Clouds and sunshine;
warm. Splendid rainbow last evening.
We have nothing new
in the papers from any quarter. Sheridan's position is not known yet, though it
must be within a short distance of the city. There was no battle yesterday.
Sheridan reports the killing of Commodore Hollins, and says it was done because
he attempted to escape at Gordonsville.
Sherman's march
through South Carolina is reported to have been cruel and devastating. Fire and
the sword did their worst. Congress, the House of Representatives rather,
yesterday passed a bill suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.
The Senate will concur probably. Also the President's suggestion amending the
Conscript act has been passed. The President has the reins now, and Congress
will be more obedient; but can they save this city? Advertisements for
recruiting negro troops are in the papers this morning.
It is rumored that
Sheridan has crossed the Chickahominy and got off without hinderance. If this
be so, Gen. Lee will be criticised.
One P.M. It is
ascertained that Sheridan has withdrawn to the York River, and abandoned any
attempt on Richmond.
And it is supposed
by high military authority that but for the providential freshet, Sheridan
would have succeeded in crossing the James River, and cutting the Danville Railroad,
which would have deprived Lee's army of supplies. The freshet rendered his
pontoon bridge too short, etc. This may be claimed as a direct interposition of
Providence, at a time when we were fasting, praying, etc., in accordance with
the recommendation of the government.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 450-1
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