Osaco Lake. Cheese
25c. Came ̧ from Sauk Center to Alexandrian forest. Fuss about dinner. Attempt
to arrest one of the Third—failure. We joined cavalry—fuss about guard relief.
Two loads of wood.
SOURCE: Lewis C.
Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 5
Bright and
beautiful, and pleasantly frosty. Gen. Sherman is advancing as usual in such
dubiety as to distract Gen. Hardee, who knows not whether Branchville or
Augusta is his objective point. I suppose Sherman will be successful in cutting
our communications with the South—and in depreciating Confederate States
Treasury notes still more, in spite of Mr. Trenholm's spasmodic efforts to
depreciate gold.
Yesterday the Senate
passed a bill dropping all commissaries and quartermasters not in the field,
and not in the bureaus in Richmond, and appointing agents instead, over 45
years of age. This will make a great fluttering, but the Richmond rascals will
probably escape.
Military men here
consider Augusta in danger; of course it is! How could it be otherwise?
Information from the
United States shows that an effort to obtain "peace" will certainly
be made. President Lincoln has appointed ex-Presidents Fillmore and Pierce and
Hon. S. P. Chase, commissioners, to treat with ours. The two first are avowed
"peace men;" and may God grant that their endeavors may prove
successful! Such is the newspaper information.
A kind Providence
watches over my family. The disbursing clerk is paying us "half salaries"
to-day, as suggested in a note I wrote the Secretary yesterday. And Mr. Price
informs me that the flour (Capt. Warner's) so long held at Greensborough has
arrived! I shall get my barrel. It cost originally $150; but subsequent
expenses may make it cost me, perhaps, $300. The market price is from $800 to
$1000. I bought also of Mr. Price one-half bushel of red or
"cow-peas" for $30; the market price being $80 per bushel. And Major
Maynard says I shall have a load of government wood in a few days!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 406-7
The report that the
United States Government had appointed commissioners to meet ours is
contradicted. On the contrary, it is believed that Gen. Grant has been
reinforced by 30,000 men from Tennessee; and that we shall soon hear thunder in
Richmond.
Gen. Lee writes
urgently in behalf of Major Tannahill's traffic for supplies, in Northeastern
North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia, for the army. Large amounts of
commissary stores are obtained in exchange for cotton, tobacco, etc ; but the
traffic is in danger of being broken up by the efforts of bureau officials and
civilian speculators to participate in it—among them he mentions Major Brower
(Commissary-General's office, and formerly a clerk)—and asks such orders as
will be likely to avert the danger. The traffic is with the enemy; but if
conducted under the exclusive control of Gen. Lee, it would be of vast benefit
to the army.
The House of
Representatives yesterday passed a singular compensation bill, benefiting two
disbursing clerks and others already rich enough. I have written a note to
Senator Johnson, of Missouri, hoping to head it off there, or to so amend it as
to make it equable and just. All the paths of error lead to destruction; and
every one seems inclined to be pressing therein.
The freezing of the
canal has put up the price of wood to about $500 per cord—judging from the
little one-horse loads for which they ask $50.
One o'clock P.M.
Dark and dismal; more rain or snow looked for. Certainly we are in a dark
period of the war—encompassed by augmenting armies, almost starving in the
midst of plenty (hoarded by the speculators), our men deserting and others
skulking duty, while Congress and the Executive seem paralyzed or incapable of
thought or action.
The President was
better yesterday; but not out. They say it is neuralgia in the shoulder,
disabling his right arm. Yet he orders appointments, etc., or forbids others.
Major Noland,
Commissary-General, has refused to impress the coffee in the hands of
speculators; saying there is no law authorizing it. The speculators rule the
hour—for all, nearly, are speculators! God save us! we seem incapable of saving
ourselves.
No news to-day from
Georgia and South Carolina—which means there is no good news. If it be true
that Gen. Thomas has reinforced Grant with 30,000 men, we shall soon hear news
without seeking it! The enemy will not rest content with their recent series of
successes; for system of easy communication will enable them to learn all they
want to know about our weak points, and our childish dependence on the
speculators for subsistence.
After leaving thirty
days' supplies in Charleston for 20,000 men—all the rest have been ordered to
Richmond.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 407-8
Clear, but rained
last night.
From the South we
learn that Sherman is marching on Branchville, and that Beauregard is at
Augusta.
The great struggle
will be in Virginia, south of Richmond, and both sides will gather up their
forces for that event.
We can probably get
men enough, if we can feed them.
The City Council is
having green "old field pine" wood brought in on the Fredericksburg
railroad, to sell to citizens at $80 per cord a speculation.
The Quartermaster's
Department is also bringing in large quantities of wood, costing the government
about $40 per cord. Prior to the 1st inst., the Quartermaster's Department
commuted officer's (themselves) allowance of wood at $130 per cord!
The President still
suffers, but is said to be "better."
Yesterday much of
the day was consumed by Congress in displaying a new flag for the Confederacy—before
the old one is worn out! Idiots!
I have just seen on
file a characteristic letter from Major-Gen. Butler, of which this is a literal
copy:
HEADQUARTERS DEPT. VA. and N. C.,
ARMY OF THE JAMES IN THE FIELD,
FORTRESS MONROE, Oct. 9th, 1864.
HON.
ROBT. OULD-SIR:
An
attempt was made this morning by private Roucher, Co. B, 5th Penna. cavalry, to
commit a rape upon the persons of Mrs. Minzer and Mrs. Anderson, living on the
Darbytown Road.
On
the outrage being discovered, he broke through the picket line, and filed for
your lines. Our soldiers chased him, but were unable to overtake him.
I have therefore the honor to request that you will return him, that I may inflict the punishment which his dastardly offense merits. I cannot be responsible for the good conduct of my soldiers, if they are to find protection from punishment by entering your lines.
I have the honor to be, your obt. servt.,
(Signed)
B. F. BUTLER,
Major-Gen.
Comd'g and Com. for Exchange.
The ladies were
Virginians.
I got my barrel (2 bags) flour to-day; 1 bushel meal, ½ bushel peas, ½ bushel potatoes ($50 per bushel); and feel pretty well. Major Maynard, Quartermaster, has promised a load of wood... Will these last until ——? I believe I would make a good commissary.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 408-9
Clear and cold.
No further news from the iron-clad
fleet that went down the river.
Beef is selling at $8 per
pound this morning; wood at $150 per cord. Major Maynard, instead of bringing
120, gets in but 30 or 40 cords per day. I am out of wood, and must do my
little cooking in the parlor with the coal in the grate. This is famine!
Congress passed a bill a few
days ago increasing the number of midshipmen, and allowing themselves to
appoint a large proportion of them. Yesterday the President vetoed the bill, he
alone, by the Constitution, being authorized to make all appointments. But the
Senate immediately repassed it over the veto—only three votes in the negative.
Thus the war progresses! And Mr. Hunter was one of the three.
The President, in reply to a
committee of the State Legislature, says Gen. Lee has always refused to accept
the command of all the armies unless he could relinquish the immediate command
of the Army of Northern Virginia defending the capital; and that he is and ever
has been willing to bestow larger powers on Gen. Lee; but he would not accept
them.
This makes me doubt whether
the President has signed the bill creating a commander-in-chief.
It is said again, that
Commissary-General Northrop has resigned. Doubtful.
Still, there are no beggars
in the streets, except a few women of foreign or Northern birth. What a people!
If our affairs were managed properly, subjugation would be utterly impossible.
But all the statesmen of the years preceding the war have been, somehow,
"ruled out" of positions, and wield no influence, unless it be a
vengeful one in private. Where are the patriots of the decade between 1850 and
1860? "Echo answers where?" Who is responsible for their absence? A
fearful responsibility! Gold is quoted at $35 for $1-illusory! Perhaps worse.
The statistics furnished by my son Custis of the military strength of the
Confederate States, and ordered by the President to be preserved on file in the
department, seems to have attracted the attention of Mr. Assistant Secretary
Campbell, and elicited a long indorsement, saying a calculation of the number
of casualties of war was not made all this after the paper was sent in by the
President. But the estimate was made, and included in the reduction from the
800,000, leaving 600,000. Judge C. thinks 200,000 have been killed, 50,000
permanently disabled, and 55,000 are prisoners; still 500,000 availables would
be left.
Custis has drafted, and will
send to the President, a bill establishing a Corps of Honor, with a view to
excite emulation and to popularize the service, now sadly needed.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp
Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 398-400
Went up to Atchafalaya
last night where we threw off our cotton and took on wood. This is a bright,
sunny morning, though rather cool. I have observed that nearly every Sunday
since the first of the year has been beautiful and bright. No matter how gloomy
the weather has been through the week, I have come to look for a pretty Sunday
as regularly as the day comes.
SOURCE: Edwin
L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western
History, Vol. 1, p. 123
Cloudy and cool. The
news that Goldsborough, N. C., had been taken is not confirmed. Nor have we intelligence
of the renewal of the assault on Fort Fisher—but no one doubts it.
The government sent
pork, butchered and salted a few weeks ago, to the army. An order has been
issued to borrow, buy, or impress flour, wherever found; but our political
functionaries will see that it be not executed. The rich hoarders may control
votes hereafter, when they may be candidates, etc. If domiciliary visits were
made, many thousands of barrels of flour would be found. The speculators have
not only escaped hitherto, but they have been exempted besides.
The Assembly of
Virginia passed a resolution yesterday, calling upon the President to have
revoked any orders placing restrictions upon the transportation of provisions
to Richmond and Petersburg. The President sends this to the Secretary, asking a
copy of any orders preventing carts from coming to market. Flour is $1000 per
barrel to-day!
F. P. Blair, Sr.,
has been here several days, the guest of Mr. Ould, agent of exchange. He left
this morning for Grant's lines below the city. I saw him going down Main Street
in an open carriage with Mr. Ould, He looks no older than he did twenty years
ago. Many consider Ould a fortunate man, though he is represented as a loser in
the war. Blair seemed struck by the great number of able-bodied men in the
streets.
Major Maynard,
Quartermaster, says he will be able next week to bring 120 cords of wood to the
city daily.
If Richmond be
relinquished, it ought to be by convention and capitulation, getting the best
possible terms for the citizens; and not by evacuation, leaving them at the
mercy of the invaders. Will our authorities think of this? Doubtful.
One of the
President's pages told me to-day that Mr. Blair had several interviews with the
President at the latter's residence. Nothing relating to propositions has
transpired.
The clerks are again
sending out agents to purchase supplies. The President has decided that such
agents have no right to expend any money but that contributed. This hits the
Assistant Secretary of War, and Mr. Kean, Chief of Bureau, and our agent, Mr.
Peck, for whom so many barrels of flour were purchased by the latter as agent,
leaving the greater part of the contribution unexpended; nay, more, the money
has not yet been refunded, although contributed five months ago!
Some 700 barrels of
flour were realized yesterday for the army.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 385-7
Last night we tied up at the mouth of Red river, and this morning found our boat aground; but, after several hours' work, got her safely off and proceeded a few miles up stream, when we tied up again to take on wood and allow the men to cook. In a short time, the crew had stolen all the chickens in the neighborhood. The New Orleans Rats, of which this command is mainly composed, can beat the world stealing. [What say you, Rats?] I saw several coming in with honey and the bees swarming around it. During our memorable "big drunk" mentioned on a previous page, some one, more drunk than economical, threw away his shoes, and, on waking the next morning and finding himself minus this important article of dress, had to go bare-foot or steal from his neighbor. The latter plan suited his inclination, and the consequence was, a man in a different company was found to be shoeless and the thief with a tolerable pair of boots on. So it goes one man is bare-foot all the time, but a different man every day.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 66
We had to stop and take on wood this morning, and that let the Indianola get a start on us, but we are in sight again. She is around a sharp bend of the river, and going at full speed. We will overtake her before midnight, and the darkness will be to our advantage, as it will prevent her taking us at long range with her sixty-fours. My duties as carpenter will consign me to the hold during the action, so that I cannot see the fun. I will probably be safer there than on deck, but I have an almost irresistible desire to witness a naval engagement at night.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 68
Wet, dark, and dismal. Quiet below.
In Congress, Mr. Staples, of Virginia, unfortunately exhibited a statement obtained from the Bureau of Conscription, to the effect that while 1400 State officers, etc. were exempted in Virginia, there were 14,000 in North Carolina. This produced acrimonious debate, which is not the end of it, I fear. I don't believe the statement. Gov. Smith, of Virginia, is exempting a full share of constables, etc. etc. The Bureau of Conscription strikes, perhaps, at Gen. Bragg, a North Carolinian. It is not the end.
An anonymous letter to Gov. Bonham states that Capt. Hugener and all his officers at Fort Sumter are drunkards or gamblers, and that the place is in great danger. Gov. B. sends the letter to the President, who directs the Secretary of War to make inquiry, etc. Perhaps it will be done in time—since the fall of Plymouth. Gold, to-day, brings $40 for $1.
Oak wood sells to-day at $100 per cord.
A large amount of apple-brandy has been made this year. A lady, whose husband is a prisoner in the North, writes to the Secretary, asking the release of her apple-brandy (in Virginia) from the clutches of the impressing officer. She and her daughters had distilled 500 gallons, upon which they depended to procure other supplies, etc. Brandy is selling at $75 per gallon—$37,500. Pretty well for the old woman and her three daughters! Apples are worth $100 per barrel; but the currency (Confederate) is nearly worthless.
I have a bright fire this morning. There is a nice chimney to my tent, which makes it almost as comfortable as a house. The regiment is on the extreme right of our lines, but is several miles from the field infirmary where I am stationed. The brigades are frequently shifted about, but I trust ours will remain where it is, because there is plenty of wood near by.
Everything is very quiet on the lines. I suppose you have heard of the defeat of General Early again in the Valley. He has not yet gained a single victory worth mentioning, and it is time we had a new commander there. We have a great many good fighters, but so few good generals. I am anxious to hear something from General Hood, for if he can whip Sherman at Atlanta the situation may be entirely changed.
The health of all the men appears to be about as good as if they were at home under shelter and with suitable diet. Our troops seem as happy and lively as men could be, although they get nothing to eat now but bread and meat. We have eaten nearly all the beef Hampton captured recently in rear of Grant's army, but we have received some from North Carolina which is very nice and tender.
Your brother Edwin is to be appointed a lieutenant in the Fourteenth Regiment. I took dinner with him yesterday. Lieutenant Petty, with whom he messes, had just received a box from home, and I fared sumptuously. My box has not yet arrived. Boxes now take about two weeks to reach here. Your brother had received his new suit from home. Billie is well and hearty, but he needs a new coat. These government coats are too thin for exposed duty.
I have a nice little Yankee axe, which is so light that it can be carried in a knapsack, but it just suits a soldier for use in putting up his little shelter tent or for making a fire. All the Yankees have these little axes, and many of our men have supplied themselves with them, as they have with almost everything else the Yankees possess.
Are you making preparations to come out here this winter? Colonel Hunt will have his wife to come out again, and a great many other officers are arranging for their wives to come on soon. Some of them are here already, but I think it best for you to wait until winter puts a stop to military operations. When we left the Rappahannock River last fall some of the officers carried their wives along by having them wrap up well and putting them in the ambulance; and if you were here and we had to move I could easily take you along that way. I want you to come just as soon as circumstances will permit, but this war has taught me to bear with patience those things which cannot be avoided and not to be upset when my wishes cannot be gratified.
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 clad in 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.
Hot and dry. I hope
there will be a rain-cloud this evening.
No war news, except
a letter from Gen. Lee, indicating that Gen. Morgan is probably on a raid in
Northwest Virginia and in Pennsylvania. Morgan proposed going into Georgia
(rear of Sherman), but the Secretary indorsed that perhaps the matter had as
well be left to Gen. Lee. The President quietly indorsed that he “concurred in
the conclusion that all the movements of troops in Virginia had best be left to
the discretion of Gen Lee.”
Gen. Hood telegraphs
that no important change has occurred in front of Atlanta. There was some
skirmishing yesterday, and shell thrown into Atlanta.
My daughter Anne,
after ten months' residence in the country, returned to-day (with Miss
Randolph, of Loudon Co.) in perfect health. She brought apples, eggs, a
watermelon, cucumbers, etc. Mr. Davies sold my reel (German silver) to-day
for $75, or about $3.20 in gold-enough to buy a cord of wood. I parted with it
reluctantly, as I hope to catch fish yet.
CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND, January 6, 1865.
Dear UNCLE: – We are getting into very pleasant quarters. The town is a fine one, plenty of parties, balls, etc., etc., for the beaux — fine mountain scenery — good water and wood convenient.
There are still odds and ends of business to be finished, and then no reason that I can see why I should not go home. I expect quite confidently to be at home within two weeks.
The reason for my promotion, etc., has been officially announced "for gallantry and meritorious services in the Battles of Opequon, Fisher's Hill, and Cedar Creek” and dates from the Battle of Cedar Creek, October 19. All very satisfactory.
This morning the
boys are compelled to wend their way to the woods to obtain fuel. It remains
extremely cold. Hark! what do we hear? Marching orders with three days rations,
says one. Back to the Davenport Mills, can it be possible? Yes! cries the
orderly, we will start at 1 o'clock. Twenty miles to go to night, and load one
hundred teams with lumber; rather a hard task says one, but we suppose it is
honest. The drums beat; and with our equipments, rations, &c., strapped to
our backs, we move out from Corinth. We are soon joined by the Ninth Illinois
and Sixty-sixth Indiana; the Ninth takes the advance, the Sixty-sixth the
center, and the Seventh the rear. After going a short distance we get into the
wagons and ride; the roads are desperate; but on we go slash! slash! through
the wilderness of pines. Along the road we meet families, men, women and little
children wending their way to Corinth to seek protection under the old flag. We
arrive at the mills at 1 o'clock A. M. After stacking our guns we proceed to
make some coffee, and after drinking it we all lie down to obtain a few hours
of sleep, but soon “rub dub, rub dub” goes the drum, the soldiers give a groan
and then commence railing out upon the drummer for waking them so soon, but
there is no use of whining-up we must get and that “instanter,” as we
are promised the advance back to Corinth. The teams are now all loaded. The
Seventh feel slighted in not being called upon for their services. The teams
are soon moving, the Seventh taking the advance; but before going far we are
halted by the Colonel of the Sixty-sixth Indiana, commanding forces, and
informed that he had promised the Sixty-sixth the advance. Captain Lawyer is
then ordered to march with the Seventh in the center. We move on briskly and
arrive in camp 5 o'clock P. M.
This morning the boys are seen wending their way to the timber to chop wood. It is very cold, and the boys are kept busy getting fuel. It snows all day, and except those detailed to get wood, the boys keep close around the camp fires, busily engaged at something. Some talking of home and friends, some about the armies, and others about the Emancipation Proclamation. Some are perusing old Waverlys, and others amusing themselves with Harper's cuts, one has a volume of Shakspeare with his mind following intently the dramatic play of Edward the "three times.” We are wondering now, how the leaders of northern democracy would feel could they hear the comments made, and the anathemas heaped upon their devoted heads by the soldiers, sitting around the winter camp-fires to-night in Mississippi. We are of the opinion that they would not consider themselves very much flattered.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 131
At mid-day it cleared off; wind still northwest, and cool.
Beans (white) were held to-day at $5 per quart 1 and other articles of food in proportion. How we are to live is the anxious question. At auction old sheets brought $25 a piece, and there seemed to be an advance on everything, instead of a decline as was expected. The speculators and extortioners seem to act in concert, and the government appears to be no match for them. It is not the scarcity of food which causes the high prices, for wood and coal sell as high as other things, and they are no scarcer than at any former period. But it is an insatiable thirst for gain, which I fear the Almighty Justicer will rebuke in some signal manner, perhaps in the emancipation of the slaves, and then the loss will be greater than all the gains reaped from the heart's blood of our brave soldiers and the tears of the widow and orphan! And government still neglects the wives and children of the soldiers, a fearful risk!
But, alas! how are our brave men faring in the hands of the demon fanatics in the United States? It is said they are dying like sheep.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 183
Bright and warm—really a fine spring day. It is the day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and all the offices are closed. May God put it into the hearts of the extortioners to relent, and abolish, for a season, the insatiable greed for gain! I paid $25 for a half cord of wood to-day, new currency. I fear a nation of extortioners are unworthy of independence, and that we must be chastened and purified before success will be vouchsafed us.
What enormous appetites we have now, and how little illness,
since food has become so high in price! I cannot afford to have more than an
ounce of meat daily for each member of my family of six; and to day Custis's
parrot, which has accompanied the family in all their flights, and, it seems,
will never die, stole the cook's ounce of fat meat and gobbled it up
before it could be taken from him. He is permitted to set at one corner of the
table, and has lately acquired a fondness for meat. The old cat goes staggering
about from debility, although Fannie often gives him her share. We see neither
rats nor mice about the premises now. This is famine. Even the pigeons watch
the crusts in the hands of the children, and follow them in the yard. And,
still, there are no beggars.
The plum-tree in my neighbor's garden is in blossom to-day, and I see a few blossoms on our cherry-trees. I have set out Some 130 early York cabbage-plants—very small; and to-day planted lima and snap beans. I hope we shall have no more cold weather, for garden seed, if those planted failed to come up, would cost more than the crops in ordinary times.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 183-4
