“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“December 10th, 1864.“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.“Gen. Hampton, after driving the enemy’s cavalry upon his infantry, on the afternoon of the 8th, recrossed the Nottoway and reached Bellfield at daylight yesterday.“In the afternoon the enemy attacked the position, but were successfully resisted. This morning the enemy is reported retiring and Hampton following.“The bridge over the Meherrin was saved. Our loss, as far as known, was small. The garrison, under Garnett, and the reserves, behaved well.R. E. Lee.”“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“December 10th, 1864.“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.“About noon yesterday the first division of the Second Corps of the enemy, supporting their cavalry, forced back our cavalry pickets on the Vaughan Road, south of the Appomattox, and advanced toward Dinwiddie Court House.“To-day our cavalry, reinforced by infantry, drove them back across Hatcher’s Run, capturing a few prisoners and re-establishing our lines.R. E. Lee.”
“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“December 10th, 1864.
“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
“Gen. Hampton, after driving the enemy’s cavalry upon his infantry, on the afternoon of the 8th, recrossed the Nottoway and reached Bellfield at daylight yesterday.
“In the afternoon the enemy attacked the position, but were successfully resisted. This morning the enemy is reported retiring and Hampton following.
“The bridge over the Meherrin was saved. Our loss, as far as known, was small. The garrison, under Garnett, and the reserves, behaved well.R. E. Lee.”
“Headquarters Army Northern Virginia,“December 10th, 1864.
“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
“About noon yesterday the first division of the Second Corps of the enemy, supporting their cavalry, forced back our cavalry pickets on the Vaughan Road, south of the Appomattox, and advanced toward Dinwiddie Court House.
“To-day our cavalry, reinforced by infantry, drove them back across Hatcher’s Run, capturing a few prisoners and re-establishing our lines.R. E. Lee.”
December 13th.—Cloudy and cold, but wind southeast.
The sullen sound of cannon heard this morning as usual down the river. I hear of no active operations there, although the ground is sufficiently frozen to bear horses and artillery.
Rumors of successes on the part of Sherman near Savannah are still in circulation.
The rich men are generally indignant at the President and Gov. Smith for proposing to bring a portion of the negroes into the army. They have not yet awakened to a consciousness that there is danger of losingall, and of their being made to fight against us. They do not even remove them beyond the reach of the enemy, and hundreds are daily lost, but still they slumber on. They abusethe government for its impressments, and yet repose in fancied security, holding the President responsible for the defense of the country, without sufficient men and adequate means.
The following dispatch from Gen. Bragg was received to-day at 10p.m.:
“Augusta, Dec. 12th.“The telegraph having been cut, we get nothing from Savannah. A dispatch from Wheeler gives a copy of enemy’s order for the line of investment around Savannah. It is about eight miles from the city, and was to have been reached on the 9th.“B. Bragg.”
“Augusta, Dec. 12th.
“The telegraph having been cut, we get nothing from Savannah. A dispatch from Wheeler gives a copy of enemy’s order for the line of investment around Savannah. It is about eight miles from the city, and was to have been reached on the 9th.
“B. Bragg.”
I have at length succeeded in getting a suit of clothes; it was made at the government shop for $50, the trimmings having been found (in the house) by my wife. The suit, if bought of a merchant and made by the city tailors, would cost some $1000. A Yankee prisoner (deserter) made the coat at a low price. The government means to employ them, if they desire it, in this manner. I am very thankful for my good fortune.
December 14th.—Cloudy, and thawing rapidly. All quiet below.
The bill to employ 40,000 negroes, as recommended by the President, for army purposes, though notavowedlyto fight, has passed one House of Congress. So the President ismasteryet. There ought to be 100,000 now in the field.
An effort will be made by the government to put into the field the able-bodied staff and other officers on duty in the bureaus here. It will fail, probably, since all efforts have failed to put in their able-bodied clerks. If Bragg were here, and allowed his way, he would move them to the front.
The following dispatch was received from Gen. Bragg to-day:
“Augusta, Ga., Dec. 13th, 1864.—I go to Charleston to-morrow to see Gen. Beauregard, at his request. He has assigned me to duty.—B. B.”
I got to-day from Major Cross, A. Q. M. Gen., an order to buy a pair of government shoes (British) for $10. They are most excellent in quality, heavy, with iron heels, etc., and would cost, if made here, $150. This good fortune is worthy of being thankful for.
The military officers in the bureaus, responsive to a resolution of the House of Representatives, are reporting their ages, and most of them admit they are able-bodied and fit for service in the field. They have no fear of being transferred to the front, supposing themselves indispensable as bureau officers.
December 15th.—Cloudy and cool.
A dispatch from the West states that the enemy have made a heavy raid from Bean’s Station, Ky., cutting the railroad between Abingdon and Bristol, destroying government stores, engines, etc. Breckinridge and Vaughan, I suppose, have been ordered away. Dr. Morris, Telegraph Superintendent, wants to know of the Secretary if this news shall be allowed to go to the press.
The President is ill, some say very ill, but I saw indorsements with his own hand on the 13th (day before yesterday).
Our affairs seem in a bad train. But many have unlimited confidence in Gen. Beauregard, who commands in South Carolina and Georgia, and all repose implicit trust in Lee.
A writer in theSentinelsuggests that if we should be hard pressed, the States ought to repeal the old Declaration of Independence, and voluntarily revert to their original proprietors—England, France, and Spain, and by them be protected from the North, etc. Ill-timed and injurious publication!
A letter from G. N. Sanders, Montreal, Canada E., asks copies of orders (to be certified by Secretary of War) commanding the raid into Vermont, the burning, pillaging, etc.,to save Lieut. Young’s life. I doubt if such written orders are in existence—but no matter.
It is said the enemy have captured Fort McAlister, Savannah Harbor.
Mr. Hunter is very solicitous about the President’s health—said to be an affection of the head; but the Vice-President has taken his seat in the Senate.
It was rumored yesterday that the President would surely die,—an idle rumor, perhaps. I hope it is not a disease of the brain, and incurable.
December 16th.—Clear and pleasant; subsequently cloudy and chilly.
All quiet below, save the occasional booming of our guns from the iron-clads.
The capture of Fort McAlister, Savannah, has caused a painfulsensation. It is believed we have as many men on the Georgia coast as the enemy; but they are not the men ofproperty—men of 1861-62; and thosewithoutproperty (many of them) are reluctant to fight for the benefit of the wealthy class, remaining at home.
The following dispatch from Gen. Bragg was received this morning:
“Charleston, December 15th, 1864.—My services not being longer needed in this department, I shall leave this evening for Wilmington, and resume my command.
“Sherman has opened communication with his new base, by the Ogeechee. The means to meet him do not exceed one-half the estimate in yours of the 7th instant.Braxton Bragg.”
So ends Gen. Bragg’s campaign against Sherman!
I have not heard about the President’s health to-day. But no papers have come in from his office.
Lieut.-Col. Ruffin, Commissary Department, certifies (or Col. Northrop for him) that he is “not fit for duty in the field.”
December 17th.—Warm and cloudy.
Quiet below.
The President was reported better, yesterday, to my wife, who called.
It is said Gen. Cooper, R. Ould, etc. etc. have never taken their compensation in Confederate States Treasury notes, hoping at a future day (which may not come) to draw specie or its equivalent!
It was reported on the streets, to-day, that the President was dead. He is much better; and will probably be at his office to-day.
The following telegram was sent over by the President this morning:
“Savannah, Ga., December 16th, 1864.—Sherman has secured a water base, and Foster, who is already nearly on my communications, can be safely and expeditiously reinforced. Unless assured that force sufficient to keep open my communications can be sent me, I shall be compelled to evacuate Savannah.—W. J. Hardee, Lieut.-Gen.”
Alas for President Davis’s government! It is now in a painful strait. If reinforcements be sent from here, both Savannah andRichmond may fall. Gen. Bragg will be crucified by the enemies of the President, for staying at Augusta while Sherman made his triumphant march through Georgia; and the President’s party will make Beauregard the scape-goat, for staying at Charleston—for sending Hood North—which I am inclined to think he did not do, but the government itself.
Capt. Weiniger (government clothing warehouse) employs about 4000 females on soldiers’ clothes.
Some people still believe the President is dead, and that it is attempted to conceal his death by saying he is better, etc. I saw his indorsements on papers, to-day, dated the 15th, day before yesterday, and it was a bold hand. I am inclined almost to believe he has not been sick at all! His death would excite sympathy: and now his enemies are assailing him bitterly, attributing all our misfortunes to his incompetence, etc. etc.
Sunday, December 18th.—Raining.
The old dull sound of bombs down the river. Nothing further from Savannah. It is now believed that the raiders in Western Virginia did not attack Saltville, and that the works are safe. For two days the speculators have been buying salt, and have put up the price to $1.50 per pound. I hope they will be losers. The State distributes salt to-morrow: ten pounds to each member of a family, at 20 cents per pound.
The President’s malady is said to be neuralgia in the head—an evanescent affliction, and by no means considered dangerous. At least such is the experience in my family.
It was amusing, however, to observe the change of manner of the Secretaries and of heads of bureaus toward Vice-President Stephens, when it was feared the President was inextremis. Mr. Hunter, fat as he is, flew about right briskly.
If Savannah falls, our currency will experience another depreciation, and the croaking reconstructionists will be bolder.
The members of the Virginia Assembly propose paying themselves $50 per day!
Congress has not yet passed the act increasing the compensation of members.
December 19th.—The darkest and most dismal day that ever dawned upon the earth, except one. There was no light when the usual hour came round, and later the sun refused to shine. There was fog, and afterward rain.
Northern papers say Hood has been utterly routed, losing all his guns!
A letter from Mr. ——— to ———, dated Richmond, December 17th, 1864, says: “I have the honor to report my success as most remarkable and satisfactory. I have ascertained thewhole Yankee mail line, from the gun-boats to your city, with all the agentssave one. You will besurprisedwhen informed, from the lowest to the highest class. The agent in your city, and most likely in your department, has yet to be discovered. This is as certain as what we have learned (his arrest, I mean), for the party in whose hands the mail is put coming from your city is known to us; and we have only to learn who gives him the mail, which can be done upon arrest, ifnot sooner, to know everything. What shall be done with the parties (spies, of course) when we are ready to act? If you ever intimate thattrials are tedious, etc., the enemy seize citizens from some neighborhood as hostages, when their emissaries are disturbed.I will dispatch, if it be authorized, and that will end the matter. The lady I spoke to you of is the fountain-head. What to do with females troubles me, for I dislike to be identified with their arrest.
“I request that a good boat, with three torpedoes, and a man who understands working them, be sent to Milford to report to me at Edge Hill. Let the man bemumon all questions. I would meet him at Milford, if I knew the day (distance is twenty-five miles), with a wagon, to take him, torpedoes, and boat to the point required. I must be sure of the day.
“Have the following advertisement published in Monday’s papers:
“‘Yankees Escaped! $1000 Reward!—A Yankee officer and three privates escaped from prison on Thursday night, with important matter upon their persons. The above reward will be given for their detection.’
“Let me hear from you through Cawood’s Line, upon receipt of this. Respectfully, etc. ———.”
We have the spectacle now of three full generals—Johnston, Beauregard, and Bragg—without armies to command; and the armies in the field apparently melting away under the lead of subordinate, if not incompetent leaders. So much for the administration of the Adjutant-General’s office.
Governor Smith is still exempting deputy sheriffs, constables, etc.—all able-bodied.
It is rumored on the street that we intend evacuating Savannah. How did that get out—if, indeed, such is the determination? Therearetraitors in high places—or near them.
It is also rumored that the Danville Railroad has been cut. I don’t believe it—yet.
There is deep vexation in the city—a general apprehension that our affairs are rapidly approaching a crisis such as has not been experienced before. There is also much denunciation of the President for the removal of Gen. Johnston from the command of the Army of Tennessee.
Hon. Mr. Foote declared, Saturday, that he would resign his seat if the bill to suspend the writ ofhabeas corpus, now pending, became a law. There is much consternation—but it is of a sullen character, without excitement.
The United States Congress has ordered that notice be given Great Britain of an intention on the part of the Federal Government to increase the naval force on the lakes; also a proposition has been introduced to terminate the Reciprocity Treaty. And Gen. Dix orders his military subordinates to pursue any rebel raiders evenintoCanada and bring them over. So, light may come fromthatquarter. A war with England would be our peace.
At 2p.m.it was rumored that Charleston is taken and Beauregard a prisoner. Also that Gen. Jos. E. Johnston (in the city) says Richmond will be evacuated in ten days. I do not learn what gold sells at to-day! I suspect somecoup d’étatis meditated.
December 20th.—A brighter morning, cool and clear.
ThePresidentwas at work yesterday. He and the Secretary and Gen. Cooper put their heads together to make up aregimentfor Col. Miller in Mississippi, and designate the two field officers to be under him—from two battalions and two unattached companies.
If the Northern (purporting to be official) accounts be true, Gen. Hood has sustained an irretrievable disaster, which may involve the loss of Tennessee, Georgia, etc.
Hon. Mr. Foote declared last night his purpose to leave the city in a few days, never to resume his seat in Congress, if martial law should be allowed. He said he had information that whenCharlestonfell, South Carolina would conclude a treaty of peace (submission?) with the United States; and that North Carolina was prepared to follow the example! I have observed that these two States do not often incline to go together.
Thegreatdisaster would be the loss of Richmond and retreat of Lee’s army southward. This would probably be followed by the downfall of slavery in Virginia.
The Secretary of War has sent an agent to the Governor of North Carolina, to ask for special aid in supplying Lee’s army with meat—which is deficient here—or else it cannot be maintained in the field in Virginia! Very bad, and perhaps worse coming.
There is a rumor that Gen. Breckinridge has beaten Gen. Burbridge in Tennessee or Western Virginia.
Gen. R. E. Lee is in town, looking robust, though weather-worn. He complains that the department is depleting his army by details, often for private and speculative purposes, to the benefit of private individuals—speculators.
I drew my (State) salt to-day, 70 pounds, for 7 in family—20 cents per pound. It retails at a $1 per pound!
Mr. Secretary —— has sent (per Lieut.-Col. Bayne) some gold to Wilmington, to buy (in Nassau) loaf sugar for his family, to be brought in government steamers.
My son Thomas could get no beef ration to-day—too scarce.
December 21st.—Raining; rained all night.
The following dispatch was received this morning:
“Wilmington, December 20th, 1864,10a.m.—The head of the enemy’s fleet arrived off this port during last night. Over thirty steamers are now assembling, and more are following.—Braxton Bragg.”
It may be hoped that Gen. Bragg will do something more than chronicle the successes of the enemy this time. He is nearer to him than when he remained at Augusta; and yet the press could be made reticent on arrivals, etc.
Lieut.-Col. Sims, Assistant Quartermaster General, has contracted with theSouthern Express Companyto transport all the funds of the Quartermaster’s Department—hundreds of millions!
Mr. Hunter was with the Secretary this morning, when I laid before the latter Bragg’s dispatch. I doubt not it failed to contribute to a mollification of their painful forebodings.
By Northern papers I see President Lincoln disapproves Gen. Dix’s order to troops to cross the Canada line in pursuit of raiders.
Gold is $45 for one to-day.
The army has no meat this day, the commissaries, etc. have it all, and are speculating with it—it is said. So many high officials areinterested, there is no remedy. We are at the mercy of the quartermasters, commissaries, railroad companies, and theSouthernExpress Company. The President and Secretary either cannot or will not break our shackles.
An official account states the number of houses burnt by the enemy in Atlanta to be 5000!
There is a rumor of another and a formidable raid on Gordonsville. The railroad is now exclusively occupied with the transportation of troops—perhaps for Wilmington. The raid may be a ruse to prevent reinforcements being sent thither.
The Andersonville Report belongs to the Adjutant-General’s Office, and therefore has not come back to me.
December 22d.—Clear and cold. We have nothing from below. From Wilmington, we learn there is much commotion to resist the armada launched against that port. Gen. Lee is sending troopsviathe Danville Road in that direction.
The wire has been cut between this and Gordonsville, by the scouts of the raiders launched in that direction. We breakfast, dine, and sup on horrors now, and digest them all quite sullenly.
I am invited to a turkey dinner to-day (at Mr. Waterhouse’s), and have some hesitation in accepting it at a time like this. Ought I to go? He is a skilled artisan and has made money, and no doubt the turkey is destined to be eaten by somebody.
At an auction this morning, a Jew bid off an old set of tablespoons, weighing twelve ounces and much worn, at $575. He will nextbuyhis way out of the Confederacy. Mr. Benjamin and Judge Campbell have much to answer for in allowing such men to deplete the South of its specie, plate, etc. There were some commissaries and quartermasters present, who are supposed to have stolen much from the government, and desire to exchange the currency they have ruined for imperishable wealth. They, too, will run away the first opportunity.
The sun shines brightly this beautiful cold day; but all is dark in Congress. The Tennessee members say Hood’s army isdestroyed, that he will not get 1000 men out of the State, for the Tennesseeans, Kentuckians, etc. refuse to retire farther south, but straggle and scatter to their homes, where they will remain.
I am told we have but a thin curtain of pickets on the north side of the James River, between us and 15,000 negro troops.
The President is at work at his residence, not having yet come down to his office; and I learn it is difficult to get his attention to any business just now butappointments; had to get him to sign a bill passed by Congress to pay the civil officers of the government. No doubt he is anxious and very unhappy.
Hon. Mr. Foote’s wife has just got a passport to return home to Nashville, Tennessee!
December 23d.—Bright and very cold.
A storm has driven off a portion of the enemy’s fleet before Wilmington.
The raid toward Gordonsville and Charlottesville is not progressing rapidly. We shall have a force to meet it.
Besides the demonstration against Savannah (from which place we have no recent tidings), it appears that an attempt on Mobile is in progress. Too many attempts—some of them must fail, I hope.
From the last accounts, I doubted whether Hood’s army has been so badly shattered as was apprehended yesterday.
Gen. Price (trans-Mississippi) has brought out a large number of recruits from Missouri.
I dined out yesterday, and sumptuously; the first time for two years.
Congress has done but little, so far. They are at work on the Currency bill!
Mr. Enders, broker, and exempted as one of the Ambulance Committee, I am informed paid some $8000 yesterday to Mitchell & Tyler for a few articles of jewelry for his daughter. And R. Hill, who has a provision shop near the President’s office, I understand expended some $30,000 on the wedding of his daughter. He was poor, I believe, before the war.
I got an order from Lieut. Parker, Confederate States Navy, for a load of coal to-day. Good! I hope it will be received before the last on hand is gone.
The enemy’s raiders camped within seven miles of Gordonsville,last night; and it will be ten o’clock to-day before our reinforcements can reach there. I hope our stores (commissary) will not be lost—as usual.
Mr. S. Norris, Signal Bureau, has just (1p.m.) sent the following: “I am just informed that Mr. Smithers, telegraph operator at Gordonsville, is again in his office. He says fighting is going on in sight—that troops from Richmond have arrived, and arriving—and it is expected that Gen. Lomax will be able to drive the enemy back.”
Just before 3p.m.to-day a dispatch came from Mr. Smithers, telegraph operator at Gordonsville, dated 1 o’clock, saying the enemy have been repulsed and severely punished, and are retreating the way they came, toward Sperryville. He adds that many of the enemy’s dead now lie in sight of the town. So much for this gleam of good fortune, for I believe the military authorities here were meditating an evacuation of the city.
Gen. Custis Lee was at the department to-day, after the clerks detailed from his command. All, all are to be dragged out in this bitter cold weather for defense, except the speculators, the extortioners, the land and slave owners, who really have something tangible to defend, and these have exemptions or “soft places.”
December 24th.—Christmas eve! Clear and cold.
A dispatch from Hon. J. L. Orr and H. V. Johnson (on their way home) informs the Secretary that from the delay in the transportation of troops over the Piedmont Railroad, there must be either criminal neglect or treachery concerned in it.
Again it is rumored that Savannah has been evacuated. There is something in the air that causes agitation in official circles. Mr. Secretary Seddon’s room was locked nearly all day yesterday.
If troops cannot be transported expeditiously over the Piedmont Road, fears may be entertained for Wilmington, when, the gale subsiding, the enemy’s fleet has reappeared.
There is a rumor on the street that the government is to be removed to Lynchburg.
Gen. Lee has induced the President and Secretary of War to call for the clerks (detailed ones) to repair to the trenches again—this weather. The emergency must be great, as these soldiers get, as clerks, $4000 per annum, and rations, etc.
A dispatch from Gen. Bragg.
“Wilmington, N. C., December 23d, 1864.—The fleet, which drew off in the rough weather, is again assembled; seventy vessels now in sight on the coast. The advance of the troops (C. S.) only reached here to-night.—B. B.”
The clerks are drawing lots; one-half being ordered to the trenches. Of two drawn in this bureau (out of five) one is peremptorily ordered by the Secretary to remain, being sickly, and the other has an order to go before a medical board “to determine whether he is fit for service in the trenches for a few days.” Great commotion naturally prevails in the departments, and it is whispered that Gen. Lee was governed in the matter by the family of the President, fearing a Christmas visit from the negro troops on this side the river.
The following note was received to-day from the Vice-President:
“Richmond, Va., December 23d, 1864.—Hon. Jas. A. Seddon, Secretary of War: Will you please send me, through the post-office, a passport to leave the city? I wish to depart in a few days.Yours respectfully,“Alex. H. Stephens.”
“Richmond, Va., December 23d, 1864.—Hon. Jas. A. Seddon, Secretary of War: Will you please send me, through the post-office, a passport to leave the city? I wish to depart in a few days.Yours respectfully,
“Alex. H. Stephens.”
The President is hard at work making majors, etc.
Sunday, December 25th. Christmas!—Clear and pleasant—white frost.
All quiet below. But it is believed on the street that Savannah has been evacuated, some days ago. I have not yet seen any official admission of the fact.
We have quite a merry Christmas in the family; and a compact that no unpleasant word shall be uttered, and noscramblefor anything. The family were baking cakes and pies until late last night, and to-day we shall havefullrations. I have found enough celery in the little garden for dinner.
Last night and this morning the boys have been firing Christmas guns incessantly—no doubt pilfering from their fathers’ cartridge-boxes. There is much jollity and some drunkenness in the streets, notwithstanding the enemy’s pickets are within an hour’s march of the city.
A large number of the croaking inhabitants censure the President for our many misfortunes, and openly declare in favor of Leeas Dictator. Another month, and he may be unfortunate or unpopular. His son, Gen. Custis Lee, has mortally offended the clerks by putting them in the trenches yesterday, and some of them may desert.
Many members of Congress have gone home. But it is still said they invested the President with extraordinary powers, in secret session. I am not quite sure this is so.
I append the following dispatches:
“Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,“December 23d, 1864.“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.“On the 20th, Gen. Early reported one division of the enemy’s cavalry, under Gen. Custer, coming up the valley, and two divisions, under Gen. Torbert, moving through Chester Gap, with four pieces of artillery and thirty wagons.“On the 22d, Rosser attacked Custer’s division, nine miles from Harrisonburg, and drove it back, capturing forty prisoners.“This morning, Torbert attacked Lomax near Gordonsville, and was repulsed and severely punished. He is retreating, and Lomax preparing to follow.R. E. Lee.”“Dublin, December 20th, 1864.“A dispatch from Gen. Breckinridge to-day, dated at Mount Airy, sixteen miles west of Wytheville, says he had fought the enemy for two days, successfully, near Marion. The enemy had retired from his front; but whether they were retreating to East Tennessee or not, he had not ascertained.”“Charleston, December 22d, 1864.“To Gen. S. Cooper.“On the 16th inst., the enemy, 800 strong, occupied Pollard. After burning the government and railroad buildings, they retired in the direction they came.“They were pursued thirty miles, losing a portion of their transportation, baggage, and supplies, and leaving many dead negro troops on the road.“Our force, commanded by Gen. Liddell, acted with spirit and gallantry.G. T. Beauregard,General.”“Our Indian Troops.—Gen. Stand Watie, commanding our Indian troops in the trans-Mississippi Department, has fullyclothed and armed all his men, and is in the vicinity of Fort Smith, attacking and destroying Yankee wagon trains.”
“Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,“December 23d, 1864.
“Hon. James A. Seddon, Secretary of War.
“On the 20th, Gen. Early reported one division of the enemy’s cavalry, under Gen. Custer, coming up the valley, and two divisions, under Gen. Torbert, moving through Chester Gap, with four pieces of artillery and thirty wagons.
“On the 22d, Rosser attacked Custer’s division, nine miles from Harrisonburg, and drove it back, capturing forty prisoners.
“This morning, Torbert attacked Lomax near Gordonsville, and was repulsed and severely punished. He is retreating, and Lomax preparing to follow.R. E. Lee.”
“Dublin, December 20th, 1864.
“A dispatch from Gen. Breckinridge to-day, dated at Mount Airy, sixteen miles west of Wytheville, says he had fought the enemy for two days, successfully, near Marion. The enemy had retired from his front; but whether they were retreating to East Tennessee or not, he had not ascertained.”
“Charleston, December 22d, 1864.
“To Gen. S. Cooper.
“On the 16th inst., the enemy, 800 strong, occupied Pollard. After burning the government and railroad buildings, they retired in the direction they came.
“They were pursued thirty miles, losing a portion of their transportation, baggage, and supplies, and leaving many dead negro troops on the road.
“Our force, commanded by Gen. Liddell, acted with spirit and gallantry.G. T. Beauregard,General.”
“Our Indian Troops.—Gen. Stand Watie, commanding our Indian troops in the trans-Mississippi Department, has fullyclothed and armed all his men, and is in the vicinity of Fort Smith, attacking and destroying Yankee wagon trains.”
December 26th.—Raining—rained all night. The dark and dismal weather, together with our sad reverses, have made the countenances of croakers in the streets and in the offices more gloomy and somber than ever, foreboding evil in the future. No one doubts the evacuation of Savannah, and I suppose it must be so. Hardee had but 8000 reliable men. The Georgians in Lee’s army are more or less demoralized, and a reward of a sixty days’ furlough is given for shooting any deserter from our ranks.
An old black chest, containing mostly scraps and odds and ends of housekeeping, yet brought on by my family from Burlington, has remained four years unopened, the key being lost. We have felt an irrepressible anxiety to see its contents, for even rubbish is now valuable. I got a locksmith to send a man to pick the lock, last week, but he failed to find the house, and subsequently was sent to the trenches. I borrowed twenty-five keys, and none of them would fit. I got wire, and tried to pick the lock, but failed. Yesterday, however, when all were at church, I made another effort, prizing at the same time with the poker, when the screws of the hasp came out and the top flew up, revealing only “odds and ends” so far as I could see. I closed it, replaced the striped cover, and put the cage with the parrot on it, where it usually remains. The day, and the expressed objection of my wife to have the lock broken or injured, have, until to-day, restrained me from revealing to the family what I had done. But now I shall assemble them, and by a sort of Christmas story, endeavor to mollify my wife’s anticipated displeasure. The examination of the contents will be a delightful diversion for the children, old and young.
My impromptu Christmas tale of the old Black Chest interested the family, and my wife was not angry. Immediately after its conclusion, the old chest was surrounded and opened, and among an infinite variety of rubbish were some articles of value, viz., of chemises (greatly needed), several pairs of stockings, 1 Marseilles petticoat, lace collars, several pretty baskets, 4 pair ladies’ slippers (nearly new), and several books—one from my library, an octavo volume on Midwifery, 500 pages, placed there to prevent the children from seeing the illustrations, given me by the publisher for a notice in my paper,The Madisonian, more than twentyyears ago. There were also many toys and keepsakes presented Mrs. J. when she was an infant, forty years ago, and many given our children when they were infants, besides various articles of infants’ clothing, etc. etc., both of intrinsic value, and prized as reminiscences. The available articles, though once considered rubbish, would sell, and could not be bought here for less than $500.
This examination occupied the family the remainder of the day and night—all content with this Christmas diversion—and oblivious of the calamities which have befallen the country. It was a providential distraction.
December 27th.—A night of rain—morning of fog and gloom. At last we have an account of the evacuation of Savannah. Also of the beginning of the assault on Port Fisher and Caswell below Wilmington, with painful apprehensions of the result; for the enemy have landed troops above the former fort, and found no adequate force to meet them, thanks to thepolicyof the government in allowing theproperty holdersto escape the toils and dangers of the field, while the poor, who have nothing tangible to fight for, are thrust to the front, where many desert. Our condition is also largely attributable to the management of the Bureau of Conscription—really the Bureau ofExemption.
I saw to-day a letter from Gen. Beauregard to Gen. Cooper, wherein it was indicated that Gen. Hood’s plan of penetrating Tennessee was adopted before he (Gen. B.) was ordered to that section.
The enemydidoccupy Saltville last week, and damaged the works. No doubt salt will “go up” now. The enemy, however, have retired from the place, and the works can be repaired. Luckily I drew 70 pounds last week, and have six months’ supply. I have two months’ supply of coal and wood—long enough, perhaps, for our residence in Richmond, unless the property owners be required to defend their property. I almost despair of a change of policy.
It is reported that Sherman is marching south of Savannah, on some new enterprise; probably a detachment merely to destroy the railroad.
An expedition is attacking, or about to attack, Mobile.
All our possessions on the coast seem to be the special objectsof attack this winter. If Wilmington falls, “Richmond next,” is the prevalent supposition.
The brokers are offering $50 Confederate States notes for $1 of gold.
Men are silent, and some dejected. It is unquestionably the darkest period we have yet experienced. Intervention on the part of European powers is the only hope of many. Failing that, no doubt a negro army will be organized—and it might be too late!
And yet, with such a preponderance of numbers and material against us, the wonder is that we have not lost all the sea-board before this. I long since supposed the country would be penetrated and overrun in most of its ports, during the second or third year of the war. If the government would foster a spirit of patriotism, the country would always rise again, after these invasions, like the water of the sea plowed by ships of war. But the government must not crush the spirit of the people relied upon for defense, and the rich must fight side by side with the poor, or the poor will abandon the rich, and that will be an abandonment of the cause.
It is said Gen. Lee is to be invested with dictatorial powers, so far as our armies are concerned. This will inspire new confidence. He is represented as being in favor of employing negro troops.
A dispatch from Lieut.-Gen. Hardee (to the President), December 24th, 1864, at Charleston, S. C., says he may have to take the field any moment (against Sherman), and asks a chief quartermaster and chief commissary. The President invokes the special scrupulosity of the Secretary in the names of these staff officers.
December 28th.—Rained all night; warm.
A large stable burned down within sixty yards of our dwelling, last night, and not one of the family heard the uproar attending it.
Gen. Bragg telegraphs the President that the enemy failed to reduce Fort Fisher, and that the troops landed above the fort have re-embarked. But he says the enemy’s designs are not yet developed; and he is such an unlucky general.
We found a caricature in the old black chest, of 1844, in which I am engaged in fight with the elder Blair. Calhoun, Buchanan, etc. are in the picture.
It is still believed that Gen. Lee is to be generalissimo, and most people rejoice at it. It is said the President and Gen. Jos. E. Johnston have become friends again.
December 29th.—Rained all night; spitting snow this morning.
Although Gen. Bragg announces that the enemy’s fleet has disappeared off Wilmington, still the despondency which has seized the croakers remains. It has probably sailed against Charleston, to co-operate with Sherman. Sherman says officially that he got, with Savannah, about 1000 prisoners, 150 heavy guns, nearly 200 cars and several locomotives, 35,000 bales of cotton, etc. etc. And Gen. Foster says the inhabitants (20,000) were “quiet, and well disposed.” Most people believe Charleston will fall next, to be followed by a sweep of the entire sea-board; and grave men fear that the impetus thus given the invader cannot be checked or resisted.
The great want isfighting men, and they are mostly exempted or detailed under that portion of the “War Department” which is quietly worked by Judge Campbell, who is, of course, governed by his own great legal judgment. Well, the President has been informed of this, and yet waits for Mr. Secretary Seddon to suggest a remedy. I have often thought, and still think, that either the Bureau of Conscription must be abolished or the government must fail. The best generals will not avail without sufficient men to fight.
Gen. Beauregard telegraphs from Charleston, December 26th, that there is a conflict of authority at Mobile as to which branch of the service, navy or army, shall command the torpedo boat. The two Secretaries are referring it to commanders, and I fear that, by the time the question is settled, some calamity will befall the boat, and the city, and the country.
Grant is said to be moving troops to the north side of the river again, fearing an attack from us, or intending one himself.
December 30th.—A clear night and frosty morning.
We have no news except that gleaned from Northern papers. Gen. Hood is unable to cross the Tennessee River (now swollen), and would soon be attacked again by superior numbers.
Congress was in secret session yesterday, probably perfecting the bill for the suspension of the privilege ofhabeas corpus.
Gen. Bragg is credited with the repulse of the enemy at Wilmington.
During the late raid a close-fisted farmer lost heavily: several hundred barrels of flour and corn, one hundred barrels of apples, alarge amount of bacon and sorghum, which he was hoarding, and thus contributing to produce famine in the midst of plenty. His neighbors (those few not following his example) express no sympathy for him. The enemy did not burn Liberty Mills—once in their possession, in which is stored a large amount of grain—for some unexplained reason.
The enemy’s papers show that they have regular and expeditious intercourse with parties here, and are kept correctly advised of everything that transpires. This is a continuance of Mr. Benjamin’s policy by Mr. Seddon. It may be lucrative to those immediately interested; but if not abated, will be the death of the Confederate States Government—as I have told them all repeatedly.
And the “Bureau of Conscription” still exists, and seems destined to “be in at the death.”
I paid Lieut. Parker just $30.75 for a load of coal; selling at $75.
I saw selling at auction, to-day, second-hand shirts at $40 each, and blankets at $75. A bedstead, such as I have bought for $10, brought $700. But $50 in Confederate States paper are really worth only $1 in specie.
Jos. R. Anderson & Co. writes that unless their hands are sent in from the trenches, they cannot fill orders for ordnance stores; and Gen. Gorgas (he has been promoted) approves it, saying it is known that a number of these hands intend to desert the first opportunity.
The last call for the clerks to return to the trenches was responded to by not a man of Capt. Manico’s company, War Department proper.
December 31st.—The last day of the year. Snowing and wet.
Gen. H. Cobb writes that the existing Conscription Bureau is a failure so far as Georgia, Alabama, etc. are concerned, and can never put the men in the field.
Wm. Johnston, president of the Charlotte (N. C.) and South Carolina Railroad, suggests the construction, immediately, of a railroad from Columbia, S. C, to Augusta, Ga., which might be easily accomplished by April or May. It would take that length of time for the government to “consider of it.” It will lose two railroads before it will order the building of one.
There is supposed to be a conspiracy on foot to transfer some ofthe powers of the Executive to Gen. Lee. It can only be done by revolution, and the overthrow of the Constitution. Nevertheless, it is believed many executive officers, some high in position, favor the scheme.
To-morrow Gen. Lee’s army is to be feasted with turkeys, etc. contributed by the country, if the enemy will permit them to dine without molestation. The enemy are kept fully informed of everything transpiring here, thanks to the vigilance of the Provost Marshal, detectives, etc. etc.
Gen. Cobb writes that he is arresting the men who remained in Atlanta during its occupation by Sherman, and subjecting themselves to suspicion, etc. Better march the men we have against Sherman now, who is still in Georgia!
Gen. Lee writes that Grant is concentrating (probably for an attack on Richmond), bringing another corps from the Valley; and if the local troops are brought in, he does not know how to replace them. His army diminishes, rather than increases, under the manipulations of the Bureau of Conscription. It is a dark and dreary hour, when Lee is so despondent!
Senator Henry writes that any delay in impressing the railroad from Danville to Greensborough will be fatal.