The enemy advanced yesterday, and, our forces being unequal
in numbers, captured Culpepper C. H. Our cavalry fell back several miles, and a
battle is looked for immediately, near Orange C. H., where Gen. Lee awaits the
foe in an advantageous position.
From the Southwest also a battle is momentarily looked for.
If the enemy be beaten in these battles, they will suffer more by defeat than
we would.
Gov. Vance has written a pointed letter to the President in
regard to the mob violence in Raleigh. He says, when the office of the Standard
was sacked, the evil was partially counterbalanced by the sacking of the Journal,
— the first, moderate Union, the last, ultra-secessionist. He demands the
punishment of the officers present and consenting to the assault on the Standard
office, part of a Georgia brigade, and avers that another such outrage will
bring back the North Carolina troops from the army for the defense of their
State.
From Morton, Miss., Gen. Hardee says, after sending
reinforcements to Bragg, only three brigades of infantry remain in his
department. Upon this the President made the following indorsement and sent it
to the Secretary of War:
"The danger to Atlanta has probably passed."
While the army of Gen. Taylor threatens the southwestern
part of Louisiana, troops will not probably leave New Orleans. The movement to
White River is more serious at this time than the preparations against Mobile.
"Efforts should be made to prevent the navigation of
the Mississippi by commercial steamers, and especially to sink
transports."
The letter of Gov. Vance in relation to the 30,000 men
destined for North Carolina being referred to the President, he sent it back
indorsed as follows:
“Gov. V.'s vigilance will discover the fact if this
supposition be true, and in the mean time it serves to increase the demand for
active exertions, as well to fill up the ranks of the army as to organize ‘local
defense’ troops.”
The letter of Lt.-Col. Lay, Inspector of Conscripts, etc.,
was likewise referred to the President, who suggests that a general officer be
located with a brigade near where the States of North Carolina, South Carolina,
etc. meet.
And the President indorses on Gen. Whiting's earnest calls
for aid at Wilmington, that Gen. Martin be sent him, with the “locals,” as he
calls them, and a brigade from Pickett's division, when filled up. But
suppose that should be too late? He says Ransom's troops should also be in
position, for it is important to hold Wilmington.
Calico is selling now for $10 per yard; and a small, dirty,
dingy, dilapidated house, not near as large as the one I occupy, rents for
$800. This one would bring $1200 now; I pay $500, which must be considered low.
Where are we drifting? I know not; unless we have a crop of victories
immediately.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
45-6
