C. C. Clay and J. Thompson, both in Canada.
The Secretary of the Treasury don't like it.
It is reported that after the success reported by Gen. Lee, Early was
_again_ defeated.