Nothing definite from Lee. I fear his little campaign from
the Rapidan to Bull Run was not a glorious one, although Meade did run to the
fortifications at Centreville. He may possibly have had a counter-plot, which
is not yet developed. Our papers are rejoicing over thousands of prisoners
"picked up;" but Captain Warner, who furnishes the prisoners their
rations, assures me that they have not yet arrived; while our papers
acknowledge we lost 1000 men, killed and wounded, besides several guns.
The Secretary of War received a dispatch to-day from Gen.
Barton, Kinston, N. C, stating that a number of Federal regiments were
embarking for (he thinks) South Carolina. This, the Secretary, of course, sends
to Gen. Beauregard, but doubts, however, the destination of the troops. He thinks
they are to menace Richmond again, and says there are indications of this
purpose on the York River. Is Hooker really there? The public knows nothing, as
yet, of what is going on down that river. What if Meade retreated to entice Lee
away from Richmond, having in preparation an expedition against this city? I
should not wonder at anything, since so many equivocal characters are obtaining
passports to the United States. Gen. Winder and Judge Campbell are busy signing
passports — one granted by the latter yesterday (recorded) also allows the
bearer to take with him 2000 pounds tobacco!
A letter was received to-day from the President, ordering
certain concessions to Governor Brown, relating to exemptions and details.
Letters have been received justifying the belief
(notwithstanding the forebodings of Lieut.-Gen. E. K. Smith) that we have taken
Little Rock, Ark., again. This is Price's work; also that Quantrell and other
bold raiders in Missouri have collected some thousands of desperate men, and killed
several regiments of the enemy. They have burned a number of towns (Union),
and taken the large town of Boonville. These are the men against whom Kansas
Abolitionists have sworn vengeance — no quarter is to be granted them. I
suspect they are granting no quarter!
Yesterday I saw a Captain Commissary on Broad Street give
his dog a piece of beef for which I would have given a dollar. Many little
children of soldiers stood by with empty baskets. He would not sell a shank!
Dispatch from Alabama:
selma, October 18th, 1863.
President Davis arrived here this
evening, and was welcomed by the citizens en masse. An immense crowd
gathered in front of the hotel. The President congratulated the people on
meeting them under such favorable circumstances, and spoke in glowing terms of
the gallantry of Alabamians on every battle-field. He said if the
non-conscripts of Alabama would gather their guns and go to the rescue, by
guarding Courtland and other points, thereby relieving regular soldiers who are
now, from necessity, discharging that sort of duty, such blows would be dealt
the enemy as he would find it difficult to recover from. In this way most
effective aid could be given the gallant men and officers who are carrying out
the plans of the noble Longstreet, under the supervision of the heroic Bragg.
In this way the President was confident
that Rosecrans could be crushed to dust. It was only by force of arms that the
Yankees could be brought to reason and their plans for our subjugation
defeated. Self-reliance and energy were now our only duty. We should not look
to Europe for aid, for such is not to be expected now. Our only alternative was
to sustain ourselves with renewed energy and determination, and a little more
sacrifice upon the part of the people, and the President firmly believed that
next spring would see the invader driven from our borders. Then farmers, who
are now refugees, could return to their families and pursue their business
undisturbed as heretofore. In fact, he believed that the defeat of Rosecrans
would practically end the war.
Mr. Randolph has signified his purpose to vote for the bill
reducing prices, rather than resign; but Mr. Wyndham Robertson, the delegate,
has resigned. Nearly all the papers have taken ground against the "Maximum
Bill." To-night a mass meeting is called, to urge the passage of the bill.
The "mass meeting" to-night was a small affair.
Mr. Robinson, my old compositor, made a speech, abusing the editors; but the
editors have succeeded in putting down for the present the cry for bread. I
fear, however, it is but the work of Sisyphus, and it may destroy them; for, if
the measure fails before the Legislature, the prices will be sure to advance,
and then the people will attribute their woes to those who were instrumental in
the defeat of the plan of relief. It is a dangerous thing to array one's self
against a famishing people, even when the remedy they demand is not calculated
to alleviate their distresses. I saw flour sell at auction to-day for $61 per
barrel. This, too, when there is an abundant crop of new grain but recently
harvested. It is the result of the depreciation of a redundant currency, and
not of an ascertained scarcity. Timber and coal are as abundant as ever they
were; and the one sells at $32 per cord, and the other at $30 per load of 25
bushels. And cotton is abundant, while brown domestic is bringing $3.00 per
yard. Many are becoming very shabby in appearance; and I can get no clothes for
myself or my family, unless the government shall very materially increase our
salaries.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
75-7
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