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
Another bright and
beautiful day.
I walked around the
burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred houses, from Main Street to the
canal, comprising the most valuable stores, and the best business
establishments, were consumed. All the bridges across the James were destroyed,
the work being done effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where
the tobacco was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department
was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested,
mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel
commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its abandonment.
The troops do not
interfere with the citizens here any more than they do in New York—yet. Last
night everything was quiet, and perfect order prevails.
A few thousand
negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying in the Capitol Square,
or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee's family
remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading in front of the door, his
breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig. Gen. Gorgas's
family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that
another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia Court House, on the
Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee having come up, defeated
Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true, Richmond was evacuated prematurely;
for the local defense troops might have held it against the few white troops
brought in by Weitzel. The negroes never would have been relied on to take it
by assault.
I see many of the
civil employees left behind. It was the merest accident (being Sunday) that any
were apprised, in time, of the purpose to evacuate the city. It was a shameful
abandonment on the part of the heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is
not taken to-day. However, the shops are still closed.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 470
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
Showery morning.
I perceive no
change, except, perhaps, a diminution of troops, which seems to confirm the
reports of recent battles, and the probable success of Lee and Johnston. But all
is doubt and uncertainty.
The military
authorities are still reticent regarding the fate of those remaining in
Richmond. We are at their mercy, and prepared for our fate. I except some of
our ladies, who are hysterical, and want to set out on foot "for the
Confederacy."
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 472
Bright and
beautiful. Rev. Mr. Dashiell called, after services. The prayer for the
President was omitted, by a previous understanding.
Rev. Dr.
Minnegerode, and others, leading clergymen, consider the cause at an end. A
letter from Gen. Lee has been found, and its authenticity vouched for (Rev. Dr.
M. says) by Judge Campbell, in which he avows his conviction that further
resistance will be in vain—but that so long as it is desired, he will do his
utmost in the field.
And Dr. M. has
information of the capture of three divisions of Longstreet since the battle of
Sunday last, with some eight generals among them Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Major-Gen.
G. W. Custis Lee, etc.
The clergy also seem
to favor a convention, and the resumption by Virginia of her old position in
the Union—minus slavery. Charlottesville has been named as the place for the
assembling of the convention. They also believe that Judge Campbell remained to
treat with the United States at the request of the Confederate States
Government. I doubt. We shall now have no more interference in Cæsar's affairs
by the clergy-may they attend to God's hereafter!
Ten o'clock P.M. A
salute fired—100 guns—from the forts across the river, which was succeeded by
music from all the bands. The guard promenading in front of the house says a
dispatch has been received from Grant announcing the surrender of Lee!
I hear that Gen.
Pickett was killed in the recent battle!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 473-4
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
Yesterday windy,
to-day bright and calm.
It appears that the
day of the death of President Lincoln was appointed for illuminations and
rejoicings on the surrender of Lee. There is no intelligence of the death of
Mr. Seward or his son. It was a dastardly deed—surely the act of a madman.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 480
Rienzi. We were
aroused this morning with the same story of march and ordered to cook three
days' rations and be ready to march at 1 P. M., but did not go and all quieted
down again. The 3rd Section went out in the afternoon and stationed itself at
bastion No. 5 at 9 P. M. Dispatches were brought around to the effect that McClellan
had captured the rebel army of Virginia including General Lee. Nothing could
induce us to restrain our joy but the fear of its being false.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 5-6
A cold rain
continued during the night. What would the good folks at home say could they
see this camp this cool, wet morning—men lying in the wet sand? Could they have
heard the coughing of thousands as I heard it when I walked the camp to shake
off the cold that chilled wet clothing, would they not say: Now that so much
has been imperiled for the country, let us make it a glory and a blessing to
ages, an honor to ourselves, our institutions the abode of liberty, a beacon
that shall light the world and silence the wrath of treason? There are 20,000
within a space so small that a strangling cough can be heard from one side to
the other.
Report that nine men
tunneled out and one guard escaped with them. The tunnel is found and being
filled. Col. Parsons was inside; he thinks exchange is agreed upon, but
can't be effected
for our forces cover the point in the cartel. Were that all we should soon be
relieved. He is quite familiar with a few of us and expressed a feeling that he
would resign his command were it possible. He was sent for duty here because
the most of his command are prisoners. Earlier in the war he was twice a
prisoner, captured by Burnside's men, and was well treated. He says men are
sent here without any provision made for shelter, and he has no orders or means to
furnish it; that it is not the fault of the local commissary that we are left
to suffer. Wirz is the jailor, a morose, inclement tempered man. It requires
but little to get him in a rage. He is called "the old Dutch Captain";
is generally hated. Men caught in attempting escape are unreasonably punished
by wearing ball and chain, bucking and gagging, putting in stocks, hanging by
thumbs, by lash and close confinement.
Prisoners in today
report the two armies on to Richmond, Lee with his right, Grant with his left;
Kilpatrick 25 miles in the rear of Atlanta tearing up roads.
SOURCE: John Worrell
Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville
and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 71-2
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
Clear and warm.
Apricots in blossom. At last we have reliable information that Johnston has
checked one of Sherman's columns, at Bentonville, capturing three guns. This
success is a great relief—more as an indication of what is to follow, than for
what is accomplished. So Bragg and Johnston have both shown successful fight
lately. Beauregard next. Sherman has three full generals in his front, with
accumulating forces. A few days more will decide his fate—for immortality or
destruction.
There are many red
flags displayed this morning in Clay Street, for sales of furniture and renting
of houses to the highest bidders. They have postponed it until the last moment
to realize the highest possible prices—and they will get them, in consequence
of Johnston's success, which revives the conviction that Richmond will not be
evacuated. But they have overreached themselves in demanding extortionate
prices—such prices depreciating the currency—$1500 being equivalent to one
barrel of flour! If it be determined to abandon the city, what will houses rent
for then?
Lord Russell's
letter, forwarded from Washington some days ago, after much consultation here,
was sent back to Gen. Lee by the Secretary of State, declining to receive a
communication from a neutral power through a hostile one, and expressing doubts
of its authenticity. Gen. Lee returns the papers to-day, suggesting that the
expression of doubts of the authenticity be omitted—but will, at all events,
when returned to him again, have it delivered to Gen. Grant. Mr. Benjamin
thinks there is some occult diplomatic danger in the papers—at least he is
idle, and wants some diplomatic work on his hands, in the regular way. How to
avoid doing anything whatever, diplomatically, with this matter before him, is
the very quintessence of diplomacy! He can look at it, read it, handle it, and
return it to Lord John, and then diplomatically prove that this government
never had any knowledge of its existence!
The following
official dispatch, from Gen. Lee, was received yesterday:
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES CONFEDERATE STATES,
March 20th, 1865.
HON.
JOHN C. BRECKINRIDGE, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Gen.
J. E. Johnston reports that about 5 P.M. on the 19th inst. he attacked the
enemy near Bentonsville, routed him, capturing three guns. A mile in rear, the
enemy rallied upon fresh troops, but was forced back slowly until 6 o'clock
P.M., when, receiving more troops, he apparently assumed the offensive, which
movement was resisted without difficulty until dark. This morning he is
intrenched.
Our
loss is small. The troops behaved admirably well.
Dense
thickets prevented rapid operations.
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 455-6
Clear, with high
wind. Nothing further from North Carolina. A dispatch from Gen. Lee states that
he has directed Gen. Cobb to organize an expedition into Tennessee, to cut the
enemy's communications. Gen. Wafford, of Kentucky, is in Georgia, with 2000
mounted men, etc.
Beef in market this
morning sold at $12 to $15 per pound; bacon at $20, and butter at $20.
The parade of a few companies
of negro troops yesterday was rather a ridiculous affair. The owners are
opposed to it.
Gen. Rains sends in
an indorsement, alleging that owing to the deception of Quartermaster Rhett
(not furnishing transportation), he failed to arrest the approach of the enemy
on a narrow causeway; and Columbia, S. C., and his shells, etc. fell into the
hands of the enemy.
A dispatch from Lee
states that Gen. Thomas is at Knoxville, and that the enemy has commenced his
advance from that direction—is repairing railroads, etc. The same dispatch says
Gen. J. E. Johnston is removing his wounded to Smithsville from Bentonville;
that the intrenchments of the enemy and greatly superior numbers of Sherman
render further offensive operations impracticable.
Grant's grand combination
is now developed. Sherman from the Southwest, 70,000; Grant himself from the
South, 70,000; Thomas, from the West, 40,000; and Sheridan, with 15,000 cavalry
from the North-some 200,000 men converging toward this point. To defend it we
shall have 120,000 men, without provisions, and, without some speedy successes,
no communications with the regions of supply or transportation! Now is coming
the time for the exercise of great generalship!
Gen. Early has been
sent to the West—Tennessee.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 457
Clear and cool.
It is reported that
Grant is reinforcing Sherman, and that the latter has fallen back upon
Goldsborough. This is not yet confirmed by any official statement. A single
retrograde movement by Sherman, or even a delay in advancing, would snatch some
of his laurels away, and enable Lee to obtain supplies. Yet it may be so. He
may have been careering the last month on the unexpended momentum of his recent
successes, and really operating on a scale something more than commensurate
with the forces of his command. Should this be the case, the moral effect on
our people and the army will be prodigious, and a series of triumphs on our
side may be the consequence.
The Northern papers
chronicle the rise in flour here—to $1500 per barrel—a few days ago, and this
affords proof of the fact that every occurrence of military importance in
Richmond is immediately made known in Washington. How can success be possible?
But our authorities are confirmed in their madness.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 458-9
