We have nothing more from the Peninsula, Suffolk, N. C, or
South Carolina; but it is rumored that the enemy's gun-boats (seven or eight)
have passed down the Mississippi in spite of our batteries at Vicksburg, which
sunk one of them. If this be true, it is bad news.
We have lovely weather now, and vegetation shows signs of the
return of the vernal season. We shall soon have blossoms and roses in
abundance, and table vegetables too, to dispel the fears of famine. But we
shall also have the horrid sounds of devastating war; and many a cheerful dame
and damsel to-day, must soon put on the weeds of mourning.
Gen. Jos. E. Johnston has assumed the command of the army of
Tennessee. Gen. Howell Cobb is preparing for the defense of Florida. We do not
hear a word from Lee or Jackson — but this is the ominous silence preceding
their decisive action.
Bacon fell to-day from $2 to $1 50 per pound, and butter
from $3.50 to $3.25; potatoes are $16 per bushel. And yet they say there is no
scarcity in the country. Such supplies are hoarded and hidden to extort high
prices from the destitute. An intelligent gentleman from North Carolina told
me, to-day, that food was never more abundant in his State; nevertheless, the
extortioners are demanding there very high prices.
This evening we have dispatches (unofficial) confirmatory of
the passing of Vicksburg by the enemy's gun-boats. One of them was destroyed,
and two disabled, while five got by uninjured. This is not cheering. No doubt
an attack by land will be made, by superior numbers, and blood will gush in
streams!
It is now said that Longstreet has captured two gun-boats in
the Nansemond, and taken 600 prisoners; and that the Yankees in Norfolk have
been thrown into great commotion. The general in command there, Veille, has
adopted very stringent measures to keep the people sympathizing with our cause
in subjection. Perhaps he fears an outbreak.
The weather continues fine, and we must soon have important
operations in the field.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 295-6
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