“Headquarters Armies Confederate States,“March 20th, 1865.“Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.“Gen. J. E. Johnston reports that about 5p.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’clockp.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.”
“Headquarters Armies Confederate States,“March 20th, 1865.
“Hon. John C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.
“Gen. J. E. Johnston reports that about 5p.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’clockp.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.”
March 22d.—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 quiteimpracticable 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.
March 23d.—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 intoTennessee, 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 fromthatdirection—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.
March 24th.—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 rigoroussiege,—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, whichmustbe 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 makepin-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.
March 25th.—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.
There were some movements yesterday. Pickett’s division was ordered from this side of the river to the Petersburg depot, to be transported in haste to that town; but it was countermanded, and the troops now (9a.m.) are marching back, down Main Street. I have not learned what occasioned all this.
The marching and countermarching of troops on this side of the river very much alarmed some of the people, who believed Lee was about to evacuate the city.
Elevena.m.Gen. Lee attacked the enemy’s fort (Battery No. 5) near Petersburg this morning, the one which has so long been shelling the town, and captured it, with 600 prisoners, and several guns. This may interfere with Gen. Grant’s projects on his left wing, against the railroad.
It is rumored that Gen. Grant is moving heavy bodies of troops toward Weldon, to reinforce Sherman.
March 26th.—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 merelydeserters. 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.
March 27th.—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.
TheDispatchnewspaper 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—11.20p.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.“[Signed]R. E. Lee.”
“Headquarters Army Confederate States,“March 25th, 1865—11.20p.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.
“[Signed]R. E. Lee.”
March 28th.—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.
March 29th.—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 belowagain.
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 attackGrant’srear, 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.
March 30th.—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 keepingthe enemyin ignorance of it!
I am convalescent, but too weak to walk to the department to-day. 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 thepeoplechoose 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.
March 31st.—Raining; rained all night. My health improving, but prudence requires me to still keep within the house.
The reports of terrific fighting nearPetersburgon 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 11a.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.”
“Headquarters, March 30th, 1865.
“Gen. J. C. Breckinridge, Secretary of War.
“Gen. Gordon reports that the enemy, at 11a.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.
Fourp.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.
Rumors of battles.—Excitement in the churches.—The South Side Road captured by the enemy.—Evacuation of Richmond.—Surrender of Gen. Lee.—Occupation of Richmond by Federal forces.—Address to the people of Virginia by J. A. Campbell and others.—Assassination of President Lincoln.
Rumors of battles.—Excitement in the churches.—The South Side Road captured by the enemy.—Evacuation of Richmond.—Surrender of Gen. Lee.—Occupation of Richmond by Federal forces.—Address to the people of Virginia by J. A. Campbell and others.—Assassination of President Lincoln.
April 1st.—Clear and pleasant. Walked to the department.
We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side Railroad.
It is rumored that a battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying my daughter Anne, next week, to Mr. Hobson’s mansion in Goochland County. The Hobsons are opulent, and she will have an excellent asylum there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not spoil her calculations. I shall look for angling streams: and if successful, hope for both sport and better health.
The books at the conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or absentees without leave—60,000—all Virginians. Speculation!
Jno. M. Daniel, editor of theExaminer, is dead.
The following dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10a.m.) received:
“Headquarters, April 1st, 1865.“His Excellency President Davis.“Gen. Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate, and obey his orders.R. E. Lee.”
“Headquarters, April 1st, 1865.
“His Excellency President Davis.
“Gen. Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate, and obey his orders.R. E. Lee.”
A rumor (perhaps a 1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been signed between the Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
April 2d.—Bright and beautiful. The tocsin was sounded this morning at daybreak, and the militia ordered to the fortifications, to relieve some regiments of Longstreet’s corps, posted on this side of the river. These latter were hurried off to Petersburg, where a battle is impending, I suppose, if not in progress.
A street rumor says there was bloody fighting yesterday a little beyond Petersburg, near the South Side Road, in which Gen. Pickett’s division met with fearful loss, being engaged with superior numbers. It is said the enemy’s line of intrenchments was carried once or twice, but was retaken, and remained in their hands.
I hear nothing of all this at the department; but the absence of dispatches there is now interpreted as bad news! Certain it is, the marching of veteran troops from the defenses of Richmond, and replacing them hurriedly with militia, can only indicate an emergency of alarming importance. A decisive struggle is probably at hand—and may possibly be in progress while I write. Or there may be nothing in it—more than a precautionary concentration to preserve our communications.
Mrs. Davis sold nearly all her movables—including presents—before leaving the city. She sent them to different stores.
An intense excitement prevails, at 2p.m.It pervaded the churches. Dr. Hoge intermitted his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their respective churches, St. James’s and St. Paul’s. Dr. Minnegerode, before dismissing his congregation, gave notice that Gen. Ewell desired the local forces to assemble at 3p.m.—and afternoon services will not be held. The excited women in this neighborhood say they have learned the city is to be evacuated to-night.
No doubt our army sustained a serious blow yesterday; and Gen. Lee may not have troops sufficient to defend both the city and the Danville Road at the same time.
It is true! The enemy have broken through our lines and attained the South Side Road. Gen. Lee has dispatched the Secretary to have everything in readiness toevacuate the city to-night. The President told a lady that Lieut.-Gen. Hardee was only twelve miles distant, and might get up in time to save the day. But then Sherman must be inhisrear. There is no wild excitement—yet. Gen. Kemper was at the department looking for Gen.Ewell, and told me he could find no one to apply to for orders. The banks will move to-night. Eight trains are provided for the transportation of the archives, etc. No provision for civil employees and their families.
At 6p.m.I saw the Hon. James Lyons, and asked him what he intended to do. He said many of his friends advised him to leave, while his inclination was to remain with his sick family. He said, being an original secessionist, his friends apprehended that the Federals would arrest him the first man, and hang him. I told him I differed with them, and believed his presence here might result in benefit to the population.
Passing down Ninth Street to the department, I observed quite a number of men—some in uniform, and some of them officers—hurrying away with their trunks. I believe they are not allowed to put them in the cars.
The Secretary of War intends to leave at 8p.m.this evening. The President and the rest of the functionaries, I suppose, will leave at the same time.
I met Judge Campbell in Ninth Street, talking rapidly to himself, with two books under his arm, which he had been using in his office. He told me that the chiefs of bureaus determined which clerks would have transportation—embracing only a small proportion of them, which I found to be correct.
At the department I learned that all who had families were advised to remain. No compulsion is seen anywhere; even the artisans and mechanics of the government shops are left free to choose—to go or to stay.
A few squads of local troops and reserves—guards—may be seen marching here and there. Perhaps they are to burn the tobacco, cotton, etc., if indeed anything is to be burned.
Lee must have met with an awful calamity. The President said to several ladies to-day he had hopes of Hardee coming up in time to save Lee—else Richmond must succumb. He said he had done his best, etc. to save it. Hardee is distant two or three days’ march.
The negroes stand about mostly silent, as if wondering what will be their fate. They make no demonstrations of joy.
Several hundred prisoners were brought into the city this afternoon—captured yesterday. Why they were brought here I am ata loss to conjecture. Why were they not paroled and sent into the enemy’s lines?
At night. All is yet quiet. No explosion, no conflagration, no riots, etc. How long will this continue? When will the enemy come?
It was after 2 o’clockp.m.before the purpose to evacuate the city was announced; and the government had gone at 8p.m.! Short notice! and small railroad facilities to get away. All horses were impressed.
There is a report that Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill was killed, and that Gen. Lee was wounded. Doubtless it was a battle of great magnitude, wherein both sides had all their forces engaged.
I remain here, broken in health and bankrupt in fortune, awaiting my fate, whatever it may be. I can do no more. If I could, I would.
April 3d.—Another clear and bright morning. It was a quiet night, with its million of stars. And yet how few could sleep, in anticipation of the entrance of the enemy! But no enemy came until 9a.m., when some 500 were posted at the Capitol Square. They had been waited upon previously by the City Council, and the surrender of the city stipulated—to occur this morning. They were asked to post guards for the protection of property from pillage, etc., and promised to do so.
At dawn there were two tremendous explosions, seeming to startle the very earth, and crashing the glass throughout the western end of the city. One of these was the blowing up of the magazine, near the new almshouse—the other probably the destruction of an iron-clad ram. But subsequently there were others. I was sleeping soundly when awakened by them.
All night long they were burning the papers of the Second Auditor’s office in the street—claims of the survivors of deceased soldiers, accounts of contractors, etc.
At 7a.m.Committees appointed by the city government visited the liquor shops and had the spirits (such as they could find) destroyed. The streets ran with liquor; and women and boys, black and white, were seen filling pitchers and buckets from the gutters.
A lady sold me a bushel of potatoes in Broad Street for $75, Confederate States money—$5 less than the price a few days ago.I bought them at her request. And some of the shops gave clothing to our last retiring guards.
Goods, etc. at the government depots were distributed to the poor, to a limited extent, there being a limited amount.
A dark volume of smoke rises from the southeastern section of the city, and spreads like a pall over the zenith. It proceeds from the tobacco warehouse, ignited, I suppose, hours ago, and now just bursting forth.
At 8½a.m.The armory, arsenal, and laboratory (Seventh and Canal Streets), which had been previously fired, gave forth terrific sounds from thousands of bursting shells. This continued for more than an hour. Some fragments of shell fell within a few hundred yards of my house.
The pavements are filled with pulverized glass.
Some of the great flour mills have taken fire from the burning government warehouses, and the flames are spreading through the lower part of the city. A great conflagration is apprehended.
The doors of the government bakery (Clay Street) were thrown open this morning, and flour and crackers were freely distributed, until the little stock was exhausted. I got a barrel of the latter, paying a negro man $5 to wheel it home—a short distance.
Tena.m.A battery (United States) passed my house, Clay Street, and proceeded toward Camp Lee. Soon after the officers returned, when I asked the one in command if guards would be placed in this part of the city to prevent disturbance, etc. He paused, with his suite, and answered that such was the intention, and that every precaution would be used to preserve order. He said the only disturbances were caused by our people. I asked if there was any disturbance. He pointed to the black columns of smoke rising from the eastern part of the city, and referred to the incessant bursting of shell. I remarked that the storehouses had doubtless been ignited hours previously. To this he assented, and assuring me thattheydid not intend to disturb us, rode on. But immediately meeting two negro women laden with plunder, they wheeled them to the right about, and marched them off, to the manifest chagrin of the newly emancipated citizens.
Elevena.m.I walked down Brad Street to the Capitol Square. The street was filled withnegro troops, cavalry and infantry, and were cheered by hundreds of negroes at the corners.
I met Mr. T. Cropper (lawyer from the E. Shore) driving a one-horse wagon containing his bedding and other property of his quarters. He said he had just been burnt out—at Belom’s Block—and that St. Paul’s Church (Episcopal) was, he thought, on fire. This I found incorrect; but Dr. Reed’s (Presbyterian) was in ruins. The leaping and lapping flames were roaring in Main Street up to Ninth; and Goddin’s Building (late General Post-Office) was on fire, as well as all the houses in Governor Street up to Franklin.
The grass of Capitol Square is covered with parcels of goods snatched from the raging conflagration, and each parcel guarded by a Federal soldier.
A general officer rode up and asked me what building that was—pointing to the old stone United States Custom House—late Treasury and State Departments, also the President’s office. He said, “Then it is fire-proof, and the fire will be arrested in this direction.” He said he was sorry to behold such destruction; and regretted that there was not an adequate supply of engines and other apparatus.
Shells are still bursting in the ashes of the armory, etc.
All the stores are closed; most of the largest (in Main Street) have been burned.
There are supposed to be 10,000 negro troops at Camp Lee, west of my dwelling.
An officer told me, 3p.m., that a white brigade will picket the city to-night; and he assured the ladies standing near that there would not be a particle of danger of molestation. After 9p.m., all will be required to remain in their houses. Soldiers or citizens, after that hour, will be arrested. He said we had done ourselves great injury by the fire, the lower part of the city being in ashes, and declared that the United States troops had no hand in it. I acquitted them of the deed, and told him that the fire had spread from the tobacco warehouses and military depots, fired by our troops as a military necessity.
Fourp.m.Thirty-four guns announced the arrival of President Lincoln. He flitted through the mass of human beings in Capitol Square, his carriage drawn by four horses, preceded by out-riders, motioning the people, etc. out of the way, and followed by amounted guard of thirty. The cortege passed rapidly, precisely as I had seen royal parties ride in Europe.
April 4th.—Another bright and beautiful day.
I walked around the burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred houses, from Main Street to the canal, comprising the most valuable stores, and the best business establishments, were consumed. All the bridges across the James were destroyed, the work being done effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where the tobacco was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested, mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its abandonment.
The troops do not interfere with the citizens here any more than they do in New York—yet. Last night everything was quiet, and perfect order prevails.
A few thousand negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying in the Capitol Square, or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee’s family remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading in front of the door, his breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig.-Gen. Gorgas’s family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia Court House, on the Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee having come up, defeated Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true, Richmond was evacuated prematurely; for the local defense troops might have held it against the few white troops brought in by Weitzel. The negroes never would have been relied on to take it by assault.
I see many of the civil employees left behind. It was the merest accident (being Sunday) that any were apprised, in time, of the purpose to evacuate the city. It was a shamefulabandonmenton the part of the heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is not taken to-day. However, the shops are still closed.
April 5th.—Bright and pleasant.
Stayed with my next door neighbors at their request last night—all females. It was quiet; and so far the United States pickets and guards have preserved perfect order.
The cheers that greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes and Federals comprising the great mass of humanity. The white citizens felt annoyed that the city should be held mostly by negro troops. If this measure were not unavoidable, it was impolitic if conciliation be the purpose.
Mr. Lincoln, after driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis, Confederate States President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to the fleet at Rocketts.
This morning thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging the public officers for provisions. I do not observe any getting them, and their faces begin to express disappointment.
It is said all the negro men, not entering the army, will be put to work, rebuilding bridges, repairing railroads, etc.
I have seen aNew York Heraldof the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st and 2d inst. from Mr. Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress of the battle. He sums up with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured, and 50 guns.
The rumor of a success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited.Per contra, it is reported that President Davis is not only a captive, but will soon be exhibited in Capitol Square.
The Rev. Mr. Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and believed that 6000 South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that a large number of Mississippians deserted—giving such information to the enemy as betrayed our weak points, etc.
Threep.m.I feel that this Diary is near its end.
The burnt district includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal speculators and extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!
Fourp.m.The Square is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told me they intended to put them in the army in a few days, and that the Northern people did not really like negro equality any better than we did.
Two rumors prevail: that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee has capitulated, with 35,000 men.
The policy of the conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and occupies the attention of Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.
April 6th.—Showery morning.
I perceive no change, except, perhaps, a diminution of troops, which seems to confirm the reports of recent battles, and the probable success of Lee and Johnston. But all is doubt and uncertainty.
The military authorities are still reticent regarding the fate of those remaining in Richmond. We are at their mercy, and prepared for our fate. I except some of our ladies, who are hysterical, and want to set out on foot “for the Confederacy.”
April 7th.—Slight showers.
Wm. Ira Smith, tailor, and part owner of theWhig, has continued the publication as a Union paper.
I visited the awful crater of the magazine. One current or stream of fire and bricks knocked down the east wall of the cemetery, and swept away many head and foot stones, demolishing trees, plants, etc.
It is said President Lincoln is still in the city. Dr. Ellison informed me to-day of the prospect of Judge Campbell’s conference with Mr. Lincoln. It appears that the judge had prepared statistics of our resources in men and materials, showing them to be utterly inadequate for a prolongation of the contest, and these he exhibited to certain prominent citizens, whom he wished to accompany him. Whether they were designed also for the eye of President Lincoln, or whether he saw them, I did not learn. But one citizen accompanied him—Gustavus A. Myers, the little old lawyer, who has certainly cultivated the most friendly relations with all the members of President Davis’s cabinet, and it is supposed he prosecuted a lucrative business procuring substitutes, obtaining discharges, getting passports, etc.
The ultimatum of President Lincoln was Union, emancipation, disbandment of the Confederate States armies. Then no oath of allegiance would be required, no confiscation exacted, or other penalty; and the Governor and Legislature to assemble and readjust the affairs of Virginia without molestation of any character.
Negotiations are in progress by the clergymen, who are directed to open the churches on Sunday, and it was intimated to the Episcopalians that they should pray for the President of the UnitedStates. To this they demur, being ordered by the Convention to pray for the President of the Confederate States. They are willing to omit the prayer altogether, and await the decision of the military authority on that proposition.
April 8th.—Bright and pleasant weather.
We are still in uncertainty as to our fate, or whether an oath of allegiance will be demanded.
Efforts by Judge Campbell, Jos. R. Anderson, N. P. Tyler, G. A. Myers and others, are being made to assemble a convention which shall withdraw Virginia from the Confederacy.
Hundreds of civil employees remained, many because they had been required tovolunteerin the local defense organization or lose their employment, and the fear of being still further perfidiously dealt with, forced into the army, notwithstanding their legal exemptions. Most of them had families whose subsistence depended upon their salaries. It is with governments as with individuals, injustice is sooner or later overtaken by its merited punishment.
The people are kinder to each other, sharing provisions, etc.
A New York paper says Gen. H. A. Wise was killed; we hear nothing of this here.
Roger A. Pryor is said to have remained voluntarily in Petersburg, and announces his abandonment of the Confederate States cause.
April 9th.—Bright and beautiful. Rev. Mr. Dashiell called, after services. The prayer for the President was omitted, by a previous understanding.
Rev. Dr. Minnegerode, and others, leading clergymen, consider the cause at an end. A letter from Gen. Lee has been found, and its authenticity vouched for (Rev. Dr. M. says) by Judge Campbell, in which he avows his conviction that further resistance will be in vain—but that so long as it is desired, he will do his utmost in the field.
And Dr. M. has information of the capture of three divisions of Longstreet since the battle of Sunday last, with some eight generals—among them Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Major-Gen. G. W. Custis Lee, etc.
The clergy also seem to favor a convention, and the resumption by Virginia of her old position in the Union—minus slavery. Charlottesville has been named as the place for the assembling ofthe convention. They also believe that Judge Campbell remained to treat with the United States at the request of the Confederate States Government. I doubt. We shall now have no more interference in Cæsar’s affairs by the clergy—may they attend to God’s hereafter!
Ten o’clockp.m.A salute fired—100 guns—from the forts across the river, which was succeeded by music from all the bands. The guard promenading in front of the house says a dispatch has been received from Grant announcing the surrender of Lee!
I hear that Gen. Pickett was killed in the recent battle!
April 10th.—Raining. I was startled in bed by the sound of cannon from the new southside fort again. I suppose another hundred guns were fired; and I learn this morning that the Federals declare, and most people believe, that Lee has really surrendered his army—if not indeed all the armies.
My Diary is surely drawing to a close, and I feel as one about to take leave of some old familiar associate. Ahabitis to be discontinued—and that is no trifling thing to one of my age. But I may find sufficient employment in revising, correcting, etc. what I have written. I never supposed it would end in this way.
Tena.m.It is true! Yesterday Gen. Lee surrendered the “Army of Northern Virginia.” His son, Custis Lee, and other generals, had surrendered a few days previously. The men are paroled by regimental commanders, from the muster rolls, and are permitted to return to their homes and remain undisturbed until exchanged. The officers to take their side-arms and baggage to their homes, on the same conditions, etc. Therewere290 pieces of artillery belonging to this army a few weeks ago. This army was the pride, the hope, the prop of the Confederate cause, and numbered, I believe, on the rolls, 120,000 men. All is lost! No head can be made by any other general or army—if indeed any other army remains. If Mr. Davis had been present, he never would have consented to it; and I doubt if he will ever forgive Gen. Lee.
April 11th.—Cloudy and misty. It is reported that Gen. Johnston has surrendered his army in North Carolina, following the example of Gen. Lee. But no salutes have been fired in honor of the event. The President (Davis) is supposed to be flying toward the Mississippi River, but this is merely conjectural.Undoubtedly the war is at an end, and the Confederate States Government will be immediately extinct—its members fugitives. From the tone of leading Northern papers, we have reason to believe President Lincoln will call Congress together, and proclaim an amnesty, etc.
Judge Campbell said to Mr. Hart (clerk in the Confederate States War Department) yesterday that there would be no arrests, and no oath would be required. Yet ex-Captain Warner was arrested yesterday, charged with ill treating Federal prisoners, with registering a false name, and as a dangerous character. I know the contrary of all this; for he has been persecuted by the Confederate States authorities for a year, and forced to resign his commission.
My application to Gen. Shepley for permission to remove my family to the Eastern Shore, where they have relatives and friends, and may find subsistence, still hangs fire. Every day I am told to call thenextday, as it has not been acted upon.
April 12th.—Warm and cloudy. Gen. Weitzel publishes an order to-day, requiring all ministers who have prayed for the President of the Confederate States to pray hereafter for the President of the United States. He will not allow them to omit the prayer.
In answer to my application for permission to take my family to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where among their relations and friends shelter and food may be had, Brevet Brig.-Gen. Ludlow indorsed: “Disallowed—as none but loyal people, who have taken the oath, are permitted to reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.” This paper I left at Judge Campbell’s residence (he was out) for his inspection, being contrary in spirit to the terms he is represented to have said would be imposed on us.
At 1½p.m.Another 100 guns were fired in Capitol Square, in honor, I suppose, of the surrender ofJohnston’sarmy. I must go and see.
Captain Warner is still in prison, and no one is allowed to visit him, I learn.
Threep.m.Saw Judge Campbell, who will lay my paper before the military authorities for reconsideration to-morrow. He thinks they have acted unwisely. I said to him that a gentleman’swordwas better than an enforced oath—and that if persecution andconfiscation are to follow, instead of organized armies we shall have bands of assassins everywhere in the field, and the stiletto and the torch will take the place of the sword and the musket—and there can be no solid reconstruction, etc. He says he told the Confederate States authorities months ago that the cause had failed, but they would not listen. He said he had telegraphed something to Lieut.-Gen. Grant to-day.
The salute some say was in honor of Johnston’s surrender—others say it was for Lee’s—and others of Clay’s birthday.
April 13th.—Raining. Long trains of “supply” and “ammunition” wagons have been rolling past our dwelling all the morning, indicating a movement of troops southward. I suppose the purpose is tooccupythe conquered territory. Alas! we know too well what military occupation is. No intelligent person supposes, after Lee’s surrender, that there will be found an army anywhere this side of the Mississippi of sufficient numbers to make a stand. No doubt, however, many of the dispersed Confederates will join the trans-Mississippi army under Gen. E. Kirby Smith, if indeed, he too does not yield to the prevalent surrendering epidemic.
Confederate money is valueless, and we have no Federal money. To such extremity are some of the best and wealthiest families reduced, that the ladies are daily engaged making pies and cakes for the Yankee soldiers of all colors, that they may obtain enough “greenbacks” to purchase such articles as are daily required in their housekeeping.
It is said we will be supplied with rations from the Federal commissariat.
April 14th.—Bright and cool.
Gen. Weitzel and his corps having been ordered away; Major-Gen. Ord has succeeded to the command at Richmond, and his corps has been marching to Camp Lee ever since dawn. I saw no negro troops among them, but presume there are some.
Gen. Weitzel’s rule became more and more despotic daily; but it is said the order dictating prayers to be offered by the Episcopal clergy came from Mr. Stanton, at Washington, Secretary of War. One of the clergy, being at my house yesterday, said that unless this order were modified there would be no services on Sunday. To-day, Good Friday, the churches are closed.
The following circular was published a few days ago: