It rained all night, which may extinguish Buniside's ardent
fire. He cannot drag his wagons and artillery through the melting snow, and
when it dries we may look for another rain.
The new Secretary is not yet in his seat. It is generally
supposed he will accept.
President Davis hesitates to retaliate life for life in
regard to the Missouri military executions.
Common shirting cotton, and Yankee calico, that used to sell
at 12 cts. per yard, is now $1.75! What a temptation for the Northern
manufacturers! What a rush of trade there would be if peace should occur
suddenly! And what a party there would be in the South for peace (and unity
with Northern Democrats) if the war were waged somewhat differently. The
excesses of the Republicans compel our people to be almost a unit. This
is all the better for us. Still, we are in quite a bad way now, God knows!
The passengers by the cars from Fredericksburg this morning
report that Gen. Patrick (Federal) came over under a flag of truce, demanding
the surrender of the town, which was refused by Gen. Lee, in compliance with
the unanimous sentiments of the people. Gen. Patrick, it is stated, said if it
were not surrendered by 9 A.M. to-day, it would be shelled.
Mr. Dargan, M. C, writes to the President from Mobile that the
inhabitants of that city are in an awful condition. Meal is selling for $3.50
per bushel, and wood at $15 per cord, and that the people are afraid to bring
supplies, apprehending that the government agents will seize them. The
President (thanks to him!) has ordered that interference with domestic trade
must not be permitted.
Mr. Seddon has taken his seat. He has, at least, a manly
appearance — his predecessor was said to look like a m——y.
The President has ordered our generals in Missouri, if the
Yankee accounts of the executions of our people be true, to execute the next
ten Federal officers taken in that State.
The Enquirer, to-day, publishes Col. Baylor's order
to execute the Indians in Arizona, coupled with Mr. Randolph's condemnation of the
act. Who furnished this for publication?
It is rumored that Fredericksburg is in flames, shelled by
the enemy. We will know how true this is before night.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 194-5
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