Some skirmishing between Chattanooga and Knoxville. From
prisoners we learn that the enemy at both those places are on half rations, and
that Grant intends to attack Bragg soon at Lookout Mountain. Either Grant or
Bragg must retire, as the present relative positions cannot long be held.
Mr. A. Moseley, formerly editor of the Whig, writes,
in response to a letter from the Secretary of War, that he deems our affairs in
a rather critical condition. He is perfectly willing to resume his labor, but
can see no good to be effected by him. He thinks, how ever, that the best
solution for the financial question would be to cancel the indebtedness of the
government to all except foreigners, and call it ($800,000,000) a contribution
to the wars — and the sacrifices would be pretty equally distributed. He
suggests the formation of an army, quietly, this winter, to invade Pennsylvania
next spring, leaving Lee still with his army on this side of the Potomac.
Nevertheless, he advises that no time should be lost in securing foreign aid,
while we are still able to offer some equivalents, and before the enemy gets us
more in his power. Rather submit to terms with France and England, or with
either, than submission to the United States. Such are the opinions of a
sagacious and experienced editor.
Another letter from Brig.-Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe,
was received to-day, with a report of an agent on the condition of the
prisoners at Fort Delaware. By this report it appears our men get meat three
times a day — coffee, tea, molasses, chicken soup, fried mush, etc. But it is
not stated how much they get. The agent says they confess themselves
satisfied. Clothing, it would appear, is also issued them, and they have
comfortable sleeping beds, etc. He says several of our surgeons propose taking
the oath of allegiance, first resigning, provided they are permitted to visit
their families. Gen. M. asks for a similar report of the rations, etc. served
the Federal prisoners here, with an avowed purpose of retaliation, provided the
accounts of their condition be true. I know not what response will be made; but
our surgeon-general recommends an inspection and report. They are getting sweet
potatoes now, and generally they get bread and beef daily, when our
Commissary-General Northrop has them. But sometimes they have little or no meat
for a day or so at a time—and occasionally they have bread only once a day. It
is difficult to feed them, and I hope they will be exchanged soon. But Northrop
says our own soldiers must soon learn to do without meat; and but few of us
have little prospect of getting enough to eat this winter. My family had a fine
dinner to-day — the only one for months. As for clothes, we are as shabby as
Italian lazzaronis — with no prospect whatever of replenished wardrobe, unless some
European power will come and take us, as the French have done Mexico.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p.
97-8
