We await the issue before Richmond. It is still believed by
many that it is the intention of the government and the generals to evacuate
the city. If the enemy were to appear in force on the south side, and another
force were to march on us from Fredericksburg, we should be inevitably taken,
in the event of the loss of a battle — an event I don't anticipate. Army,
government, and all, might, it is true, be involved in a common ruin. Wrote as
strong a letter as I could to the President, stating what I have every reason
to believe would be the consequences of the abandonment of Richmond. There
would be demoralization and even insubordination in the army. Better die here!
With the exception of the business portion of the city, the enemy could not
destroy a great many houses by bombardment. But if defeated and driven back,
our troops would make a heroic defense in the streets, in the walled
grave-yards, and from the windows. Better electrify the world by such scenes of
heroism, than surrender the capital and endanger the cause. I besought him by
every consideration, not to abandon Richmond to the enemy short of the last
extremity.
The legislature has also passed resolutions calling upon the
C. S. Government to defend Richmond at all hazards, relieving the Confederate
authorities, in advance, of all responsibility for any damage sustained.
This will have its effect. It would be pusillanimous to
retire now.
But every preparation had been made to abandon it. The
archives had been sent to Columbia, S. C., and to Lynchburg. The tracks over
the bridges had been covered with plank, to facilitate the passage of artillery.
Mr. Randolph had told his page, and cousin, “you must go with my wife into the
country, for tomorrow the enemy will be here.” Trunks were packed in readiness —
for what? Not one would have been taken on the cars! The Secretary of the
Treasury had a special locomotive and cars, constantly with steam up, in
readiness to fly with the treasure.
Nevertheless, many of the old secessionists have
resolved not to leave their homes, for there were no other homes for them to
fly to. They say they will never take the oath of allegiance to the despised
government of the North, but suffer whatever penalties may be imposed on them.
There is a sullen, but generally a calm expression of inflexible determination
on the countenances of the people, men, women, and children. But there is no
consternation; we have learned to contemplate death with composure. It would be
at least an effectual escape from dishonor; and Northern domination is
dishonor.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 126-7
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