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
