The papers this morning are still in doubt whether Lee has
returned to the Virginia side of the Potomac, or remains in Maryland. My theory
is that he is perdue for the present, hoping all the enemy's forces will
enter Virginia, from Washington — when he will pounce upon that city and cut
off their retreat.
The Northern papers contain intimations of the existence of
a conspiracy to dethrone Lincoln, and put a military Dictator at the
head of the government. Gen. Fremont is named as the man. It is alleged that
this movement is to be made by the Abolitionists, as if Lincoln were not
sufficiently radical for them!
A call has been made by Congress for explanations of the
arrest of a citizen of Virginia, by Gen. Winder, for procuring a substitute for
a relative. Gen. W., supposing his powers ample, under martial law, had
forbidden agents to procure substitutes. This was in contravention of an act of
Congress, legalizing substitutes. If Winder be sustained, it is said we shall
have inaugurated a military despotism.
I have just seen persons from the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
They say my farm there has not been disturbed by the enemy. I think it probable
they knew nothing about its ownership, or it would have been devastated. My
agent sent me a little money, part of the rent of year before last. My tenant
is getting rich. After peace I shall reside there myself. How I long for the
independent life of a farmer!
Wood is selling at $16 per cord, and coal at $9 per load.
How can we live here, unless our salaries are increased? The matter is under
consideration by Congress, and we hope for favorable action.
Col. Bledsoe has resigned and gone back to his school at
Charlottesville.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 154-5
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