Well, the enemy have thrown another column over the
Rappahannock, below Fredericksburg. This is probably a manoeuvre to arrest
Lee's advance in Culpepper County. But it won't do — Lee's plans cannot be
changed — and this demonstration was in his calculations. If they think
Richmond can be taken now, without Lee's army to defend it, they may find their
mistake.
The clerks and employees in the departments are organizing
to man the fortifications, should their aid be needed.
Hon. M. R. H. Garnett writes from Essex County that the
enemy have had Lawrence Washington, arrested in Westmoreland County, confined
in a prison-ship in the Potomac, until his health gave way. He is now in
Washington, on parole not to escape.
About 140,000 bushels of corn have been sent to Lee's army
in May, which, allowing ten pounds per day to each horse, shows that there are
over 20,000 horses in this army. But the report says not more than 120,000
bushels can be forwarded this month.
The press everywhere is opening its batteries on the
blockade-runners, who bring in nothing essential to the people, and nothing
necessary for the war.
The arrivals and departures of steamers amount to one per
day, and most of the goods imported are of Yankee manufacture. Many cargoes
(unsold) are now held in Charleston — and yet the prices do not give way.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 342-3
