The Southern ports were soon blockaded by the Federal vessels of war
and the South then had to rely entirely upon her own resources.
Excepting a few articles, such as coffee and tea, brought in through
the blockade, substitutes were found for each of these articles.
During the first year the currency of the Confederacy depreciated but
little, but in the second year it began to go down in value, until it
became before the end almost worthless. Richmond, in spite of the
privations of the people, was gayer and more brilliant socially than
it ever was since or before. There were in the city a great many
refugees from all parts of the South, which formed a social element
that made a delightful society. There were dances and theater parties
held frequently; many clerks, male and female, employed in the
government departments; soldiers on furlough from the army, all
combined to form a gay company of ladies and gentlemen.
General Beauregard was in command of the Army of the Potomac, as
General Joseph E. Johnston was in the Valley of Virginia opposing
General Patterson of the Federal forces. The first battle of Manassas
was fought on the 21st day of July, 1861, this being the first big
fight of the war, and in this the Southern troops were completely
victorious, driving back to Washington the Northern army in a regular
panic-stricken mob. This victory buoyed up the spirits of our people
in the city and they did not fully realize the gravity of the war
until it had been waged sometime. The social life in the city became
more pleasant as time passed, and large entertainments were given
almost every night. Mrs. Randolph, the wife of the Secretary of War,
who was one of the leaders in society at this period, lived on East
Franklin Street, two doors from the residence of General Lee's family.
Her house was the centre of social attraction. She gave theatrical
rehearsals and readings, which were attended by the soldiers who were
in the city en route to and from the front and while on furlough.
There was a prominent feature of nearly every family then, which was
the open house for the entertainment of the soldiers, sick or well,
all of whom received the heartiest welcome and the kindest treatment.
I recall Mr. James Gardner, of the firm of Gardner, Carlton & Co.,
whose house was headquarters for the distinguished artillery company
from the city of New Orleans, the Washington Artillery, as well, also,
for other Southern soldiers. Mr. Peyton Johnston, of the firm of P.
Johnston and Brother, kept open house to all worthy Confederates. I
well remember meeting there a unique character, a Major Atkins, of the
cavalry corps, who was an Irishman, and enjoyed the soubriquet of
"Charles O'Malley." He was one of the finest specimens of manhood that
I ever beheld; he was about six feet two inches in height and well
proportioned. He was of course in the service of the Confederacy, but
was unfortunately called to his home in Ireland before the close of
the war. He sent his young brother to take his place in the
Confederate ranks, joining Mosby's men, but was killed shortly after
joining.
Of the newspapers of Richmond, both before and during the war, there
was the Enquirer, first owned and edited by Colonel Thomas Ritchie and
afterwards by William F. Ritchie. Among the editors were Roger A.
Pryor and O. Jennings Wise. This sheet before the war was the leading
Democratic organ. And then came the Richmond Whig, edited by Mr.
Robert Ridgway, which was the organ of the old line Whigs of Virginia;
and then the Dispatch, owned by Mr. Cowardin and edited by Messrs.
Baldwin and Pleasants. Next I mention that caustic sheet the Examiner,
owned and edited by John M. Daniel, who was one of the most sarcastic
writers of his time, whose criticisms of public men and of the
Confederate government were biting and severe.