A dispatch from Gen. Johnston, dated 27th inst, says
fighting at Vicksburg had been in progress ever since the 19th instant, and
that our troops have been invariably successful in repulsing the assults. Other
dispatches say the uuburied dead of the enemy, lying in heaps near our
fortifications, have produced such an intolerable stench that our men are
burning barrels of tar without their works.
But still all is indefinite. Yet, from the persistent
assaults of the enemy it may be inferred that Grant is inspired with the
conviction that it is necessary for him to capture Vicksburg immediately, and
before Johnston collects an army in his rear. A few days may produce a decisive
result.
Hon. E. S. Dargan, Mobile, Ala., writes that it is
indispensable for our government to stipulate for aid from Europe at the
earliest moment practicable, even if we must agree to the gradual emancipation of
the slaves. He says the enemy will soon overrun the Southwestern States and
prevent communication with the East, and then these States (Eastern) cannot
long resist the superior numbers of the invaders. Better (he thinks, I suppose)
yield slavery, and even be under the protection of a foreign government, than
succumb to the United States.
The enemy, wherever they have possession in the South, have
adopted the policy of sending away (into the Confederate States) all the
inhabitants who refuse to take the oath of allegiance. This enables them to
appropriate their property, and, being destitute, the wanderers will aid in the
consumption of the stores of the Confederates. A Mr. W. E. Benthuisen,
merchant, sent from New Orleans, telegraphs the President for passports for
himself and family to proceed to Richmond. The President intimates to the
Secretary of War that many similar cases may be looked for, and he thinks it
would be better for the families to be dispersed in the country than
congregated in the city.
The following are the wholesale prices to-day:
“produce, provisions,
etc. – The quotations given are wholesale. Wheat-nothing doing – we
quote it nominal at $6.50 to $7; corn, very scarce, may be quoted at $9 to $10;
oats, $6 to $6.50 per bushel; flour-superfine, $32, extra, $34, family, $37 per
barrel; corn-meal, $11 per bushel; bacon, hoground, $1.45 to $1.50 – a strictly
prime article a shade higher; butter, $2.50 to $3 per pound; lard, $1.50 to
$1.60; candles, $2.75 to $3 for tallow, $5 for adamantine; dried fruit-apples,
$10 to $12, peaches, $15 to $18 per bushel; eggs, $1.40 to $1.50 per dozen;
beans, $18 to $20; peas, $15 to $18 per bushel; potatoes, $8 to $10 per bushel;
hay and sheaf-oats, $10 to $12 per cwt.; rice, 18 to 20 cents per pound; salt,
45 to 50 cents per pound; soap, 50 to 60 cents per pound for hard country.
leather. — Market
unsettled. We quote as follows: Sole, $3.50 to $4 per pound; harness, $1 to
$1.25; russett and wax upper, $5 to $5.50; wax kip skins, $6 per pound; calf
skins, $300 to $325 per dozen.
liquors. — We
continue to quote apple brandy at $23 to $25; whisky, $28 to $32; French brandy
— common, $45, genuine, $30 per gallon.
groceries. — Brown
sugar, $1.40 to $1.55 per pound — no clarified or crushed offering; molasses,
$10.50 to $11 per gallon; coffee, $3.75 to $4 per pound; tea, $8.50 to $10 per
pound.”
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 335-6
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