Cloudy and cold;
froze hard last night.
Yesterday a bill was
introduced into both houses of Congress authorizing the enlistment of 200,000
slaves, with consent of their owners, which will probably be amended. Mr.
Miles, as a test vote, moved the rejection of the bill; and the vote not to
reject it was more than two to one, an indication that it will pass.
The failure of the
peace conference seems to have been made the occasion of inspiring renewed zeal
and enthusiasm for the war in the United States, as well as here. So the
carnival of blood will be a "success."
The enemy claim an
advantage in the late battle on the south side of the James River.
Sherman's movements
are still shrouded in mystery, and our generals seem to be waiting for a
development of his intentions. Meantime he is getting nearer to Charleston, and
cutting railroad communications between that city and the interior. The city is
doomed, unless Hardee or Beauregard, or both, successfully take the initiative.
Here the price of
slaves, men, is about $5000 Confederate States notes, or $100 in specie. A great
depreciation. Before the war, they commanded ten times that price.
It is rumored that
hundreds of the enemy's transports have come into the James River. If it be
Thomas's army reinforcing Grant, Richmond is in immediate peril! Information of
our numbers, condition, etc. has been, doubtless, communicated to the enemy and
our slumbering government could not be awakened!
Wigfall, of Texas,
Graham, of North Carolina, Orr and Miles, of South Carolina, oppose the
employment of negro troops, and Gen. Wickham, of this department, openly
proclaims such a measure as the end of the Confederacy! We are upon stirring
times! Senator Wigfall demands a new cabinet, etc.
Two P.M. The sun has
come out; warmer. But it does not disperse the prevailing gloom. It is feared
Richmond must be abandoned, and our forces concentrated farther South, where
supplies may be more easily had, and where it will be a greater labor and
expense for the enemy to subsist his armies.
Assistant Secretary
of War, Judge Campbell, is still furloughing, detailing, and discharging men
from the army; and yet he thinks the country is pretty nearly exhausted of its fighting
population! His successor is not yet appointed; the sooner the better, perhaps.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 416-7
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