And the next morning which was the 30 we left and marched down toward Chickahominy And about three oclock in the eavning we was led in to the Battel field by Colonel Pender And we had a wright nice time of it from then tell dark
SOURCE: Bartlett Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 20
A dower of 30,000l.
and an annuity of 6,000l. were voted nem. con. last night for Princess Alice.
An interesting
letter from Fanny Kemble of April 20 from Philadelphia says:
1 Sarah, her eldest daughter, married to Dr.
Owen Wister. Her son is the author of some remarkable novels lately published
in America.
2 His younger daughter, now Hon. Mrs. James
Leigh.—Ed.
SOURCE: Alice
Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville:
1857-1861, p. 373-4
London, Friday.—Bethell
took the oaths yesterday and assumes the title of Westbury.
The Sultan is dead,
and is succeeded by his brother, who is said to be a man of much energy, and
very superior in all ways to his brother.
The Emperor Napoleon
has recognised the King of Italy, but has made it to be understood that this
'recognition is not to be taken as an approval of the past policy of the
Cabinet of Turin, or as an encouragement of enterprises of a nature to endanger
the peace of Europe.' The French troops will occupy Rome as long as the
interests which brought France there are not covered by guarantees. Ricasoli,
in replying to this note, says, 'Our wish is to restore Rome to Italy without
depriving the Church of any of its grandeur, or the Pope of his independence.'
In the meantime His Holiness is ill, and his death may perhaps simplify
matters.
There was a
Drawing-room yesterday at which the Crown Princess and Prince of Prussia were
present.
I have a letter from
Fanny Kemble, who says the violence of the language against this country in
consequence of our neutral attitude exceeds all bounds, and the nonsense talked
upon the subject is quite incredible.
I went last night to
Verdi's new opera, 'Un Ballo in Maschera,' which is dramatic and effective.
SOURCE: Alice
Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville:
1857-1861, p. 385-6
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
Rained last night;
clear and cool this morning. The report of another battle, since Sunday, in
North Carolina, is not confirmed.
The "Bureau of
Conscription" still lives, notwithstanding the action of Congress! The
President himself, who favored its abolition, yet being displeased with some of
the details of the act, seems to have finally withheld his approval; and so
Col. G. W. Lay, son-in-law of Judge Campbell, is again acting Superintendent.
The great weight (wealth) of Gen. Preston perhaps saved it—and may have lost
the cause. However, it is again said Judge Campbell will soon retire from
office. He considers the cause already lost the work quite accomplished.
To-day some of our
negro troops will parade in the Capitol Square.
The Texas cavalry in
Virginia—originally 5000—now number 180!
Congress adjourned
without adopting any plan to reduce the currency, deeming it hopeless, since
the discovery of a deficiency, in Mr. Memminger's accounts, of $400,000,000! So
the depreciation will go on, since the collection of taxes is rendered quite impracticable
by the operations of the enemy. Yet buying and selling, for what they call
"dollars," are still extensively indulged; and although the
insecurity of slave property is so manifest, yet a negro man will bring $10,000
at auction. This, however, is only equivalent to about $100. Land, when the
price is reduced to the gold standard, is similarly diminished in price.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 456-7
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 very
windy. The fear of utter famine is now assuming form. Those who have the means are
laying up stores for the day of siege,—I mean a closer and more rigorous siege,
when all communications with the country shall cease; and this makes the
commodities scarcer and the prices higher. There is a project on foot to send
away some thousands of useless consumers; but how it is to be effected by the
city authorities, and where they will be sent to, are questions I have not
heard answered. The population of the city is not less than 100,000, and the
markets cannot subsist 70,000. Then there is the army in the vicinity, which
must be fed. I suppose the poultry and the sheep will be eaten, and something
like a pro rata distribution of flour and meal ordered.
There is a rumor of
a great victory by Gen. Johnston in North Carolina, the taking of 4500 prisoners,
70 guns, etc.—merely a rumor, I am sure. On the contrary, I apprehend that we
shall soon have news of the capture of Raleigh by Sherman. Should this be our
fate, we shall soon have three or four different armies encompassing us!
I tried in vain this
morning to buy a small fish-hook; but could not find one in the city. None but
coarse large ones are in the stores. A friend has promised me one—and I can
make pin-hooks, that will catch minnows. I am too skillful an angler to starve
where water runs; and even minnows can be eaten. Besides, there are eels and
catfish in the river. The water is always muddy.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 457-8
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
Frost last night.
Cloudy, cold, and windy to-day. Suffered much yesterday and last night with
disordered bowels—from cold. This, however, may relieve me of the distressing
cough I have had for months.
After all, I fear
Lee's attempt on the enemy's lines yesterday was a failure. We were compelled
to relinquish the fort or battery we had taken, with all the guns we had
captured. Our men were exposed to an enfilading fire, not being supported by
the divisions intended to co-operate in the movement. The 600 prisoners were
completely surprised—their pickets supposing our troops to be merely deserters.
This indicates an awful state of things, the enemy being convinced that we are
beaten, demoralized, etc.
There was a
communication for the Secretary this morning, from "headquarters;"
but being marked "confidential," I did not open it, but sent it to
Gen. Breckinridge.
Pickett's division
has been marching for Petersburg all the morning.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 459
Bright, calm, but
cold,—my disorder keeping me at home.
The dispatch of Gen.
Lee, I fear, indicates that our late attempt to break the enemy's lines was at
least prematurely undertaken.
The Dispatch
newspaper has an article entreating the people not to submit "too
hastily," as in that event we shall have no benefit of the war between
France and the United States—a certain event, the editor thinks.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY CONFEDERATE STATES,
March 25th, 1865-11.20 P.M.
HON.
J. C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.
At
daylight this morning, Gen. Gordon assaulted and carried the enemy's works at
Hare's Hill, capturing 9 pieces of artillery 8 mortars, and between 500 and 600
prisoners, among them one brigadier-general and a number of officers of lower
grade.
The
lines were swept for a distance of four or five hundred yards to the right and
left, and two efforts made to recover the captured works were handsomely
repulsed. But it was found that the inclosed works in rear, commanding the
enemy's main line, could only be taken at a great sacrifice, and our troops
were withdrawn to their original position.
It
being impracticable to bring off the captured guns, owing to the nature of the
ground, they were disabled and left.
Our
loss, as reported, is not heavy. Among the wounded are Brig. Gen. Terry, flesh
wound, and Brig.-Gen. Phil. Cooke, in the arm.
All
the troops engaged, including two brigades under Brig.Gen. Ransom, behaved most
handsomely. The conduct of the sharpshooters of Gordon's corps, who led the
assault, deserves the highest commendation.
This
afternoon there was skirmishing on the right, between the picket lines, with
varied success. At dark the enemy held a considerable portion of the line
farthest in advance of our main work.
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 459-60
Cloudy and sunshine;
but little wind. Too ill to go to the department, and I get nothing new except
what I read in the papers. Some of the editorials are very equivocal, and have
a squint toward reconstruction.
The President, and
one of his Aids, Col. Lubbock, ex-Governor of Texas, rode by my house, going
toward Camp Lee. If driven from this side the Mississippi, no doubt the
President would retire into Texas.
And Lee must gain a
victory soon, or his communications will be likely to be interrupted. Richmond
and Virginia are probably in extreme peril at this moment.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 460
Slightly overcast,
but calm and pleasant. I am better, after the worst attack for twenty years. The
only medicine I took was blue mass—ten grains. My wife had a little tea and
loaf-sugar, and a solitary smoked herring—and this I relish; and have nothing
else. A chicken, I believe, would cost $50. I must be careful now, and
recuperate. Fine weather, and an indulgence of my old passion for angling,
would soon build me up again.
The papers give
forth an uncertain sound of what is going on in the field, or of what is likely
to occur. Unless food and men can be had, Virginia must be lost. The negro
experiment will soon be tested. Custis says letters are pouring in at the department
from all quarters, asking authority to raise and command negro troops: 100,000
recruits from this source might do wonders. I think Lee's demonstrations on
Grant's front have mainly in view the transportation of subsistence from North
Carolina.
Mrs. President Davis
has left the city, with her children, for the South. I believe it is her
purpose to go no farther at present than Charlotte, N. C.—rear of Sherman. Some
of their furniture has been sent to auction. Furniture will soon be low again.
It is now believed
that the government will be removed with all expedition to Columbus, Ga. But it
is said Richmond will still be held by our army. Said! Alas! would it not be
too expensive— "too much for the whistle ?"
Shad are selling at
$50 per pair. If Richmond should be left to strictly military rule, I hope it
will rule the prices.
It is reported that
Gen. Johnston has fallen back on Weldon; some suppose to attack Grant's rear,
but no doubt it is because he is pressed by Sherman with superior numbers.
A dispatch from Gen.
Lee, to-day, states the important fact that Grant's left wing (cavalry and
infantry) passed Hatcher's Run this morning, marching to Dinwiddie C. H. The
purpose is to cut the South Side and Danville Roads; and it may be
accomplished, for we have "here no adequate force of cavalry to oppose
Sheridan; and it may be possible, if Sheridan turns his head this way, that
shell may be thrown into the city. At all events, he may destroy some bridges—costing
him dear." But pontoon bridges. were sent up the Danville Road yesterday
and to-day, in anticipation, beyond the bridges to be destroyed.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 461
Raining rapidly, and
warm.
Again the sudden
change of weather may be an interposition of Providence to defeat the effort of
the enemy to destroy Gen. Lee's communications with his Southern depots of
supplies. I hope so, for faith in man is growing weaker.
Our loss in the
affair of the 25th instant was heavy, and is now admitted to be a disaster; and
Lee himself was there! It amounted, probably, to 3000 men. Grant says over 2000
prisoners were registered by his Provost Marshal. It is believed the President
advised the desperate undertaking; be that as it may, many such blows cannot
follow in quick succession without producing the most deplorable results. The
government would soon make its escape—if it could. Mrs. Davis, however, soonest
informed of our condition, got away in time.
Dispatches from
Generalissimo Lee inform the Secretary that large expeditions are on foot in
Alabama, Mississippi, etc., and that Thomas's army is rapidly advancing upon
Virginia from East Tennessee, while no general has yet been designated to
command our troops.
The papers say
nothing of the flank movement commenced yesterday by Grant. This reticence
cannot be for the purpose of keeping the enemy in ignorance of it!
I am convalescent,
but too weak to walk to the department today. The deathly "sick man,"
as the Emperor of Russia used to designate the Sultan of Turkey, is our
President. His mind has never yet comprehended the magnitude of the crisis.
Custis says letters
still flow in asking authority to raise negro troops.
In the North the
evacuation of Richmond is looked for between the 1st and 25th of April. They
may be fooled. But if we lose the Danville Road, it will only be a question of
time. Yet there will remain too great a breadth of territory for subjugation—if
the people choose to hold out, and soldiers can be made of negroes.
It is reported
(believed) that several determined assaults were made on our lines yesterday
evening and last night at Petersburg, and repulsed with slaughter; and that the
attack has been renewed to-day. Very heavy firing has been heard in that
direction. Gen. Lee announces no result yet.
We have 2,000,000
bread rations in the depots in North Carolina.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 461-2
Raining; rained all
night. My health improving, but prudence requires me to still keep within the
house.
The reports of
terrific fighting near Peterburg on Wednesday evening have not been confirmed.
Although Gen. Lee's dispatch shows they were not quite without foundation, I
have no doubt there was a false alarm on both sides, and a large amount of
ammunition vainly expended.
HEADQUARTERS, March 30th, 1865.
GEN.
J. C. BRECKINRIDGE, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Gen.
Gordon reports that the enemy, at 11 A.M. yesterday, advanced against a part of
his lines, defended by Brig.-Gen. Lewis, but was repulsed.
The
fire of artillery and mortars continued for several hours with considerable
activity.
No
damage on our lines reported.
R. E. LEE.
We are sinking our
gun-boats at Chaffin's Bluff, to obstruct the passage of the enemy's fleet,
expected soon to advance.
Congress passed two
acts, and proper ones, to which the Executive has yet paid no attention
whatever, viz.: the abolition of the Bureau of Conscription, and of all Provost
Marshals, their guards, etc. not attached to armies in the field. If the new
Secretary has consented to be burdened with the responsibility of this
contumacy and violation of the Constitution, it will break his back, and ruin
our already desperate cause.
Four P.M.—Since
writing the above, I learn that an order has been published abolishing the
"Bureau of Conscription."
Gov. Vance has
written to know why the government wants the track of the North Carolina
Railroad altered to the width of those in Virginia, and has been answered: 1st,
to facilitate the transportation of supplies to Gen. Lee's army from North
Carolina; and 2d, in the event of disaster, to enable the government to run all
the locomotives, cars, etc. of the Virginia roads into North Carolina.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 463
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.
