Col. Gorgas, Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, sent in to-day
a report of the arms captured in the recent battle. It appears from his
statement that, so far, only eight guns have been found, taken from the enemy,
while we lost ten. Thus, it would appear, our papers have been “lying,” in
regard to that item, as well as the Northern papers about the number of prisoners
lost and taken. But, so far, we have collected 12,000 of the enemy's small arms
left upon the field, and 8000 of our own, indicating the number of our killed and
wounded. But the New York journals say we captured only 1700 prisoners;
whereas, up to this time, more than 6000 have arrived in Richmond; 5000 of whom
leave to-day, paroled until exchanged. I doubt whether we lost 2000 prisoners
in the battle.
The Philadelphia Press, just received, charges the
government in Washington with circulating false reports, and is now convinced Hooker
met with a most crushing defeat.
It is rumored the enemy are disembarking troops at the White
House, York River. If this be so, it is to prevent reinforcements being sent to
Lee.
The Governor of Alabama declares that Mobile is neglected,
and says he will continue to protest against the failure of the government to
make adequate preparations for the defense of the city.
I saw Gen. Wise to-day. He seems weather-beaten, but hardy.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 323-4
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