“Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,“October 13th, 1864.“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.“At seven o’clock this morning the enemy endeavored to advance between the Darbytown and Charles City Roads, but was repulsed in every attempt. The most strenuous effort was made about fourp.m., after which he withdrew, leaving many dead. Our loss very slight.“Gen. Breckinridge reports that a force of the enemy came to Greenville on the 12th, and was defeated by Gen. Vaughan. Some prisoners, two stands of colors, many horses and arms were captured. The enemy lost many killed and wounded. Our loss slight.“R. E. Lee,General.”
“Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,“October 13th, 1864.
“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
“At seven o’clock this morning the enemy endeavored to advance between the Darbytown and Charles City Roads, but was repulsed in every attempt. The most strenuous effort was made about fourp.m., after which he withdrew, leaving many dead. Our loss very slight.
“Gen. Breckinridge reports that a force of the enemy came to Greenville on the 12th, and was defeated by Gen. Vaughan. Some prisoners, two stands of colors, many horses and arms were captured. The enemy lost many killed and wounded. Our loss slight.
“R. E. Lee,General.”
It is now 2p.m., and yet we hear no cannon. If Grant does not renew the strife immediately, it will be natural to suppose he failed in his purpose yesterday, or that some unforeseen occurrence within his lines has happened. Be it either, it is a grateful respite to us.
On the 8th inst., Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, wrote the President a letter in vindication of P. Hamilton’s loyalty. Mr. H. is commissioner under suspension of the writ ofhabeas corpusto look into the loyalty of others, and was appointed on Judge C.’s recommendation. Some private individual in Mobile wrote the President, impeaching the patriotism of Mr. H., and also hinted something in relation to the loyalty of Judge C. This matter was shown to Mr. Seddon by the President, and Mr. S. spoke to Judge C. about it in his own manner, which produced the letter of Judge C. to the President. The President sends back the letter to-day, to the “Secretary of War,” indorsed in substanceas follows: “He was surprised to receive such a letter, when he had intimated no purpose to have the matter investigated.” Judge C. had procured indorsements of Mr. H. from Alabama, whichlet the matter out; and it would have beenappropriate—the President uses this word rather thanimproper, as he cannot dispense with either the Secretary or his assistant just now—to have consulted him before taking any steps whatever in the business. He seems vexed, even at Mr. S.
October 15th.—A bright and glorious day—above.
All was quiet yesterday below, indicating that the enemy suffered severely in the last assault on our lines.
But we have nothing from Georgia. From the Valley, our cavalry had the misfortune to lose eleven guns by indiscreetly venturing too far in pursuit.
And the news from the United States indicates that Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana have gone for the Republican candidates. This foreshadows Lincoln’s re-election, and admonishes us to prepare for other campaigns, though languishing for peace.
The farmers are now pouring in to replenish the armies, under the recent order revoking the details of agriculturists; and these are fine-looking men, and there will soon be successes in the field. Lately the indulgence of details to an immoderate extent, and corruption in the business of conscription, had depleted the armies extensively of men of substance and standing, and this may account for our disasters. Men, to fight well, must have something to fight for.
Gen. Price, at the head of 20,000 men, is in Missouri. To expel him, many troops will be required; and this may relieve us a little in the East.
My wife lost her purse in market this morning, before making any purchases; it contained $22 and her eye-glasses. I don’t think there are any pickpockets except the extortioners.
October 16th, Sunday.—A pleasant sunny Sabbath morn.
The quiet below continues. Not a gun has been heard for three days; the longest intermission we have had for many months. What can it mean? Sheridan has spread desolation in the Shenandoah Valley, perhaps to prevent Early from penetrating Pennsylvania, etc., intending to come with all expedition to Grant.
Troops, or rather detailed men, and late exempts, are beginningto arrive from North Carolina. I saw 250 this morning. Some of them were farmers who had complied with the terms prescribed, and a week ago thought themselves safe from the toils and dangers of war. They murmur, but there is no escape. They say the Governor has called out the militia officers, and magistrates also.
Desertion is the order of the day, on both sides. Would that themenwould take matters in their own hands, and end the war, establishing our independence. Let every man in both armies desert and go home!
Some one has sent a “Circular” of the “Bureau of Conscription” to the President, dated some few weeks ago, and authorizing enrolling officers everywhere to furlough farmers and others for sixty days, to make out their claims for exemption. This the President says in his indorsement defeats his efforts to put the whole able-bodied male population in the field; and no doubt has been the source of the many abuses charged against the “bureau.” The Secretary sends the paper to the “bureau” for report, stating that he felt great surprise at the terms of the “Circular,” and had no recollection of having seen or sanctioned such a document. The Superintendent reports that it was issued by the authority of the Secretary of War, and was warranted by law—looking to the interests of agriculture, etc. The truth is that the Circular was prepared by a subordinate in the Bureau of Conscription, and signed by Col. August, “Acting Superintendent.” It was approved by Judge Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War, “by order of the Secretary of War” who never saw it. Mr. Seddon has left all the business of conscription in the hands of Judge Campbell; and poor Gen. Preston—indolent and ill—has been compelled to sign, sanction, and defend documents he knew nothing about; and Mr. Seddon is in a similar predicament.
The Secretary of War has written a long letter to Gen. Lee, suggesting that he assemble a council of officers to decide what measure shall be adopted in regard to the treatment of prisoners in the hands of the enemy. It appears that Gen. Butler has notified Gen. Lee that he is now retaliating fearfully—making them work in his canal—on certain Confederates for some alleged harsh treatment ofnegroprisoners in our hands—sending slaves back to their masters. Mr. Seddon, without assuming any responsibility himself, yet intimates the idea that this government is prepared tosanction the most sanguinary remedy; and I understand several members of the cabinet to have always been in favor of fighting—that is, having others fight—under the black flag. If the government had only listened to Gen. Lee’s suggestions, we should have had abundance of men in the field to beat the enemy out of Virginia. I hope the present recruiting excitement comes not too late. And I trust he will interpose so far in behalf of the country as to wrest the railroads from the hands of the speculators and the dishonest quartermasters.
Not a gun has been heard by me to-day, and the mysterious silence defies my powers of penetration. I only hope it may continuesine die.
October 17th.—Bright and beautiful.
Still all quiet below, and reinforcements (details revoked) arenowarriving—1000 per day.
The Northern news makes some doubt as to the result of the election in Pennsylvania.
From the Valley we have rumors of victory, etc.
A thrill of horror has been produced by a report that Gen. Butler has, for some time past, kept a number of his prisoners (Confederates) at work in his canal down the river, and supposing they were Federals, our batteries and gun-boats have been shelling our own men!
October 18th.—Cloudy and cool.
Quiet below, but it is rumored that the enemy has erected one or two sand batteries, mounted with 400-pounders, bearing on our fleet of gun-boats.
The following dispatch was received from Gen. Hood to-day:
“9 Miles South of Lafayette, Ga.,“Oct. 15th, viaSelma, Oct. 17th, 1864.“Gen. Bragg.“This army struck the communications of the enemy about a mile above Resaca on the 12th inst, completely destroying the railroad, including block-houses, from that point to within a short distance of Tunnel Hill, and about four miles of the Cleaveland Railroad, capturing Dalton and all intermediate garrisons, with their stores, arms, and equipments, and about 1000 prisoners.“The main body of Sherman’s army seems to be moving toward Dalton.J. B. Hood,General.”
“9 Miles South of Lafayette, Ga.,“Oct. 15th, viaSelma, Oct. 17th, 1864.
“Gen. Bragg.
“This army struck the communications of the enemy about a mile above Resaca on the 12th inst, completely destroying the railroad, including block-houses, from that point to within a short distance of Tunnel Hill, and about four miles of the Cleaveland Railroad, capturing Dalton and all intermediate garrisons, with their stores, arms, and equipments, and about 1000 prisoners.
“The main body of Sherman’s army seems to be moving toward Dalton.J. B. Hood,General.”
The following was received from Gen. Lee yesterday:
“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“Oct. 16th, 1864.“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.“On the 14th instant, Col. Moseby struck the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Duffield, and destroyed a United States mail train, consisting of a locomotive and ten cars, and securing twenty prisoners and fifteen horses.“Among the prisoners are two paymasters, with one hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars in government funds.“R. E. Lee.”
“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“Oct. 16th, 1864.
“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
“On the 14th instant, Col. Moseby struck the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Duffield, and destroyed a United States mail train, consisting of a locomotive and ten cars, and securing twenty prisoners and fifteen horses.
“Among the prisoners are two paymasters, with one hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars in government funds.
“R. E. Lee.”
It is reported also that Gen. Early has gained some advantage in a battle; not authentic.
Gen. Bragg is going away, probably to Wilmington. The combination against him was too strong.
But “the Bureau of Conscription” is pretty nearly demolished under his blows. Order 81 directs the generals of Reserves to appoint inspecting officers for all the Congressional Districts, to revise all exemptions, details, etc., with plenary powers, without reference to “the Bureau.”
The passport checks on travel Northward are now the merest farce, and valuable information is daily conveyed to the enemy.
October 19th.—Bright and beautiful.
Still all quiet below, the occasional bombarding near Petersburg being beyond our hearing.
Yesterday, Gen. Preston, a millionaire, who can stalk stiffly anywhere, had an interview with the President, who admitted that he had dictated the General Orders—“76,” “77,” “78,”—rushing almost everybody into the army, but that it was not his meaning to take the whole business of conscription from “the Bureau.” Yet Gen. P., the superintendent, thinks thereadingof the orders will admit of that construction, and he has written to the President asking another order, defining his position, etc., else his occupation is gone. The President cannot afford to lose Gen. P.
From Gen. Early’s army we learn that the detailed men and reserves are joining in great numbers, and the general asks 1000 muskets. Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, says he has but 300 available, his shops being closed, the workmen in the trenches, etc.
All the ordnance, quartermaster, and commissary stores of Hood’s army were ordered to Columbus, Ga. We expect stirring news from Georgia daily, and the opinion prevails that Sherman will “come to grief.”
The militia, furloughed by Gov. Brown so inopportunely, are returning to the front, the time having expired.
A Mr. B. is making Lincoln speeches in New York. It seems to me he had a passport from Mr. Benjamin, Secretary of State.
Gen. Lee writes to-day that negroes taken from the enemy, penitentiary convicts, and recaptured deserters ought not to be sent by the Secretary to work on the fortifications.
October 20th.—Cloudy. There is a street rumor of a battle below, and on the Petersburg line. The wind is from the west, and yet we hear no guns.
The Secretary of the Treasury sent to the Secretary of War to-day an argument showing that, without a violation of the Constitution, clerks appointed to places created by Congress cannot be removed. We shall see what the Secretary says to that.
October 21st.—Bright.
Fort Harrison (Federal) opened its batteries on our lines at Chaffin’s Farm yesterday evening, without effect. An officer tells me that heavy and quick firing was also heard on the Petersburg lines, indicating, he thought, a battle. We have nothing of this in the papers, or in any dispatch I have seen.
Assistant Secretary Campbell is writing a portion of Mr. Secretary Seddon’s report for him. Mr. C.’s son was promoted to a majority yesterday.
At 2p.m.we have a rumor that Gen. Early has been defeated, losing all his guns but one.
A letter from the Secretary of the Treasury recommends the detail or exemption of the bank officers of South Carolina. The poor country clod-hoppers have no friends, and must do the fighting.
The following order, dictated by the President, has been published:
“Adjutant and Inspector-General’s Office,“Richmond, October 20th, 1864.“General Orders No. 82.“I. The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance will, without delay, take measures to place in the field one-fifth of all the men employedin his department (including contractors and their employees) of the classes specified in General Order No. 77, A. and I. G. Office (current series). To this end he will direct the several officers in charge of arsenals, workshops, depots, etc. to turn over to the nearest enrolling officers, by lists showing their ages, occupations, and residences, such proportion of their employees (including contractors and employees under them) of the classes above referred to as will constitute in the aggregate one-fifth of the whole number in the said classes, according to returns in his office of Sept. 30th, 1864. Duplicates of such lists will be sent to the Generals of Reserves of the States, and triplicates to the Chief of Ordnance. Three days are allowed for the execution of this Order after its reception at any post or station of the Ordnance Department.“II. The Chief of the Niter and Mining Bureau will, in like manner, turn over, on similar lists, one-fifth of all men of the classes specified in General Order No. 77, employed in iron, lead, copper, and coal mines, and all service appertaining thereto, whether directly under officers of his Bureau or by contractors. Duplicate and triplicate lists to be furnished as above directed in the Ordnance Bureau, and will in the same manner turn over one-fifth of all such men now employed in the Niter service.“The period of three days, under the same conditions as above mentioned, is allowed for the execution of this order.“III. The list of persons directed in the foregoing sections to be turned over to the enrolling officers will be prepared at once on the reception of this Order, and will be furnished to the said officers within three days, as above prescribed, by the various officers of each of the above Bureaus, having men under their charge, and every assistance will be rendered by the latter to the enrolling officer to carry out the intention of this order.“IV. So much of General Order No. 77 as relates to men employed in the two Bureaus named above is hereby suspended, and the foregoing Orders will stand in lieu of all requirements under the former.“By order.S. Cooper,“A. and I. General.”
“Adjutant and Inspector-General’s Office,“Richmond, October 20th, 1864.
“General Orders No. 82.
“I. The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance will, without delay, take measures to place in the field one-fifth of all the men employedin his department (including contractors and their employees) of the classes specified in General Order No. 77, A. and I. G. Office (current series). To this end he will direct the several officers in charge of arsenals, workshops, depots, etc. to turn over to the nearest enrolling officers, by lists showing their ages, occupations, and residences, such proportion of their employees (including contractors and employees under them) of the classes above referred to as will constitute in the aggregate one-fifth of the whole number in the said classes, according to returns in his office of Sept. 30th, 1864. Duplicates of such lists will be sent to the Generals of Reserves of the States, and triplicates to the Chief of Ordnance. Three days are allowed for the execution of this Order after its reception at any post or station of the Ordnance Department.
“II. The Chief of the Niter and Mining Bureau will, in like manner, turn over, on similar lists, one-fifth of all men of the classes specified in General Order No. 77, employed in iron, lead, copper, and coal mines, and all service appertaining thereto, whether directly under officers of his Bureau or by contractors. Duplicate and triplicate lists to be furnished as above directed in the Ordnance Bureau, and will in the same manner turn over one-fifth of all such men now employed in the Niter service.
“The period of three days, under the same conditions as above mentioned, is allowed for the execution of this order.
“III. The list of persons directed in the foregoing sections to be turned over to the enrolling officers will be prepared at once on the reception of this Order, and will be furnished to the said officers within three days, as above prescribed, by the various officers of each of the above Bureaus, having men under their charge, and every assistance will be rendered by the latter to the enrolling officer to carry out the intention of this order.
“IV. So much of General Order No. 77 as relates to men employed in the two Bureaus named above is hereby suspended, and the foregoing Orders will stand in lieu of all requirements under the former.
“By order.S. Cooper,“A. and I. General.”
October 22d.—Cloudy; rained last night. 2p.m.—Cold, and prospects of snow.
The news of Early’s disaster, and loss of artillery at Strasburg, is confirmed, and casts a new vexation over the country.
Mr. M. Byrd, Selma, Ala., is addressing some bold letters to the President on the blunders of the administration.
Gen. Longstreet has resumed command of the first army corps.
G. W. Custis Lee (son of the general) has been made a major-general.
There was no fighting below yesterday, that I have heard of.
Gold, which was $1 for $30 in Confederate States notes, commands $35 for $1 to-day, under the news from the Valley. Yet our sagacious statesmen regard the re-election of Lincoln (likely to follow our reverses) as favorable to independence, though it may prolong the war. It is thought there will certainly be revolution or civil war in the North, if the Democrats be beaten; and that will relieve us of the vast armies precipitated on our soil. Many of the faint-hearted croakers are anxious for peace and reconstruction.
Gen. Butler, called “the Beast” by the press, has certainly performed a generous action. Messrs. McRae and Henley, two government clerks in the local battalion, wandered into the enemy’s lines, and were put to work in the canal by Gen. Butler, who had been informed that we made some prisoners taken from him work on the fortifications. This was done but a short time, when they were relieved; and Mr. McRae was permitted to return to the city, to learn whether the Federal prisoners were really required to perform the labor named. No restrictions were imposed on him, no parole required. He came with Gen. B.’s passport, but felt in honor bound to communicate no intelligence, and voluntarily returned to captivity. WehadFederal prisoners at work, but they were remanded to prison.
Sunday, October 23d.—Bright and frosty.
From the United States papers we learn that a great victory is claimed over Gen. Early, with the capture of forty-three guns!
It is also stated that a party of “Copperheads” (Democrats), who had taken refuge in Canada, have made a raid into Vermont, and robbed some of the banks of their specie.
The fact that Mr. McRae, who, with Mr. Henley (local forces), fell into the hands of the enemy a few miles below the city, waspermitted to return within our own lines with a passport (without restrictions, etc.) from Gen. Butler, has not been mentioned by any of the newspapers, gives rise to many conjectures. Some say that “somebody” prohibited the publication; others, that the press has long been misrepresenting the conduct of the enemy; there being policy in keeping alive the animosities of the army and the people.
The poor clerks in the trenches are in a demoralized condition. It is announced that the Secretary of War has resolved to send them all to Camp Lee, for medical examination: those that have proved their ability to bear arms (in defense of the city)are to be removed from office, and put in the army. One-half of them will desert to the enemy, and injure the cause. About one hundred of them were appointed before the enactment of the act of Conscription, under the express guarantee of the Constitution that they should not be molested during life. If the President removes these, mostly refugees with families dependent upon their salaries, it will be a plain violation of the Constitution; and the victims cannot be relied on for their loyalty to the government. If the government wastes precious time in such small matters, while events of magnitude demand attention, the cause is fast reaching a hopeless condition. The able-bodied money-changer, speculator, and extortioner is still seen in the street; and their number is legion.
The generals in the field are sending back the poor, sickly recruits ordered out by the Medical Board: the able-bodied rich men escape by bribery and corruption; and the heartyofficers—acting adjutant-generals, quartermasters, and commissaries—ride their sleek horses through the city every afternoon. This, while the cause is perishing for want of men and horses!
October 24th.—Clouds and sunshine. Nothing new of importance from the army.
Gov. Smith has been writing letters to Gen. Lee, asking that Gen. Early be superseded in the Valley. Pity it had not been done! Gen. Lee replied, expressing confidence in Early; and the President (since the disaster!) coincides with Lee.
The President administers a sharp rebuke to Gen. Whiting, for irregularly corresponding with Generals Lee and Beauregard on the subject of Lieut. Taylor Wood’s naval expedition, fitting out at Wilmington.
The President and cabinet are still at work on the one hundred clerks in the departments whom they wish to displace.
I append the result of my gardening this year. The dry weather in May and June injured the crop, or the amount would have been much larger. Total valuation, at market prices, $347.
October 25th.—Bright and beautiful morning.
All quiet below. Mr. McRae has been permitted by Gen. Butler to return again to the city to await his exchange, pledged not to bear arms, etc. Many more of the government employees, forced into the trenches, would be happy to be in the same predicament. A great many are deserting under a deliberate conviction that their rights have been despotically invaded by the government; and that this government is, and is likely to be, as tyrannous as Lincoln’s. No doubt many give valuable information to the enemy.
The Superintendent of the Bureau of Conscription is at open war with the General of Reserves in Virginia, and confusion is likely to be worse confounded.
Gen. Cooper, A. and I. General (Pennsylvanian), suggests to the President the appointment of Gen. Lovell to the command of all the prisons containing Federal captives. Gen. Lovell, too, is a Northern man.
October 26th.—Clear and frosty. Quiet below.
Gen. W. M. Gardner (in Gen. Winder’s place here) has just got from Judge Campbell passports for his cousin, Mary E. Gardner, and for his brother-in-law F. M. White, to go to Memphis, Tenn., where they mean to reside.
Mr. Benjamin publishes a copy of a dispatch to Mr. Mason, in London, for publication there, showing that if the United States continue the war, she will be unable to pay her debts abroad, and therefore foreigners ought not to lend her any more money, or they may be ruined. This from a Secretary of State! It may be an electioneering card in the United States, and it may reconcile some of our members of Congress to the incumbency of Mr. B. in a sinecure position.
A friend of Mr. Seddon, near Vicksburg, writes for permission to sell thirty bales of cotton—$20,000 worth—to the enemy. He says Mr. Seddon’s estate, on the Sunflower, has not been destroyed by the enemy. That’s fortunate, for other places have been utterly ruined.
Investigations going on in the courts show that during Gen. Winder’s “Reign of Terror,” passports sold for $2000. Some outside party negotiated the business and procured the passport.
Gen. Early has issued an address to his army, reproaching it for having victory wrested out of its hands by a criminal indulgence in the plunder found in the camps captured from the enemy. He hopes they will retrieve everything in the next battle.
Governor Smith’s exemptions of magistrates, deputy sheriffs, clerks, and constables, to-day, 56.
October 27th.—Slightly hazy and sunshine.
Quiet, save aimless and bootless shelling and picket firing along the lines on the south side of the river.
Hon. Geo. Davis, Attorney-General, to whom was referred the question of the constitutionality of the purposed removal from office of clerks appointed to fill places specifically created by act of Congress previous to the enactment of the Conscript law, without there being alleged against them any misconduct, inefficiency, dishonesty, etc., has reported that as several subsequent acts ofCongressalready indicate an intention to put all capable of bearing arms in the army, it is the duty of the President and the Secretary of Warto carry out the intentions of Congress, leaving the constitutional question to the decision of the courts! The Constitution they swore upon the holy, etc. to support! Thus, a refugee must either starve his wife and children by relinquishing office, or be disgraced by appealing to the courts!
It is reported that 30,000 of the enemy crossed to this side of the river last night, and that fighting has began at 10a.m.; but I hear nothing save an occasional report of cannon.
It is said brisk skirmishing is now (12m.) going on along the lines.
Gen. Cooper and Mr. Secretary Seddon wants Brig.-Gen. R. (Charleston) relieved, for insulting a lady in one of his fits of drunkenness. The President is reluctant to consent.
We have intelligence to-day of gun-boats and transports ascending the Rappahannock River. Another squall from that quarter!
Threep.m.The cannonading has grown quick and terrific alongthe lines, below the city (north side), with occasional discharges nearer, and farther to the left (north), as if the enemy were attempting to flank our army.
The sounds are very distinctly heard, the weather being damp and the wind from the southeast. We can distinguish the bursting of the shell quickly after the discharge of the cannon.
The firing ceased at dark. It rains hard and steadily, now. What a life! what suffering, in mud and water, without tents (in the trenches), burdened with wet blankets, and perhaps without food! To-morrow, in all probability, a battle will be fought.
Gen. Lee, for several weeks, as if aware of the impending operations in this vicinity, has been on this side of the river, superintending in person the fortifications multiplied everywhere for the defense of the city, while reinforcements have been pouring in by thousands. It must be a fearful struggle, if Gen. Grant really intends to make another effort to capture Richmond by assault! Our works, mostly made by the negroes, under the direction of skillful engineers, must be nearly impregnable, and the attempt to take them will involve a prodigious expenditure of blood.
October 28th.—Rained all night, but bright this morning.
We have no clear account yet of the fighting yesterday; but we know the enemy was repulsed on this side of the river. It is thought that the operations on the south side were of greater magnitude, where we lost a brigadier-general (Dearing) of cavalry. We shall know all in a few days. The fighting was not resumed this morning.
It is rumored that Mr. Seddon will resign, and be succeeded by Gen. Kemper. I am incredulous.
The “dog-catchers,” as the guards are called, are out again, arresting able-bodied men (and sometimes others) in the streets, and locking them up until they can be sent to the front. There must be extraordinary danger anticipated by the authorities to induce a resort to so extreme a measure.
Twop.m.No news from the field—-no cannon heard to-day.
Large amounts of cloth from Europe for the army have recently arrived at Wilmington, N. C.; but the speculators occupy so much space in the cars, that transportation cannot be had for it. The poor soldiers are likely to suffer in consequence of this neglect of duty on the part of the government.
October 29th.—Clear and pleasant.
We are beginning to get authentic accounts of the operations on Thursday; and yet, from the newspaper publications, we see that the government has withheld one of Gen. Lee’s dispatches from publication. Altogether, it must be regarded as a decisive failure on the part of the enemy to obtain any lodgment nearer to the objective point; while his loss was perhaps two to our one.
A letter from Gen. Howell Cobb, Macon, Ga., in reply to one from the Secretary by the President’s direction, states that Gen. Beauregard, in arranging difficulties with Gov. Brown, did not compromise the dignity or interests of the Confederate States Government, or violate any law.
It is now said Sheridan is retreating toward the Potomac, followed by Early. Some 500 more recruits for Early left Richmond yesterday. This would indicate that Gen. Lee has men enough here.
The President suggests that confidential inspectors be sent to ascertain whether Gen. Early’s army has lost confidence in him. Both Gen. Lee and the President are satisfied that the charges of drunkenness against Gen. E. merit no attention. The Secretary had indorsed on a paper (referred by him to the President) that he shared the belief in the “want of confidence,” etc.—and no doubt would have him removed.
Sunday, October 30th.—Bright and beautiful.
Some firing was heard early this morning on the Darbytown road, or in that direction; but it soon ceased, and no fighting of moment is anticipated to-day, for Gen. Longstreet is in the city.
My son Thomas drew a month’s rations yesterday, being detailed for clerical service with Gen. Kemper. He got 35 pounds of flour (market value $70), 31 pounds of beef ($100.75), 3 pounds of rice ($6), one sixth of a cord of wood ($13.33), salt ($2), tobacco ($5), vinegar ($3)—making $200 per month; clothing furnished by government,$500 per annum; cash, $18 per month; $4 per day extra, and $40 per month for quarters; or $5000 per annum. Custis and I get $4000 each—making in all $13,000! Yet we cannot subsist and clothe the family; for, alas, the paper money is $30 for one in specie!
The steamers have brought into Wilmington immense amounts of quartermaster stores, and perhaps our armies are the best cladin the world. If the spirit of speculation be laid, and all the men and resources of the country be devoted to defense (as seems now to be the intention), the United States could never find men and material sufficient for our subjugation. We could maintain the war for an indefinite period, unless, indeed, fatal dissensions should spring up among ourselves.
October 31st.—Bright. Tom’s rations came in—worth $200—for a month.
Gen. Lee writes that it is necessary for the gun-boats to guard the river as far below Chaffin’s Bluffs as possible, to prevent the enemy from throwing a force to the south bank in the rear of Gen. Pickett’s lines; for then Gen. P. must withdraw his forces, and the abandonment of Petersburg will follow, “with its railroad connections, throwing the whole army back to the defense of Richmond. I should regard this as a great disaster, and as seriously endangering the safety of the city. We should not only lose a large section of country from which our position enables us to draw supplies, but the enemy would be brought nearer to the only remaining railway communication between Richmond and the South. It would make the tenure of the city depend upon our ability to hold this long line of communication against the largely superior force of the enemy, and I think would greatly diminish the prospects of successful defense.” He suggests that more men and small boats be put in the river to prevent the enemy from placing torpedoes in the rear of the iron-clads, when on duty down the river at night.
J. H. Reagan, Postmaster-General, has written a furious letter to the Secretary, complaining of incivility on the part of Mr. Wilson, Commissary Agent to issue beef in Richmond. Judge R. went there to draw the beef ration for Col. Lubbock, one of the President’s aid-de-camps (late Governor of Texas). He says he is able-bodied and ought to be in the army. Mr. Wilson sends in certificates of two men who were present, contradicting the judge’s statement of the language used by Mr. W. The Secretary has not yet acted in the case.
Beverly Tucker is in Canada, and has made a contract for the Confederate States Government with ——— & Co., of New York, to deliver bacon for cotton, pound for pound. It was made by authority of the Secretary of War, certified to by Hon. C. C. Clayand J. Thompson, both in Canada. The Secretary of the Treasury don’t like it.
It is reported that after the success reported by Gen. Lee, Early wasagaindefeated.
Proclamation for a day of public worship.—Gov. Allen, of Louisiana.—Letter from Gen. Beauregard.—Departure for Europe.—Congress assembles.—Quarrel between Gens. Kemper and Preston.—Gen. Forrest doing wonders.—Tennessee.—Gen. Johnston on his Georgia campaign.—John Mitchel and Senator Foote.—Progress of Sherman.—From Gov. Brown, of Georgia.—Capture of Gen. Pryor.
Proclamation for a day of public worship.—Gov. Allen, of Louisiana.—Letter from Gen. Beauregard.—Departure for Europe.—Congress assembles.—Quarrel between Gens. Kemper and Preston.—Gen. Forrest doing wonders.—Tennessee.—Gen. Johnston on his Georgia campaign.—John Mitchel and Senator Foote.—Progress of Sherman.—From Gov. Brown, of Georgia.—Capture of Gen. Pryor.
November 1st.—Bright and frosty morning.
All quiet. No confirmation of Early’s defeat; and the night-feat of Mahone puts the people in better hope.
One-third of all our lead comes from the mines near Wytheville, Virginia.
I got 128 pounds of flour from the investment in supplies in North Carolina, and one-fourth of that amount is still behind. We got 26 pounds of bacon, worth $260; the flour received, and to be received, 160 pounds, $320; and we expect to get 6 gallons molasses, $30 per gallon, $180: total, $760; and only $200 invested. This shows the profits of the speculators!
Gov. Yates, of Illinois, has declared Richmond will be in the hands of the Federals before the 8th of November. This is the 1st. It may be so; but I doubt it. It cannot be so without the effusion of an ocean of blood!
I learned to-day that every tree on Gov. Wise’s farm of any size has been felled by the enemy. What harm have the poor trees done the enemy? I love trees, anywhere.
The President attends to many little matters, such as solicitations for passports to leave the country, details or exemptions of husbands and sons; and generally the ladies who address him, knowing his religious bias, frame their phraseology accordingly, and often with effect.
The following is his last proclamation:
Proclamation appointing a Day for Public Worship.“It is meet that the people of the Confederate States should, from time to time, assemble to acknowledge their dependence on Almighty God, to render devout thanks for his manifold blessings, to worship his holy name, to bend in prayer at his footstool, and to accept, with reverent submission, the chastening of his all-wise and all-merciful Providence.“Let us, then, in temples and in fields, unite our voices in recognizing, with adoring gratitude, the manifestations of his protecting care in the many signal victories with which our arms have been crowned; in the fruitfulness with which our land has been blessed, and in the unimpaired energy and fortitude with which he has inspired our hearts and strengthened our arms in resistance to the iniquitous designs of our enemies.“And let us not forget that, while graciously vouchsafing to us his protection, our sins have merited and received grievous chastisement; that many of our best and bravest have fallen in battle; that many others are still held in foreign prisons; that large districts of our country have been devastated with savage ferocity, the peaceful homes destroyed, and helpless women and children driven away in destitution; and that with fiendish malignity the passions of a servile race have been excited by our foes into the commission of atrocities from which death is a welcome escape.“Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, do issue this my proclamation, setting apart Wednesday, the sixteenth day of November next, as a day to be specially devoted to the worship of Almighty God; and I do invite and invoke all the people of these Confederate States to assemble on the day aforesaid, in their respective places of public worship, there to unite in prayer to our heavenly Father, that he bestow his favor upon us; that he extend over us the protection of his Almighty arm; that he sanctify his chastisement to our improvement, so that we may turn away from evil paths and walk righteously in his sight; that he restore peace to our beloved country, healing its bleeding wounds, and securing to us the continued enjoyment of our right of self-government and independence;and that he graciously hearken to us, while we ascribe to him the power and glory of our deliverance.“Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at Richmond, this 26th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.“Jefferson Davis.“By the President:“J. P. Benjamin,Secretary of State.”
Proclamation appointing a Day for Public Worship.
“It is meet that the people of the Confederate States should, from time to time, assemble to acknowledge their dependence on Almighty God, to render devout thanks for his manifold blessings, to worship his holy name, to bend in prayer at his footstool, and to accept, with reverent submission, the chastening of his all-wise and all-merciful Providence.
“Let us, then, in temples and in fields, unite our voices in recognizing, with adoring gratitude, the manifestations of his protecting care in the many signal victories with which our arms have been crowned; in the fruitfulness with which our land has been blessed, and in the unimpaired energy and fortitude with which he has inspired our hearts and strengthened our arms in resistance to the iniquitous designs of our enemies.
“And let us not forget that, while graciously vouchsafing to us his protection, our sins have merited and received grievous chastisement; that many of our best and bravest have fallen in battle; that many others are still held in foreign prisons; that large districts of our country have been devastated with savage ferocity, the peaceful homes destroyed, and helpless women and children driven away in destitution; and that with fiendish malignity the passions of a servile race have been excited by our foes into the commission of atrocities from which death is a welcome escape.
“Now, therefore, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America, do issue this my proclamation, setting apart Wednesday, the sixteenth day of November next, as a day to be specially devoted to the worship of Almighty God; and I do invite and invoke all the people of these Confederate States to assemble on the day aforesaid, in their respective places of public worship, there to unite in prayer to our heavenly Father, that he bestow his favor upon us; that he extend over us the protection of his Almighty arm; that he sanctify his chastisement to our improvement, so that we may turn away from evil paths and walk righteously in his sight; that he restore peace to our beloved country, healing its bleeding wounds, and securing to us the continued enjoyment of our right of self-government and independence;and that he graciously hearken to us, while we ascribe to him the power and glory of our deliverance.
“Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at Richmond, this 26th day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four.
“Jefferson Davis.
“By the President:“J. P. Benjamin,Secretary of State.”
The President gets but few letters from members of Congress.
November 2d.—Dark and dismal.
The Governor continues his exemptions, now amounting to thousands. S. Basset French (State agent to buy and sell supplies to the people), with one or more clerks, and such laborers, etc. as may be necessary, I find among his last exemptions. A smart and corrupt agent could make a fortune out of these exemptions. Of course, theGovernor’sA. D. C. will do no such thing.
No news from below.
Rev. John Clark writes from Stafford County that the conscripts there have hid themselves in White Oak Swamp, because the Secretary of War has exempted an able-bodied man to work for Mrs. ——, his —— widow.
Gen. Winder, with the prisoners in the South, is in hot water again. He wants to make Cashmyer suttler (like ancient Pistol), and Major ——, the Secretary’s agent, opposes it, on the ground that he is a “Plug Ugly rogue and cut-throat.”
Mr. George Davis, Attorney-General Confederate States, has given it as his opinion that although certain civil officers of the government were exempted from military service by the Constitution, yet a recent act of Congress, decreeing that all residents between the ages of 17 and 50 are in the military service, must be executed. In other words, the cabinet ministers must “see that the laws be faithfully executed,” even should they be clearly and expressly unconstitutional. Is not the Constitution the law? Have they not sworn to support it, etc.? It seems to me that this is a weak opinion.
It makes the Presidentabsolute. I fear this government in future times will be denounced as a Cabal of bandits and outlaws, making and executing the most despotic decrees. This decisionwill look bad in history, and will do no good at present. Howcouldthe President “approve” such a law?
The desertions from the Tredegar Battalion and other workshops—local defense—amount to between one and two hundred since the 1st of September.
November 3d.—Cold rain; rained all night.
Gen. Lee, urging that his regiments from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, etc. etc. be recruited from their respective States, concludes a recent letter thus: “I hope immediate action will be taken upon this subject, as I think our success depends much upon a speedy increase of our armies in every possible way.”
This dismal weather casts a deeper gloom upon the spirits of the croakers. They fear Richmond cannot be long defended.
Plymouth, N. C., has been retaken by the enemy.
During this damp weather the deep and sullen sounds of cannon can be heard at all hours, day and night. The firing is mostly from our iron-clads.
The market was well supplied this morning with abundance of good meat, vegetables, fruit, etc.; and I was glad to see but few making purchases. The reason may have been that the extortionate prices repelled the people; or it may have been the rain. I passed on.
November 4th.—Rained all night; glimpses of the sun between the running clouds this morning. Windy, and likely to be cold.
Our iron-clad “Albemarle” was blown up by a handful of the enemy at Plymouth—surprising the water pickets (all asleep). Themannerof the loss of the town, and of the counties east of it, is not known yet; but everything was foretold by Mr. Burgyson to the cabinet then devoting their attention to the problem how to violate the Constitution, and put into the trenches some fifty delicate clerks, that their places might be filled by some of their own special favorites. Mr. George Davis, Attorney-General, the instrument selected to rend the Constitution, or rather to remove the obstacles out of the way, is from North Carolina; and this blow has fallen upon his own State!
We learn that gold is rising rapidly in the North, which may be significant of President Lincoln’s re-election next week.
We get no news from our armies except through the Northern papers—not reliable just now.
Gov. Allen, of Louisiana, writes a furious letter to the Secretary of War, who ordered the disbandment of the State Battalion. He says the order is a personal offense to him and an insult to his State (he is a native Virginian), and he will resent it and resist it to the last extremity. He gives notice that the 3d battalion has been ordered back from the east side of the Mississippi River. The battalion disbanded numbered but 150 men! A little business—like losing one-fourth of North Carolina, to put out of office fifty clerks, whose tenure, by the Constitution, is for life!
November 5th.—Clear and cold.
Grant has attempted nothing this week, and it is probably too late for any demonstration to affect the election. I infer that the government is convinced President Lincoln will be re-elected, else some desperate effort would have been made in his behalf by his generals. Will he float on a sea of blood another four years? I doubt it. One side or the other must, I think, give up the contest.Hecan afford to break with the Abolitionists now. Wecannotsubmit without the loss of everything.
It is thought Grant will continue to “swing to the left,” making a winter campaign on the coasts of North and South Carolina—mean time leaving Butler’s army here, always menacing Richmond.
Gen. Beauregard writes from Gadsden, Ala., October 24th, that his headquarters will be at Tuscumbia, Ala.; will get supplies from Corinth to Tuscumbia. Forrest has been ordered to report to Gen. Hood, in Middle Tennessee. The railroad iron between Corinth and Memphis will be taken to supply wants elsewhere. Gen. Dick Taylor is to guard communications, etc., has directed Gen. Cheatham to issue an address to the people of Tennessee, saying his and Gen. Forrest’s command have entered the State for its redemption, etc., and calling upon the people to aid in destroying theenemy’s communications, while the main army is between Atlanta and Chattanooga, when the purpose is to precipitate thewhole armyupon it, etc. Gen. B. doubts not he will soon be able to announce good tidings, etc. etc. This letter to Gen. Cooper is “submitted to the Secretary of War,” by whom it is “submitted for the information of the President,” and sent back by him—“Read and returned, 4th Nov. ’64.—J. D.”
Gen. B. was to leave that day to join Gen. Hood, in vicinity ofGuntersville, on Tennessee River. Sherman’s army was between Dalton and Gadsden, 15 miles from Gadsden.
Sunday, November 6th.—Bright and frosty.
All quiet below. Another day, and if it remains quiet, we may know that Lincoln will be re-elected.
It is said news came from the North last night, that gold sold for $2 60, and that Governor Seymour had ordered the militia of New York to be in readiness for the protection of the polls on Tuesday next.
G. W. Randolph, late Secretary of War, has sailed for Europe, taking his family with him. Other quondam Confederate States functionaries have gone, or are going. Many have realized fortunes, who were poor, and this country has ceased to be the one toenjoythem in.
A parting letter was written by Mr. Randolph to his friend, R. G. H. Kean, Chief of the Bureau of War—appointed by Mr. R., and from whom I derived the information of the sailing of his patron. Such departures, at a crisis like this, spread additional doubts in the community. Mr. R. was not liable to conscription, if averse to fighting more in our cause, being exempted by Governor Smith as a member of the Common Council.
To-morrow is the day fixed for the reassembling of our Congress, but doubts are entertained whether there will be a quorum.
We shall soon have lively news from Beauregard. If I understand his letter of the 24th ult., he is determined to march the army without delay into Middle Tennessee, leaving Sherman on his right flank and rear. It is a desperate conception, and will probably be a brilliant success—or a sad disaster. Napoleon liked such games. If Beauregard really has great genius, he has now the field on which to display it. If the Tennesseeans and Kentuckians rise, momentous events may follow; if not, it is probably the last opportunity they will have. They have their choice—but blood is the price of independence.
November 7th.—Dark and raining. Cannon heard down the river.
To-day our Congress assembles. Senator Johnson, of Missouri (who relinquished six years in United States Senate and $200,000for the cause), called to see me. He is hopeful of success in the West.
By the Northern papers we see that Mr. Seward has discovered a “conspiracy” to burn all the Northern cities on election day. It may be so—by Northern incendiaries.
Our citizens are still asking permits to bring flour and meal to the city (free from liability to impressment) for “family use.” The speculators divide and subdivide their lots, and get them in, to sell at extortionate prices.
Rumors of fighting toward Petersburg—nothing reliable.
Gen. Lee writes that he sent in the Tredegar Battalion to the foundry a few days ago (desertions being frequent from it); and now he learns it is ordered out to report to Lieut.-Col. Pemberton. He requests that it be ordered back to the foundry, where it is absolutely necessary for the supply of munitions, etc.
November 8th.—Wet and warm; all quiet below, and much mud there.
Congress assembled yesterday, and the President’s message was read. He recommends the employment of 40,000 slaves in the army, not as soldiers, unless in the last extremity; andafterthe war he proposes theiremancipation. This is supposed to be the idea of Mr. Benjamin, for foreign effect. It is denounced by theExaminer. The message also recommends the abolition of all class exemptions, such as editors, etc. TheExaminerdenounces this as a blow at the freedom of the press.
The message is cheerful and full of hope, showing that the operations of the year, in the field, have resulted in no disadvantage to us.
By the Northern papers we find that a fleet of four or five cruisers is devastating their commerce. They sailed recently from Wilmington, in spite of Gen. Whiting.
No attack was made on Richmond during the last few days. I have no doubt it was deemed unnecessary by the enemy to secure Mr. Lincoln’s re-election. To-day, no doubt, the election in the United States will result in a new lease of presidential life for Mr. Lincoln. If this result should really have been hismotivein the conduct of the war, perhaps there may soon be some relaxation of its rigors—and possibly peace, for it is obvious that subjugation is not possible. President Lincoln may afford to break withthe Abolition party now, and, as has been often done before, kick down the ladder by which he ascended to power. This is merely speculation, however; he may resolve to wield the whole military strength and resources of the United States with more fury than ever. But there will henceforth be a dangerous party against him in the rear. The defeated Democrats will throw every obstruction in his path—and they maychockhis wheels—or even give him employment for the bayonet at home.
Dispatches from Beauregard and Hood, November 4th, at Tuscumbia, say that Sherman is concentrating at Huntsville and Decatur. Part of our army is at Florence. Gen. B. says his advance has been retarded by bad weather and want of supplies, but that he will march into Tennessee immediately. Gen. Forrest is throwing difficulties in the way of Sherman. The armies are equidistant from Nashville, and if Sherman’s supplies fail, his condition becomes desperate.
Captain Manico (acting lieutenant-colonel Departmental Regiment) informs me that the enemy will certainly open batteries in a day or two on our troops at Chaffin’s Bluff, and will be replied to vigorously, which he thinks will bring on a battle. We shall hear more thunder, as the distance is only seven or eight miles.
It seems to be clearing up, and there may be news before night. When election news arrives per telegraph from the North—if favorable—it is supposed the enemy will celebrate it byshottedsalutes, and thus recommence the slaughter.
November 9th.—Rained last night; clear this morning, and warm. All quiet below, except the occasional bombs thrown at the canal by our iron-clads.
The press is mostly opposed to the President’sprojectof employing 40,000 slaves in the army, under promise of emancipation. Some indicate the belief that the President thinks the alternatives are subjugation or abolition, and is preparing the way for the latter.
TheEnquireris averse to conscribing editors between the ages of eighteen and forty-five. The editor says it would be a violation of the Constitution, etc.
We all believe Lincoln has been easily re-elected.
It is supposed Grant will soon receive large accessions from Sheridan’s army, and make another attempt to take Richmond.It will be the most formidable attempt, and will be the most formidably resisted.
A row between Gen. Kemper and Gen. Preston: latter refers papers directly to Col. Shields, Gen. K.’s subordinate. Gen. K. asks to be relieved: Secretary Seddon agrees to it, taking sides with the Bureau of Conscription. But the President does not (yet) agree to it, asks investigation of Gen. K.’s complaints, etc.; and so it rests at the present. The Assistant Secretary of War, his son-in-law Lieut.-Col. Lay, etc. etc. are all on the side of the Bureau of Conscription; but I suspect the President is on theotherside. My opinion is that unless the Bureau of Conscription be abolished or renovated, our cause will fare badly. The President states his suspicions of “malpractice” in his indorsement.
Much cheering has been heard this morning in the enemy’s lines—over election news, probably: whether McClellan’s or Lincoln’s success, no one here knows; but no doubt the latter.
November 10th.—Warm; rain and wind (south) all night.
Quiet below. One of the enemy’s pickets said to one of ours, last night, that Warren’s corps had voted unanimously for McClellan, and that New York City has given a majority of 40,000 for him. This is hardly reliable.
Mr. Foote offered a resolution, yesterday, condemning the President’s suggestion thateditorsbe put in the ranks as well as other classes. Now I think the President’s suggestion will be adopted, as Mr. Foote is unfortunate in his resolutions. Mr. Barksdale (President’s friend) had it easily referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Hon. J. A. Gilmer, North Carolina, is applying for many passports through the lines for people in his district. He applies to Judge Campbell.
Coal is selling at $90 per load, twenty-five bushels.
The vote referring Foote’s resolution (on the exemption of editors) was passed unanimously, which is regarded as favoring the President’s recommendation. Mr. Foote had denounced the President as a despot.
Bought two excellent knit undershirts, to-day, of a woman who gets her supplies from passing soldiers. Being washed, etc., they bore no evidences of having been worn,except two small round holes in the body. Such are the straits to which we are reduced.I paid $15 each; the price for new ones, of inferior quality, is $50 a piece.
November 11th.—Clear and pleasant. All quiet. No doubt, from the indications, Lincoln has been re-elected.
Now preparations must be made for the further “conflict of opposing forces.” All our physical power must be exerted, else all is lost.
Mr. Sparrow, Louisiana, chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, introduced a measure, yesterday, in the Senate, which, if consummated, might put all our able-bodied men in the field. It would equalize prices of the necessaries of life, and produce a panic among the speculators. I append it. But, probably, the press will have to be suppressed, “as a war measure,” too, to pass it:
“A bill to extend the assessment of prices for the army to all citizens of the Confederate States:
“Whereas, the depreciation of our currency is, in a great measure, produced by the extortion of those who sell the necessaries of life; and whereas, such depreciation is ruinous to our Confederacy and to the means of prosecuting the war; therefore
“The Congress of the Confederate States of America do enact, as a necessary war measure, That the prices assessed for the army by the commissioners of assessment shall be the prices established for all citizens of the Confederate States; and that any person who shall charge any price beyond such assessment shall be deemed guilty of a criminal offense, and be subject to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars and to imprisonment not exceeding one year.”
We are now tending rapidly, under fearful exigencies, to the absolutism which, in a republic, alone can summon the full forces into the field. Power must be concentrated, and wielded with promptitude and precision, else we shall fail to achieve our independence. All obstructions in the way of necessary war measures must be speedily removed, or the finances, and the war itself, will speedily come to an ignominious end.
The Secretary recommends, and the President orders, that Gen. Bragg be assigned to the command of North Carolina. The President yields; Bragg is “given up.”
The RichmondEnquireris out, to-day, in an article advocating the employment of 250,000 negroes in our army.
November 12th.—Bright and pleasant.
The rumor is revived that Mr. Seddon will resign. If he really does resign, I shall regard it as abadsign. He must despair of the Republic; but, then, his successor may be a man of greater energy and knowledge of war.
We are destitute of news, with an awful silence between the armies. We believe this cannot last long, and we know Grant has a great superiority of numbers. And he knows our weakness; for the government will persist in keeping “at the front” local defense troops, smarting under a sense of wrong, some of whom are continually deserting.
The money-changers and speculators, who have lavished their bribes, are all in their places, preying upon the helpless women and children; while the clerks—the permanence of whose tenure of office was guaranteed by the Constitution—are still kept in the trenches, and their families, many of them refugees, are suffering in destitution. But Mr. Seddon says theyvolunteered. This is not candid. They were told by Mr. Memminger and others that, unless theyvolunteered, the President had decided their dismissal—when conscription into the army followed, of course!
November 13th.—Bright and cold; ice on the porch. All quiet below, save the booming of bombs every night from our iron-clads, thrown at the workmen in the canal.
There is a dispatch from the West, relating to Gen. Forrest’s operations in Tennessee, understood to be good news. I did not wait to see, knowing the papers will have it to-morrow.
Mr. Hunter was with Mr. Secretary Seddon, as usual, this Sunday morning, begging him not to resign. This is flattery to Mr. Seddon.
November 14th.—Clear and cold.
Lincoln is re-elected, and has called for amillionof men! This makes many of our croaking people despondent; others think it only a game of brag.
I saw the President to-day in earnest conversation with several members of Congress, standing in the street. It is not often he descends from his office to this mode of conference.
Some one of the family intimating that stains of blood were onmy undershirts (second hand), I was amused to see Mrs. J. lifting them with thetongs. They have been thoroughly washed, and prove to be a first-rate article. I am proud of them, for they are truly comfortable garments.
Gen. Forrest is doing wonders in Tennessee, as the appended dispatch from Gen. Beauregard shows: