General Beauregard
has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in North Carolina
against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate and
obey his orders.
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 47, Part 3 (Serial No. 100), p. 736
Clear and pleasant.
Walked to the department. We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited
couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side
Railroad.
It is rumored that a
battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of
absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying my daughter Anne, next
week, to Mr. Hobson's mansion in Goochland County. The Hobsons are opulent, and
she will have an excellent asylum there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not
spoil her calculations. I shall look for angling streams: and if successful,
hope for both sport and better health.
The books at the
conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or absentees without
leave-60,000—all Virginians. Speculation !
Jno. M. Daniel, editor
of the Examiner, is dead.
The following
dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:
HEADQUARTERS, April 1st, 1865.
HIS
EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVIS.
Gen.
Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in
North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate,
and obey his orders.
R. E. LEE.
A rumor (perhaps a
1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been signed between the
Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 464
Bright and beautiful.
The tocsin was sounded this morning at daybreak, and the militia ordered to the
fortifications, to relieve some regiments of Longstreet's corps, posted on this
side of the river. These latter were hurried off to Petersburg, where a battle
is impending, I suppose, if not in progress.
A street rumor says
there was bloody fighting yesterday a little beyond Petersburg, near the South
Side Road, in which Gen. Pickett's division met with fearful loss, being
engaged with superior numbers. It is said the enemy's line of intrenchments was
carried once or twice, but was retaken, and remained in their hands.
I hear nothing of
all this at the department; but the absence of dispatches there is now
interpreted as bad news! Certain it is, the marching of veteran troops from the
defenses of Richmond, and replacing them hurriedly with militia, can only
indicate an emergency of alarming importance. A decisive struggle is probably
at hand—and may possibly be in progress while I write. Or there may be nothing
in it—more than a precautionary concentration to preserve our communications.
Mrs. Davis sold
nearly all her movables—including presents— before leaving the city. She sent
them to different stores.
An intense
excitement prevails, at 2 P.M. It pervaded the churches. Dr. Hoge intermitted
his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their respective churches, St.
James's and St. Paul's. Dr. Minnegerode, before dismissing his congregation,
gave notice that Gen. Ewell desired the local forces to assemble at 3 P. M. and
afternoon services will not be held. The excited women in this neighborhood say
they have learned the city is to be evacuated to-night.
No doubt our army
sustained a serious blow yesterday; and Gen. Lee may not have troops sufficient
to defend both the city and the Danville Road at the same time.
It is true! The
enemy have broken through our lines and attained the South Side Road. Gen. Lee
has dispatched the Secretary to have everything in readiness to evacuate the
city to-night. The President told a lady that Lieut. Gen. Hardee was only
twelve miles distant, and might get up in time to save the day. But then
Sherman must be in his rear. There is no wild excitement—yet. Gen. Kemper was at the department looking for Gen. Ewell, and
told me he could find no one to apply to for orders. The banks will move
to-night. Eight trains are provided for the transportation of the archives,
etc. No provision for civil employees and their families.
At 6 P.M. I saw the
Hon. James Lyons, and asked him what he intended to do. He said many of his
friends advised him to leave, while his inclination was to remain with his sick
family. He said, being an original secessionist, his friends apprehended that
the Federals would arrest him the first man, and hang him. I told him I
differed with them, and believed his presence here might result in benefit to
the population.
Passing down Ninth
Street to the department, I observed quite a number of men—some in uniform, and
some of them officers—hurrying away with their trunks. I believe they are not
allowed to put them in the cars.
The Secretary of War
intends to leave at 8 P.M. this evening. The President and the rest of the
functionaries, I suppose, will leave at the same time.
I met Judge Campbell
in Ninth Street, talking rapidly to himself, with two books under his arm,
which he had been using in his office. He told me that the chiefs of bureaus
determined which clerks would have transportation-embracing only a small
proportion of them, which I found to be correct.
At the department I
learned that all who had families were advised to remain. No compulsion is seen
anywhere; even the artisans and mechanics of the government shops are left free
to choose to go or to stay.
A few squads of
local troops and reserves-guards—may be seen marching here and there. Perhaps
they are to burn the tobacco, cotton, etc., if indeed anything is to be burned.
Lee must have met
with an awful calamity. The President said to several ladies to-day he had
hopes of Hardee coming up in time to save Lee—else Richmond must succumb. He
said he had done his best, etc. to save it. Hardee is distant two or three
days' march.
The negroes stand
about mostly silent, as if wondering what will be their fate. They make no
demonstrations of joy.
Several hundred
prisoners were brought into the city this afternoon-captured yesterday. Why
they were brought here I am at a loss to conjecture. Why were they not paroled
and sent into the enemy's lines?
At night. All is yet
quiet. No explosion, no conflagration, no riots, etc. How long will this
continue? When will the enemy come?
It was after 2
o'clock P.M. before the purpose to evacuate the city was announced; and the
government had gone at 8 P.M.! Short notice! and small railroad facilities to
get away. All horses were impressed.
There is a report
that Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill was killed, and that Gen. Lee was wounded.
Doubtless it was a battle of great magnitude, wherein both sides had all their
forces engaged.
I remain here,
broken in health and bankrupt in fortune, awaiting my fate, whatever it may be.
I can do no more. If I could, I would.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 465-7
Bright and pleasant.
Stayed with my next
door neighbors at their request last night—all females. It was quiet; and so
far the United States pickets and guards have preserved perfect order.
The cheers that
greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes and Federals comprising
the great mass of humanity. The white citizens felt annoyed that the city
should be held mostly by negro troops. If this measure were not unavoidable, it
was impolitic if conciliation be the purpose.
Mr. Lincoln, after
driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis, Confederate States
President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to the fleet at Rocketts.
This morning
thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging the public officers
for provisions. I do not observe any getting them, and their faces begin to
express disappointment.
It is said all the
negro men, not entering the army, will be put to work, rebuilding bridges,
repairing railroads, etc.
I have seen a New
York Herald of the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st and 2d inst. from Mr.
Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress of the battle. He sums up
with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured, and 50 guns.
The rumor of a
success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited. Per contra, it is reported
that President Davis is not only a captive, but will soon be exhibited in
Capitol Square.
The Rev. Mr.
Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and believed that 6000
South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that a large number of
Mississippians deserted giving such information to the enemy as betrayed our
weak points, etc.
Three P.M. I feel
that this Diary is near its end.
The burnt district
includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal speculators and
extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!
Four P.M. The Square
is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told me they intended to put them
in the army in a few days, and that the Northern people did not really like
negro equality any better than we did.
Two rumors prevail:
that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee has capitulated, with 35,000
men.
The policy of the
conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and occupies the attention of
Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 471-2
Slight showers.
Wm. Ira Smith,
tailor, and part owner of the Whig, has continued the publication as a Union
paper.
I visited the awful
crater of the magazine. One current or stream of fire and bricks knocked down
the east wall of the cemetery, and swept away many head and foot stones,
demolishing trees, plants, etc.
It is said President
Lincoln is still in the city. Dr. Ellison informed me to-day of the prospect of
Judge Campbell's conference with Mr. Lincoln. It appears that the judge had
prepared statistics of our resources in men and materials, showing them to be
utterly inadequate for a prolongation of the contest, and these he exhibited to
certain prominent citizens, whom he wished to accompany him. Whether they were
designed also for the eye of President Lincoln, or whether he saw them, I did
not learn. But one citizen accompanied him—GUSTAVUS A. MYERS, the little old
lawyer, who has certainly cultivated the most friendly relations with all the
members of President Davis's cabinet, and it is supposed he prosecuted a
lucrative business procuring substitutes, obtaining discharges, getting
passports, etc.
The ultimatum of
President Lincoln was Union, emancipation, disbandment of the Confederate
States armies. Then no oath of allegiance would be required, no confiscation
exacted, or other penalty; and the Governor and Legislature to assemble and
readjust the affairs of Virginia without molestation of any character.
Negotiations are in
progress by the clergymen, who are directed to open the churches on Sunday, and
it was intimated to the Episcopalians that they should pray for the President
of the United States. To this they demur, being ordered by the Convention to
pray for the President of the Confederate States. They are willing to omit the
prayer altogether, and await the decision of the military authority on that
proposition.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 472-3
Raining. I was
startled in bed by the sound of cannon from the new southside fort again. I
suppose another hundred guns were fired; and I learn this morning that the
Federals declare, and most people believe, that Lee has really surrendered his
army—if not indeed all the armies.
My Diary is surely
drawing to a close, and I feel as one about to take leave of some old familiar
associate. A habit is to be discontinued and that is no trifling thing to one
of my age. But I may find sufficient employment in revising, correcting, etc.
what I have written. I never supposed it would end in this way.
Ten A.M. It is true!
Yesterday Gen. Lee surrendered the "Army of Northern Virginia." His
son, Custis Lee, and other generals, had surrendered a few days previously. The
men are paroled by regimental commanders, from the muster rolls, and are
permitted to return to their homes and remain undisturbed until exchanged. The
officers to take their side-arms and baggage to their homes, on the same
conditions, etc. There were 290 pieces of artillery belonging to this army a
few weeks ago. This army was the pride, the hope, the prop of the Confederate
cause, and numbered, I believe, on the rolls, 120,000 men. All is lost! No head
can be made by any other general or army—if indeed any other army remains. If
Mr. Davis had been present, he never would have consented to it; and I doubt if
he will ever forgive Gen. Lee.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 474
Cloudy and misty. It
is reported that Gen. Johnston has surrendered his army in North Carolina,
following the example of Gen. Lee. But no salutes have been fired in honor of
the event. The President (Davis) is supposed to be flying toward the
Mississippi River, but this is merely conjectural. Undoubtedly the war is at an
end, and the Confederate States Government will be immediately extinct—its
members fugitives. From the tone of leading Northern papers, we have reason to
believe President Lincoln will call Congress together, and proclaim an amnesty,
etc.
Judge Campbell said
to Mr. Hart (clerk in the Confederate States War Department) yesterday that
there would be no arrests, and no oath would be required. Yet ex-Captain Warner
was arrested yesterday, charged with ill treating Federal prisoners, with
registering a false name, and as a dangerous character. I know the contrary of
all this; for he has been persecuted by the Confederate States authorities for
a year, and forced to resign his commission.
My application to
Gen. Shepley for permission to remove my family to the Eastern Shore, where
they have relatives and friends, and may find subsistence, still hangs fire.
Every day I am told to call the next
day, as it has not been acted upon.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 474-5
Warm and cloudy.
Gen. Weitzel
publishes an order to-day, requiring all ministers who have prayed for the
President of the Confederate States to pray hereafter for the President of the
United States. He will not allow them to omit the prayer.
In answer to my
application for permission to take my family to the Eastern Shore of Virginia,
where among their relations and friends shelter and food may be had, Brevet
Brig.-Gen. Ludlow indorsed: "Disallowed-as none but loyal people, who have
taken the oath, are permitted to reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia."
This paper I left at Judge Campbell's residence (he was out) for his
inspection, being contrary in spirit to the terms he is represented to have
said would be imposed on us.
At 1 P.M. Another
100 guns were fired in Capitol Square, in honor, I suppose, of the surrender of
JOHNSTON's army. I must go and see.
Captain Warner is
still in prison, and no one is allowed to visit him, I learn.
Three P.M. Saw Judge
Campbell, who will lay my paper before the military authorities for
reconsideration to-morrow. He thinks they have acted unwisely. I said to him
that a gentleman's word was better than an enforced oath—and that if
persecution and confiscation are to follow, instead of organized armies we
shall have bands of assassins everywhere in the field, and the stiletto and the
torch will take the place of the sword and the musket-and there can be no solid
reconstruction, etc. He says he told the Confederate States authorities months
ago that the cause had failed, but they would not listen. He said he had
telegraphed something to Lieut.-Gen. Grant to-day.
The salute some say
was in honor of Johnston's surrender—others say it was for Lee's—and others of
Clay's birthday.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 475-6
Wirz, Gen. John H.
Winder, commissary general of prisoners, Howell Cobb and several minor
personages came inside on horseback and rode partly through the prison and
along the stockade over the dead line as far as possible. Winder is said to be
invested with full authority over prison matters. Howell Cobb was the Secretary
of the United States Treasury under Buchanan, just prior to the secession of
Georgia, and was the provisional president of the so-called Confederacy, before
Davis.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville
and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 72
Col. Davis, Lieut.
Col. McClung—Officers and Soldiers of the First Mississippi Rifles:
Veteran Volunteers—the
Star Regiment—men of Monterey—men of Buena Vista! Never was there assigned to
any one, a more grateful duty, than that which has been conferred, by the partial
favor of the citizens of this city and county upon the individual who now
addresses you: the office of expressing to you, feebly though it be, the warm
and gushing sentiments of heartfelt pride, gratitude and congratulation, with
which they throng to hail and welcome you, on your safe return from the fields
of your, and their country's glory. All that surround you the hale and the
infirm—the aged and the young—the Fair—those discriminating and devout admirers
of the brave, who constitute, at once, the resistless incentive to gallant
deeds, and the priceless reward of those who have passed through the purifying
baptism of fire,-all, all, with one sympathetic and enthusiastic accord, press
forward to join in the general jubilee of triumph and exultation:
"While from the scaffolds, windows, tops of houses
Are cast such gaudy show'rs of garlands down,
That e'en the crowd appear like conquerors,
And the whole city seems, like a vast meadow,
Set all with flowers, as clear Heaven with stars."
High, as had
previously been, the character of Mississippi for deeds of noble daring, when,
under the chivalrous Hinds, on the plains of Chalmette, her cavalry excited the
"astonishment of one army and the admiration of the other," you have
exalted that character to a still higher pitch of glorious elevation. The first
to carry a fortress in Monterey,—at Buena Vista, a small but determined band of
less than 300, you held in check an assaulting column of 6000 men. Calm, steadfast
and immovable, as a rock firm—seated against the innumerable and impetuous
billows of the ocean, you held the enemy, as with the iron grasp of Destiny,
steadily to his place; until, upon the coöperation of the gallant Bragg and the
death—storm of his artillery, by your joint efforts, you drove him headlong and
howling from the field. Upon our corps of artillery, too much praise cannot be
bestowed. Always, in the language of your Commander-in-chief, in the right
place at the right time-they mainly contributed to the achievement of the most
glorious victory, which emblazons the annals of our country. Like the Legio
fulminatrix, the fulminating legion of Aurelius, their appropriate device should be, a winged thunderbolt; denoting, at
once, celerity of motion, unerring certainty of aim, and irresistible and all-overwhelming
power. Nor will our feelings of national
pride permit us to pass by in silence, the gallant bearing of the soldiers
of our sister States. Louisiana, nobly prodigal of her men and her treasure,—Kentucky,
the State of the bloody ground—Tennessee, Illinois, Texas—Americans all—all
generous competitors for the prize of honor—all resolute, as Spartans, to
return crowned with laurels or borne on their shields. Never, even in the
palmiest days of chivalry, did more stalwart and devoted knights enter the lists
of the proudest tournament;—never were the interests and honor of a country
entrusted to more valiant and determined hands. Why, it was like the fire races
of the ancients. From officer to officer—from man to man-from county to county—from
State to State—from regulars to volunteers—the torch of glory was passed in
such bright and rapid succession, that the horizon of the whole Union has
become radiant and burning with the blaze.
But while we exult
with the living, let us pay the merited tribute of our tears—of proud, though
bitter tears—to the memories of the glorious dead. Tearing themselves from the
enjoyment of ease, comfort and competence,—from the blessings of family and
friends,—from all that man holds dear, save Honor,
they rushed, with you, to the rescue of their fellow citizens, in a distant and
hostile land. To the citizen soldier the voice of his country is always
imperative.
Say that it is his country's will
And there's the foe,
He has nae thought but how to kill,
Twa at a blow.
Nae cauld faint-hearted doubtings tease him;
Death comes, wi' fearless eye he sees him;
Wi' bluidy hand, a welcome gies him:
And when he fa's
His latest draught o' breathin' lea'es him,
In faint huzzas.
Such were McKee, and
Hardin, and Yell, and Clay, and Watson, and Lincoln, and all, all who bravely
and nobly fell, striving in the front ranks, to uphold the honor of our flag;
and to wrest from the hands of chance, the evergreen chaplet of victory.
Pained, heart-stricken, as we are, at the loss of such men, there are yet
mingled with our regrets, consoling sentiments of proud and patriotic
exultation. Great, invincible, deep seated in the affections of its citizens
must that country be, upon whose altars are laid such priceless victims, as
free offerings.
To live with fame,
The Gods allow to many! but to die
With equal lustre, is a blessing, Heaven
Selects from all the choicest boons of fate,
And with a sparing hand on few bestows.
Honored and
cherished were they in their lives. Embalmed in our memories, they ever shall
be. Death has made them immortal. Hallowed, to all future time, be the earth in
which repose their honored bones; and woe to the head that would counsel, or
the hand that would sign a surrender of one inch of soil, which has been
appropriated by the precious blood, and made sacred by the sepulture of an
American soldier.
To your Commander,
fellow citizens of the Star Regiment, highly as we appreciate his merits as a
soldier, and grateful, as we are, for the honor he has conferred on our State,—we
must beg leave, on this occasion, to express our additional thanks, for an act
of disinterested and noble generosity. When the terms of the capitulation of
Monterey were assailed—when reproach was attempted to be cast upon him, who is
first in honor as the first in place-when a stigma was sought to be fixed upon
the Hero of the age-on that man of iron will, upon whose sword sits Victory
laurel-crowned—whose praise, Time with his own eternal voice shall sing—when
"the Eagle of his tribe" was hawked at by mousing owls—and when it
was attempted to drug with poison the chalice of congratulation-when the
serpent of defamation was cunningly concealed in the chaplet of applause; who?
disinterestedly, nobly, in the frank and fearless spirit of a true soldier;
who, generously, manfully and effectively stood forward in defence of a brother
soldier? Who was it, that did not only scotch, but killed; aye, and seared the
reeking fragments of the lurking reptile? Col. Jefferson Davis, of the
Mississippi Rifles. Thanks, honor, to you sir! for such noble conduct. Your own
conscience approves the act; and the voice of a grateful country sanctions and
sustains the approval.
When I look upon
that country, supported and sustained by the heroes of Palo Alto, Resaca de la
Palma, Monterey, Cerro Gordo, Sacramento, and the American Marathon, Buena
Vista!—when I see hosts, armed and accoutred, spontaneously springing from her
soil, as if sown with dragon's teeth—when I see heroes, bursting forth in full
and glittering panoply, as sprang Minerva from the front of Jove—she seems to
me like the revered Cybele, the Mother of Gods,
"Omnes Caolicolae! omnes supera alta
tenentes."
I see her seated
upon her triumphal car, drawn by trained lions. patient alone of the curb of
discipline, and on her head a turretlike attire, the emblem, at once, of
independent strength, of deep-seated security and of offensive, defensive and
self-avenging power. Honor then to the banner of the Union! Honor to the men
who have upheld its honor! Welcome! thrice welcome the victors returned from
the fields of their fame! Glory to the heroes of Monterey! Glory to the heroes
of Buena Vista! And in the language of your own McClung, "Three cheers for
General Taylor—the stout-hearted old soldier—the Blucher of America—who gave
the battle—and three cheers for the gallant hearts that won it.
_______________
Col. Jefferson
Davis, on behalf of his regiment and himself, delivered a most beautiful and
heart-thrilling response to the complimentary allusions to the heroic deeds and
gallant conduct of himself and his command. We much regret that it has been out
of our power to obtain even a sketch of his eloquent and appropriate remarks.
Being indisposed nearly the whole of yesterday, we have labored under great
disadvantage in giving a description of yesterday's proceeding. Col. Davis'
remarks were eloquent and apt, in the highest degree. After paying a deserved
tribute to the unflinching bravery of his men, to their discipline,-to the
unquailing courage with which they manfully stood up and fought when the odds
against them so fearfully preponderated that defeat seemed certain and ruin
inevitable, he gave a most glowing description and paid the merited meed of
praise to the second in command-the undaunted Alexander K. McClung—who first
charged home upon the first taken Mexican fort in Monterey. These remarks were
received with unbounded applause by the vast concourse within the hearing of
his voice. He then rapidly passed over a retrospective view of the situation
and condition of the army under Gen. Taylor at the capitulation of Monterey—described
the destitution of means of transportation and provision under which the
commanding general labored—defended the capitulation and impressed upon his
hearers convincingly, its necessity, its policy, and the general benefit which
the American arms and government had derived from it—spoke of old Rough and
Ready as the great captain of the age, and one whose deeds of generalship and
noble devotion to country entitled him to the gratitude of the people of the
United States in as great a degree as he had excited the admiration of the
world At every mention of the name of Gen. Taylor, the applause of the
assemblage made the welkin ring. Col. D., in his address, displayed not only the
frankness and honesty of the veteran soldier, but the fearlessness and zeal
characteristic of true heroism, in standing up and vindicating his glorious old
commander from foul aspersion and base insinuation. Would that Jacob Thompson
had heard that speech. We again reiterate our regret at not being able to
furnish a full synopsis of this most eloquent address. Indisposition and other
causes, have, however, placed it out of our power, but if we can obtain a copy
of it we shall enjoy both pride and gratification in laying it before our
readers.
After the applause
occasioned by the speech of the gallant Davis had subsided, the name of McClung
was shouted forth, as if the lungs of the whole vast assemblage were put in
requisition to echo that glorious name. Lieut. Col. McClung responded to the
call in a strain characteristic of true heroism and of the well-tried gallantry
of the veteran soldier. He was most happy and appropriate in his remarks, and
his tones reminded us of an occasion, perhaps not as interesting, but fully as
important, when his clarion voice rang like a trumpet through the land calling
upon the people to vindicate their just rights and to rebuke all aggressions
that were attempted to be practiced upon them. He disclaimed, as far as he was
concerned, any laurels that might be attempted to be entwined around his brow
for the successful storming of Monterey. He claimed no more credit for that
glorious achievement than that which was due to every officer and private in
the whole regiment. Here the gallant and war-scarred soldier was most eloquent
and happy in his remarks. He declared that every man fought as though the
laurel crown of immortal glory was within his own grasp as though the brightest
wreath of fame and the everlasting glory of the victor was extended only for
him to reach and clasp it. He rendered to all—subordinate officers and
privates, that meed of praise to which the universal acclaim of the nation was
allowed them. He spoke feelingly of the trials and of the services of our
gallant Riflemen, and while he claimed for himself no more than he yielded to
the humblest private in the ranks, he was grateful for the indications of
respect and esteem which his fellow citizens had profusely lavished upon him.
At the conclusion of his remarks the gallant Colonel was greeted with loud and
prolonged applause.
At the conclusion of
Col. McClung's address the crowd generally dispersed to different parts of the
promenade ground and to the city. After a short interval the Rifles and the
escort volunteer companies were mustered and marched to the tables for the
purpose of taking needful refreshment, after the fatigues of the day. And here
it is proper to say that the sumptuously loaded board, and tastefully arranged
arbors reflected the greatest degree of credit upon the Committee of
Arrangements. When we take into consideration the shortness of the time they
were allowed to perfect the organization necessary to ensure success, it is
really wonderful that they accomplished so much.
When the eatables
were removed and the cloth cleared, toast and sentiment sped merrily around the
board. Doctor L. P. Blackburn, acted as President, assisted by Josephus Hewett,
Esq., as Vice President. We give below the regular toasts and as many of the
volunteer ones as we could procure. The lateness of the hour and want of room
prevent us from giving details. It is enough to say, however, that the mere
mention of the name of old Zack Taylor was the signal for thundering applause
and a sure index to the strong hold he has upon the affections of the people.
The sentiments to Davis, McClung and Bradford were greeted with that
approbation which a grateful people always bestow upon true merit.
The regular and
volunteer toasts (as far as we have been enabled to obtain them) will be found
below:
REGULAR TOASTS
1st. Our Country.
2nd. The President
of the United States.
3rd. The Army and
Navy of the United States.
4th. Major General
Zachary Taylor.—His Country relies on him. "He never surrenders."
5th. Major General
Winfield Scott.—The Hero of Lundy's Lane and Cerro Gordo. Skilful in plan,
terrible in execution.
6th. Col. Jefferson
Davis.—In counsel, the ready defender of the noble and meritorious against the
foul vituperations of myrmidons; in battle, the unyielding bulwark of his
country's glory.
7th. Col. Alex. K.
McClung.—Mexican ramparts proved no obstacle to his onward march to fame and
renown; Mexican balls could never crush his bold and daring spirit.
8th. Major Alex. B.
Bradford.—His undaunted bravery, and unflinching patriotism has placed him high
in the estimation of his countrymen. With propriety we may style him the modern
Putnam.
9th. The Officers,
Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the First Mississippi Regiment.—True
to the lead of their gallant Officers, as their unerring rifles to the mark;—unswerving
in battle, as the shore to the sea, they proved at Monterey that ramparts may
be stormed without regulars. At Buena Vista. that Cavalry may be repulsed
without the bayonet.
10th. The First
Mississippi Regiment.—In making and receiving a charge, unsurpassed and
unsurpassable. Overwhelming as the Ocean's wave—immovable as the Mountain rock.
11th. Old Kentucky.—Her
fallen brave proves too melancholy that she too was in the field.
12th. The brave Officers
and Men who fell at Monterey and Buena Vista. Though their bodies be in the
soil of their enemy, their deeds shall live in the recollection of their
countrymen.
13th. The Ladies.—First
to cheer the soldier on—first to welcome him back. Cherished be the dear ones
who strew the soldier's path with roses.
VOLUNTEER TOASTS
By R. M. Gaines—The
First Mississippi Rifles. They have acted out the spirit of that mother who
told her son to bring back his shield or be brought back upon it. Their fame is
the property of their country, but especially of the state which sent them
forth to battle. They are as "a city set upon a hill which cannot be
hid."
By Dr. L. P.
Blackburn—Cols. McKee and Clay. Twin brothers in honor and chivalry, they sleep
together the sleep of the brave, the mention of one awakens melancholy
recollections of the other.
By J. Hewett, Esq.—The
Birth-day of Washington and the Victory of Buena Vista—Glorious deeds on a
glorious day. Col. Doniphan.—His unprecedented marches and brilliant
achievements have stamped his name with the seal of immortality.
By J. L. Mathewson,
formerly of this city, now of New Orleans, an invited guest, after some remarks
relative to the kind reception given him, gave the following toast:
Major General Jno.
A. Quitman—Mississippi has honored him he has in return honored Mississippi.
By Dr. Bowie—Lieut.
Col. Alex. K. McClung. The Hero of Monterey.
By Lieut. Col. McClung—The
Ladies of Natchez. Although the chivalry of this beautiful place were in spite
of their exertions prevented from going with us to battle, yet our reception by
its beauty has repaid us for their absence.
About five o'clock
in the afternoon the volunteers returned on board the steamers which were to
convey them to Vicksburg, their point of debarkation, escorted by our volunteer
companies and by a large concourse of citizens, the bands playing their
merriest tunes,-and amid the thundering of cannon and the shouts of the
spectators, these brave men departed from among us bearing with them the
warmest wishes and most ardent desires for their future welfare and happiness
of our whole community of the city and county.
Yesterday was a day
the memory of which will long be cherished by our citizens. It was a proud day
for Old Adams, and well did her sons maintain the reputation of their ancient
hospitality. The sun set in glory in our western horizon, but his beams shed
less splendor upon the state from which he was withdrawing his light than had
the glorious deeds of the gallant volunteers who were leaving us.
Below will be found
the letter of the "Committee of Invitation," and the letter of
acceptance from Col. Jefferson Davis.
SOURCE: Dunbar
Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters,
Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 76-84
New Orleans, June 11th, 1847.
Gentlemen,—From the
hands of R. M. Gaines, Esq., I had the honor to receive your invitation to the
1st Mississippi Rifles, to partake of the hospitalities of the City of Natchez
and County of Adams.
On the part of the
Regiment, allow me through you, gentlemen, to offer the sincerest thanks to our
fellow citizens, whom you represent, for this manifestation of their regard and
kind appreciation. In the resolutions passed at your public meeting, we found,
not the measure of our merit, but the extent of Mississippians' fraternal
affection and received most gratefully this over-approbation of those whose
censure we could not have borne.
On Monday, the 14th
inst., we hope to have the pleasure of meeting you at Natchez.
To you, gentlemen of
the committee, for the very pleasing manner in which you have conveyed to us
the flattering intentions of our fellow citizens, I offer our most thankful
acknowledgments.
With the highest
personal regard, please accept the best wishes of your friend and fellow
citizen.
To Messrs. A. L.
Bingaman, J. S. B. Thacher, J. T. McMurran, C. L. Dubuisson, Wm. P. Mellen, R.
M. Gaines, and Wm. Stanton
SOURCE: Dunbar
Rowland, Editor, Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters,
Papers and Speeches, Volume 1, p. 85
Sir:—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th
inst., communicating to me the resolution of the Virginia State Convention to
visit me at such hour as it may appoint.
It will afford me
great pleasure to receive you and the members of the Convention at eight
o’clock on Monday evening of the 17th instant. I have the honor to be,
SOURCE: “Virginia
Secession Convention,” Richmond Enquirer,
Semi-Weekly Edition, Tuesday Morning, June 18, 1861, p. 2
The Convention assembled
at 10 o’clock.—Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Peterkin.
The Chair called for
reports from Committees, and the Secretary read the list, but no response was
made.
Mr. FISHER.—Mr.
President, I am instructed to ask that the Committee on Post Offices be
discharged from further duty, the whole subject having been turned over to the
Confederate Government, and no further business being before the committee.
There being no
objection, the Committee was thereupon discharged.
The Chair announced
the committee on Railroads to be Messrs. Morris, Cox of Chesterfield, Harvie,
Johnson of Richmond City, and Marye.
Mr. STAPLES.—Not
being present when the Ordinance of Secession was signed, I ask leave to append
my name to that instrument.
The PRESIDENT.—There
is a general order upon that subject, which will enable the gentleman to sign
the Ordinance without the leave of the convention.
Mr. JOHNTSON.—A
document has reached my hand from a county where I do not belong, but,
nevertheless, I take the liberty of laying the same before the Convention. As
the subject referred to is one upon which this body can properly take no
action, I simply present it, and ask that it be laid upon the table.
A VOICE.—Have it
read!
Mr. JOHNSTON.—That
is hardly worth while, for I can state its object in three words. It is simply
a petition from the county of Washington, asking for the establishment of an
election precinct. I move that it be laid upon the table.
The motion was
agreed to.
The PRESIDENT.—When
this body last adjourned it was in secret session, and if there is no other
business before the Convention, I shall direct the lobbies and galleries to be
cleared preparatory to resuming the consideration of the subject then under
discussion.
The Convention
accordingly went into secret session, in which it remained until half past two
o’clock, when the doors were again thrown open.
RECEPTION BY HON. JEFFERSON DAVIS.
The PRESIDENT then
laid before the Convention the following communication in response to a letter
addressed by him to the President of the Confederate States, in accordance with
a resolution offered by Mr. DORMAN, that the latter be invited to state when it
would be convenient for him to receive the members of the Convention.
SPOTSWOOD HOUSE, June 16, 1861.
HON.
JOHN JANNEY, President, etc.—
Sir:—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th
inst., communicating to me the resolution of the Virginia State Convention to
visit me at such hour as it may appoint.
It
will afford me great pleasure to receive you and the members of the Convention
at eight o’clock on Monday evening of the 17th instant. I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, yours,
JEFFERSON DAIVS.
COURTESIES TO SECRETARY WALKER.
CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA.
Richmond, June 15, 1861.
To
the Hon. JOHN JANNEY, President of the Virginia State Convention:
SIR:—
Your letter inviting me, “in obedience to a resolution of the Virginia State
Convention, unanimously adopted,” to occupy a privileged seat, provided in the
Hall of the Convention, is before me.
Return
to the Convention, if you please, my profound acknowledgement of their
courtesy; and accept, for yourself, assurances of distinguished consideration.
L. P. WALKER,
Secretary of War.
Mr. TYLER.—I move
that when this Convention adjourns, it be to meet at half-past seven o’clock
this evening at this place.
The motion was
agreed to.
On Motion of Mr.
TYLER, the communication of Secretary WALKER was laid upon the table.
Mr. TYLER.—I now
propose for adoption the following resolutions:
Resolved, That this
convention has heard with high satisfaction of the brilliant victory recently
obtained by the combined forces of North Carolina and Virginia at Bethel, in
the county of York, the first regular conflict between those who, under usurped
authority, have invaded our soil and the brave defenders of that soil, and it
being altogether appropriate that our troops should receive a suitable meed of
applause for their gallantry and good conduct;
Be it therefore
resolved, That in the name of the people of Virginia, this convention expresses
its high admiration of the gallantry and good conduct of the officers and men
engaged in the battle of Bethel on the 10th instant, where they repelled and
put to flight more than four times their numbers;
Resolved, That the
conduct of Col. John B. Magruder, the commander of the Confederate forces, of Col.
D. A. Hill, the commander of the North Carolina troops, and of the officers
under their command, evinced in the opinion of this convention high military
skill, united to unshrinking valor;
Resolved, That
copies of the foregoing resolutions be forwarded to Col. Magruder, with the
request that he will cause the same to be publicly read to the troops under his
command.
Mr. TYLER. I desire
to say, Mr. President in regard to these resolutions, that the North Carolina
Legislature received with rapturous applause the account of the battle of
Bethel Church, and of the noble action of the North Carolina troops upon that
occasion; and so inspired were they by the intelligence of the gallantry of
their commander, Col. Hill, that (if the papers are to be relied upon.) they
immediately promoted him to the grade of a Brigadier General.
Sir, when you come
to estimate the value and importance of that battle, considering that it is the
first regular action that has occurred on our soil—though I would, by no means
forget the bold and gallant stand made by the Fauquier Rifles—and when you
calculate the circumstances by which our little army was surrounded and the
battle was fought, it is impossible not to confess that it stands by the side
of the most brilliant military achievements that history every recorded.
At the battle of
Agincourt, in former days, we are told that the English fought in the
proportion of one against ten, and obtained a victory; but it must be
remembered that it was then against an undisciplined rabble, under no military
restraint, and unfamiliar with even the rudiments of military discipline; but
here we have had to encounter troops acquainted with the art of war, well
drilled and formidable.
They marched up to
your ramparts; they advanced against you four to one, and your handful of men
dissipated them like chaff before the wind. I cannot imagine anything more
brilliant than this engagement. I cannot conceive of braver or more undaunted
men, or of military skill more consummate or successful in its results.
Cheerfully do I contribute the praise which properly belongs to the
achievement, and to the noble volunteers who participated in it.
You will remember
that we were to be overcome by these invaders; that all these disturbances of
the country were to pass away like a morning dream. When the enemy came upon
the field, it is said they talked with derision particularly of North
Carolinians, as mere cornstalk troops, whom they were to drive from their sight
without a blow; and yet those same corn stalk troops, under the orders of their
gallant leader, by one single dash of the bayonet, put the enemy to flight and
relieved themselves from the further embarrassment of their presence.
[A VOICE.—They
whipped the Zouaves, the crack regiment.]
Yes, I thank the
gentleman for the suggestion. We have whipped their best regiment off the field
without difficulty, and thank God, with the loss of but one man. We brought
against their four thousand but eight hundred muskets, and almost in the
twinkling of an eye that four thousand was dispersed, and victory perched upon
our banners.
There is but one
occurrence of a similar kind in our history with which I can compare it; it
took place upon the celebrated battlefield of Buena Vista. You all well
remember the gallant conduct of the present President upon that occasion. It
was supposed that the day was lost, that our handful of five thousand were to
be trampled upon by a host of twenty thousand Mexicans; but whose heart did not
thrill with joy on reading the account of the momentary retreat under Col.
Davis until he found a better position when, coming to a right about, the order
of “forward march” was given, and they dashed into the ranks of the enemy.
Another brilliant incident deserves to be mentioned in connection with Bragg’s
battery of Flying artillery—the same gentleman who is now commanding our
Southern troops at Pensacola.
I received the
account from the lips of Gen. Taylor himself. He had with him but two hundred
men. A body of four thousand Mexicans were advancing, and the fate of the day
depended upon that contest. Gen. Taylor was close by to encourage him by his
presence—standing there, as the brave old man told me, with no expectation of
leaving the field alive. The fire opened, the enemy recoiled, hesitated, and finally
retreated before the little force, and the day was hours. And now, as then,
when you compare the disparity of our numbers engaged in the late conflict at
Bethel, you have cause to exult, proudly exult, in the character of the
achievement and the conduct of our troops.
Mr. President, I am
restrained from making any discrimination among either our officers or soldiers
in referring to the recent battle. All behaved nobly and all alike deserve
commendation. But if I were to make any distinction of the gallant Major of the
Howitzers, whom we all well know and appreciate. But I abstain. I trust, Mr.
President—and this is one of the great objects of these resolutions independent
of a rendition of a tribute of respect and applause to those who deserve
it—this example will stimulate all to meet the invaders and drive them from the
soil without hesitating to count either their own or the number of the enemy—to
meet them dauntlessly—meet them as has been done by this handful at Bethel, and
my life upon a victory will crown our [endeavors] at every stop.
RAILRAOD BETWEEN WINCHESTER AND STRASBURG.
Mr. R. Y. CONRAD—I
desire to call the attention of the Convention to an ordinance of considerable
importance in regard to the railroad connection between Winchester and Strasburg.
I move that it be taken up and put upon its passage.
The motion was
agreed to.
Mr. CONRAD—It may be
necessary to state in regard to this ordinance, that it is intended to
authorized the construction, by the Manassas Railroad Company, of a military road
from Strasburg to Winchester, a distance of about eighteen miles. Winchester is
now the Headquarters of the whole force under the Headquarters of the whole
force under the command of General Johnson, who has fallen back upon that town
which will probably be a point of conflict. This road was deemed so important
by the Governor and council as well as by the Commander in Chief, that they
have not only recommended the adoption of the Ordinance, but have agreed,
without authority from the Convention, to advance the sum of fourteen thousand
five hundred dollars to pay the revenue duties on the rail road iron proposed
to be used in its construction. They have also made a contract, depending upon
the approval of this Convention, with the Manassas Gap road, by which the work
will be done without any expense to the State. The only difficulty in regard to
the passage of the Ordinance of which I am aware grows out of the fact that the
connection between Strasburg and Winchester has heretofore been a subject of
controversy in our Legislature. But I have to state that the causes of that
controversy have been entirely removed by the present condition of the country.
The rival which caused the opposition thus made no longer exists or can exist.
It was formerly supposed that this road might be prejudicial to the interests
of Alexandria; but the President of the Manassas Rail Road Company authorizes
me to stat that he is now anxious for its construction; and that he himself
made the proposition concerning this contract, which has been approved by the
Governor and Council and General Lee. I hope, therefore, it may be unnecessary
to make any further statement to the Convention in reference to the matter. If
there be any such occasion, I think I can satisfy the members of this convention
of the propriety and importance, in every point of view, of granting the
authority for the construction of the road.
Mr. GREGORY.—I
desire to submit a motion which I have never before made in any deliberative
body. This is a question of some interest, and likely to require the
consideration of the Convention longer than the present late hour will warrant.
I move that we do now adjourn.
The PRESIDENT. The
Chair would suggest the propriety of taking a recess until half past seven
o’clock.
Mr. GREGORY.—That
ought to have been my motion, and I now make it.
Mr. BORST.—I hope
the gentleman will withdraw his motion for five minutes, as I believe that this
matter may be settled without further discussion.
Mr. GREGORY.—I
should prefer to have it lay over until we meet again.
The Convention then
took a recess until half past 7 o’clock, p.m.
EVENING SESSION.
VISIT TO THE PRESIDENT.
The Convention
re-assembled at half past seven o’clock.
At ten minutes to
eight, the body adjourned and preceded by Hon. Jon Janney, the President and
Hon. John Tyler, visited the Hon. Jefferson Davis at his parlors, in the
Spotswood Hotel, the members being severally introduced to the Chief Magistrate
by Mr. Eubank, the Secretary of the Convention. There were also present Hon.
Messrs. Toombs, Memminger and Mallory of the cabinet, and Mr. Brown, the
Assistant Secretary of State. An hour having been spent in the interchange of
courtesies, the gentlemen retired.
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
Bright and cool. A
violent southeast gale prevailed last evening, with rain. Of course we have no
news in the papers from any quarter. Sheridan having retired, all the local
troops returned yesterday.
After all, the
President does not reap a perfect triumph over Congress. The bill suspending
the writ of habeas corpus passed the House by only four majority; and in the
Senate it was defeated by nine against six for it! So the President cannot enjoy
Cromwell's power without the exercise of Cromwell's violence.
We shall have a
negro army. Letters are pouring into the department from men of military skill
and character, asking authority to raise companies, battalions, and regiments
of negro troops. It is the desperate remedy for the very desperate case— and
may be successful. If 300,000 efficient soldiers can be made of this material,
there is no conjecturing where the next campaign may end. Possibly "over
the border," for a little success will elate our spirits extravagantly;
and the blackened ruins of our towns, and the moans of women and children
bereft of shelter, will appeal strongly to the army for vengeance.
There is a vague
rumor of another battle by Bragg, in which he did not gain the victory. This is
not authentic; and would be very bad, if true, for then Sherman's army would
soon loom up in our vicinity like a portentous cloud.
The
Commissary-General, in a communication to the Secretary urging the necessity of
keeping the trade for supplies for Lee's army, now going on in Eastern North
Carolina, a profound secret, mentions the "miscarriage of the
Fredericksburg affair," which proves that the government did send cotton
and tobacco thither for barter with the enemy.
One reason alleged
for the refusal of Congress to suspend the writ of habeas corpus, is the
continuance of Mr. Benjamin in the cabinet.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 451
Bright and windy. The following telegram was received this morning from Gen. R. E. Lee: "Gen. Johnston reports that on the 16th Gen. Hardee was repeatedly attacked by four divisions of the enemy a few miles south of Averysborough, but always (cipher). The enemy was reported at night to have crossed Black River, to the east of Varina Point, with the rest of the army. Gen. Hardee is moving to a point twelve miles from Smithfield. Scofield's troops reported at Kinston, repairing railroad. Cheatham's corps not yet up. North Carolina Railroad, with its enormous amount of rolling stock, only conveys about 500 men a day."
There has always
been corruption—if not treason—among those having charge of transportation.
Yesterday the
President vetoed another bill—to pay certain arrears to the army and navy; but
the House resented this by passing it over his head by more than a two-thirds
vote. The Senate will probably do the same. We have a spectacle of war among
the politicians as well as in the field!
Gen. Whiting,
captured at Wilmington, died of his wounds. The government would never listen
to his plans for saving Wilmington, and rebuked him for his pertinacity.
It is now said
Sheridan has crossed the Pamunky, and is returning toward the Rappahannock, instead
of forming a junction with Grant. Senator Hunter's place in Essex will probably
be visited, and all that region of country ravaged.
It is rumored that
RALEIGH has fallen!
By consulting the
map, I perceive that after the battle of Thursday (day before yesterday),
Hardee fell back and Sherman advanced, and was within less than thirty miles of
Raleigh.
The President, it is
understood, favors a great and decisive battle.
Judge Campbell said
to-day that Mr. Wigfall had sent him Mr. Dejarnette's speech (advocating the
Monroe doctrine and alliance with the United States), with a message that he
(Mr. W.) intended to read it between his sentence and execution, thinking it
would tend to reconcile him to death. The judge said, for his own part, he
would postpone reading it until after execution.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 452
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
Sunny and pleasant,
but hazy in the south.
Cannon heard, quite
briskly, south of the city. The papers report that Gen. Hardee repulsed Sherman
on the 16th. But the official dispatch of Gen. Johnston says Hardee retired,
and Sherman advanced after the fighting was over.
Congress adjourned
sine die on Saturday, without passing the measures recommended by the
President. On the contrary, a committee of the Senate has reported and
published an acrimonious reply to certain allegations in the message, and
severely resenting the "admonitions" of the Executive.
When the joint
committee waited on the President to inform him that if he had no further
communication to make them they would adjourn, he took occasion to fire another
broadside, saying that the measures he had just recommended he sincerely deemed
essential for the success of the armies, etc., and, since Congress differed
with him in opinion, and did not adopt them, he could only hope that the result
would prove he was mistaken and that Congress was right. But if the contrary
should appear, he could not be held responsible, etc. This is the mere
squibbing of politicians, while the enemy's artillery is thundering at the
gates!
The Secretary of War
visited Gen. Lee's headquarters on Saturday afternoon, and has not yet
returned. Breath is suspended in expectation of some event; and the bickering
between the President and the Congress has had a bad effect—demoralizing the
community.
Governor Vance
writes (17th instant) to the Secretary of War, that he learns an important
secret communication had been sent to Congress, concerning probably his State,
and asks a copy of it, etc. The Secretary sends this to the President,
intimating that the communication referred to was one inclosing a view of our
military "situation" by Gen. Lee, in which he concurred. The
President returns Gov. V.'s letter, stating that he does not know his purpose,
or exactly what he refers to; but [red tape!] until Congress removes the
injunction of secrecy, no one can have copies, etc. Yet he suggests that Gov.
V. be written to.
Flour is held at
$1500 per barrel.
Senator Hunter
publishes a card to-day, denying that he is in favor of reconstruction, which
has been rumored, he says, to his injury, and might injure the country if not
denied.
A correspondence
between Generals Lee and Grant is published, showing that Gen. Longstreet has
misunderstood Gen. Ord (Federal) in a late conversation, to the effect that
Gen. Grant would be willing to meet Gen. Lee to consult on the means of putting
an end to the war. The President gave Lee full powers; but Gen. Grant writes
Gen. Lee that Gen. Ord must have been misunderstood, and that he (Grant) had no
right to settle such matters, etc. Sad delusion!
Assistant Secretary
Campbell has given one of his clerks (Cohen, a Jew) a passport to return
home-New Orleans-via the United States.
The government is
still sending away the archives.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 453-5
Rained last night;
clear and cool this morning. The report of another battle, since Sunday, in
North Carolina, is not confirmed.
The "Bureau of
Conscription" still lives, notwithstanding the action of Congress! The
President himself, who favored its abolition, yet being displeased with some of
the details of the act, seems to have finally withheld his approval; and so
Col. G. W. Lay, son-in-law of Judge Campbell, is again acting Superintendent.
The great weight (wealth) of Gen. Preston perhaps saved it—and may have lost
the cause. However, it is again said Judge Campbell will soon retire from
office. He considers the cause already lost the work quite accomplished.
To-day some of our
negro troops will parade in the Capitol Square.
The Texas cavalry in
Virginia—originally 5000—now number 180!
Congress adjourned
without adopting any plan to reduce the currency, deeming it hopeless, since
the discovery of a deficiency, in Mr. Memminger's accounts, of $400,000,000! So
the depreciation will go on, since the collection of taxes is rendered quite impracticable
by the operations of the enemy. Yet buying and selling, for what they call
"dollars," are still extensively indulged; and although the
insecurity of slave property is so manifest, yet a negro man will bring $10,000
at auction. This, however, is only equivalent to about $100. Land, when the
price is reduced to the gold standard, is similarly diminished in price.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 456-7
Cloudy and sunshine;
but little wind. Too ill to go to the department, and I get nothing new except
what I read in the papers. Some of the editorials are very equivocal, and have
a squint toward reconstruction.
The President, and
one of his Aids, Col. Lubbock, ex-Governor of Texas, rode by my house, going
toward Camp Lee. If driven from this side the Mississippi, no doubt the
President would retire into Texas.
And Lee must gain a
victory soon, or his communications will be likely to be interrupted. Richmond
and Virginia are probably in extreme peril at this moment.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 460
