Clear and frosty.
We learn vaguely
that the attack on the defenses of Wilmington has been progressing since
Friday, and that the enemy's land forces have effected a lodgment between Fort
Fisher and the town.
Another
"peace" visitor has arrived—Hon. Mr. Singleton, of the United States
Congress. It is said that the President (Confederate States) has pledged
himself to appoint commissioners to fix terms of peace. This is but a
forlorn-hope. No terms of peace are contemplated by any of these visitors but
on the basis of reconstruction; and their utmost liberality could reach no
further than a permission for the Southern States to decide, in convention, the
question of emancipation. The President having suggested, however, the
propriety of putting the negroes into the service, and emancipating them
afterward, has aroused the fears and suspicions of many of the people; and but
few have confidence in the integrity of the Secretary of State. Hence the
universal gloom and despondency of the croakers. There may be difficulty in
replenishing the Federal armies, and they may be depleted by spring; and if so,
Gen. Lee may be able to make another grand campaign with the men and material
now at his command. The issue of the next campaign may inaugurate real
negotiations. Wilmington may be taken, blockade-running may cease; but we have
ammunition and other stores for another campaign.
At last we have a
dispatch from Gen. Lee, announcing the fall of Fort Fisher. Most of the garrison,
supposed to be 1500, were taken.
Gold was $70 for $1
on Saturday: what will it be to-day or tomorrow?
A voluminous
correspondence is going on between Mr. Conrad (secret agent to arrest disloyal
men endeavoring to cross the Potomac) and Mr. Secretary Seddon. Mr. Foote,
arrested by their great skill, has applied, indignantly, for a writ of habeas
corpus. Thus the time of our great dignitaries is consumed removing molehills,
while mountains are looming up everywhere.
The following
dispatch was received here at 11 A.M. to-day from Gen. Bragg's A. D. C.:
"January
15th, 1865.—Official information from Gen. Whiting, at Fort Fisher, up to 8
o'clock this evening, reports enemy's attack on fort unsuccessful. Fresh troops
are being sent to him."
This does not agree
with the dispatch from Gen. Lee. It must have been taken last night, and after
the hour indicated. Gen. Lee certainly says it has fallen. It is gone, and I
fear the "reinforcements" also—with Gen. Whiting "to boot."
Alas for Bragg the
unfortunate! He seems to be another BOABDIL the Unlucky.
Dr. Woodbridge
announced in the Monumental Church, yesterday, that only five ladies had
responded to the call to knit socks for the soldiers! A rich congregation, too.
My daughters (poor) were among the five, and handed him several pairs. They
sent one pair to their cousin S. Custis, Clingman's brigade, Hoke's North
Carolina division.
Mr. Lewis,
disbursing clerk of Post-Office Department, has sent in a communication asking
an investigation of the conduct of Mr. Peck, agent to buy supplies for clerks.
What will Mr. Seddon do now?
The
Commissary-General says 100,000 bushels corn for Lee's army may be got in
Southwest Virginia.
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