Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 14, 1863

We have President Lincoln's message today, and his proclamation of amnesty to all who take an oath of allegiance, etc., and advocate emancipation. There are some whom he exempts, of course. It is regarded here as an electioneering document, to procure a renomination for the Presidency in the radical Abolition Convention to assemble in a few months. But it will add 100,000 men to our armies; and next year will be the bloody year.

Congress spent much of the day in secret session.

A Baltimorean, last week, seeing a steamer there loading with goods of various kinds for the Federal prisoners here, bought a box of merchandise for $300, and put it on board, marked as if it contained stores for the prisoners. He ran the blockade so as to meet the steamer here; and obtained his box, worth, perhaps, $15,000. But all this is forbidden hereafter.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 115

George S. Denison to Salmon P. Chase, June 28, 1862

New Orleans, June 28th, 1862.

Sir: I have collected the information which you wished to receive by a private letter. The persons about whom you particularly enquired were Thos. H. Hewes, J. P. Harrison, Benj. F. Flanders, and Randell Hunt.

Thomas Hewes was born in this city — is about 35 years old — a lawyer — was in California seven or eight years — returned home in 1860. Went to Texas for a few months — returned to this City and opened an office in partnership with James B. Eustis, brother of Slidell's secretary. He was inclined to be a Union man at first, but afterwards became a strong secessionist, and with his father who was from the first an active and bitter rebel, worked hard for the rebel government.

Young Hewes used to be dissipated, but in California he married and reformed. It is said that he has recently returned to former bad habits. He is regarded as a man of talent and is much liked by his acquaintance. He left this city when the fleet arrived and has not yet returned.

James P. Harrison came to this city from Natches, Miss., about sixteen years ago, a lawyer of good standing. In this city he has been in business as a merchant, being one of the firm of Payne and Harrison. He is a respectable and able man. He was a “Co-operationist”, but became an active rebel, and with his House strongly supported the rebel government. Being a man of high standing he had great influence for evil. When the fleet arrived he left the city and has not yet returned.

Benjamin F. Flanders is a native of New Hampshire, but has lived in Louisiana many years. He was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Opelousas railroad. He is much respected, and is regarded as an able, honest man. He is a good business man, and has much influence. He has been invariably a thorough Union man, and was so obnoxious to the ruling powers, that he was sent out of the “Confederacy” into Kentucky a few months ago, his family being left at their residence in this city. All the Union men I have met in this city (and they are many) speak of Mr. Flanders in the highest terms. Mr. Flanders returned to this city a few days ago. I have seen him, and the opinion formed of him before making his acquaintance, is confirmed. Rev. Mr. Duncan recently in Washington, made application of the N. O. post office. I saw him here a few days ago, and was told by him that Mr. Flanders made application to be surveyor of this Port. When you think best to appoint a Surveyor, I do not think a more deserving and capable man than Mr. Flanders can be found, nor one whose appointment would give greater satisfaction to Union men here. In politics he is with the Republican party.

Mr. Randell Hunt is probably known to you,¹ and I shall not say anything of him except in reference to the present troubles. Mr. Hunt was an able and active opponent of secession from the first, and did all he could to prevent it. It is believed by all, that his opinions are entirely unchanged, but since the beginning of the war, he has been perfectly passive. He has never gone over to secession, and Union men here have the greatest confidence in him, though he does not come out a declared Union man even now. His position is embarrassing, for his brother Judge Hunt (Theodore G. Hunt) is a colonel in the Confederate army and is now in active service in Virginia. I have seen Mr. Hunt several times but without opportunity of talking on political subjects. I delivered to him your letter, and offerred to forward any letter to you. Enclosed is the reply to your letter.

Dr. M. F. Bonzano, whom you made Special Agent for the N. O. Mint, has given me great assistance. He possesses great scientific knowledge, and mechanical skill — is perfectly honest and thoroughly devoted to the government. He is strongly opposed to the institution of slavery, and out of limited means, has purchased and emancipated several negroes during the last few years. As a man of learning, he has few superiors, and all his statements and suggestions will be of value to you.

The labor devolving upon me is great, but our success exceeds my expectations. It will take some weeks, at least, to organize every department of the Custom House, and teach the inexperienced employees. I am determined to accomplish three principal objects, viz:—

1. To appoint to office such men and of such political opinions, that the Government (through its officials) can present here a strong nucleus for a Republican party.

2. To recover, or assist in recovering all property and duties (paid to others than the government) and settle up all old business.

3. To suppress smuggling and other abuses and to establish a good character for this heretofore notorious Custom House.

The name of the Deputy Collector (furnished from the New York Custom House by Mr. Barney) is William C. Gray. I am glad to mention to you the name of such a man. He knows his business thoroughly and is entirely devoted to the interests of the Government. From early morning until night he (as well as myself) is at the Custom House and nothing escapes his vigilance or care.

The city is very healthy and there is no indication aw yet, of an epidemic this year.

I shall take the liberty of writing private letters to you occasionally whenever I can give information which I may think you would like to receive.

_______________

¹ Mr. Chase and Mr. Hunt married sisters, daughters of James C. Ludlow of Cincinnati. Miss Sarah Ludlow was Mr. Chase's third wife and was married to him November 6, 1846. Warden gives (366-367) a letter of Chase's to Mrs. Hunt November 30,1860. Schuckers (199-200) gives the same letter with some verbal changes as one sent to Mr. Hunt. Warden, Schuckers, and Professor Hart spell Mr. Hunt's first name “Randall.”

SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 306-9

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: April 8, 1863

We learn to-day that the enemy bombarded our forts at Charleston, yesterday, two hours and a half. But few of our men were injured, and the forts sustained no damage of consequence. On the other hand, several of the iron-clads and monitors of the enemy were badly crippled; one of the latter, supposed to be the Keokuk, was sunk. Since then the bombardment has not been renewed. But no doubt the enemy will make other efforts to reduce a city which is the particular object of their vengeance. Every one is on the qui vive for further news from Charleston. Success there will make Beauregard the most popular man in the Confederacy, Lee excepted.

Speculation is running wild in this city; and the highest civil and military officers are said to be engaged, directly or indirectly, in the disgraceful business of smuggling. Mr. Memminger cannot be ignorant of this; and yet these men are allowed to retain their places.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 288

From California

SAN FRANCISCO, April 26.

The ship Joseph Peabody has been forfeited to the Government for smuggling.

Trade has recently revived, to supply the demand for goods suitable to the Oregon and British Columbia mines, in advance of anticipated large emigration business with the interior.

Gen. Wright has issued an order requiring the arrest of persons charged with aiding and abetting, by words or acts, the rebellion.  Such persons are to be confined, unless they subscribe the oath of allegiance.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 28.

The Steamer Panama has arrived from Mazatlan.  The Confederates in New Mexico and Arizona are making efforts to bring the Boarder States into sympathy with them.

Gen. Sibley, commanding the Rebels [sic] forces, had sent Col. Reiley to open negotiations with the Governor of Sonora.  Reiley tendered troops to enter Sonora, and chastise the Apache Indians, for whose service he asked the right of way overland from Guaymas to Arizona, and also the privilege of purchasing supplies at Mazatlan.  The Governor entered into a long correspondence with Reiley, and sent a special messenger to the Governor of Cinalva, on the subject of his mission.  No definite arrangements appear to be agreed upon, but Reiley received courteous treatment from the Government officials, and at last accounts had arrived at Guaymas, where he boasted that he had been far more successful than he had hoped for.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 2

From Washington

WASHINGTON, April 29.

A dispatch received from Gen. Halleck says:  “It is the unanimous opinion that Gen. Sherman saved the fortune of the 6th, and contributed largely to the victory of the 7th.  He was in the thickest of the fight, had three horses shot, and was himself wounded twice.  I respectfully ask that he be made Major General of volunteers.”

Lieut. Robinson is ordered to the command of the battery of E. A. Stevens, commonly, but erroneously called the Naugatuck, now at fort Monroe.

The Secretary of the Treasury is now prepared to pay all indebtedness of a date prior to the 1st of Feb’y, in cash, of the month of Feb’y of 40 per cent in cash, of subsequent date 30 percent cash.

The emancipation commissioners met to-day.  Several petitions were filed, and during the morning thirty or forty persons waited on the board for information regarding the mode of procedure.

Tribune’s Dispatch.

WASHINGTON, April 29.

The War Department has issued an order for supplies of arms and clothing for the loyal blacks to be enrolled in Gen. Hunter’s division.

WASHINGTON, April 30.

Brig. Gen. W. T. Sherman in accordance with the recommendation of Gen. Halleck has been nominated for a Major General.

A letter received here from a gentleman high in authority in Tennessee, contains the following:  “Say to the P. M. General that we are succeeding beyond our most sanguine expectations.  As soon as the rebel army is driven beyond the limits of Tennessee the state will stand for the Union by an overwhelming majority.  I hope the government will be impressed with the absolute necessity of the army entering East Tennessee.  They are murdering and plundering our people by thousands.  Their acts of inhumanity and barbarity are without parallel.”  The letter concludes:  “Great God!  Is there no relief for that people?”

The Post Office department has re-opened the following offices in Tennessee: Murfreesboro, Springfield and Franklin.  If the administration should not in all respects meet the expectations of the country, the failure will not be for the want of volunteer advice on war, financial and slavery questions.  Numerous letters proffering it, being constantly received from all parts of the United States, and even foreign lands.

It is not probable that smuggling goods into Virginia from the Chesapeake bay and adjacent waters, will much longer be profitable speculations.  The numerous recent captures show several regulations are strictly enforced.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 1, 1862, p. 1