As beautiful a
spring morning as ever dawned since the sun spread its glorious light over the
Garden of Eden.
Cannon is heard at
intervals down the river; and as we have had a few days of wind and sunshine,
the surface of the earth is becoming practicable for military operations.
I heard no news at
the department; but the belief prevails that Raleigh has fallen, or must
speedily fall, and that Richmond is in danger a danger increasing daily.
Thousands of
non-combatants and families, falling weekly within the power of Sherman's army,
have succumbed to circumstances and perforce submitted. I suppose most of those
remaining in Savannah, Charleston, Wilmington, etc. have taken the oath of
allegiance to the United States; and I hear of no censures upon them for doing
so. Whether they will be permitted long to enjoy their property—not their
slaves, of course—will depend upon the policy adopted at Washington. If it be
confiscated, the war will certainly continue for years, even under the
direction of President Davis, who is now quite unpopular. If a contrary course
be pursued, the struggle may be more speedily terminated-perhaps after the next
great battle.
And Mrs. Davis has
become unpopular with the ladies belonging to the old families. Her father, Mr.
Howell, it is said was of low origin, and this is quite enough to disgust
others of "high birth," but yet occupying less exalted positions.
Ladies are now
offering their jewels and plate at the Treasury for the subsistence of the
army. It is not a general thing, however. Yesterday bacon was selling at $20
per pound, and meal at $140 per bushel. If Sherman cuts the communication with
North Carolina, no one doubts that this city must be abandoned by Lee's army—and
yet it may not be so if diligent search be made for food. The soldiers and the
people may suffer, but still subsist until harvest; and meantime the God of
battles may change the face of affairs, or France may come to our relief.
Four P. M. It is
reported that the enemy have taken Weldon. They seem to be closing in on every
hand. Lee must soon determine to march away—whether northward or to the
southwest, a few weeks, perhaps days, will decide. The unworthy men who have
been detained in high civil positions begin now to reap their reward! And the
President must reproach himself for his inflexible adherence to a narrow idea.
He might have been successful.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 452-3
No comments:
Post a Comment