The report that the
United States Government had appointed commissioners to meet ours is
contradicted. On the contrary, it is believed that Gen. Grant has been
reinforced by 30,000 men from Tennessee; and that we shall soon hear thunder in
Richmond.
Gen. Lee writes
urgently in behalf of Major Tannahill's traffic for supplies, in Northeastern
North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia, for the army. Large amounts of
commissary stores are obtained in exchange for cotton, tobacco, etc ; but the
traffic is in danger of being broken up by the efforts of bureau officials and
civilian speculators to participate in it—among them he mentions Major Brower
(Commissary-General's office, and formerly a clerk)—and asks such orders as
will be likely to avert the danger. The traffic is with the enemy; but if
conducted under the exclusive control of Gen. Lee, it would be of vast benefit
to the army.
The House of
Representatives yesterday passed a singular compensation bill, benefiting two
disbursing clerks and others already rich enough. I have written a note to
Senator Johnson, of Missouri, hoping to head it off there, or to so amend it as
to make it equable and just. All the paths of error lead to destruction; and
every one seems inclined to be pressing therein.
The freezing of the
canal has put up the price of wood to about $500 per cord—judging from the
little one-horse loads for which they ask $50.
One o'clock P.M.
Dark and dismal; more rain or snow looked for. Certainly we are in a dark
period of the war—encompassed by augmenting armies, almost starving in the
midst of plenty (hoarded by the speculators), our men deserting and others
skulking duty, while Congress and the Executive seem paralyzed or incapable of
thought or action.
The President was
better yesterday; but not out. They say it is neuralgia in the shoulder,
disabling his right arm. Yet he orders appointments, etc., or forbids others.
Major Noland,
Commissary-General, has refused to impress the coffee in the hands of
speculators; saying there is no law authorizing it. The speculators rule the
hour—for all, nearly, are speculators! God save us! we seem incapable of saving
ourselves.
No news to-day from
Georgia and South Carolina—which means there is no good news. If it be true
that Gen. Thomas has reinforced Grant with 30,000 men, we shall soon hear news
without seeking it! The enemy will not rest content with their recent series of
successes; for system of easy communication will enable them to learn all they
want to know about our weak points, and our childish dependence on the
speculators for subsistence.
After leaving thirty
days' supplies in Charleston for 20,000 men—all the rest have been ordered to
Richmond.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 407-8
