We learn from Gen. Bragg that the enemy did not retire far
on the 2d inst., but remain still in the vicinity of Murfreesborough. He says,
however, that our cavalry are still circling the Yankees, taking prisoners and
destroying stores. During the day an absurd rumor was invented, to the effect
that Bragg had been beaten. We are anxious to learn the precise particulars of the
battle. It is to be feared that too many of Bragg's men were ordered to
reinforce Pemberton. If that blunder should prove disastrous, the authorities
here will have a hornet's nest about their ears. The President arrived
yesterday, and his patriotic and cheering speech at Jackson, Miss., appeared in
all the papers this morning.
We hear of no fighting at Suffolk. But we have dispatches
from North Carolina, stating that a storm assailed the enemy's fleet off
Hatteras, sinking the Monitor with all on board, and so crippling the
Galena that her guns were thrown overboard! This is good news — if it be
confirmed.
A letter from Major Boyle, in command at Gordonsville, gives
information that the smugglers and extortioners are trading tobacco
(contraband) with the enemy at Alexandria. He arrested B. Nussbaum, E. Wheeler,
and S. Backrack, and sent them with their wagons and goods to Gen. Winder,
Richmond. But instead of being dealt with according to law, he learns that
Backrack is back again, and on his way to this city with another wagon load of
goods from Yankee-land, and will be here to-day or tomorrow. I sent the
letter to the Secretary, and hope it will not be intercepted on its way to him
from the front office. The Secretary never sees half the letters addressed him,
or knows of one-half the attempts of persons to obtain interviews. The
Assistant Secretary's duty is to dispose of the less important communications,
but to exhibit his decisions.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 231-2
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