Night before last the heavens were illuminated, it is said,
by the terrific bombardment of the batteries and forts in the vicinity of
Charleston, and earth and sea trembled with the mighty vibrations. Yet no
material injury was done our works, and there were not more than a dozen
casualties. On the side of the enemy there is no means of ascertaining the
effect.
N. S. Walker, Confederate States agent, Bermuda, writes that
the steamer R. E. Lee was chased, on her last trip out, twelve hours, and was
compelled to throw 150 bales government cotton overboard. He says the British
crown officers have decided that British bottoms, with British owners of cargo,
running out of blockaded ports, are liable to seizure anywhere on the high
seas.
Some of the papers say Knoxville is in the hands of the
enemy, and others deny it.
Hon. F. S. Lyon writes from Demopolis, Ala., that the
Vicksburg army have not reported upon the expiration of the thirty days' leave,
in large numbers, and that the men never can be reorganized to serve again
under Pemberton.
Gen. Jos. E. Johnston writes from Morton, Miss., that he is
disposing his force to oppose any raids of the enemy, and that he shall keep
the Vicksburg troops (when exchanged) in Eastern Mississippi.
Gov. Jos. E. Brown telegraphs that the men (militia) in
Georgia cannot be compelled to leave the State; but if the government
will send them 5000 arms, he thinks he can persuade them to march out of
it, provided he may name a commander. The President indorses on this: “If they
are militia, I have no power to appoint; if C. S: troops, I have no power to
delegate the authority to appoint.”
Gen. Lee is still here (I thought he had departed), no doubt
arranging the programme of the fall campaign, if, indeed, there be one. He rode
out with the President yesterday evening, but neither were greeted with cheers.
I suppose Gen. Lee has lost some popularity among idle street walkers by his
retreat from Pennsylvania. The President seeks seclusion. A gentleman who
breakfasted with him this morning, tells me the President complained of fatigue
from his long ride with Gen. Lee.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
31-2
No comments:
Post a Comment