The European statesmen, declining intervention in our
behalf, have, nevertheless, complimented our President by saying he has, at all
events, “made a nation.” He is pleased with this, I understand. But it is one of
the errors which the wise men over the water are ever liable to fall into. The “nation”
was made before the President existed: indeed, the nation made the President.
We have rumors of fighting near the month of the Shenandoah,
and that our arms were successful. It is time both armies were in winter
quarters. Snow still lies on the ground here.
We have tidings from the North of the trinmph of the
Democrats in New York, New Jersey, etc. etc. This news produces great
rejoicing, for it is hailed as the downfall of Republican despotism. Some think
it will be followed by a speedy peace, or else that the European powers will
recognize us without further delay. I should not be surprised if Seward were
now to attempt to get the start of England and France, and cause our
recognition by the United States. I am sure the Abolitionists cannot now get
their million men. The drafting must be a failure.
The Governor of Mississippi (Pettus) informs the President
that a Frenchman, perhaps a Jew, proposes to trade salt for cotton — ten sacks of
the first for one of the latter. The Governor says he don't know that he
has received the consent of "Butler, the Beast" (but he knows the
trade is impossible without it), but that is no business of his. He urges the traffic.
And the President has consented to it, and given him power to conduct the
exchange in spite of the military authorities. The President says, however,
that twenty sacks of salt ought to be given for one of cotton. Salt is worth in
New Orleans about one dollar a sack, cotton $160 per bale. The President
informed the Secretary of what had been done, and sends him a copy of his
dispatch to Gov. Pettus. He don't even ask Mr. Randolph's opinion.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 184-5
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