Rumors of battles.--Excitement in the churches.--The South Side Road
captured by the enemy.--Evacuation of Richmond.--Surrender of Gen.
Lee.--Occupation of Richmond by Federal forces.--Address to the
people of Virginia by J. A. Campbell and others.--Assassination of
President Lincoln.
APRIL 1ST.--Clear and pleasant. Walked to the department.
We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited couriers of fighting,
without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side Railroad.
It is rumored that a battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying
my daughter Anne, next week, to Mr. Hobson's mansion in Goochland
County. The Hobsons are opulent, and she will have an excellent asylum
there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not spoil her calculations. I
shall look for angling streams: and if successful, hope for both sport
and better health.
The books at the conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or
absentees without leave--60,000--all Virginians. Speculation!
Jno. M. Daniel, editor of the _Examiner_, is dead.
The following dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:
"HEADQUARTERS, April 1st, 1865.
"HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVIS.
"Gen. Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend
the railroad in North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols
and Martin are directed to co-operate, and obey his
orders. R. E. LEE."
A rumor (perhaps a 1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been
signed between the Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
APRIL 2D.--Bright and beautiful. The tocsin was sounded this morning at
daybreak, and the militia ordered to the fortifications, to relieve some
regiments of Longstreet's corps, posted on this side of the river. These
latter were hurried off to Petersburg, where a battle is impending, I
suppose, if not in progress.
A street rumor says there was bloody fighting yesterday a little beyond
Petersburg, near the South Side Road, in which Gen. Pickett's division
met with fearful loss, being engaged with superior numbers. It is said
the enemy's line of intrenchments was carried once or twice, but was
retaken, and remained in their hands.
I hear nothing of all this at the department; but the absence of
dispatches there is now interpreted as bad news! Certain it is, the
marching of veteran troops from the defenses of Richmond, and replacing
them hurriedly with militia, can only indicate an emergency of alarming
importance. A decisive struggle is probably at hand--and may possibly be
in progress while I write. Or there may be nothing in it--more than a
precautionary concentration to preserve our communications.
Mrs. Davis sold nearly all her movables--including presents--before
leaving the city. She sent them to different stores.
An intense excitement prevails, at 2 P.M. It pervaded the churches. Dr.
Hoge intermitted his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their
respective churches, St. James's and St. Paul's. Dr. Minnegerode, before
dismissing his congregation, gave notice that Gen. Ewell desired the
local forces to assemble at 3 P.M.--and afternoon services will not be
held. The excited women in this neighborhood say they have learned the
city is to be evacuated to-night.
No doubt our army sustained a serious blow yesterday; and Gen. Lee may
not have troops sufficient to defend both the city and the Danville Road
at the same time.
It is true! The enemy have broken through our lines and attained the
South Side Road. Gen. Lee has dispatched the Secretary to have
everything in readiness to _evacuate the city to-night_. The President
told a lady that Lieut.-Gen. Hardee was only twelve miles distant, and
might get up in time to save the day. But then Sherman must be in _his_
rear. There is no wild excitement--_yet_. Gen. Kemper was at the
department looking for Gen. Ewell, and told me he could find no one to
apply to for orders. The banks will move to-night. Eight trains are
provided for the transportation of the archives, etc. No provision for
civil employees and their families.
At 6 P.M. I saw the Hon. James Lyons, and asked him what he intended to
do. He said many of his friends advised him to leave, while his
inclination was to remain with his sick family. He said, being an
original secessionist, his friends apprehended that the Federals would
arrest him the first man, and hang him. I told him I differed with them,
and believed his presence here might result in benefit to the
population.
Passing down Ninth Street to the department, I observed quite a number
of men--some in uniform, and some of them officers--hurrying away with
their trunks. I believe they are not allowed to put them in the cars.
The Secretary of War intends to leave at 8 P.M. this evening. The
President and the rest of the functionaries, I suppose, will leave at
the same time.
I met Judge Campbell in Ninth Street, talking rapidly to himself, with
two books under his arm, which he had been using in his office. He told
me that the chiefs of bureaus determined which clerks would have
transportation--embracing only a small proportion of them, which I found
to be correct.
At the department I learned that all who had families were advised to
remain. No compulsion is seen anywhere; even the artisans and mechanics
of the government shops are left free to choose--to go or to stay.
A few squads of local troops and reserves--guards--may be seen marching
here and there. Perhaps they are to burn the tobacco, cotton, etc., if
indeed anything is to be burned.
Lee must have met with an awful calamity. The President said to several
ladies to-day he had hopes of Hardee coming up in time to save Lee--else
Richmond must succumb. He said he had done his best, etc. to save it.
Hardee is distant two or three days' march.
The negroes stand about mostly silent, as if wondering what will be
their fate. They make no demonstrations of joy.
Several hundred prisoners were brought into the city this
afternoon--captured yesterday. Why they were brought here I am at a
loss to conjecture. Why were they not paroled and sent into the enemy's
lines?
At night. All is yet quiet. No explosion, no conflagration, no riots,
etc. How long will this continue? When will the enemy come?
It was after 2 o'clock P.M. before the purpose to evacuate the city was
announced; and the government had gone at 8 P.M.! Short notice! and
small railroad facilities to get away. All horses were impressed.
There is a report that Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill was killed, and that Gen.
Lee was wounded. Doubtless it was a battle of great magnitude, wherein
both sides had all their forces engaged.
I remain here, broken in health and bankrupt in fortune, awaiting my
fate, whatever it may be. I can do no more. If I could, I would.
APRIL 3D.--Another clear and bright morning. It was a quiet night, with
its million of stars. And yet how few could sleep, in anticipation of
the entrance of the enemy! But no enemy came until 9 A.M., when some 500
were posted at the Capitol Square. They had been waited upon previously
by the City Council, and the surrender of the city stipulated--to occur
this morning. They were asked to post guards for the protection of
property from pillage, etc., and promised to do so.
At dawn there were two tremendous explosions, seeming to startle the
very earth, and crashing the glass throughout the western end of the
city. One of these was the blowing up of the magazine, near the new
almshouse--the other probably the destruction of an iron-clad ram. But
subsequently there were others. I was sleeping soundly when awakened by
them.
All night long they were burning the papers of the Second Auditor's
office in the street--claims of the survivors of deceased soldiers,
accounts of contractors, etc.
At 7 A.M. Committees appointed by the city government visited the liquor
shops and had the spirits (such as they could find) destroyed. The
streets ran with liquor; and women and boys, black and white, were seen
filling pitchers and buckets from the gutters.
A lady sold me a bushel of potatoes in Broad Street for $75, Confederate
States money--$5 less than the price a few days ago. I bought them at
her request. And some of the shops gave clothing to our last retiring
guards.
Goods, etc. at the government depots were distributed to the poor, to a
limited extent, there being a limited amount.
A dark volume of smoke rises from the southeastern section of the city,
and spreads like a pall over the zenith. It proceeds from the tobacco
warehouse, ignited, I suppose, hours ago, and now just bursting forth.
At 8-1/2 A.M. The armory, arsenal, and laboratory (Seventh and Canal
Streets), which had been previously fired, gave forth terrific sounds
from thousands of bursting shells. This continued for more than an hour.
Some fragments of shell fell within a few hundred yards of my house.
The pavements are filled with pulverized glass.
Some of the great flour mills have taken fire from the burning
government warehouses, and the flames are spreading through the lower
part of the city. A great conflagration is apprehended.
The doors of the government bakery (Clay Street) were thrown open this
morning, and flour and crackers were freely distributed, until the
little stock was exhausted. I got a barrel of the latter, paying a negro
man $5 to wheel it home--a short distance.
Ten A.M. A battery (United States) passed my house, Clay Street, and
proceeded toward Camp Lee. Soon after the officers returned, when I
asked the one in command if guards would be placed in this part of the
city to prevent disturbance, etc. He paused, with his suite, and
answered that such was the intention, and that every precaution would be
used to preserve order. He said the only disturbances were caused by our
people. I asked if there was any disturbance. He pointed to the black
columns of smoke rising from the eastern part of the city, and referred
to the incessant bursting of shell. I remarked that the storehouses had
doubtless been ignited hours previously. To this he assented, and
assuring me that _they_ did not intend to disturb us, rode on. But
immediately meeting two negro women laden with plunder, they wheeled
them to the right about, and marched them off, to the manifest chagrin
of the newly emancipated citizens.
Eleven A.M. I walked down Brad Street to the Capitol Square. The street
was filled with _negro troops_, cavalry and infantry, and were cheered
by hundreds of negroes at the corners.
I met Mr. T. Cropper (lawyer from the E. Shore) driving a one-horse
wagon containing his bedding and other property of his quarters. He said
he had just been burnt out--at Belom's Block--and that St. Paul's Church
(Episcopal) was, he thought, on fire. This I found incorrect; but Dr.
Reed's (Presbyterian) was in ruins. The leaping and lapping flames were
roaring in Main Street up to Ninth; and Goddin's Building (late General
Post-Office) was on fire, as well as all the houses in Governor Street
up to Franklin.
The grass of Capitol Square is covered with parcels of goods snatched
from the raging conflagration, and each parcel guarded by a Federal
soldier.
A general officer rode up and asked me what building that was--pointing
to the old stone United States Custom House--late Treasury and State
Departments, also the President's office. He said, "Then it is
fire-proof, and the fire will be arrested in this direction." He said he
was sorry to behold such destruction; and regretted that there was not
an adequate supply of engines and other apparatus.
Shells are still bursting in the ashes of the armory, etc.
All the stores are closed; most of the largest (in Main Street) have
been burned.
There are supposed to be 10,000 negro troops at Camp Lee, west of my
dwelling.
An officer told me, 3 P.M., that a white brigade will picket the city
to-night; and he assured the ladies standing near that there would not
be a particle of danger of molestation. After 9 P.M., all will be
required to remain in their houses. Soldiers or citizens, after that
hour, will be arrested. He said we had done ourselves great injury by
the fire, the lower part of the city being in ashes, and declared that
the United States troops had no hand in it. I acquitted them of the
deed, and told him that the fire had spread from the tobacco warehouses
and military depots, fired by our troops as a military necessity.
Four P.M. Thirty-four guns announced the arrival of President Lincoln.
He flitted through the mass of human beings in Capitol Square, his
carriage drawn by four horses, preceded by out-riders, motioning the
people, etc. out of the way, and followed by a mounted guard of thirty.
The cortege passed rapidly, precisely as I had seen royal parties ride
in Europe.
APRIL 4TH.--Another bright and beautiful day.
I walked around the burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred
houses, from Main Street to the canal, comprising the most valuable
stores, and the best business establishments, were consumed. All the
bridges across the James were destroyed, the work being done
effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where the tobacco
was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after
the flames were arrested, mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its
abandonment.
The troops do not interfere with the citizens here any more than they do
in New York--yet. Last night everything was quiet, and perfect order
prevails.
A few thousand negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying
in the Capitol Square, or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee's family remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading
in front of the door, his breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig.-Gen. Gorgas's family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia
Court House, on the Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee
having come up, defeated Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true,
Richmond was evacuated prematurely; for the local defense troops might
have held it against the few white troops brought in by Weitzel. The
negroes never would have been relied on to take it by assault.
I see many of the civil employees left behind. It was the merest
accident (being Sunday) that any were apprised, in time, of the purpose
to evacuate the city. It was a shameful _abandonment_ on the part of the
heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is not taken to-day. However, the shops are still
closed.
APRIL 5TH.--Bright and pleasant.
Stayed with my next door neighbors at their request last night--all
females. It was quiet; and so far the United States pickets and guards
have preserved perfect order.
The cheers that greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes
and Federals comprising the great mass of humanity. The white citizens
felt annoyed that the city should be held mostly by negro troops. If
this measure were not unavoidable, it was impolitic if conciliation be
the purpose.
Mr. Lincoln, after driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis,
Confederate States President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to
the fleet at Rocketts.
This morning thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging
the public officers for provisions. I do not observe any getting them,
and their faces begin to express disappointment.
It is said all the negro men, not entering the army, will be put to
work, rebuilding bridges, repairing railroads, etc.
I have seen a _New York Herald_ of the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st
and 2d inst. from Mr. Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress
of the battle. He sums up with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured,
and 50 guns.
The rumor of a success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited. _Per
contra_, it is reported that President Davis is not only a captive, but
will soon be exhibited in Capitol Square.
The Rev. Mr. Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and
believed that 6000 South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that
a large number of Mississippians deserted--giving such information to
the enemy as betrayed our weak points, etc.
Three P.M. I feel that this Diary is near its end.
The burnt district includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal
speculators and extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!
Four P.M. The Square is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told
me they intended to put them in the army in a few days, and that the
Northern people did not really like negro equality any better than we
did.
Two rumors prevail: that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee
has capitulated, with 35,000 men.
The policy of the conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and
occupies the attention of Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.
APRIL 6TH.--Showery morning.
I perceive no change, except, perhaps, a diminution of troops, which
seems to confirm the reports of recent battles, and the probable success
of Lee and Johnston. But all is doubt and uncertainty.
The military authorities are still reticent regarding the fate of those
remaining in Richmond. We are at their mercy, and prepared for our fate.
I except some of our ladies, who are hysterical, and want to set out on
foot "for the Confederacy."
APRIL 7TH.--Slight showers.
Wm. Ira Smith, tailor, and part owner of the _Whig_, has continued the
publication as a Union paper.
I visited the awful crater of the magazine. One current or stream of
fire and bricks knocked down the east wall of the cemetery, and swept
away many head and foot stones, demolishing trees, plants, etc.
It is said President Lincoln is still in the city. Dr. Ellison informed
me to-day of the prospect of Judge Campbell's conference with Mr.
Lincoln. It appears that the judge had prepared statistics of our
resources in men and materials, showing them to be utterly inadequate
for a prolongation of the contest, and these he exhibited to certain
prominent citizens, whom he wished to accompany him. Whether they were
designed also for the eye of President Lincoln, or whether he saw them,
I did not learn. But one citizen accompanied him--GUSTAVUS A. MYERS, the
little old lawyer, who has certainly cultivated the most friendly
relations with all the members of President Davis's cabinet, and it is
supposed he prosecuted a lucrative business procuring substitutes,
obtaining discharges, getting passports, etc.
The ultimatum of President Lincoln was Union, emancipation, disbandment
of the Confederate States armies. Then no oath of allegiance would be
required, no confiscation exacted, or other penalty; and the Governor
and Legislature to assemble and readjust the affairs of Virginia without
molestation of any character.
Negotiations are in progress by the clergymen, who are directed to open
the churches on Sunday, and it was intimated to the Episcopalians that
they should pray for the President of the United States. To this they
demur, being ordered by the Convention to pray for the President of the
Confederate States. They are willing to omit the prayer altogether, and
await the decision of the military authority on that proposition.
APRIL 8TH.--Bright and pleasant weather.
We are still in uncertainty as to our fate, or whether an oath of
allegiance will be demanded.
Efforts by Judge Campbell, Jos. R. Anderson, N. P. Tyler, G. A. Myers
and others, are being made to assemble a convention which shall withdraw
Virginia from the Confederacy.
Hundreds of civil employees remained, many because they had been
required to _volunteer_ in the local defense organization or lose their
employment, and the fear of being still further perfidiously dealt with,
forced into the army, notwithstanding their legal exemptions. Most of
them had families whose subsistence depended upon their salaries. It is
with governments as with individuals, injustice is sooner or later
overtaken by its merited punishment.
The people are kinder to each other, sharing provisions, etc.
A New York paper says Gen. H. A. Wise was killed; we hear nothing of
this here.
Roger A. Pryor is said to have remained voluntarily in Petersburg, and
announces his abandonment of the Confederate States cause.
APRIL 9TH.--Bright and beautiful. Rev. Mr. Dashiell called, after
services. The prayer for the President was omitted, by a previous
understanding.
Rev. Dr. Minnegerode, and others, leading clergymen, consider the cause
at an end. A letter from Gen. Lee has been found, and its authenticity
vouched for (Rev. Dr. M. says) by Judge Campbell, in which he avows his
conviction that further resistance will be in vain--but that so long as
it is desired, he will do his utmost in the field.
And Dr. M. has information of the capture of three divisions of
Longstreet since the battle of Sunday last, with some eight
generals--among them Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Major-Gen. G. W. Custis Lee,
etc.
The clergy also seem to favor a convention, and the resumption by
Virginia of her old position in the Union--minus slavery.
Charlottesville has been named as the place for the assembling of the
convention. They also believe that Judge Campbell remained to treat with
the United States at the request of the Confederate States Government. I
doubt. We shall now have no more interference in Caesar's affairs by the
clergy--may they attend to God's hereafter!
Ten o'clock P.M. A salute fired--100 guns--from the forts across the
river, which was succeeded by music from all the bands. The guard
promenading in front of the house says a dispatch has been received from
Grant announcing the surrender of Lee!
I hear that Gen. Pickett was killed in the recent battle!
APRIL 10TH.--Raining. I was startled in bed by the sound of cannon from
the new southside fort again. I suppose another hundred guns were fired;
and I learn this morning that the Federals declare, and most people
believe, that Lee has really surrendered his army--if not indeed all the
armies.
My Diary is surely drawing to a close, and I feel as one about to take
leave of some old familiar associate. A _habit_ is to be
discontinued--and that is no trifling thing to one of my age. But I may
find sufficient employment in revising, correcting, etc. what I have
written. I never supposed it would end in this way.
Ten A.M. It is true! Yesterday Gen. Lee surrendered the "Army of
Northern Virginia." His son, Custis Lee, and other generals, had
surrendered a few days previously. The men are paroled by regimental
commanders, from the muster rolls, and are permitted to return to their
homes and remain undisturbed until exchanged. The officers to take their
side-arms and baggage to their homes, on the same conditions, etc. There
_were_ 290 pieces of artillery belonging to this army a few weeks ago.
This army was the pride, the hope, the prop of the Confederate cause,
and numbered, I believe, on the rolls, 120,000 men. All is lost! No head
can be made by any other general or army--if indeed any other army
remains. If Mr. Davis had been present, he never would have consented to
it; and I doubt if he will ever forgive Gen. Lee.
APRIL 11TH.--Cloudy and misty. It is reported that Gen. Johnston has
surrendered his army in North Carolina, following the example of Gen.
Lee. But no salutes have been fired in honor of the event. The President
(Davis) is supposed to be flying toward the Mississippi River, but this
is merely conjectural. Undoubtedly the war is at an end, and the
Confederate States Government will be immediately extinct--its members
fugitives. From the tone of leading Northern papers, we have reason to
believe President Lincoln will call Congress together, and proclaim an
amnesty, etc.
Judge Campbell said to Mr. Hart (clerk in the Confederate States War
Department) yesterday that there would be no arrests, and no oath would
be required. Yet ex-Captain Warner was arrested yesterday, charged with
ill treating Federal prisoners, with registering a false name, and as a
dangerous character. I know the contrary of all this; for he has been
persecuted by the Confederate States authorities for a year, and forced
to resign his commission.
My application to Gen. Shepley for permission to remove my family to the
Eastern Shore, where they have relatives and friends, and may find
subsistence, still hangs fire. Every day I am told to call the _next_
day, as it has not been acted upon.
APRIL 12TH.--Warm and cloudy. Gen. Weitzel publishes an order to-day,
requiring all ministers who have prayed for the President of the
Confederate States to pray hereafter for the President of the United
States. He will not allow them to omit the prayer.
In answer to my application for permission to take my family to the
Eastern Shore of Virginia, where among their relations and friends
shelter and food may be had, Brevet Brig.-Gen. Ludlow indorsed:
"Disallowed--as none but loyal people, who have taken the oath, are
permitted to reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia." This paper I left
at Judge Campbell's residence (he was out) for his inspection, being
contrary in spirit to the terms he is represented to have said would be
imposed on us.
At 1-1/2 P.M. Another 100 guns were fired in Capitol Square, in honor, I
suppose, of the surrender of JOHNSTON'S army. I must go and see.
Captain Warner is still in prison, and no one is allowed to visit him, I
learn.
Three P.M. Saw Judge Campbell, who will lay my paper before the military
authorities for reconsideration to-morrow. He thinks they have acted
unwisely. I said to him that a gentleman's _word_ was better than an
enforced oath--and that if persecution and confiscation are to follow,
instead of organized armies we shall have bands of assassins everywhere
in the field, and the stiletto and the torch will take the place of the
sword and the musket--and there can be no solid reconstruction, etc. He
says he told the Confederate States authorities months ago that the
cause had failed, but they would not listen. He said he had telegraphed
something to Lieut.-Gen. Grant to-day.
The salute some say was in honor of Johnston's surrender--others say it
was for Lee's--and others of Clay's birthday.
APRIL 13TH.--Raining. Long trains of "supply" and "ammunition" wagons
have been rolling past our dwelling all the morning, indicating a
movement of troops southward. I suppose the purpose is to _occupy_ the
conquered territory. Alas! we know too well what military occupation is.
No intelligent person supposes, after Lee's surrender, that there will
be found an army anywhere this side of the Mississippi of sufficient
numbers to make a stand. No doubt, however, many of the dispersed
Confederates will join the trans-Mississippi army under Gen. E. Kirby
Smith, if indeed, he too does not yield to the prevalent surrendering
epidemic.
Confederate money is valueless, and we have no Federal money. To such
extremity are some of the best and wealthiest families reduced, that the
ladies are daily engaged making pies and cakes for the Yankee soldiers
of all colors, that they may obtain enough "greenbacks" to purchase such
articles as are daily required in their housekeeping.
It is said we will be supplied with rations from the Federal
commissariat.
APRIL 14TH.--Bright and cool.
Gen. Weitzel and his corps having been ordered away; Major-Gen. Ord has
succeeded to the command at Richmond, and his corps has been marching to
Camp Lee ever since dawn. I saw no negro troops among them, but presume
there are some.
Gen. Weitzel's rule became more and more despotic daily; but it is said
the order dictating prayers to be offered by the Episcopal clergy came
from Mr. Stanton, at Washington, Secretary of War. One of the clergy,
being at my house yesterday, said that unless this order were modified
there would be no services on Sunday. To-day, Good Friday, the churches
are closed.
The following circular was published a few days ago:
"TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
"The undersigned, members of the Legislature of the State of
Virginia, in connection with a number of the citizens of the State,
whose names are attached to this paper, in view of the evacuation
of the City of Richmond by the Confederate Government, and its
occupation by the military authorities of the United States, the
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the suspension of
the jurisdiction of the civil power of the State, are of opinion
that an immediate meeting of the General Assembly of the State is
called for by the exigencies of the situation.
"The consent of the military authorities of the United States to
the session of the Legislature in Richmond, in connection with the
Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, to their free deliberation upon
public affairs, and to the ingress and departure of all its members
under safe conducts, has been obtained.
"The United States authorities will afford transportation from any
point under their control to any of the persons before mentioned.
"The matters to be submitted to the Legislature are the restoration
of peace to the State of Virginia, and the adjustment of questions
involving life, liberty, and property, that have arisen in the
State as a consequence of the war.
"We therefore earnestly request the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor,
and members of the Legislature to repair to this city by the 25th
April (instant).
"We understand that full protection to persons and property will be
afforded in the State, and we recommend to peaceful citizens to
remain at their homes and pursue their usual avocations, with
confidence that they will not be interrupted.
"We earnestly solicit the attendance, in Richmond, on or before the
25th of April (instant), of the following persons, citizens of
Virginia, to confer with us as to the best means of restoring peace
to the State of Virginia. We have procured safe conduct from the
military authorities of the United States for them to enter the
city and depart without molestation: Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, A. T.
Caperton, Wm. C. Rives, John Letcher, A. H. H. Stuart, R. L.
Montague, Fayette McMullen, J. P. Holcombe, Alexander Rives, B.
Johnson Barbour, James Barbour, Wm. L. Goggin, J. B. Baldwin,
Thomas S. Gholson, Waller Staples, S. D. Miller, Thomas J.
Randolph, Wm T. Early, R. A. Claybrook, John Critcher, Wm. Towns,
T. H. Eppes, and those other persons for whom passports have been
procured and especially forwarded that we consider it to be
unnecessary to mention.
"A. J. Marshall, Senator, Fauquier; James Neeson, Senator, Marion;
James Venable, Senator elect, Petersburg; David I. Burr, of House
of Delegates, Richmond City; David J. Saunders, of House of
Delegates, Richmond City; L. S. Hall, of House of Delegates, Wetzel
County; J. J. English, of House of Delegates, Henrico County; Wm.
Ambers, of House of Delegates, Chesterfield County; A. M. Keily, of
House of Delegates, Petersburg; H. W. Thomas, Second Auditor of
Virginia; St. L. L. Moncure, Chief Clerk Second Auditor's office;
Joseph Mayo, Mayor of City of Richmond; Robert Howard, Clerk of
Hustings Court, Richmond City; Thomas U. Dudley, Sergeant Richmond
City; Littleton Tazewell, Commonwealth's Attorney, Richmond City;
Wm. T. Joynes, Judge of Circuit Court, Petersburg; John A.
Meredith, Judge of Circuit Court, Richmond; Wm. H. Lyons, Judge of
Hustings Court, Richmond; Wm. C. Wickham, Member of Congress,
Richmond District; Benj. S. Ewell, President of William and Mary
College; Nat. Tyler, Editor Richmond _Enquirer_; R. F. Walker,
Publisher of _Examiner_; J. R. Anderson, Richmond; R. R. Howison,
Richmond; W. Goddin, Richmond; P. G. Bayley, Richmond; F. J. Smith,
Richmond; Franklin Stearns, Henrico; John Lyons, Petersburg; Thomas
B. Fisher, Fauquier; Wm. M. Harrison, Charles City; Cyrus Hall,
Ritchie; Thomas W. Garnett, King and Queen; James A. Scott,
Richmond.
"I concur in the preceding recommendation.
"J. A. CAMPBELL.
"Approved for publication in the _Whig_, and in handbill form.
"G. WEITZEL, Major-Gen. Commanding.
"RICHMOND, VA., April 11th, 1865."
To-day the following order is published:
"HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA,
"RICHMOND, VA., April 13th, 1865.
"Owing to recent events, the permission for the reassembling of the
gentlemen recently acting as the Legislature of Virginia is
rescinded. Should any of the gentlemen come to the city under the
notice of reassembling, already published, they will be furnished
passports to return to their homes.
"Any of the persons named in the call signed by J. A. Campbell and
others, who are found in the city twelve hours after the
publication of this notice, will be subject to arrest, unless they
are residents of the city.
"E. O. C. ORD, Major-Gen. Commanding."
Judge Campbell informs me that he saw Gen. Ord yesterday, who promised
to grant me permission to take my family to the Eastern Shore of
Virginia, and suggesting some omissions and alterations in the
application, which I made. Judge C. is to see him again to-day, when I
hope the matter will be accomplished.
Judge Campbell left my application with Gen. Ord's youngest adjutant, to
whom he said the general had approved it. But the adjutant said it would
have to be presented again, as there was no indorsement on it. The judge
advised me to follow it up, which I did; and stayed until the adjutant
did present it again to Gen. Ord, who again approved it. Then the polite
aid accompanied me to Gen. Patrick's office and introduced me to him,
and to Lieut.-Col. John Coughlin, "Provost Marshal General Department of
Virginia," who indorsed on the paper: "These papers will be granted when
called for."
APRIL 17TH.--Bright and clear.
I add a few lines to my Diary. It was whispered, yesterday, that
President Lincoln had been assassinated! I met Gen. Duff Green, in the
afternoon, who assured me there could be no doubt of it. Still,
supposing it might be an April hoax, I inquired at the headquarters of
Gen. Ord, and was told it was true. I cautioned those I met to manifest
no _feeling_, as the occurrence might be a calamity for the South; and
possibly the Federal soldiers, supposing the deed to have been done by a
Southern man, might become uncontrollable and perpetrate deeds of horror
on the unarmed people.
After agreeing to meet Gen. Green this morning at the Provost Marshal's
office, and unite with him in an attempt to procure the liberation of
Capt. Warner, I returned home; and saw, on the way, Gen. Ord and his
staff riding out toward Camp Lee, with no manifestations of excitement
or grief on their countenances.
Upon going down town this morning, every one was speaking of the death
of Lincoln, and the _Whig_ was in mourning.
President Lincoln was killed by Booth (Jno. Wilkes), an actor. I suppose
his purpose is to live in history as the slayer of a tyrant; thinking to
make the leading character in a tragedy, and have his performance acted
by others on the stage.
I see no grief on the faces of either officers or men of the Federal
army.
R. A. Pryor and Judge W. T. Joynes have called a meeting in Petersburg,
to lament the calamity entailed by the assassination.
I got passports to-day for myself and family to the Eastern Shore,
taking no oath. We know not when we shall leave.
I never swore allegiance to the Confederate States Government, but was
true to it.
APRIL 19TH.--Yesterday windy, to-day bright and calm.
It appears that the day of the death of President Lincoln was appointed
for illuminations and rejoicings on the surrender of Lee. There is no
intelligence of the death of Mr. Seward or his son. It was a dastardly
deed--surely the act of a madman.
THE END.
Footnotes:
[1] Virginia undoubtedly contributed more than any other State, but they
were not registered.
[2] It is held by the government _now_, January, 1866, and my family are
homeless and destitute. _Onancock, Accomac County, Va._--J. B. J.
Transcriber's Notes:
Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_.
The following misprints in Volume I have been corrected:
"their's" corrected to "theirs" (page 77)
"increasas" corrected to "increases" (page 85)
"instrutcted" corrected to "instructed" (page 164)
"conntry" corrected to "country" (page 238)
"Legisture" corrected to "Legislature" (page 242)
"Deparment" corrected to "Department" (page 244)
"ha" corrected to "he" (page 251)
"a" corrected to "at" (page 255)
"reappeard" corrected to "reappeared" (page 275)
"calvary" corrected to "cavalry" (page 308)
"assults" corrected to "assaults" (page 335)
"peisoners" corrected to "prisoners" (page 360)
"degees" corrected to "degrees" (page 362)
"Wendesday" corrected to "Wednesday" (page 365)
The following misprints in Volume II have been corrected:
"furnance" corrected to "furnace" (page 17)
"miraculousl" corrected to "miraculously" (page 17)
"13TH" corrected to "15TH" (page 44)
"Corolina" corrected to "Carolina" (page 44)
"affirmalive" corrected to "affirmative" (page 79)
"nothwithstanding" corrected to "notwithstanding" (page 84)
"necestity" corrected to "necessity" (page 93)
"2D" corrected to "3D" (page 123)
"develope" corrected to "develop" (page 135)
"Henly's" corrected to "Henley's" (page 166)
"APRIL" corrected to "MAY" (page 199)
"May 19TH" corrected to "May 9TH" (page 203)
"appropiate" corrected to "appropriate" (page 233)
"at at" corrected to "at" (page 257)
"commads" corrected to "commands" (page 292)
"Tallahassie" corrected to "Tallahassee" (page 292)
"Opeleka" corrected (twice) to "Opelika" (page 302)
"not" corrected to "now" (page 309)
"Congrees" corrected to "Congress" (page 316)
"Weeler" corrected to "Wheeler" (page 333)
"few few" corrected to "few" (page 337)
"Georagia" correctedt to "Georgia" (page 341)
"Octoberr" corrected to "October" (page 373)
"sufferred" corrected to "suffered" (page 402)
"sufferred" corrected to "suffered" (page 419)
"parol" corrected to "parole" (page 438)
"Peterburg" corrected to "Petersburg" (page 463)
"Lietenant" corrected to "Lieutenant" (page 477)
Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies in
spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation usage have been retained.
The two footnote markers [1] (Vol. I, page 114) are intentional to
reflect the presentation in the original text.