Gov. Vance writes that Gen. Hill desires him to call out the
militia, believing the enemy, balked in the attempt on Charleston, will
concentrate their forces against North Carolina. But the Governor is reluctant
to call the non-conscripts from the plow in the planting season. He thinks the
defense of North Carolina has not been adequately provided for by the
government, and that his State has been neglected for the benefit of others. He
asks heavy guns; and says half the armament hurled against Charleston would
suffice for the capture of Wilmington.
A protest, signed by the thousands of men taken at Arkansas
Post, now exchanged, against being kept on this side of the Mississippi, has
been received. The protest was also signed by the members of Congress from
Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Capt. Causey, of the Signal Corps, writes that there are
only a few battalions of the enemy on the Peninsula; but that rations for
40,000 men are sent to Suffolk.
Gen. Lee announces the crossing of the Rappahannock at Port
Royal (which the Yankees pillaged) and at places above Fredericksburg. Gen.
Stuart is hovering on their flank. A great battle may happen any moment.
L. E. Harvey, president of Richmond and Danville Railroad,
asks for details to repair locomotives, else daily trains (freight) must be
reduced to tri-weekly trains—and then the army cannot be sustained in Virginia.
Hon. Mr. Garnett asked (and obtained) permission for a Mr.
Hurst (Jew ?) to pass onr lines, and bring Northern merchandise to Richmond for
sale. He vouches for his loyalty to Virginia. Congress has before it a bill
rendering this traffic criminal.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 303-4
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