Dec

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December 5, 1862, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER 5TH.—Yesterday there was some little skirmishing below Fredericksburg. But it rained last night, and still rains. Lee has only 30,000 or 40,000 effective men.

We have the Federal President’s Message to-day. It is moderate in tone, and is surprising for its argument on a new proposition that Congress pass resolutions proposing amendments to the Constitution, allowing compensation for all slaves emancipated between this and the year 1900! He argues that slaves are property, and that the South is no more responsible for the existence of slavery than the North! The very argument I have been using for twenty years. He thinks if his proposition be adopted that “several of the border States will embrace its terms, and that the Union will be reconstructed.” he says the money expended in this way will not amount to so much as the cost of a war of subjugation. He is getting sick of the war, and therein I see the “beginning of the end” of it. It is a good sign for us, perhaps. I should not be surprised if his proposition had advocates in the South.

Lt.-Col. T. C. Johnson sent in a communication to-day. He alludes to an interview with the Secretary, in which the latter in-formed him that the government intended to exchange cotton for supplies for the army, and Lt.-Col. J. suggests that it be extended to embrace all kinds of merchandise for the people, and informs him that New York merchants are willing to send merchandise to our ports if we will permit their ships to return laden with cotton, at 50 cts. per pound, and pledging themselves to furnish goods at 50 per cent. advance on cost. He advocates a trade of this nature to the extent of $100,000,000, our government (and not individuals) to sell the cotton. The goods to be sold by the government to the merchants here. i know not what answer the Secretary will make. But I know our people are greedy for the merchandise.The enemy have shelled Port Royal, below Fredericksburg, in retaliation for some damage done their gun-boats in the river by one of our land batteries. And we have news of the evacuation Read more

Dec

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December 4, 1862, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER 4TH.—All is quiet (before the storm) on the Rappahannock, Gen. Jackson’s corps being some twenty miles lower down the river than Longstreet’s. It is said Burnside has been removed already and Hooker given the command.

Gen. S. Cooper takes sides with Col. Myers against Gen. Wise. Gen. W.’s letter of complaint of the words, “Let them suffer,” was referred to Gen. C., who insisted upon sending the letter to the Quartermaster-General before either the Secretary or the President saw it,—and it was done. Why do the Northern men here hate Wise?

Gen. Lee dispatches to-day that there is a very large amount of corn in the Rappahannock Valley, which can be procured, if wagons be sent from Richmond. What does this mean? That the enemy will come over and get it if we do not take it away?A letter from the President of the Graniteville Cotton Mills, complains that only 75 per ct. profit is allowed by Act of Congress, whose operatives are exempted from military duty, if the law be interpreted to include sales to individuals as well as to the government, and suggesting certain modifications. He says he makes 14,000 yards per day, which is some 4,000,000 per annum. It costs him 20 cts. per yard to manufacture cotton cloth, including, of course, the cotton, and 75 per ct. will yield, I believe, $500,000 profits, which would be equivalent to 32 cts. per yard. But the market price, he says, is 68 cts. per yard, or some $2,000,000 profits! This war is a great encourager of domestic manufacturers, truly!

The Governor sends out a proclamation to-day, saying the President has called on him and other governors for assistance, in returning absent officers and men to their camps; in procuring supplies of food and clothing for the army; in drafting slaves to work on fortifications; and, finally, to put down the extortioners. The Governor invokes the people to respond promptly and fully. But how does this speak for the government, or rather the efficiency of the men who by “many indirect ways” came into power? Alas it is a sad commentary.

The President sent a hundred papers to the department to-day, which he has been diligently poring over, as his pencil marks bear ample evidence. They were nearly all applications for office, and this business constitutes much of his labor.

Dec

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Dear Courier

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December 4, 1862, Rome Courier (Gerogia)

Camp 22D Georgia Regiment,

Near Orange Court House, Va.,

Nov. 15th, 1862

Dear Courier: There has been nothing of great importance occurred in this vicinity, since my last communication. On Thursday, October 30th, we left our camp near Winchester and arrived at this place on Sunday, Nov 2d, making the trip in less than four days, at distance of 65 miles. The march was very fatiguing, more so perhaps than any we have taken since leaving Richmond. The roads were so extremely hard and the first day we marched too rapidly, making 24 miles in ten hours. The weather is, and has been quite cool for sometime. There was a considerable fall of snow here on the 7th inst., enough to almost completely cover the ground to a depth of half an inch in thickness.

Our regiment is still without tents, which is very disagreeable. Some of the boys have those small Yankee tents, which they found in the Yankee camps, and which they carry on their back, when on a march. These little tents afford considerable comfort.

Their are a good many soldiers of this regiment without shoes and several quite destitute of clothing. The government has furnished some shoes, and clothing, but not near enough to sup- ply the wants. Lieut. Gen. Longstreet issued an order a few days ago for the soldiers who were without shoes to make moccasins of raw hides. The Fireside Defenders met with good fortune the other day. Col. Jones, who is now at home wounded, had a lot of shoes made, and sent them to the company. The boys are now all well shod, “all honor our gallant Colonel.”

Our regiment went out last Tuesday, (the 11th inst.,) near Hazel Run, six miles from camp, to do picket duty.– The Yankees fell back and our men pursued them to the Rappahannock, where they still remain, (said to be) in large force. Our regiment pursued the Yankees some six or seven miles, and advanced as far as Jefferson, thirteen miles from this place.

One very remkable instance occurred while we were out. Two South Carolinians, belonging to Stewart’s Cavalry, having been informed by a lad where there were some Yankees taking breakfast, at a neighboring house, went and captured the whole party. Consisting of a colonel, adjutant and four privates. We returned to camp last evening.

Yesterday morning Stewart’s Cavalry captured forty Yankees at Jefferson.– There has been some canonading going on in that direction to-day. A regular engagement is expected in a short time.

The health of the regiment is generally good, considerating the exposures the men are subjected to.

There are about twenty-two members of our company absent, sick and wounded, at different hospitals and some at home. I have not the time to give their names.

We received a few days ago, the sad news of the death of our much beloved Captain W. F. Jones. He died in Baltimore, Md., Oct 24th. It will be remembered that he was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of Sharpsburg. He was never found wanting.– He was brave and energetic, and but few men surpassed him, though young, as a military commander, he was much beloved and esteemed by all who knew him. Those who were under his command sadly mourn his loss. Never had any captain, more the entire approbatgion of his company than he. He was a young man in the bloom of life, bid fair to make a useful and prominent citizen; but alas! death leaves a “shining Mark.”

 

Dec

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December 3, 1862, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER 3D.—One of the President’s Aids, Mr. Johnston, has asked the Secretary’s permission for Mrs, E. B. Hoge, Mrs. M. Anderson, Miss Judith Venable, and Mrs. R. J. Breckinridge, with children and servants, to leave Richmond by flag of truce, and proceed to their homes in Kentucky. Of course it will be granted—the President sanctions it, but does not commit himself by ordering it.

There was no fighting on the Rappahannock yesterday, and no rumors to-day.

Letters were received from Gen. Lee to-day. He says several thousand of his men are barefoot! He suggests that shoes be taken from the extortioners at a fair price. That is right. He also recommends a rule of the department putting cavalry on foot when they cannot furnish good horses, and mounting infantry that can and will procure them. This would cause better care to be taken of horses. Gen. Lee also writes for more arms—which may indicate a battle. But the weather is getting bad again, and the roads will not admit of marching. Mr. Gastrell, M. C., writes to the Secretary of War for permission for Messrs. Frank and Gernot, a Jew firm of Augusta, Ga., to bring through the lines a stock. of goods they have just purchased of the Yankees in Memphis. Being a member of Congress, I think his request will be granted. And if all such applications be granted, I think money-making will soon absorb the war, and bring down the prices of goods.

We are a confident people. There are no symptoms of trepidation, although a hostile army of 150,000 men is now within two day’s march of our capital. A few of guilty consciences, the extortioners, may feel alarm—but not the women and children. They reflect that over one hundred thousand of the enemy were within four miles of the city last spring and summer—and were repulsed.

The negroes are the best-clad people in the South. They have their Sunday clothing, and the half-worn garments of their masters and mistresses ; and having worn these but Read more

Dec

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December 2, 1862, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER 2D.—There was skirmishing this morning on the line of the Rappahannock. The Chief of Ordnance is ordering arms and ammunition to Gen. Pemberton, in Mississippi. This indicates a battle in the Southwest.

A writer in the London Times, who is from Nashville, Tenn., says the South is willing to go into Convention with the North, and be bound by its decisions. I doubt that.

But the Enquirer to-day contains a communication from T. E. Chambliss, not the Virginia member of Congress, proposing the election of Commissioners from North and South, to put an end to the war. What can this mean but reconstruction on the old Democratic basis? It will not meet with favor, unless we meet great reverses this winter. Still, but few have faith in foreign intervention, to terminate the war; and there is a growing party both in the North and the South opposed to its indefinite prolongation. If we beat Burnside, I think it will be the last battle of magnitude. If he beats us, no one can see the end of the struggle. But from every State complaints are made against the military agents of the Confederate Government, for their high-handed oppressions. We may split up into separate States, and then continue the war—but it will be a sad day for us! The President ought to change his cabinet immediately, and then change his policy. He should cultivate the friendship and support of the people, and be strong in their affections, if he would rule with a strong hand. If he offends and exasperates them, they will break his power to pieces. And he should not attempt to destroy, nor permit others to destroy, the popular leaders. That way lies his own destruction.

Dec

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December 1, 1862, A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary

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by John Beauchamp Jones

DECEMBER, 1ST, MONDAY.—There is a rumor to-day that we are upon the eve of a great battle on the Rappahannock. I doubt it not.

I am sorry to see that Col. McRae, a gallant officer, has resigned his commission, charging the President with partiality in appointing junior officers, and even his subordinates, brigadiers over his head. Nevertheless, he tenders his services to the Governor of his State, and will be made a general. But where will this end? I fear in an issue between the State and Confederate authorities.
The news from Europe is not encouraging. France is willing to interfere, and Russia is ready to participate in friendly mediation to stay the effusion of blood—but England seems afraid of giving offense to the United States. They refer to the then approaching elections in the North, and lay some stress on the anticipated change in public opinion. Popular opinion! What is it worth in the eyes of European powers? If it be of any value, and if the voice of the people should be allowed to determine such contests, why not leave it to a vote of the Southern people to decide under which government they will live? But why make such an appeal to monarchies, while the Republican or Democratic government of the North refuses to permit 8,000,000 of people to have the government they unanimously prefer? Can it be possible that the United States are ignorant of popular sentiment here? I fear so; I fear a few traitors in our midst contrive to deceive even the Government at Washington. Else why a prolongation of the war? They ought to know that, under almost any conceivable adverse circumstances, we can maintain the war twenty years. And if our lines should be everywhere broken, and our country Read more

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