This is the anniversary of the birth of Washington, and of the
inauguration of President Davis, upon the installation of the permanent
government of the Confederate States. It is the ugliest day I ever saw. Snow
fell all night, and was falling fast all day, with a northwest wind howling
furiously. The snow is now nearly a foot deep, and the weather very cold.
My communication to the President, proposing an appeal to
the people to furnish the army with meat and clothing (voluntary
contributions), was transmitted to the Secretary of War yesterday, without
remark, other than the simple reference. The plan will not be adopted, in all
probability, for the Secretary will consult the Commissary and
Quartermaster-General, and they will oppose any interference with the business of
their departments. Red tape will win the day, even if our cause be lost. Our
soldiers must be fed and clothed according to the “rules and regulations,” or
suffer and perish for the want of food and clothing!
I have some curiosity to learn what the President has
indorsed, or may indorse, on the paper sent him by Mr. Lyons, signed by half
the members of Congress. Will he simply refer it to the Secretary? Then what
will the Secretary do? My friends in Congress will likewise be curious to learn
the result.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 262-3
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