The clerks were marched out into the muddy street this
morning in a cold rain, and stood there for hours, while the officers were
making up their minds when to start for the boat to convey them to Drewry's
Bluff, whence they are to march to Chaffin's Farm, provided the officers don't
change their minds.
There are reports of a repulse of the enemy by Lee
yesterday, and also of a victory by Bragg, but they are not traceable to
authentic sources.
At 3 o'clock P.M. it is cold, but has ceased to rain.
The want of men is our greatest want, and I think it probable
Congress will repeal the Substitute Law, and perhaps the Exemption Act.
Something must be done to put more men in the ranks, or all will be lost. The
rich have contrived to get out, or to keep; out, and there are not poor men
enough to win our independence. All, with very few exceptions, between
the ages of 18 and 45, must fight for freedom, else we may not win it.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
108
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