Proclamation for a day of public worship.--Gov. Allen, of Louisiana.--
Letter from Gen. Beauregard.--Departure for Europe.--Congress
assembles.--Quarrel between Gens. Kemper and Preston.--Gen. Forrest
doing wonders.--Tennessee.--Gen. Johnston on his Georgia campaign.--
John Mitchel and Senator Foote.--Progress of Sherman.--From Gov.
Brown, of Georgia.--Capture of Gen. Pryor.
NOVEMBER 1ST.--Bright and frosty morning.
All quiet. No confirmation of Early's defeat; and the night-feat of
Mahone puts the people in better hope.
One-third of all our lead comes from the mines near Wytheville,
Virginia.
I got 128 pounds of flour from the investment in supplies in North
Carolina, and one-fourth of that amount is still behind. We got 26
pounds of bacon, worth $260; the flour received, and to be received, 160
pounds, $320; and we expect to get 6 gallons molasses, $30 per gallon,
$180: total, $760; and only $200 invested. This shows the profits of the
speculators!
Gov. Yates, of Illinois, has declared Richmond will be in the hands of
the Federals before the 8th of November. This is the 1st. It may be so;
but I doubt it. It cannot be so without the effusion of an ocean of
blood!
I learned to-day that every tree on Gov. Wise's farm of any size has
been felled by the enemy. What harm have the poor trees done the enemy?
I love trees, anywhere.
The President attends to many little matters, such as solicitations for
passports to leave the country, details or exemptions of husbands and
sons; and generally the ladies who address him, knowing his religious
bias, frame their phraseology accordingly, and often with effect.
The following is his last proclamation:
_Proclamation appointing a Day for Public Worship._
"It is meet that the people of the Confederate States should, from
time to time, assemble to acknowledge their dependence on Almighty
God, to render devout thanks for his manifold blessings, to worship
his holy name, to bend in prayer at his footstool, and to accept,
with reverent submission, the chastening of his all-wise and
all-merciful Providence.
"Let us, then, in temples and in fields, unite our voices in
recognizing, with adoring gratitude, the manifestations of his
protecting care in the many signal victories with which our arms
have been crowned; in the fruitfulness with which our land has been
blessed, and in the unimpaired energy and fortitude with which he
has inspired our hearts and strengthened our arms in resistance to
the iniquitous designs of our enemies.
"And let us not forget that, while graciously vouchsafing to us his
protection, our sins have merited and received grievous
chastisement; that many of our best and bravest have fallen in
battle; that many others are still held in foreign prisons; that
large districts of our country have been devastated with savage
ferocity, the peaceful homes destroyed, and helpless women and
children driven away in destitution; and that with fiendish
malignity the passions of a servile race have been excited by our
foes into the commission of atrocities from which death is a
welcome escape.
"Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate
States of America, do issue this my proclamation, setting apart
Wednesday, the sixteenth day of November next, as a day to be
specially devoted to the worship of Almighty God; and I do invite
and invoke all the people of these Confederate States to assemble
on the day aforesaid, in their respective places of public worship,
there to unite in prayer to our heavenly Father, that he bestow his
favor upon us; that he extend over us the protection of his
Almighty arm; that he sanctify his chastisement to our improvement,
so that we may turn away from evil paths and walk righteously in
his sight; that he restore peace to our beloved country, healing
its bleeding wounds, and securing to us the continued enjoyment of
our right of self-government and independence; and that he
graciously hearken to us, while we ascribe to him the power and
glory of our deliverance.
"Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at
Richmond, this 26th day of October, in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
"JEFFERSON DAVIS.
"By the President:
"J. P. BENJAMIN, _Secretary of State_."
The President gets but few letters from members of Congress.
NOVEMBER 2D.--Dark and dismal.
The Governor continues his exemptions, now amounting to thousands. S.
Basset French (State agent to buy and sell supplies to the people), with
one or more clerks, and such laborers, etc. as may be necessary, I find
among his last exemptions. A smart and corrupt agent could make a
fortune out of these exemptions. Of course, the _Governor's_ A. D. C.
will do no such thing.
No news from below.
Rev. John Clark writes from Stafford County that the conscripts there
have hid themselves in White Oak Swamp, because the Secretary of War has
exempted an able-bodied man to work for Mrs. ----, his ---- widow.
Gen. Winder, with the prisoners in the South, is in hot water again. He
wants to make Cashmyer suttler (like ancient Pistol), and Major ----,
the Secretary's agent, opposes it, on the ground that he is a "Plug Ugly
rogue and cut-throat."
Mr. George Davis, Attorney-General Confederate States, has given it as
his opinion that although certain civil officers of the government were
exempted from military service by the Constitution, yet a recent act of
Congress, decreeing that all residents between the ages of 17 and 50 are
in the military service, must be executed. In other words, the cabinet
ministers must "see that the laws be faithfully executed," even should
they be clearly and expressly unconstitutional. Is not the Constitution
the law? Have they not sworn to support it, etc.? It seems to me that
this is a weak opinion.
It makes the President ABSOLUTE. I fear this government in future times
will be denounced as a Cabal of bandits and outlaws, making and
executing the most despotic decrees. This decision will look bad in
history, and will do no good at present. How _could_ the President
"approve" such a law?
The desertions from the Tredegar Battalion and other workshops--local
defense--amount to between one and two hundred since the 1st of
September.
NOVEMBER 3D.--Cold rain; rained all night.
Gen. Lee, urging that his regiments from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Georgia, etc. etc. be recruited from their respective States, concludes
a recent letter thus: "I hope immediate action will be taken upon this
subject, as I think our success depends much upon a speedy increase of
our armies in every possible way."
This dismal weather casts a deeper gloom upon the spirits of the
croakers. They fear Richmond cannot be long defended.
Plymouth, N. C., has been retaken by the enemy.
During this damp weather the deep and sullen sounds of cannon can be
heard at all hours, day and night. The firing is mostly from our
iron-clads.
The market was well supplied this morning with abundance of good meat,
vegetables, fruit, etc.; and I was glad to see but few making purchases.
The reason may have been that the extortionate prices repelled the
people; or it may have been the rain. I passed on.
NOVEMBER 4TH.--Rained all night; glimpses of the sun between the running
clouds this morning. Windy, and likely to be cold.
Our iron-clad "Albemarle" was blown up by a handful of the enemy at
Plymouth--surprising the water pickets (all asleep). The _manner_ of the
loss of the town, and of the counties east of it, is not known yet; but
everything was foretold by Mr. Burgyson to the cabinet then devoting
their attention to the problem how to violate the Constitution, and put
into the trenches some fifty delicate clerks, that their places might be
filled by some of their own special favorites. Mr. George Davis,
Attorney-General, the instrument selected to rend the Constitution, or
rather to remove the obstacles out of the way, is from North Carolina;
and this blow has fallen upon his own State!
We learn that gold is rising rapidly in the North, which may be
significant of President Lincoln's re-election next week.
We get no news from our armies except through the Northern papers--not
reliable just now.
Gov. Allen, of Louisiana, writes a furious letter to the Secretary of
War, who ordered the disbandment of the State Battalion. He says the
order is a personal offense to him and an insult to his State (he is a
native Virginian), and he will resent it and resist it to the last
extremity. He gives notice that the 3d battalion has been ordered back
from the east side of the Mississippi River. The battalion disbanded
numbered but 150 men! A little business--like losing one-fourth of North
Carolina, to put out of office fifty clerks, whose tenure, by the
Constitution, is for life!
NOVEMBER 5TH.--Clear and cold.
Grant has attempted nothing this week, and it is probably too late for
any demonstration to affect the election. I infer that the government is
convinced President Lincoln will be re-elected, else some desperate
effort would have been made in his behalf by his generals. Will he float
on a sea of blood another four years? I doubt it. One side or the other
must, I think, give up the contest. _He_ can afford to break with the
Abolitionists now. We _cannot_ submit without the loss of everything.
It is thought Grant will continue to "swing to the left," making a
winter campaign on the coasts of North and South Carolina--mean time
leaving Butler's army here, always menacing Richmond.
Gen. Beauregard writes from Gadsden, Ala., October 24th, that his
headquarters will be at Tuscumbia, Ala.; will get supplies from Corinth
to Tuscumbia. Forrest has been ordered to report to Gen. Hood, in Middle
Tennessee. The railroad iron between Corinth and Memphis will be taken
to supply wants elsewhere. Gen. Dick Taylor is to guard communications,
etc., has directed Gen. Cheatham to issue an address to the people of
Tennessee, saying his and Gen. Forrest's command have entered the State
for its redemption, etc., and calling upon the people to aid in
destroying the _enemy's communications_, while the main army is between
Atlanta and Chattanooga, when the purpose is to precipitate the _whole
army_ upon it, etc. Gen. B. doubts not he will soon be able to announce
good tidings, etc. etc. This letter to Gen. Cooper is "submitted to the
Secretary of War," by whom it is "submitted for the information of the
President," and sent back by him--"Read and returned, 4th Nov. '64.--J.
D."
Gen. B. was to leave that day to join Gen. Hood, in vicinity of
Guntersville, on Tennessee River. Sherman's army was between Dalton and
Gadsden, 15 miles from Gadsden.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH.--Bright and frosty.
All quiet below. Another day, and if it remains quiet, we may know that
Lincoln will be re-elected.
It is said news came from the North last night, that gold sold for $2 60,
and that Governor Seymour had ordered the militia of New York to be in
readiness for the protection of the polls on Tuesday next.
G. W. Randolph, late Secretary of War, has sailed for Europe, taking his
family with him. Other quondam Confederate States functionaries have
gone, or are going. Many have realized fortunes, who were poor, and this
country has ceased to be the one to _enjoy_ them in.
A parting letter was written by Mr. Randolph to his friend, R. G. H.
Kean, Chief of the Bureau of War--appointed by Mr. R., and from whom I
derived the information of the sailing of his patron. Such departures,
at a crisis like this, spread additional doubts in the community. Mr. R.
was not liable to conscription, if averse to fighting more in our cause,
being exempted by Governor Smith as a member of the Common Council.
To-morrow is the day fixed for the reassembling of our Congress, but
doubts are entertained whether there will be a quorum.
We shall soon have lively news from Beauregard. If I understand his
letter of the 24th ult., he is determined to march the army without
delay into Middle Tennessee, leaving Sherman on his right flank and
rear. It is a desperate conception, and will probably be a brilliant
success--or a sad disaster. Napoleon liked such games. If Beauregard
really has great genius, he has now the field on which to display it. If
the Tennesseeans and Kentuckians rise, momentous events may follow; if
not, it is probably the last opportunity they will have. They have their
choice--_but blood is the price of independence_.
NOVEMBER 7TH.--Dark and raining. Cannon heard down the river.
To-day our Congress assembles. Senator Johnson, of Missouri (who
relinquished six years in United States Senate and $200,000 for the
cause), called to see me. He is hopeful of success in the West.
By the Northern papers we see that Mr. Seward has discovered a
"conspiracy" to burn all the Northern cities on election day. It may be
so--by Northern incendiaries.
Our citizens are still asking permits to bring flour and meal to the
city (free from liability to impressment) for "family use." The
speculators divide and subdivide their lots, and get them in, to sell at
extortionate prices.
Rumors of fighting toward Petersburg--nothing reliable.
Gen. Lee writes that he sent in the Tredegar Battalion to the foundry a
few days ago (desertions being frequent from it); and now he learns it
is ordered out to report to Lieut.-Col. Pemberton. He requests that it
be ordered back to the foundry, where it is absolutely necessary for the
supply of munitions, etc.
NOVEMBER 8TH.--Wet and warm; all quiet below, and much mud there.
Congress assembled yesterday, and the President's message was read. He
recommends the employment of 40,000 slaves in the army, not as soldiers,
unless in the last extremity; and _after_ the war he proposes their
_emancipation_. This is supposed to be the idea of Mr. Benjamin, for
foreign effect. It is denounced by the _Examiner_. The message also
recommends the abolition of all class exemptions, such as editors, etc.
The _Examiner_ denounces this as a blow at the freedom of the press.
The message is cheerful and full of hope, showing that the operations of
the year, in the field, have resulted in no disadvantage to us.
By the Northern papers we find that a fleet of four or five cruisers is
devastating their commerce. They sailed recently from Wilmington, in
spite of Gen. Whiting.
No attack was made on Richmond during the last few days. I have no doubt
it was deemed unnecessary by the enemy to secure Mr. Lincoln's
re-election. To-day, no doubt, the election in the United States will
result in a new lease of presidential life for Mr. Lincoln. If this
result should really have been his _motive_ in the conduct of the war,
perhaps there may soon be some relaxation of its rigors--and possibly
peace, for it is obvious that subjugation is not possible. President
Lincoln may afford to break with the Abolition party now, and, as has
been often done before, kick down the ladder by which he ascended to
power. This is merely speculation, however; he may resolve to wield the
whole military strength and resources of the United States with more
fury than ever. But there will henceforth be a dangerous party against
him in the rear. The defeated Democrats will throw every obstruction in
his path--and they may _chock_ his wheels--or even give him employment
for the bayonet at home.
Dispatches from Beauregard and Hood, November 4th, at Tuscumbia, say
that Sherman is concentrating at Huntsville and Decatur. Part of our
army is at Florence. Gen. B. says his advance has been retarded by bad
weather and want of supplies, but that he will march into Tennessee
immediately. Gen. Forrest is throwing difficulties in the way of
Sherman. The armies are equidistant from Nashville, and if Sherman's
supplies fail, his condition becomes desperate.
Captain Manico (acting lieutenant-colonel Departmental Regiment) informs
me that the enemy will certainly open batteries in a day or two on our
troops at Chaffin's Bluff, and will be replied to vigorously, which he
thinks will bring on a battle. We shall hear more thunder, as the
distance is only seven or eight miles.
It seems to be clearing up, and there may be news before night. When
election news arrives per telegraph from the North--if favorable--it is
supposed the enemy will celebrate it by _shotted_ salutes, and thus
recommence the slaughter.
NOVEMBER 9TH.--Rained last night; clear this morning, and warm. All
quiet below, except the occasional bombs thrown at the canal by our
iron-clads.
The press is mostly opposed to the President's _project_ of employing
40,000 slaves in the army, under promise of emancipation. Some indicate
the belief that the President thinks the alternatives are subjugation or
abolition, and is preparing the way for the latter.
The _Enquirer_ is averse to conscribing editors between the ages of
eighteen and forty-five. The editor says it would be a violation of the
Constitution, etc.
We all believe Lincoln has been easily re-elected.
It is supposed Grant will soon receive large accessions from Sheridan's
army, and make another attempt to take Richmond. It will be the most
formidable attempt, and will be the most formidably resisted.
A row between Gen. Kemper and Gen. Preston: latter refers papers
directly to Col. Shields, Gen. K.'s subordinate. Gen. K. asks to be
relieved: Secretary Seddon agrees to it, taking sides with the Bureau of
Conscription. But the President does not (yet) agree to it, asks
investigation of Gen. K.'s complaints, etc.; and so it rests at the
present. The Assistant Secretary of War, his son-in-law Lieut.-Col. Lay,
etc. etc. are all on the side of the Bureau of Conscription; but I
suspect the President is on the _other_ side. My opinion is that unless
the Bureau of Conscription be abolished or renovated, our cause will
fare badly. The President states his suspicions of "malpractice" in his
indorsement.
Much cheering has been heard this morning in the enemy's lines--over
election news, probably: whether McClellan's or Lincoln's success, no
one here knows; but no doubt the latter.
NOVEMBER 10TH.--Warm; rain and wind (south) all night.
Quiet below. One of the enemy's pickets said to one of ours, last night,
that Warren's corps had voted unanimously for McClellan, and that New
York City has given a majority of 40,000 for him. This is hardly
reliable.
Mr. Foote offered a resolution, yesterday, condemning the President's
suggestion that _editors_ be put in the ranks as well as other classes.
Now I think the President's suggestion will be adopted, as Mr. Foote is
unfortunate in his resolutions. Mr. Barksdale (President's friend) had
it easily referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Hon. J. A. Gilmer, North Carolina, is applying for many passports
through the lines for people in his district. He applies to Judge
Campbell.
Coal is selling at $90 per load, twenty-five bushels.
The vote referring Foote's resolution (on the exemption of editors) was
passed unanimously, which is regarded as favoring the President's
recommendation. Mr. Foote had denounced the President as a despot.
Bought two excellent knit undershirts, to-day, of a woman who gets her
supplies from passing soldiers. Being washed, etc., they bore no
evidences of having been worn, _except two small round holes in the
body_. Such are the straits to which we are reduced. I paid $15 each;
the price for new ones, of inferior quality, is $50 a piece.
NOVEMBER 11TH.--Clear and pleasant. All quiet. No doubt, from the
indications, Lincoln has been re-elected.
Now preparations must be made for the further "conflict of opposing
forces." All our physical power must be exerted, else all is lost.
Mr. Sparrow, Louisiana, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs,
introduced a measure, yesterday, in the Senate, which, if consummated,
might put all our able-bodied men in the field. It would equalize prices
of the necessaries of life, and produce a panic among the speculators. I
append it. But, probably, the press will have to be suppressed, "as a
war measure," too, to pass it:
_"A bill to extend the assessment of prices for the army to all citizens
of the Confederate States:_
"_Whereas_, the depreciation of our currency is, in a great measure,
produced by the extortion of those who sell the necessaries of life; and
whereas, such depreciation is ruinous to our Confederacy and to the
means of prosecuting the war; therefore
"_The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, as a
necessary war measure_, That the prices assessed for the army by the
commissioners of assessment shall be the prices established for all
citizens of the Confederate States; and that any person who shall charge
any price beyond such assessment shall be deemed guilty of a criminal
offense, and be subject to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars
and to imprisonment not exceeding one year."
We are now tending rapidly, under fearful exigencies, to the absolutism
which, in a republic, alone can summon the full forces into the field.
Power must be concentrated, and wielded with promptitude and precision,
else we shall fail to achieve our independence. All obstructions in the
way of necessary war measures must be speedily removed, or the finances,
and the war itself, will speedily come to an ignominious end.
The Secretary recommends, and the President orders, that Gen. Bragg be
assigned to the command of North Carolina. The President yields; Bragg
is "given up."
The Richmond _Enquirer_ is out, to-day, in an article advocating the
employment of 250,000 negroes in our army.
NOVEMBER 12TH.--Bright and pleasant.
The rumor is revived that Mr. Seddon will resign. If he really does
resign, I shall regard it as a _bad_ sign. He must despair of the
Republic; but, then, his successor may be a man of greater energy and
knowledge of war.
We are destitute of news, with an awful silence between the armies. We
believe this cannot last long, and we know Grant has a great superiority
of numbers. And he knows our weakness; for the government will persist
in keeping "at the front" local defense troops, smarting under a sense
of wrong, some of whom are continually deserting.
The money-changers and speculators, who have lavished their bribes, are
all in their places, preying upon the helpless women and children; while
the clerks--the permanence of whose tenure of office was guaranteed by
the Constitution--are still kept in the trenches, and their families,
many of them refugees, are suffering in destitution. But Mr. Seddon says
they _volunteered_. This is not candid. They were told by Mr. Memminger
and others that, unless they _volunteered_, the President had decided
their dismissal--when conscription into the army followed, of course!
NOVEMBER 13TH.--Bright and cold; ice on the porch. All quiet below, save
the booming of bombs every night from our iron-clads, thrown at the
workmen in the canal.
There is a dispatch from the West, relating to Gen. Forrest's operations
in Tennessee, understood to be good news. I did not wait to see, knowing
the papers will have it to-morrow.
Mr. Hunter was with Mr. Secretary Seddon, as usual, this Sunday morning,
begging him not to resign. This is flattery to Mr. Seddon.
NOVEMBER 14TH.--Clear and cold.
Lincoln is re-elected, and has called for a _million_ of men! This makes
many of our croaking people despondent; others think it only a game of
brag.
I saw the President to-day in earnest conversation with several members
of Congress, standing in the street. It is not often he descends from
his office to this mode of conference.
Some one of the family intimating that stains of blood were on my
undershirts (second hand), I was amused to see Mrs. J. lifting them with
the _tongs_. They have been thoroughly washed, and prove to be a
first-rate article. I am proud of them, for they are truly comfortable
garments.
Gen. Forrest is doing wonders in Tennessee, as the appended dispatch
from Gen. Beauregard shows:
"TUSCUMBIA, ALA., Nov. 8th, 1864.
"GEN. S. COOPER, A. AND I. GENERAL.
"Gen. Forrest reports on the 5th instant that he was then engaged
fighting the enemy at Johnsonville, having already destroyed four
gun-boats, of eight guns each, fourteen steamers, and twenty
barges, with a large quantity of quartermaster and commissary
stores, on the landing and in warehouses, estimated at between
seventy-five and one hundred thousand tons. Six gun-boats were then
approaching, which he hoped to capture or destroy.
"G. T. BEAUREGARD."
NOVEMBER 15TH.--Fair and cold; ice. Quiet below; rumors of further
successes in the Southwest, but not official.
Congress did nothing of interest yesterday in open session, but spent
most of its time in secret session. There will probably be stringent
martial law, for the strong hand of unlimited power will be required to
correct abuses, repress discontent, and bring into the field the whole
military strength of the Confederacy. The large majorities for Lincoln
in the United States clearly indicate a purpose to make renewed efforts
to accomplish our destruction.
It is now contradicted that Lincoln has called for 1,000,000 men.
Three P.M. Cloudy, and threatening snow.
An attack upon the city seems to be apprehended. All men must now have
passes from Mr. Carrington, Provost Marshal, or be liable to arrest in
the street. Such are the changes, indicating _panic_ on the part of
official dignitaries.
NOVEMBER 16TH.--Bright and frosty.
This is the day designated by the President for worship, etc., and the
offices and places of business are all closed. It is like Sunday, with
an occasional report of cannon down the river.
I doubt whether the clerks in the trenches will pray for the President.
Compelled to _volunteer_ under a threat of removal, they were assured
that they would only be called out in times of great urgency, and then
be returned to their offices in a few days. They have now been in the
front trenches several months; while the different secretaries are
quietly having their kinsmen and favorites detailed back to their civil
positions, the poor and friendless are still "left out in the cold."
Many of these have refugee families dependent on them, while those
brought in are mostly rich, having sought office merely to avoid service
in the field. The battalion, numbering 700, has less than 200 now in the
trenches. Hundreds of the local forces, under a sense of wrong, have
deserted to the enemy.
Gen. Breckinridge has beaten the enemy at Bull's Gap, Tenn., taking
several hundred prisoners, 6 guns, etc.
Mr. Hunter was at the department early this morning in quest of news.
Gave $75 for a load of coal.
Messrs. Evans & Cogswell, Columbia, S. C., have sent me some of their
recent publications: "A Manual of Military Surgery, by I. Julian
Chisolm, M.D., 3d edition;" "Digest of the Military and Naval Laws," by
Lester & Bromwell; "Duties of a Judge Advocate, etc." by Capt R. C.
Gilchrist; and "A Map of East Virginia and North Carolina;" all
beautifully printed and bound.
NOVEMBER 17TH.--Dark and dismal--threatening rain or snow. Quiet below;
but we have no papers to-day, yesterday being holiday.
It is rumored that Gen. Sheridan (Federal) is sailing from Washington to
reinforce Grant, and that Gen. Early is marching hitherward from the
Valley. There may be renewed operations against Richmond, or Grant may
penetrate North Carolina. No one knows what will happen a month or a
week hence.
Mr. Hunter was again with Mr. Seddon this morning.
Governor Smith's exemption mill is yet grinding out exemptions,
sometimes fifty per day. Constables, department clerks, and sheriffs,
commonwealth's attorneys, commissioners of the revenue, etc. etc., who
win his favor, get his certificate of exemption, as necessary for the
State administration.
A dispatch from Gen. Wheeler, Jonesborough, November 14th, says Sherman
has three corps at _Atlanta_, and is destroying railroads between him
and Marietta, probably intending to move forward--farther South.
Another dispatch from Gen. W., dated 14th inst., Lovejoy's, Georgia,
says scouts from enemy's rear report that Sherman left Atlanta yesterday
morning, with 15th, 17th, and 21st corps, in two columns, one on the
Jonesborough, and one on the McDonough Roads--cavalry on his flanks.
Many houses have been burned in Rome, Marietta, and Atlanta, and the
railroad bridge over Chattanooga River (in his rear)! Enemy advancing
this morning. To Gen. Bragg.
Twelve M. Still another dispatch from Gen. Wheeler to Gen. Bragg, dated
Jonesborough, 3 P.M., 15th inst. "Enemy advanced early this morning with
infantry, cavalry, artillery, and wagons--have driven our cavalry back
upon this place--strength not yet ascertained, etc."
Still another dispatch:
"GRIFFIN, GA., November 16th, 1864.
"TO GEN. BRAGG.
"Enemy checked this evening near Bear Creek--enemy evidently
marching to Macon.
"JOS. WHEELER, _Major-General_."
The dispatches from Gen. Wheeler have produced no little commotion in
the War Office.
Gen. J. E. Johnston's report of his Georgia campaign concludes by
asserting that he _did_ intend to defend Atlanta; that he retreated
before overwhelming numbers; that the President did not favor him with
any directions; that Lee retreated before Grant, and everybody praised
him for it; that Gen. Hood professed to be his friend, when seeking his
removal, or cognizant of the purpose to remove him; and that the
vituperation heaped upon him in certain papers seemed to have Executive
authorization at Richmond.
The President indorses this growlingly; that it all differs with his
understanding of the facts at the time, etc.
NOVEMBER 18TH.--Bright, calm, and pleasant.
All quiet below, save our bombardment of Dutch Gap Canal.
The Senate passed a resolution yesterday, calling on the President for a
statement of the number of exemptions granted by the Governors. This
will, perhaps, startle Governor Smith, of Virginia, who has already kept
out of the army at least a thousand.
Perhaps it will hit Governor Brown, of Georgia, also; but Sherman will
hit him hardest. He must call out all his fighting people now, or see
his State ravaged with impunity.
Both Houses of Congress sit most of the time in secret session, no doubt
concocting strong measures under the influence of the existing crisis.
Good news only can throw open the doors, and restore the hilarity of the
members. When not in session, they usually denounce the President; in
session, they are wholly subservient to him.
Hon. R. L. Montague has written to the Secretary of War, on behalf of
the entire Virginia delegation, requesting a suspension of the
impressment of slaves until further legislation by Congress; what that
legislation will be, the President might tell, if he would.
A dispatch from Gen. Wheeler, dated to-day, 12 miles from Forsyth,
states that Sherman advances by the most direct route toward Macon, Ga.
My wife presented me to-day an excellent pocket-handkerchief, my old
ones being honey-combed and unfit for another washing. Upon inquiry
(since the cost of a single handkerchief is now $20), I ascertained it
to be a portion of one of my linen shirts bought in London in 1846.
We have now 200 pounds of flour in the house; 1 bushel meal; 1 bushel
sweet potatoes; 1 bushel Irish potatoes; 3 half pecks white beans; 4
pumpkins; 10 pounds beef; 2 pounds butter, and 3 pounds sugar, with
salt, etc. This seems like moderate stores for a family of seven, but it
is a larger supply than we ever had before, and will suffice for a
month. At the market price, they would cost $620. Add to this 1-1/2
loads coal and a quarter cord of wood--the first at $75, the last at
$80--the total is $762.50. This sum in ordinary times, and in specie,
would subsist my family twelve months.
NOVEMBER 19TH.--Rained all night, and still rains. All quiet below, save
the occasional bomb thrown by our iron-clads.
Gen. and Hon. R. K. Wright, of Georgia, is said to have gone to
Washington to negotiate a peace for Georgia.
A dispatch from Gen. Wheeler, dated yesterday, 12 miles from Forsyth,
says: "I think definite orders should be sent to officers in command
here, as to the line of policy to be pursued--particularly as to
defending Macon, Augusta, or Columbus. If not to be defended, government
stores should be removed, on enemy's approach, if possible. An officer
should be sent to command everything, who knows the views, wishes, and
plans of the government." I think so too!
The papers think that Grant is about to try again to force his way into
Richmond, as soon as the weather will permit.
We had a delicious treat of persimmons to-night--a quart bought for a
dollar. They were delicious, and we enjoyed them hugely. Also a quart of
apples, for which we paid a dollar.
NOVEMBER 20TH, SUNDAY.--Rained all night--raining this morning. A
dispatch from Gen. Wheeler, 18th, at Forsyth, Ga., says: "The enemy
rapidly advancing."
It is said Gov. Brown has called out the men _en masse_. I think Sherman
is in danger.
Mr. Foote made what is called "a compromise speech" in Congress
yesterday. But although there is vacillation in the government, no
compromise measures will be tolerated yet--if ever. Everything still
depends upon events in the field. I think the government at Washington
and the people of the United States are very weary of the war, and that
peace of some sort must ensue. We shall be recognized by European powers
upon the first symptoms of exhaustion in the United States; and there
soon will be such symptoms, if we can only keep up a determined
resistance.
Besides, the seizure of our cruiser Florida in a neutral port (Brazil)
will furnish a pretext for a quarrel with the United States by the
maritime powers.
I am amused by our fireside conversations at night. They relate mostly
to the savory dishes we once enjoyed, and hope to enjoy again.
Gen. Butler's speech in New York, suggesting that the rebels be allowed
a last chance for submission, and failing to embrace it, that their
lands be divided among the Northern soldiers, has a maddening effect
upon our people.
NOVEMBER 21ST.--Wet, dark, and dismal. Quiet below.
In Congress, Mr. Staples, of Virginia, unfortunately exhibited a
statement obtained from the Bureau of Conscription, to the effect that
while 1400 State officers, etc were exempted in Virginia, there were
14,000 in North Carolina. This produced acrimonious debate, which is
not the end of it, I fear. I don't believe the statement. Gov. Smith, of
Virginia, is exempting a full share of constables, etc. etc. The Bureau
of Conscription strikes, perhaps, at Gen. Bragg, a North Carolinian. It
is not the end.
An anonymous letter to Gov. Bonham states that Capt. Hugener and all his
officers at Fort Sumter are drunkards or gamblers, and that the place is
in great danger. Gov. B. sends the letter to the President, who directs
the Secretary of War to make inquiry, etc. Perhaps it will be done in
time--since the fall of Plymouth.
Gold, to-day, brings $40 for $1.
Oak wood sells to-day at $100 per cord.
A large amount of apple-brandy has been made this year. A lady, whose
husband is a prisoner in the North, writes to the Secretary, asking the
release of her apple-brandy (in Virginia) from the clutches of the
impressing officer. She and her daughters had distilled 500 gallons,
upon which they depended to procure other supplies, etc. Brandy is
selling at $75 per gallon--$37,500. Pretty well for the old woman and
her three daughters! Apples are worth $100 per barrel; but the currency
(Confederate) is nearly worthless.
NOVEMBER 22D.--Rained in torrents last night; cold this morning and
cloudy.
All quiet below. But there was an alarm, night before last, growing out
of a stampede of some 50 of the enemy's beeves. They charged upon our
line, regardless of the fire of cannon and musketry, and were all
captured after penetrating our works. Brave cattle!
Gov. Vance writes that if Wilmington be attacked by a large force in the
rear of Fort Fisher, its fall is inevitable, unless two brigades of
veteran troops be sent from Gen. Lee's army. He says the defense of
Wilmington is as important as that of Richmond. The President directs
the Secretary of War to communicate with Gen. Lee on the subject.
We learn that Gen. Grant is on a visit to his family at Burlington, N. J.;
and yet the departmental troops (clerks) are still kept in the
trenches. It is said the _President's family_ keep them there by the
most imploring appeals to Gen. Lee, and that the President himself does
not feel altogether safe while the Federal army is so near him. His
house is on the side of the city most exposed, if a sudden attack were
made, of which, however, there seems to be no danger at present. Several
brigades of Gen. Early's troops have arrived from the Valley.
Gold sells to-day at $42 for $1. And it rises in the United States. This
produces trepidation in the cabinet.
Snowed a few minutes to-day, 4 P.M. The clouds are breaking--cold.
What appetites we have! Shin-soup and bean-soup alternately are relished
with shark-like appetites.
NOVEMBER 23D.--Snowed last night three inches. Clear and cold this
morning; ground frozen.
Had a dream last night--that meeting a few men in my _wood and
coal-house_, I nominated R. Tyler for the Presidency, and it was well
received. I must tell this to Mr. T.
I narrated my dream to Mr. T. Before I left, he said a clerkship _was at
the disposal of my son Thomas_; but Thomas is clerk in the conscription
service, getting rations, etc. etc., better than the $4000 per annum.
But still that dream may be realized. He is the son of President Tyler,
deceased.
John Mitchel is now editor of the _Examiner_, and challenged _Mr. Foote
yesterday_--the note was borne by Mr. Swan, of Tennessee, Mr. Foote's
colleague. Mr. Foote would not receive it; and Mr. S. took offense and
assaulted Mr. F. in his own house, when Mrs. F. interposed and beat Mr.
S. away.
Gen. Winder has been appointed, by _Gen. Cooper_, commander of all
prisons east of the Mississippi.
Gen. Winder has been made Commissary-General of all prisons and
prisoners of war. The Bureau of Conscription is yet sustained in power.
All this is done by Gen. Cooper,--unwise, probably _fatal_ measures!
NOVEMBER 24TH.--Clear and frosty. Ice half an inch thick this morning.
All quiet below.
Col. St. John, Niter and Mining Bureau, required 13,000 men to furnish
ammunition, etc.
Col. Northrop, Commissary-General, reports only 15 days' bread rations
in Richmond for 100,000 men, and that we must rely upon supplies
hereafter from the Carolinas and Virginia alone. The difficulty is want
of adequate transportation, of course. The speculators and railroad
companies being in partnership, very naturally exclude the government
from the track. The only remedy, the only salvation, in my opinion, is
for the government to take exclusive control of the railroads, abate
speculation, and change most of the quartermasters and commissaries.
Hon. J. B. Clarke proposed a resolution of inquiry in the House of
Representatives, which was adopted, calling for the number and name of
employees in the departments, and the State they were appointed from.
Virginia has more than half of them.
Gen. Cooper, the Adjutant-General, Northern by birth, turned out twenty
of his eighty clerks yesterday, to replace them with ladies.
It is said and believed that Sherman's cavalry has reached
Milledgeville, and destroyed the public buildings, etc.
We have nothing from Wheeler since the 18th inst.
NOVEMBER 25TH.--Bright and frosty.
A report from the Bureau of Conscription shows after all that only some
3000 men have been sent to the army during the last two months, under
General Order 77, revoking details, etc. I don't wonder, for there has
been the natural confusion consequent upon a conflict of authority
between Gen. Kemper and the Bureau of Conscription. About as many
details have been made by the one authority as have been enrolled by the
other.
NOVEMBER 26TH.--Clear and frosty.
The following dispatch was received to-day from Gen. Bragg:
"AUGUSTA, Nov. 25th, 1864.
"Arrived late last night, and take command this morning. We learn
from Gen. Wagner, who holds the Oconee Railroad bridge, that the
enemy has not crossed the river in any force. He has concentrated
in Milledgeville, and seems to be tending South. Our cavalry, under
Wheeler, is in his front, and has been ordered to destroy every
vestige of subsistence and forage as it retires; to hang upon his
flanks, and retard his progress by every possible means. I am
informed the brigades from Southwest Virginia have joined Wheeler.
President's dispatch of 23d just received.
"BRAXTON BRAGG, _General_."
When I carried this dispatch to the Secretary I found him sitting in
close conference with Mr. Hunter, both with rather lugubrious faces.
Another dispatch from Bragg:
"AUGUSTA, Nov. 25th, 8 P.M.
"The enemy has crossed the Oconee; was met this morning, in force,
at Buffalo Creek, near Sandersville. His movements from that point
will determine whether he designs attacking here or on Savannah."
Hon. I. T. Leach from North Carolina, yesterday introduced _submission_
resolutions in the House of Representatives, which were voted down, of
course,--Messrs. Logan and Turner, of North Carolina, however, voting
_for_ them. A party of that sort is forming, and may necessitate harsh
measures.
The President orders detail of fifty men for _express company_. _I
feared so!_
NOVEMBER 27TH.--Cloudy and warmer; slight rain. Nothing from Bragg this
morning. Nothing from below the city.
When I entered the Secretary's room this morning, I found him as grave
as usual. L. Q. Washington, son of Peter Washington, once a clerk under
President Tyler (and he still remains in the United States), and
grandson of Lund Washington, who, we learn by one of the published
letters of Gen. Washington, was his overseer, with no traceable
relationship to his family, was seated with him. He is chief clerk to
Mr. Benjamin, a sinecure position in the State Department. He was placed
there by Mr. Hunter, after writing a series of communications for the
_Examiner_, as Mr. Pollard informed me, denunciatory of Mr. Stephens,
Vice-President Confederate States. Mr. Kean and Mr. Shepherd, the clean
chief clerk, were also present, enjoying the Hon. Secretary's
confidence. They are all comparatively _young men_, whom the Secretary
has not assigned to positions in the field, although _men_ are alone
wanted to achieve independence. They were discussing a resolution of
Congress, calling for the names, ages, etc. of the civil and military
officers employed by the Secretary in Richmond, or it might have been
the subject of the removal of the government, or the chances of success,
etc., or the President's appointment of Gen. Bragg to command the army
in Georgia, or Mr. Hunter's prospects for the Presidency. No matter
what.
It is a dismal day, and a settled vexation is on the faces of many of
the officials. But if the time should come for flight, etc., I predict
many will have abundance of funds in Europe. The quartermasters,
commissaries, etc. will take care of themselves by submission. The
railroad companies have already taken care of themselves by their
partnership with the speculators. The express company bribes all
branches of the government, and I fear it has _obliged_ some of the
members of the President's military or domestic family.
By a report from the Niter and Mining Bureau, it appears that thirteen
furnaces of the thirty odd in Virginia have ceased operations. Several
have been destroyed by the enemy; the ore and fuel of others have become
exhausted; and those in blast threaten to cease work for want of hands,
the men being put in the army.
NOVEMBER 28TH.--Calm and warm; clouds and sunshine, without wind.
All quiet below. It is reported that one of our picket boats in the
James River deserted last night. It is said the crew overpowered the
officers and put them ashore, and then the boat rowed down to the enemy.
I am informed by Capt. Warner that there are 12,000 graves of Federal
prisoners at Andersonville, Ga. That climate is fatal to them; but the
government cannot feed them here, and the enemy won't exchange.
A dispatch from Gen. Bragg:
"AUGUSTA, November 27th, 1864.--We have lost communication with the
front. A small cavalry raid cut the Savannah Railroad and telegraph,
this morning, at Brier Creek, twenty-six miles from here. Gen. Wheeler
was, yesterday, confronting the enemy's infantry at Sandersville. An
officer, who left Macon on the 23d, states that one corps of the enemy
was still confronting us there; our force not exceeding 5000, nearly all
militia. The force here, including all available reserves, does not
exceed 6000 effectives: only one battery. I am not yet advised from
Charleston and Savannah, but know the means are small. Neither point
could long resist the enemy's whole force; hence my remarks about
concentration. Gen. Hardee has gone to Savannah. Wheeler will continue
to confront and harass the enemy. I have not learned the strength of his
command. He estimates the enemy's force at about 30,000."
Gen. Beauregard has published a short proclamation, saying he will soon
arrive to the rescue in Georgia. Here, then, will be war between the two
B's--Bragg and Beauregard; and the President will be as busy as a bee.
Meantime, Sherman may possess the land at pleasure.
A long letter (twenty-five pages) from Gov. Brown, Georgia, came to hand
to-day, combating, in replication, one from the Secretary relating to
calling out all the militia of Georgia, etc. _State rights_ and the
Constitution are discussed _in extenso_, and many a hard blow is aimed
at the President. The Governor regards the Secretary as merely the
instrument or head clerk of the President, whom he sneers at
occasionally. But he denounces as _vile_ the President himself, _and
refuses to obey the call_. What he will do with the militia must soon be
known, for Sherman is _there_.
A great stir among the _officers_ on bureau and department duty in
Richmond! Congress has called on the President for a list of all
commissioned officers here, their ages, etc., and how many of them are
fit for duty in the field. This will be dodged, of course, if possible.
NOVEMBER 29TH.--Clear, and warm as summer almost.
Another dispatch from Bragg:
"AUGUSTA, November 28th, 1864--On the 26th instant, the enemy started a
heavy cavalry force in this direction, from his main body near
Sandersville; Gen. Wheeler promptly following, leaving a portion of his
force to confront Sherman. Kilpatrick reached vicinity of Waynesborough
yesterday, where Wheeler overtook and attacked him. A running fight has
continued to this time; the advantage with us. We are driving them
toward Millen. Young's command has just arrived, and will go forward to
Wheeler, who will, I hope, be able to mount most of them from his
captures. Devastation marks the enemy's route. Hear nothing from the
movements of the enemy's infantry, since Wheeler left their front. I
fear they may cross the Savannah, and make for Beaufort. It is perfectly
practicable."
The number of deserters, under General Order 65, received here and sent
to Abingdon, Va., is 1224 men.
Senator Waldo P. Johnson, Missouri, told me he would move, to-day, to
allow the civil officers, etc. to buy rations and clothes of government,
at schedule prices. This would be better than an increase of salary.
No movements below, to-day, that I hear of.
Gen. Jos. E. Johnston was at the department to-day, and was warmly
greeted by his friends. If Sherman's campaign should be a success,
Johnston will be a hero; if the reverse, he will sink to rise no more. A
sad condition, for one's greatness to depend upon calamity to his
country!
NOVEMBER 30TH.--Clear, and warm as summer. No fires.
It is reported that Gen. Hood is still marching North, and is near
Nashville.
The following telegrams were received this morning:
"AUGUSTA, November 29th, 1864.--It is reported, _via_ Savannah, the
enemy, with infantry and artillery, entered Millen yesterday. Wheeler is
rapidly pursuing Kilpatrick, who retreats in that direction from
Waynesborough.--B. B."
"AUGUSTA, November 29th, 1864.--6-1/2 P.M.--Gen. Jones telegraphs from
Charleston: 'Ten (10) gun-boats with transports landing troops at
Boykins on Broad River. Four gun-boats with transports and barges are,
by this time, at Mackay's Point, junction of Pocotaligo with Broad
River. I am sending all assistance from here, and think we must make the
struggle near the coast.' As this movement relieves Wilmington, might
not some of the North Carolina reserves be sent to Gen. Jones?--B.
BRAGG."
The following items were in the papers this morning:
"NEGRO PICKETS.--Monday morning negro pickets were placed in front of
Gen. Pickett's division. Our men, taking it as an insult, yesterday
fired upon them, causing a stampede among them. Their places have been
supplied with white Yankees, and the lines have resumed the usual quiet.
"Two negroes, captured by Gen. Hunter in the Valley last summer, and
forced into the Yankee army, deserted yesterday and came into Gen.
Pickett's lines, and were brought over to this city."
"CAPTURE OF GEN. PRYOR.--The _Express_ gives the following account of
the capture of the Hon. Roger A. Pryor, on Monday morning:
"While riding along the lines on our right, he stopped at one of our
vidette posts, and left his horse and private arms with one or two other
articles in charge of the pickets, stated that he intended, as was often
his custom, to go forward and exchange papers with the enemy's
videttes. He advanced in the direction of the Yankee lines, flourishing
a paper in his hand, in token of his object, and after proceeding some
distance was met by a Yankee officer. An exchange of papers was
effected, and Gen. Pryor had turned to retrace his steps, when he was
suddenly seized by two or three armed men, who were lying in ambush, and
hurried away. The whole transaction, we understand, was witnessed by
some of our men, but at too great a distance to render any assistance.
Gen. Pryor had frequently exchanged papers with the enemy, and his name
and character had, no doubt, been reported to them. They resolved to
have him, by fair means or foul, and descended to the basest treachery
to accomplish their purpose.
"We trust that some notice may be taken of the matter by our military
authorities, and every effort used to secure his early return. During
the last few months the general has been acting as an independent scout,
in which capacity he has rendered valuable service."