Gov. Vance writes that he has reliable information that the
30,000 troops in New York, ostensibly to enforce the draft, are intended for a
descent on North Carolina, and Gen. Whiting has said repeatedly that 3000 could
take Wilmington. The Governor says if North Carolina be occupied by the enemy,
Virginia and the whole Confederacy will be lost, for all communication now, by
rail, is through that State.
Gen. Sam. Jones writes from Abingdon, Va., that from his
information he does not doubt Cumberland Gap and its garrison capitulated on
the 9th inst. He calls lustily for reinforcements, and fears the loss of
everything, including the salt works, if he be not reinforced. Well, he will
be reinforced!
Gov. (just elected) R. L. Caruthers (of Tennessee) begs that
20,000 men from Lee's army be sent out on Rosecrans's left flank to save
Tennessee, which alone can save the Confederacy. Well, they have been
sent!
There must be a “fight or a foot-race” soon in Northern
Georgia, and also in Virginia, on the Rappahannock. May God defend the right!
If we deserve independence, I think we shall achieve it. If God be not for us,
we must submit to His will.
Major Huse is buying and shipping 2000 tons saltpetre,
besides millions of dollars worth of arms and stores. If we can keep Wilmington,
we can send out cotton and bring in supplies without limit.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
44-5
