Morris deserted to
day has not been heard from since very early this morning.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 232
Morris deserted to
day has not been heard from since very early this morning.
SOURCE: Transactions of the Illinois State Historical Society for the Year 1909, p. 232
In camps yet, with nothing to do and plenty to eat, and no fear of the enemy's pursuit. We had a military execution here yesterday, on the person of —— —— of the 29th Georgia, who had deserted to the cavalry. The sentence seemed so harsh that a paper praying for his pardon was signed by all of the officers, even to Major-General Walker; but General Johnston refused to grant it. An example is needed in this army, and it is well to crush out the spirit of desertion in the bud. It is said that some —— regiments have lost half of their men since the evacuation of Jackson. It is a trying time on us now, but I believe light will dawn again on us.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 281
Cloudy and cool; rained all night. No news from the South, this morning. But there is an ugly rumor that Beauregard's men have deserted to a frightful extent, and that the general himself is afflicted with disease of mind, etc.
Mr. Hunter is now reproached by the slave-owners, whom he thought to please, for defeating the Negro bill. They say his vote will make Virginia a free State, inasmuch as Gen. Lee must evacuate it for the want of negro troops.
There is much alarm on the streets. Orders have been given to prepare all the tobacco and cotton, which cannot be removed immediately, for destruction by fire. And it is generally believed that Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill's corps has marched away to North Carolina. This would leave some 25,000 men to defend Richmond and Petersburg, against, probably, 60,000.
If Richmond be evacuated, most of the population will remain, not knowing whither to go.
The new Secretary of War was at work quite early this morning. The "Bureau of Conscription" and the Provost Marshal's office are still "operating," notwithstanding Congress has abolished them both.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 434
SIR: An attempt
was made this morning by private Roucher, company B, 5th
Pennsylvania cavalry, to commit a rape on the persons of Mrs. Minsen
and Mrs. Anderson, living on the Darbytown road.
On the outrage being
discovered he broke through our picket line and fled for your lines. Our
soldiers chased him, but were unable to overtake him. I have therefore the
honor to request that you will return him, that I may inflict the punishment
that his dastardly offence merits.
I cannot be
responsible for the good conduct of my soldiers if they are to find protection
from punishment by entering your lines.
SOURCE: United
States House of Representatives, Executive
Documents Printed by Order of the House of Representatives During the Second
Session of the Thirty-Eighth Congress, 1864-’65, Vol. 8, Ex. Doc. No. 32,
p. 165
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
Bright and frosty.
As I supposed, the peace commissioners have returned from their fruitless
errand. President Lincoln and Mr. Seward, it appears, had nothing to propose,
and would listen to nothing but unconditional submission. The Congress of the
United States has just passed, by a two-thirds vote, an amendment to the
Constitution abolishing slavery.
Now the South will
soon be fired up again, perhaps with a new impulse and WAR will rage with
greater fury than ever. Mr. Stephens will go into Georgia, and reanimate his
people. Gen. Wise spoke at length for independence at the Capitol on Saturday
night amidst applauding listeners, and Governor Smith speaks to-night.
Gen. Breckinridge is
here and will take his seat to-morrow. Every effort will be made to popularize
the cause again.
Hon. Mr. Foote is at
Washington, in prison.
Gen. Wise's brigade
has sent up resolutions consenting to gradual emancipation—but never to reunion
with the North.
There is a more
cheerful aspect on the countenances of the people in the streets. All hope of
peace with independence is extinct and valor alone is relied upon now for our
salvation. Every one thinks the Confederacy will at once gather up its military
strength and strike such blows as will astonish the world. There will be
desperate conflicts!
Vice-President
Stephens is in his seat to-day, and seems determined.
Mr. Hunter is
rolling about industriously.
Gen. Lee writes that
desertions are caused by the bad management of the Commissary Department, and
that there are supplies enough in the country, if the proper means were used to
procure them.
Gen. Taylor sends a
telegram from Meridian, Miss., stating that he had ordered Stewart's corps to
Augusta, Ga., as Sherman's movement rendered a victory necessary at once. The
dispatch was to the President, and seems to be in response to one from him. So
we may expect a battle immediately near Augusta, Ga. Beauregard should have
some 20,000 men, besides Hardee's 15,000—which ought to be enough for victory;
and then good-by to Sherman!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 410-1
A snow four inches
in depth on the ground, and snowing. Last night Governor Smith, President
Davis, Senator Oldham (Texas), Rev. Mr. Duncan, Methodist preacher, and a
Yankee Baptist preacher, named Doggell, or Burroughs, I believe, addressed a
large meeting in the African Church, on the subject of the Peace Mission, and
the ultimatum of the United States authorities. The speakers were very
patriotic and much applauded. President Davis (whose health is so feeble he
should have remained away) denounced President Lincoln as "His Majesty
Abraham the First"—in the language of the press—and said before the
campaign was over he and Seward might find "they had been speaking to
their masters," when demanding unconditional submission. He promised the
people great successes, after our destined reverses had run out, provided they
kept from despondency and speculation, and filled the ranks of the army. He
denounced the speculators, and intimated that they might yet be called upon to
"disgorge their earnings."
A grand assemblage
is called for next Thursday, to meet in the Capitol Square.
Congress will soon
be likely to vote a negro army, and their emancipation after the war—as Lee
favors it.
There was some
fighting near Petersburg yesterday and, the day before; but the press is
reticent—a bad sign.
There is a rumor
that Charleston has been evacuated!
Gen. Lee again
writes that desertions occur to an alarming extent, for want of sufficient
food. And he says there is enough subsistence in the country, but that the
Commissary Department is inefficiently administered.
Gen. Breckinridge is
in his office to-day.
A scramble is going
on by the young politicians for the position of Assistant Secretary of War, and
Mr. Kean is supposed to be ahead in the race. When a ship is thought to be
sinking, even the cook may be appointed captain! Anything, now, to keep out of
the field—such is the word among the mere politicians.
It is rumored that
Gen. Pegram (since confirmed) was killed in the enemy's attack on our right
near Petersburg, and that seven brigades were engaged and repulsed the enemy.
Still, there is no official confirmation—and the silence of Gen. Lee is
interpreted adversely.
Senator Haynes, of
Tennessee, and Senator Wigfall, of Texas, denounced the President yesterday as
mediocre and malicious— and that his blunders had caused all our disasters.
Our commissioners
were not permitted to land at Fortress Monroe, but Lincoln and Seward came on
board.
Judge Campbell is
still acting as Assistant Secretary; but he looks very despondent. If
Beauregard gains a victory —.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 411-2
Coldest morning of
the winter.
My exposure to the
cold wind yesterday, when returning from the department, caused an attack of
indigestion, and I have sufferred much this morning from disordered stomach and
bowels.
From Northern papers
we learn that Gen. Grant's demonstration last week was a very formidable effort
to reach the South Side Railroad, and was, as yet, a decided failure. It seems
that his spies informed him that Gen. Lee was evacuating Richmond, and under
the supposition of Lee's great weakness, and of great consequent demoralization
in the army, the Federal general was induced to make an attempt to intercept
what he supposed might be a retreat of the Confederate army. There will be more
fighting yet before Richmond is abandoned, probably such a carnival of blood as
will make the world start in horror.
The New York Tribune
still affects to believe that good results may come from the recent peace
conference, on the basis of reunion, other basis being out of the question. The
new amnesty which it was said President Lincoln intended to proclaim has not appeared,
at least our papers make no mention of it.
Gen. Lee has
proclaimed a pardon for all soldiers, now absent without leave, who report for
duty within 20 days, and he appeals to their patriotism. I copy it.
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
February 11th, 1865.
GENERAL
ORDERS NO. 2.
In
entering upon the campaign about to open, the general-in-chief feels assured
that the soldiers who have so long and so nobly borne the hardships and dangers
of the war require no exhortation to respond to the calls of honor and duty.
With
the liberty transmitted by their forefathers they have inherited the spirit to
defend it.
The
choice between war and abject submission is before them.
To
such a proposal brave men, with arms in their hands, can have but one answer.
They
cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the right of self-government for life or
property.
But
justice to them requires a sterner admonition to those who have abandoned their
comrades in the hour of peril[.]
A
last opportunity is offered them to wipe out the disgrace and escape the
punishment of their crimes.
By
authority of the President of the Confederate States, a pardon is announced to
such deserters and men improperly absent as shall return to the commands to
which they belong within the shortest possible time, not exceeding twenty days
from the publication of this order, at the headquarters of the department in
which they may be.
Those
who may be prevented by interruption of communications, may report within the
time specified to the nearest enrolling officer, or other officer on duty, to
be forwarded as soon as practicable; and upon presenting a certificate from
such officer, showing compliance with this requirement, will receive the pardon
hereby offered.
Those
who have deserted to the service of the enemy, or who have deserted after
having been once pardoned for the same offense, and those who shall desert, or
absent themselves without authority, after the publication of this order, are
excluded from its benefits. Nor does the offer of pardon extend to other
offenses than desertion and absence without permission.
By
the same authority, it is also declared that no general amnesty will again be
granted, and those who refuse to accept the pardon now offered, or who shall
hereafter desert or absent themselves without leave, shall suffer such
punishment as the courts may impose, and no application for clemency will be
entertained.
Taking
new resolution from the fate which our enemies intend for us, let every man
devote all his energies to the common defense.
Our
resources, wisely and vigorously employed, are ample, and with a brave army,
sustained by a determined and united people, success, with God's assistance,
cannot be doubtful.
The
advantages of the enemy will have but little value if we do not permit them to
impair our resolution. Let us, then, oppose constancy to adversity, fortitude
to suffering, and courage to danger, with the firm assurance that He who gave
freedom to our fathers will bless the efforts of their children to preserve it.
R. E. LEE, General.
The Senate did
nothing on Saturday but discuss the policy of abolishing the Bureau of
Conscription, the office of provost marshal outside of our military lines.
Gov. Smith's salary
is to be increased to $20,000, and he is still exempting young justices, deputy
sheriffs, deputy clerks, constables, etc.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 419-21
Gov. Sprague visited the camp. Private Benedict deserted.
SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 23
It is now between
two and three months since our regiment went into camp. We have had nearly
three hundred cases of measles, with about as many of diarrhoea, dysentery and
fever. Not one quarter of the regiment but has been sick in some way, and yet
last night every man who left home with the regiment slept in camp-not one
death by sickness or accident, none left behind, not one lost by desertion! May
we not challenge the armies of the world for a parallel? We are sleeping on our
arms every night, in anticipation of an attack on Washington, and it seems to
be the general belief that we shall be attacked here. I am no military man, and
my opinion here is of no account to the world, but to me, for whose especial
benefit it is written, it is worth as much as would be the opinion of a
Napoleon. That opinion is, that we shall have no fight here—that the enemy is
out-generaling us by feints to induce us to concentrate our forces here, whilst
he makes a strike and overpowers us elsewhere.
SOURCE: Alfred L.
Castleman, The Army of the Potomac. Behind the Scenes. A Diary of
Unwritten History; From the Organization of the Army, by General George B.
McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia about the First Day
January, 1863, p. 19-20
We have had no
fight here yet, but from the indications it can't be deferred much longer. We
have drawn one hundred rounds of ammunition, the batteries are training their
horses, and many other unmistakable signs of an early engagement are to be seen
at all hours of the day. A considerable force was sent out last night to watch
the movements of the enemy, and reported this morning that they were landing
troops, guns, etc., below. Their men are deserting They assign as a cause and
coming over at the rate of five a day, that they are placed on a level with the
negro regiments in Bank's Army.
Evening.—Eight
of the enemy's vessels appeared around the bend at noon to-day, and commenced
throwing shells into our fortifications, but the range was too long to justify
our guns replying. We were ordered to our position, which is on the right wing,
and near the river batteries, decidedly the most dangerous one that could be
assigned us. Here we spent the evening very pleasantly dodging shells, quite a
number of which fell within our line.
SOURCE: Edwin
L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western
History, Vol. 1, p. 125
It has been snowing,
and is very cold. Some of the boys have formed a dramatic company, and I went
to see them play "Toodles." There were two men shot in our brigade
for desertion to-day. Nothing of interest until 11th.
SOURCE: Louis
Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 56
To-day we have another beautiful Sabbath. The boys are engaged in cleaning up guns for inspection, and as we are not in the immediate vicinity of the enemy, and have no hope of marching orders, we may expect a day of comparative idleness, which is more to be dreaded than any hardship that could be imposed, as it disposes the men to immoral practices to kill time. In two hours at least half of us will be playing cards, while a few, true to the principles of religion instilled into their hearts in times past, will be reading their Bibles, or engaged in other devotional exercises. The news of the defeat of our army in Tennessee [Murfreesboro] has created quite an excitement in our camp, as nearly all of the soldiers here are from that State. We are impatient for orders to go to the defense of our own homes, and some of the men say they will go whether they get orders or not. As yet, however, good order and discipline have prevailed, and I believe will to the end.
Nothing of the least possible interest to any one has transpired since our confinement in quarantine. We draw our rations, cook, eat, sleep, and play cards, occasionally varying the monotony by telling yarns, abusing the officers, and telling what we will do when we get back to old Tennessee. The latter seems to be the desire of every heart, and is so strong in some that, added to the fear of the small-pox, it has caused a dozen of Captain ———'s men to take "French leave"—in other words, to desert and go home. Several new cases reported yesterday and to-day. I fear we will suffer greatly before we get rid of this loathsome pest. Having been well vaccinated, I dread being placed in "durance vile" for such a length of time more than I do the effect of the disease; but I may lose my life, or have my good looks spoiled. I pray God that I may escape. Evening. The rain has now ceased, and the wind is blowing strongly from the north. I did not expect to find the cold so intense in this land of "everlasting green," but so it is. A few flakes of snow are now falling, but melt as they touch the earth.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 20
COLONEL: By
direction of Lieutenant-General Longstreet I have the honor to state to you for
the attention of the commanding general that Major-General Pickett reports
about 100 men from his command in the guard-house charged with the crime of
desertion. He accounts for this state of things by the fact that every man
sentenced to be shot for desertion in his division for the past two months has
been reprieved.
Respectfully
submitted for the information of the Secretary of War. Desertion is increasing
in the army notwithstanding all my efforts to stop it. I think a rigid
execution of the law is [sic] in the end. The great want in our army is
firm discipline.
[Second
indorsement.]
Respectfully
submitted to honorable Secretary of War for consideration.
NOVEMBER 23, 1864.
Respectfully
submitted for the consideration of the President.
[Fourth indorsement.
]
NOVEMBER 29, 1864.
When deserters are
arrested they should be tried, and if the sentences are reviewed and remitted
that is not a proper subject for the criticism of a military commander.
JEFF'N DAVIS.
Bright and warm.
It is said there is
a movement of the enemy menacing our works on the north side of the river.
There was shelling down the river yesterday and day before, officially
announced by Gen. Lee—two of the enemy's monitors retired.
Gen. Longstreet says
“over 100 of Gen. Pickett's men are in the guard-house for desertion, and that
the cause of it may be attributed to the numerous reprieves, no one being
executed for two months.” Gen. Lee indorses on the paper: "Desertion is
increasing in the army, notwithstanding all my efforts to stop it. I think a
rigid execution of the law is mercy in the end. The great want in our army is
firm discipline." The Secretary of War sent it to the President "for
his information." The President sent it back with the following biting
indorsement:
"When deserters are arrested they should be tried, and if the
sentences are reviewed and remitted, that is not a proper subject for the
criticism of a military commander.—JEFF. DAVIS. November 29th, 1864."
Another dispatch
from Gen. Bragg:
AUGUSTA,
November 30th, 1864.—Following just received from Major Gen. Wheeler: “Four
Miles West Buckhead Church, November 29th, 9 P.M.—We fought Gen. Kilpatrick all
night and all day, charging him at every opportunity. Enemy fought stubbornly,
and left a considerable number of their killed. He stampeded, and came near
capturing Kilpatrick twice; but having a fleet horse, he escaped, bareheaded,
leaving his hat in our hands. Our own loss about 70, including the gallant Gen.
Robertson, severely wounded. Our troops all acted handsomely.”
Gen.
Robertson has arrived here. His left arm is badly broken at the elbow, but he
is doing well.—B. B.
Another dispatch of the same date:
To
establish our communications west, I have ordered the immediate repair of the
Georgia Railroad to Atlanta. With the exception of bridges, the damage is
reported as slight. We should also have a line of telegraph on that route.—B.
B.
I succeeded to-day
in buying of Government Quartermaster (Major Ferguson) four yards of dark-gray
cloth, at $12 per yard, for a full suit. The merchants ask $125 per yard—a
saving of $450. I hope to have it cut and made by one of the government
tailors, for about $50, trimmings included. A citizen tailor asks $350!
The Senate passed a
bill, yesterday, increasing my salary and Custis's $500, which we don't thank
them for unless we can buy rations, etc. at schedule prices. The money is
worthless when we go into the open market.
My landlord, Mr.
King, has gone into the grocery business; and, although he did not raise the
rent for the present year, still asked more upon my offer to pay the amount of
the first quarter to-day—$500, six months ago, were really worth more than
$1000 to-day. At that time I acknowledged the house would bring more than $500.
To-day it would rent for more than $1000. He left it to me to do what was
right. I think it right to pay $800 or $1000, and will do so.
This evening our
servant stepped into the yard just in time to save some clothes drying on the
line. A thief was in the act of stealing them, and made his escape, springing
over the fence into the alley.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 343-5
To-day there was a man shot for desertion. Eight balls passed through him. The way this is conducted is the brigade that he belongs to, or sometimes even the division, is drawn up in full sight of the doomed man. He is tied to a stake in front of his grave, which is already dug, and his coffin at his side. There is a squad of twelve men and one officer detailed to do the shooting. Eleven of the guns are loaded. The guns are given to them by the officer, so that no man knows which gun is loaded. The order is then given to fire. Thus ends the deserter's life. The brigade, or division, then marches around him, so that every man can see his, the deserter's, end.
Dark and dismal.
The Governor
continues his exemptions, now amounting to thousands. S. Basset French (State
agent to buy and sell supplies to the people), with one or more clerks, and
such laborers, etc. as may be necessary, I find among his last exemptions. A
smart and corrupt agent could make a fortune out of these exemptions. Of
course, the Governor's A. D. C. will do no such thing.
No news from below.
Rev. John Clark
writes from Stafford County that the conscripts there have hid themselves in
White Oak Swamp, because the Secretary of War has exempted an able-bodied man
to work for Mrs. ——, his —— widow.
Gen. Winder, with
the prisoners in the South, is in hot water again. He wants to make Cashmyer
suttler (like ancient Pistol), and Major —— the Secretary's agent, opposes it,
on the ground that he is a “Plug Ugly rogue and cut-throat."
Mr. George Davis,
Attorney-General Confederate States, has given it as his opinion that although
certain civil officers of the government were exempted from military service by
the Constitution, yet a recent act of Congress, decreeing that all residents
between the ages of 17 and 50 are in the military service, must be executed. In
other words, the cabinet ministers must “see that the laws be faithfully
executed,” even should they be clearly and expressly unconstitutional. Is not
the Constitution the law? Have they not sworn to support it, etc.? It seems to
me that this is a weak opinion.
It makes the
President ABSOLUTE. I fear this government in future times will be denounced as
a Cabal of bandits and outlaws, making and executing the most despotic decrees.
This decision will look bad in history, and will do no good at present.
How could the President “approve” such a law?
The desertions from
the Tredegar Battalion and other workshops—local defense—amount to between one
and two hundred since the 1st of September.
For two or three days we have been expecting another fight, and we had three days' rations cooked and were ready to move.
It now appears that the Yankees have all gone back and that they sent only their cavalry forward. We have a very strong position here, and it is doubtful if they will advance this way. I am inclined to think that we shall soon begin to maneuver for the autumn campaign. It is reported that Longstreet's Corps had orders to move, and it was thought that it would be sent to the Army of the West. A part of it has gone off somewhere, and some of Ewell's troops were also moving recently.
Two men will be executed in our division next Saturday for desertion, and the entire division will be ordered out to witness it. I have never cared to witness a military execution, although I have been near enough several times to hear the report of the guns. Two men deserted from our regiment two nights ago, and, if we get them again, and this we are apt to do, they are sure to be shot. There is no other way to put a stop to desertions.
We have a large number of preachers here now from home, who are preaching to the soldiers, and we have religious services in camp almost every day.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hunt's wife is here to see him. Many others—wives of privates as well as officers have come to visit their husbands. I think this is a very unsuitable place for women. If a battle should occur unexpectedly, they would all be in a nice fix.
My furlough has not been returned, but it has not had time, and it would also be delayed by the "rumpus” that the Yankees have just stirred up. I do not hope to have it approved
I now, but I am very apt to get home before Christmas. I have nothing more to tell this time, so good-by to you and little George.
We had nine more military executions in our division yesterday—one man from Thomas' Brigade, one from Scales' and seven from Lane's. Colonel Hunt was a member of the court-martial which sentenced them, and he tells me that one of the men from Lane's Brigade was a brother of your preacher, and that the two looked very much alike. He said he was a very intelligent man, and gave as his reason for deserting that the editorials in the Raleigh Standard had convinced him that Jeff Davis was a tyrant and that the Confederate cause was wrong. I am surprised that the editor of that miserable little journal is allowed to go at large. It is most unfortunate that this thing of shooting men for desertion was not begun sooner. Many lives would have been saved by it, because a great many men will now have to be shot before the trouble can be stopped.
We have been having some cavalry fighting recently. On the 23d the enemy were threatening to flank us, and our division was moved about six miles up the Rapidan River, but we soon returned to a place near our old camp. We have heard nothing of General Meade for the last few days, but we all expect soon to have a battle.
I must close, as a doctor has just come for me to go with him to assist in dissecting two of the men who were shot yesterday.