We have had a terrible alarm. The tocsin was sounded in the
public square, and thousands have been running hither and thither to know its
meaning. Dispatches have been posted about the city, purporting to have been
received by the governor, with the startling information that the U. S. war
steamer Pawnee is coming up the James River for the purpose of shelling the
city!
All the soldiery, numbering some thousands, are marching
down to Rocketts, and forming in line of battle on the heights commanding the
approaches. The howitzers are there, frowning defiance; and two long French
bronze guns are slowly passing through Main Street in the same direction. One of
them has just broken down, and lies abandoned in front of the Post-Office. Even
civilians, by hundreds, are hurrying with shot-guns and pistols to the scene of
action, and field officers are galloping through the streets. Although much
apprehension is apparent on many faces, it is but just to say that the
population generally are resolved to make a determined defense. There is no
fear of personal danger; it is only the destruction of property that is
dreaded. But, in my opinion, the Pawnee is about as likely to attempt the
navigation of the River Styx, as to run up this river within shelling distance of
the city.
I walked down to the lower bridge, without even taking a pocket-pistol,
and saw the troops drawn up in line of battle awaiting the enemy. Toward
evening the howitzers engaged in some unprofitable practice, shelling the trees
on the opposite side.
It was a false alarm, if not something worse. I fear it is
an invention of the enemy to divert us from the generally conceived policy of attacking
Washington, and rousing up Maryland in the rear of Lincoln.
Met with, and was introduced to, Gov. Letcher, in the
evening, at the Enquirer office. He was revising one of his many
proclamations; and is now undoubtedly as zealous an advocate of secession as
any man. He said he would be ready to fight in three or four days; and
that he would soon have arrangements completed to blockade the Potomac by means
of formidable batteries.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 28-9
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