The reports from Western North Carolina indicate that much
bad feeling prevails there still; and it is really something more than a
military trick to obtain a command. But I think the government had better keep
out of the field its assistant adjutant-generals, and especially those in the
Bureau of Conscription, unless they are put in subordinate positions. Some of
them have sought their present positions to keep aloof from the fatigues and
dangers of the field; and they have contributed no little to the disaffection
in North Carolina. Gen. Whiting suggests that one of Gen Pickett's brigades be
sent to Weldon; and then, with Ransom's brigade, he will soon put down the
deserters and tories. The Governor approves this plan, and I hope it will be
adopted.
The Northern papers say President Lincoln, by proclamation,
has suspended the writ of habeas corpus throughout the United States.
This is good news for the South; for the people there will strike back through
the secret ballot-box.
They also say an expedition is about to sail up the Rio
Grande, where it will come in collision with the French, now occupying
Matamoras.
And it appears that Lord John Russell will not prevent
the sailing of our monitor-rams from British ports without evidence of an
intention to use them against the United States. He will do nothing on
suspicion; but must have affidavits, etc.
A young lady, Miss Heiskell, applied yesterday, through the
Hon. A. H. H. Stuart, for a passport to Philadelphia, to be married to a young
merchant of that city. Her father was a merchant of that city, though a native
of Virginia. I believe it was granted.
The country is indignant at the surrender of Cumberland Gap
by Brig.-Gen. Frazier, without firing a gun, when his force was nearly as
strong as Burnside's. It was too bad! There must be some examples of generals
as well as of deserting poor men, whose families, during their absence, are
preyed upon by the extortioners, who contrive to purchase exemption from
military service. The country did not know there was such a general until his
name became famous by this ignominious surrender. Where did Gen. Cooper find
him?
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
47-8
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