We have no news this morning. But a rumor prevails, which
cannot be traced to any authentic source, that Texas has put herself under the
protection of France. It is significant, because public sentiment seems to
acquiesce in such a measure; and I have not met with any who do not express a wish
that it may be so. Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas are now isolated, and no
protection or aid can be given them by the government here; and it is natural,
after the fall of New Orleans and Vicksburg, for the people to hope that the
invaders may be deprived of their prey just at the moment when they anticipated
a realization of its enjoyment.
Hon.Wm. Porcher Miles writes that, after consultation, the
officers have decided that it would be impracticable to hold Morris Island,
even if the enemy were driven from it at the point of the bayonet. Therefore
they call loudly for Brooke guns of long range, and guns of large calibre for
Sumter, so that the fort may prevent the enemy from erecting batteries in
breaching distance. They say, in their appeal, that since the fall of Vicksburg
there is no other place (but one) to send them. They are now idle in Richmond.
I understand the Secretary of War, etc. are in consultation on the subject, and
I hope the President will, at last, yield to Gen. Beauregard's demands.
Gen. Maury also writes for guns and ordnance stores for the
defense of Mobile, which may be attacked next. He will get them.
If the insurrection in New York lives, and resistance to
conscription should be general in the North, our people will take fresh hope,
and make renewed efforts to beat back the mighty armies of the foe — suffering,
and more than decimated, as we are.
But if not — if Charleston and Richmond and Mobile should
fall, a peace (submission) party will spring up. Nevertheless, the fighting population
would still resist, retiring into the interior and darting out occasionally,
from positions of concentration, at the exposed camps of the enemy.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 382-3
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