Yesterday was the coldest day of the winter, and last night
was a bitter one. This morning it is bright and clear, and moderating. We have
had no snow yet.
There is much talk everywhere on the subject of a dictator,
and many think a strong government is required to abate the evils we suffer.
The President has temporarily lost some popularity.
The speculators and extortioners who hired substitutes are
in consternation—some flying the country since the passage of the bill putting
them in the army, and the army is delighted with the measure. The petition from
so many generals in the field intimidated Congress, and it was believed that
the Western army would have melted away in thirty days, if no response had been
accorded to its demands by government. Herculean preparations will now be made
for the next campaign, which is, as usual, looked forward to as the final one.
_______________
* Possibly misdated: the date of this diary entry may
possibly have been January 3, 1864 as there are two entries for January 2, 1864
and the next entry is for January 4, 1864.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the
Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 123
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