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by John Beauchamp Jones

            NOVEMBER 30TH.—It is clear and cold. The boat in which my son and the battalion of clerks went down the river yesterday, sunk, from being overloaded, just as it got to the landing. It is said some of the boys had to wade ashore; but none were lost—thank God!

            This morning early, Lee and Meade confronted each other in battle array, and no one doubts a battle is in progress to day this side of the Rapidan. Lee is outnumbered some two to one, but Meade has a swollen river in his rear. It is an awful moment.

            I took my remaining son to the office this morning, to aid me in Custis’s absence.

            At night. Nothing has yet been heard from the battle, if indeed it occurred to-day. It is said that Meade is ordered to fight. They know at Washington it is too late in the season, in the event of Meade’s defeat, for Lee to menace that city, or to invade Pennsylvania. It is a desperate effort to crush the “rebellion,” as they suppose, by advancing all their armies. And indeed it seems that Meade is quite as near to Richmond as Lee; for he seems to be below the latter on the Rappahannock, with his back to Fredericksburg, and Lee’s face toward it. If Meade should gain the victory, he might possibly cut off Lee from this city. Nevertheless, these positions are the result of Lee’s manœuvres, and it is to be supposed he understands his business. He has no fear of Meade’s advance in this direction with his communications cut behind him.

            Captain Warner has sold me two pieces of bacon again, out of his own smoke-house, at $1 per pound, while it is selling in the market at $3.50 per pound—and he has given us another bushel of sweet potatoes. Had it not been for this kind friend, my little revenue would not have sufficed for subsistence.

            While the soldiers are famishing for food, what is called “red tapeism” prevents the consummation of contracts to supply them. Captains Montgomery and Leathers, old steamboat captains, with ample capital, and owning the only steamboats in certain waters of Florida, have just proposed to furnish the government with a million pounds salt beef, on the main line of railroad in Florida, at a reduced price. The cattle are exposed to incursions of the enemy, and have to be transported by steamboats. They endeavored to make a proposal directly to the Secretary, which was so expressed in the communication I prepared for them—as they were unwilling to treat with Col. Northrop, the Commissary-General, who has become extremely obnoxious. But it was intercepted, and referred to the Commissary-General. Learning this, the captains abandoned their purpose and left the city—the Secretary never having seen their proposal. Our soldiers will not get the beef, and probably the enemy will.

November 30, 1863, The New York Herald

            Our latest news from the Army of the Potomac is up to Saturday morning. It was reported that General Kilpatrick’s cavalry had attempted to cross the river at Raccoon Ford on the day previous, under the fire of the rebel batteries, but were driven back. Severe skirmishing has been going on at different points since Friday, at which time the enemy had fallen back from our centre to within two miles of Orange Court House. Our line of battle appears to have been formed on the road leading to that place. The corps of Generals French, Warren and Prince had pretty heavy skirmishing with the enemy, but in each case either drove them back or maintained their own position. General French, with the Third corps, lost heavily, and not only held his ground, but captured nine hundred of the rebels, the Sixth corps being thrown forward to support him. The Fifth corps’ train was attacked in flank by the rebel cavalry on the plank road, who destroyed fifteen or twenty wagons. General Gregg’s cavalry, on the left, had a severe fight with the rebel cavalry, and drove them back upon their infantry, and then fell back upon the Fifth corps, who, in turn, drove the rebel infantry back.

            A refugee from Richmond, recently arrived within our lines, furnishes the following estimate of the present force of Lee army: – Ewell’s corps, now commanded by Early, twenty to twenty-one thousand infantry and six batteries of artillery; A.P. Hill’s corps, twenty thousand infantry and five batteries of artillery; Stuart’s cavalry, eight thousand cavalrymen and two batteries of flying artillery – making in all forty-one thousand infantry, eight thousand cavalry and seventy-eight cannon.

            It is again announced in the Washington despatches that General Posey, of the rebel army, is dead. Rumors of his demise have reached us several times, but we have the positive intelligence of his death today from the Richmond Whig, which states that died at Charlottesville on Sunday, the 15th instant, from a wound received during the late fight at Bristoe Station. He was interred at Charlottesville with military honors. General Posey was formerly Colonel of the Forty-eighth Mississippi regiment, Featherson’s brigade, and when that officer was transferred from the Army of Virginia to the West, General Posey was commissioned to succeed him. The rumors about General Ewell’s death will probably also prove true. He too was in Charlotteville at last accounts, in a very bad state of health.

            General Meredith, the Union Commissioner for exchange of prisoners, states that he has every reason to believe that the goods sent by the Sanitary Commission of Philadelphia and by other parties have been received by our prisoners at Richmond, and suggests that as much more as possible should be sent on.

            The latest news from Grant’s army is to the 28th (Saturday). No fighting took place on the front that day. Bragg was reported to be concentrating his army near Dalton, with the intention apparently of making a stand. He has recalled General Longstreet from his position in front of Knoxville, and the latter was endeavoring to join Bragg by a circuitous route. A despatch from Cincinnati yesterday states that the last accounts from Knoxville up to Wednesday report that a portion of the north part of the town has been burned, including the depot, but no particulars are given. General Burnside is said to be cheerful, and confident of the security of his position.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            NOVEMBER 29TH.—The clerks were marched out into the muddy street this morning in a cold rain, and stood there for hours, while the officers were making up their minds when to start for the boat to convey them to Drewry’s Bluff, whence they are to march to Chaffin’s Farm, provided the officers don’t change their minds.

            There are reports of a repulse of the enemy by Lee yesterday, and also of a victory by Bragg, but they are not traceable to authentic sources.

            At 3 o’clock P.M. it is cold, but has ceased to rain.

            The want of men is our greatest want, and I think it probable Congress will repeal the Substitute Law, and perhaps the Exemption Act. Something must be done to put more men in the ranks, or all will be lost. The rich have contrived to get out, or to keep out, and there are not poor men enough to win our independence. All, with very few exceptions, between the ages of 18 and 45, must fight for freedom, else we may not win it.

November 29, 1863, The New York Herald

            The news from the Army of the Potomac up to seven o’clock yesterday evening shows that it has completely severed its connection with Washington and is now advancing, with a new basis of supplies to rest upon. No news of a serious battle has reached us. The cannonading heard in the front was probably nothing more than outpost skirmishing. It was reported in Washington that on Friday morning our cavalry pushed forward as far as Locust Grove, four miles south of Germanna Ford, where they met the advance of the rebel cavalry, and the latter were driven across Russell creek, and afterwards across Mill run, two miles from the grove. A body of rebel infantry was posted between that point and Orange Court House, and the whole rebel force moved off in the direction of the latter place, which is nearly twelve miles to the southward.

            The map which we give today will show the fords and the routes by which General Meade’s army crossed the Rapidan.

            The report of Quartermaster General Meigs of the late grand battle near Chattanooga shows that it was a surprise sprung upon the enemy, our troops moving upon Missionary Ridge in such perfect order that the rebels had no suspicion of an attack, but regarded the movement as a dress parade of our troops. The details of the fight are most satisfactorily given by General Meigs, who declares that so well directed and so well ordered a battle has not taken place during the war.

            Our last reports from General Burnside are to the 25th. He then still held Knoxville, and was in a position to do so for ten days to come. The victory at Chattanooga has no doubt relieved him ere this from much solicitude as to the security of his position.

            By the arrival of the mail steamship George Washington from New Orleans, with dates to the 21st, we have some interesting news relative to the movements of Gen. Banks’ forces in Texas, which our special correspondent gives in full. Corpus Christi was captured on the 15th inst. by Generals Banks and Dana, who marched upon that place overland from Brownsville. Aransas city was attacked, and taken after a very brief resistance. One hundred prisoners and three guns were taken. The British brig Dashing Wave was captured by the gunboat New London off the Rio Grande, with a cargo consisting of seventy thousand dollars in gold and a large quantity of clothing and medicines intended for the rebels.

            The despatches from General Franklin, in the Teche district, Western Louisiana, report a gallant attack of General Lee, chief of cavalry in that department, upon the rebel Camp Pratt, on the 19th inst., in which the Union troops captured one hundred of the enemy and killed forty, taking all their arms and equipage. We give a map of the vicinity of Corpus Christi and Aransas in another column.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            NOVEMBER 28TH.—It rained last night. To-day there is an expectation of a battle near Chancellorville, the battle-ground of June last. Meade is certainly advancing, and Pickett’s division, on the south side of the James River, at Chaffin’s Farm, is ordered to march toward Lee, guarding the railroad, and the local defense men are ordered out.

            My son Custis goes with his battalion to Chaffin’s Farm in the morning.

            There are rumors of six or eight thousand of the enemy marching up the line of the James River against Petersburg, etc. We have also a rumor of Gen. Rosser having captured the wagon train of two divisions of the enemy in Culpepper County.

            From Bragg not a word since his dispatch from Ringgold, Ga., and nothing from Longstreet.

            Gen. Whiting writes that a large number of Jews and others with gold, having put in substitutes, and made their fortunes, are applying for passage out of the country. They fear their substitutes will no longer keep them out of the army. Gen. W. says they have passports from Richmond, and that the spy who published in the North an account of the defenses of Wilmington, had a passport from Richmond. The government will never realize the injury of the loose passport system until it is ruined.

            Never have I known such confusion. On the 26th inst. the Secretary ordered Gen. Pickett, whose headquarters were at Petersburg, to send a portion of his division to Hanover Junction, it being apprehended that a raid might be made in Lee’s rear. Gen. P. telegraphs that the French steam frigate was coming up the river (what for?), and that two Federal regiments and three companies of cavalry menaced our lines on the south side of the river. The Secretary sent this to Gen. Elzey, on this side of the river, asking if his pickets and scouts could not get information of the movements of the enemy. To-day Gen. E. sends back the paper, saying his scouts could not cross the river and get within the enemy’s lines. So the government is in a fog—and if the enemy knew it, and it may, the whole government might be taken before any dispositions for defense could be made. Incompetency in Richmond will some day lose it.

            Three o’clock P.M. The weather is clear, and Lee and Meade may fight, and it may be a decisive battle.

            I met Mr. Foote, of Tennessee, to-day. He asked me if I did not think our affairs were in a desperate condition. I replied that I did not know that they were not, and that when one in my position did not know, they must be bad enough.

November 28, 1863, The New York Herald

            The news from Chattanooga represents the absolute destruction of General Bragg’s army as beyond doubt. General Grant very briefly announces, in a despatch dated at one o’clock yesterday morning, that he has just returned from the front; that the rout of the enemy is most complete. Abandoned wagons, caissons and occasional pieces of artillery are everywhere to be found. Bragg’s loss, he says, will fully reach sixty pieces of artillery, and the pursuit will continue to Red Clay in the morning, for which place he would start at once.

            The work upon the rear of the flying enemy continued to be more disastrous as our troops pursued. The rebels flung down their arms and were captured in hundreds, leaving artillery, ammunition and caissons behind them. They set fire to their stores to prevent them from falling into our hands, so that at different points during Thursday night the progress of our troops was illuminated by the flames. It is said that what is now left of Bragg’s army is but a panic stricken mob, rushing like a herd of frightened buffaloes, and apparently perfectly incapable of making any further resistance.

            Last night Hooker’s and Sherman’s commands were ten miles beyond Chickamauga creek. In a sharp fight yesterday morning General Palmer took four guns and three hundred prisoners. General Sherman advanced on the left yesterday from Tyne Station, and cut off two thousand of the enemy. The cavalry command of Colonel Lang has just returned from a raid on the East Tennessee Railroad, fifteen miles of which they cut, below and above Cleveland; burned a rebel foundry at that place, stored with large quantities of munitions of war, and captured one hundred wagons of supplies.

            Our total loss in the three days’ fighting is said not to exceed three thousand.

            We give a fine map today of the whole country from Knoxville to Atlanta, and the scene of General Grant’s brilliant operations, and another giving a profile view of Lookout Mountain, with all the points of interest in the late assaults, with the rebel defences. The highest ridge of the mountain is one thousand seven hundred feet above the level of Chattanooga, and distant from it, in a straight line, about a mile and a quarter.

            The latest news from the Rapidan shows that the whole army of General Meade had crossed the river at three points and advanced southward, skirmishing with the enemy as they went, and defeating them in every instance. Lee seemed to be shunning a general action, and is reported to be falling back stubbornly. There was a rumor at Rappahannock Station last evening at seven o’clock that General Meade had captured fourteen thousand of the enemy, but it could not be traced to a reliable source. No opposition to the crossing of our army was made except at one of the upper fords. The right, consisting of the Third corps, supported by the Sixth, crossed at Jacobs’ Ford; the Second corps at Germanna Ford, and the Fifth, supported by the First, at Culpepper Ford, between Germanna and Ely’s Fords. The centre column arrived at Germanna about noon. Only a small picket of Georgia cavalry were seen on the other side. The headquarters of General Meade were moved across the river before nine o’clock yesterday morning. Shortly after that hour heavy cannonading commenced and continued up to five o’clock in the afternoon without intermission, but no particulars of the engagement had been received at Washington up to late last night. It was probably along both sides of the plank road in front of Orange Court House, as this was expected to be the battle field.

            The guerilla Mosby is still active in the vicinity of Brandy Station. On Thursday night he made a dash upon a forage train, destroyed the forage, captured one hundred and thirty-nine mules and fifteen wagons, and set fire to nineteen other wagons of the train.

            Union officers just returned from Richmond state that the rebel authorities are acting in bad faith with the prisoners and the government in the distribution of the provisions and clothing sent for the relief of our imprisoned soldiers. It is said that the government will not forward any more until some guarantee is given that the agreement entered into shall be faithfully carried out. The sufferings of the unhappy prisoners are set forth in most painful terms by the reports of the surgeons who have been released from Libby prison. The mortality in the hospitals amounts to fifty a day, and the food supplied to the sick is wholly inadequate and unfit for the patients. The surgeons referred to, however, state that the rebel surgeons in charge of the hospitals are not responsible for this state of things, as their kindness and humanity in the performance of their duties are fully equal to the limited means at their command.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            NOVEMBER 27TH.—Dark and gloomy. At 10 o’clock Gov. Vance, of North Carolina, telegraphed the Secretary of War, asking if anything additional had been heard from Bragg. The Secretary straightened in his chair, and answered that he knew nothing but what was published in the papers.

            At 1 o’clock P.M. a dispatch was received from Bragg, dated at Ringgold, Ga., some thirty miles from the battle-field of the day before. Here, however, it is thought he will make a stand. But if he could not hold his mountain position, what can he do in the plain? We know not yet what proportion of his army, guns, and stores he got away—but he must have retreated rapidly.

            Meade is advancing, and another battle seems imminent.

            To-day a countryman brought a game-cock into the department.

            Upon being asked what he intended to do with it, he said it was his purpose to send its left wing to Bragg!

November 27, 1863, The New York Herald

            The official despatches of Generals Grant and Thomas confirm all the glorious story of the three days’ battles at Chattanooga. Lookout Mountain, the rifle pits in Chattanooga valley and the whole of Missionary Ridge are now in possession of our troops; while General Bragg is in hasty retreat towards Dalton, Georgia, closely pursued by Hooker and Sherman, who were following hard on his footsteps yesterday evening and harassing him terribly. The enemy are burning the bridges after them, to retard pursuit. They are also burning their depots and abandoning or destroying everything that will embarrass their flight. The reports received at the War Department represent that three thousand prisoners were captured from the rebels yesterday, with fifty-two cannon, five thousand stand of small arms and ten flags. Other reports put the number of prisoners up to last night at six thousand. Desertions and captures are thinning out Bragg’s army as they fly. Prisoners report the rebel army terribly demoralized, and incapable of offering serious resistance; and also that Bragg will fall back to Atlanta if not cut off. It is said that the rebel government has two million bales of cotton stores at the latter place, which would prove quite a prize for General Grant. We give a map of the scene of the late battles in another part of the paper.

            The latest news from General Burnside reports him perfectly safe, and about to be reinforced. No doubt the victories at Chattanooga will relieve him from his precarious situation.

            Stirring news from the Potomac. The whole army is on the move since yesterday morning. The roads are in fine condition, the weather clear and cold, and the men in splendid spirits. The rebel line extends on the south side of the Rapidan from White Ford to Mile run. The strength of Leearmy is reported at 36,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry. A battle is looked for at Germania Ford. Jeff. Davis reviewed the corps of General Hill and General Ewell within the last two days. General Early is in temporary command of Ewell’s corps. The latter officer is reported to have died recently after a protracted sickness. The army of General Meade commenced its march at eight o’clock in the morning, and presented a magnificent spectacle in the bright sun of a November day.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 26TH.—The weather is clear and bright again; but, oh, how dark and somber the faces of the croakers I

The following dispatches have been received :

[BATTLE AT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN.]
(OFFICIAL DISPATCH.)

“MISSION RIDGE, Nov. 24th, 1863.

“To GEN. S. COOPER.

“We have had a prolonged struggle for Lookout Mountain today, and sustained considerable loss in one division. Elsewhere the enemy has only manœuvered for position.

“[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG, General.”

The Latest—Official.

“CHICKAMAUGA, Nov. 25th, 1863.

“GEN. S. COOPER, A. AND I. GENERAL.

“After several unsuccessful assaults on our lines to-day, the enemy carried the left center about four o’clock. The whole left soon gave way in considerable disorder. The right maintained its ground, repelling every assault. I am withdrawing all to this point.

“[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG.

“Official—JOHN WITHERS, A. A. G.”

All agree in the conviction that the enemy has been defeated—perhaps badly beaten.

Hon. H. S. Foote, just arrived from the vicinity of the field, says Bragg has only some 20,000 or 30,000 men, while Grant has 90,000, and he infers that incalculable disaster will ensue.

And Meade is steadily advancing. Gen. Pickett, at Petersburg, has been ordered to send some of his troops north of Richmond, for the defense of the railroad in Hanover County.

Miss Stevenson, sister of Major-Gen. Stevenson, has written the President for employment in one of the departments. He referred it to Mr. Memminger, who indorsed on it, coldly, as usual, there were no vacancies, and a hundred applications. The President sent it to the Secretary of War. He will be more polite.

Another letter to-day from Mr. Memminger, requesting that a company, commanded by a son of his friend, Trenholm, of Charleston, be stationed at Ashville, where his family is staying.

Lieut.-Gen. D. H. Hill has applied for a copy of Gen. Bragg’s letter asking his removal from his army. The President sends a copy to the Secretary, who will probably comply, and there may be a personal affair, for Bragg’s strictures on Hill as a general were pretty severe.

There are rumors of a break in the cabinet, a majority, it is said, having been in favor of Bragg’s removal.

Bragg’s disaster so shocked my son Custis that, at dinner, when asked for rice, he poured water into his sister’s plate, the pitcher being near.

November 26, 1863, The New York Herald

The news from Chattanooga is glorious. The fighting of three days has ended in the complete defeat of the enemy yesterday. Lookout Mountain was occupied by the troops of General Hooker, who took 2,000 prisoners, and the rebels fled from every position which they held. General Bragg has made a full retreat, leaving all the strong points for which we are contending in our possession. We have not yet received the list of casualties, but we are assured that they are not heavy, while those of the enemy are put down as much greater than ours. Our loss of field officers appears to be considerable. The fighting at the Ridge was very severe. Two desperate assaults were made, in the latter of which our troops broke the centre of the enemy’s line and drove them down the Western slope and across the ridge of the Chicamauga. It is probable that we have captured in all fully 5,000 prisoners or more. Gen. Hooker is expected to intercept the flying enemy in the vicinity of Rossville.
Official despatches from General Grant and General Thomas were received at the War Department yesterday containing an account of the successful progress of events up to a late hour on Tuesday, the final results of which we have given above. The receipt of these despatches created much satisfaction in Washington.
All intelligence from General Burnside represents his position at Knoxville as perfectly safe and his communications open, although the city is closely invested by rebel batteries and rifle pits, the latter being within a short distance of General Burnside’s works on the north side. The south side, however, remains open.
The contemplated advance of General Meade’s army has been indefinitely postponed, it is said, in consequence of the premature disclosure of the plan of action by a Washington newspaper (the Chronicle) to which, it would appear, some confidential statements were made by a high official of the government, greatly to the disgust and annoyance of General Meade.
Jefferson Davis was at Orange Court House on Saturday. He is temporarily the guest of General Lee.
The news from Charleston is not very interesting. The firing on Forts Sumter, Moultrie, Johnson and Simpkins on Monday (our latest accounts) was not very heavy. The shelling of the city was for the time suspended.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 25TH.—We have an unintelligible dispatch from Gen. Bragg, saying he had, yesterday, a prolonged contest with the enemy for the possession of Lookout Mountain, during which one of his divisions suffered severely, and that the manœuvring of the hostile army was for position. This was the purport, and the language, as well as I remember. There is no indication of the probable result—no intimation whether the position was gained. But the belief is general that Bragg will retreat, and that the enemy may, if he will, penetrate the heart of the South! To us it seems as if Bragg has been in a fog ever since the battle of the 20th of September. He refused to permit — to move on the enemy’s left for nearly two months, and finally consented to it when the enemy had been reinforced by 30;000 from Meade, and by Sherman’s army from Memphis, of 20,000, just when he could not spare a large detachment! In other words, lying inert before a defeated army, when concentrated; and dispersing his forces when the enemy was reinforced and concentrated! If disaster ensues, the government will suffer the terrible consequences, for it assumed the responsibility of retaining him in command when the whole country (as the press says) demanded his removal.

From letters received the last few days at the department, I perceive that the agents of the government are impressing everywhere —horses, wagons, hogs, cattle, grain, potatoes, etc. etc.—leaving the farmers only enough for their own subsistence. This will insure subsistence for the army, and I hope it will be a death-blow to speculation, as government pays less than one-fourth the prices demanded in market. Let the government next sell to non-producers, and every man of fighting age will repair to the field, and perhaps the invader may be driven back.

We have the speech of the French Emperor, which gives us no encouragement, but foreshadows war with Russia, and perhaps a general war in Europe.

We have rain again. This may drive the armies in Virginia into winter quarters, as the roads will be impracticable for artillery.

The next battle will be terrific; not many men on either side will be easily taken prisoners, as exchanges have ceased.

Dr. Powell brought us a bushel of meal to-day, and some persimmons.

November 25, 1863, The New York Herald

The latest news from Chattanooga reports the rebels falling back from Chickamauga Station. Their artillery have entirely withdrawn from our front. Our forces, under Generals Wood and Sheridan, of the Fourth army corps, under the direction of General Gordon Granger, of General Thomas’ division, made a most brilliant movement on the 23d to obtain possession of two eminences half way between our left and Missionary Ridge, where the enemy were in force. The brigade of Gen. Hazen opened the attack, supported by that of Gen. Willich on the left, and the whole division of General Sheridan on the right, General Howard’s corps forming the reserve. The points of attack aimed at were soon occupied, and in ten minutes after General Willich carried the enemy’s rifle pits in front, their defenders flying before him after firing one volley. Meantime, General Sheridan pushed through the forest, drove in the enemy’s pickets, and halted on reaching the rifle pits. We not only captured two hundred prisoners by this movement, but obtained a most important position in the occupation of the heights north of Missionary Ridge. We give a map today showing the vicinity in which General Thomas achieved this brilliant result. But this is not the end of it. The reconnaissance commenced on Monday has resulted in a general battle which was going on up to our latest reports yesterday with great success, the enemy retreating gradually, although making a stubborn resistance. Despatches to the War Department from General Grant, received last night, are of a most cheering character.

No further news had been received from Gen. Burnside up to yesterday. Cannonading, however, was still going on. A battle was supposed to be imminent between the forces of Generals Grant and Bragg yesterday. A despatch from General Bragg to Adjutant General Cooper, at Richmond dated at Mission Ridge, on the 19th, says that General Wheeler reports an attack upon the Union troops, in which they were dispersed and driven into their works at Knoxville, with the loss of three hundred prisoners.

The latest rebel accounts from Charleston are to the 20th inst., and state that on the day previous our guns fired eleven shots from battery Gregg at the city, but did little damage. Some three or four buildings were struck, and one person was injured. The Pawnee and another gunboat came up the Stono and shelled Battery Pringle, but effected nothing.

On the 20th the firing on Charleston was renewed. The shelling of Fort Sumter was more heavy than usual. But few rifled shots were fired. No casualties occurred either in the city or at the fort.

There is no change in the position of the Army of the Potomac. The unpropitious state of the weather appears for the time to have interrupted the contemplated movement on the Rapidan.

The steamer Convoy has returned to Fortress Monroe from City Point, in charge of Captain Irving, who reports having transferred the government rations for our prisoners at and about Richmond satisfactorily into the hands of Commissioner Ould.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 24TH—The President is expected back today. A letter from Gen. Lee indicates that the Commissary-General has been suggesting that he (the general) should impress supplies for his army. This the general deprecates, and suggests that if supplies cannot be purchased, they should be impressed by the agents of the Commissary Department; and that the burden should be laid on the farmers equally, in all the States. Gen. Lee does not covet the odium. But it is plain, now, that the extortionate farmers, who were willing to see us non-producing people starve, unless we paid them ten prices for their surplus products, will be likely to get only the comparatively low schedule price fixed by the government. Instead of $20 per bushel for potatoes, they will receive only $2 or $3. This will be a good enough maximum law. But the government must sell to us at cost, or I know not what may be the consequences.

November 24, 1863, The New York Herald

The condition of the roads in Virginia, notwithstanding the recent rains, is such that the army of General Meade is now in a position to move at any moment. His troops fully occupy the country up to the north bank of the Rapidan, but there is no official information that any portion of his army has crossed the river. Reports of the advance of the army to the south side of the river were circulated yesterday, but the announcement is premature. General Lee is said to be prepared to make a desperate resistance to any such movement.

Despatches from Cincinnati yesterday state that General Burnside was holding out at Knoxville, and had notified the citizens of that place that he would hold it under all circumstances. The rebels – who are reported to be 30,000 strong – have withdrawn from the south side of the river. General Foster had reached Cincinnati, en route for Knoxville, which he doubtless reached by this time. It is said that the President has not accepted General Burnside’s resignation; but is willing to grant him leave of absence to attend to his private affairs, which need his supervision, with the understanding that he will return to his command at the earliest moment consistent with the business engagements which imperatively call him temporarily from his duties in the field. We give a fine map today of the scene of General Burnside’s operations in East Tennessee up to this date.

The steam transport Fulton, from Port Royal, which arrived at this port yesterday, reports that the sea wall of Fort Sumter was entirely destroyed, and the rebels were constructing bombproof buildings on the ruins. The firing on the fort was still going on. During Sunday night the Monitor Lehigh, while on picket duty near Fort Sumter, got aground. Daylight discovered her position to the enemy, who at once began a furious fire upon her, both from James and Sullivan’s Island. Three other Monitors – the Montauk, Passaic and Nahant – moved up to aid her by command of Admiral Dahlgren. The admiral boarded the Nahant and called for volunteers to carry a hawser to the Lehigh. Out of the number who offered themselves, the surgeon and two sailors were accepted and proceeded on their desperate mission under a tremendous fire. After three attempts they succeeded in getting a line fast to the Lehigh, and at the turn of the tide the Nahant towed her off. Admiral Dahlgren promoted the two seamen on the spot to the rank of petty officers. Commander Bryson of the Lehigh, and the executive officer, Lieutenant Hopkins, were both wounded.

The Fulton brought in here the rebel prize steamer Banshee, captured by the Fulton and the transport Delaware, with a valuable cargo, bound from Nassau to Wilmington.

We learn from Fortress Monroe the particulars of the delivery of the provisions sent by the steamer Convoy for the relief of the Union prisoners at Richmond.

Colonel Irving, who had them in charge, has satisfactorily transferred all the government rations, as well as all the provisions from the Baltimore Relief Fund, for the Union prisoners in and about Richmond, to Commissioner Ould. The immediate wants of our officers and soldiers in Richmond will thus be supplied.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 23D—Nothing of moment from the armies, although great events are anticipated soon.

On Saturday, Gen. Winder’s or Major Griswold’s head of the passport office, Lieut. Kirk, was arrested on the charge of selling passports at $100 per man to a Mr. Wolf and a Mr. Head, who transported passengers to the Potomac. W. and H. were in prison, and made the charge or confession. This passport business has been our bane ever since Gen. Winder got control of it under Mr. Benjamin. Lieut. K. is from Louisiana, but originally from New York.

Mr. Benjamin sent over to-day extracts from dispatches from Mr. Slidell and a Mr. Hotze, agent, showing how the government is swindled in Europe by the purchasing agents of the bureaus here. One, named Chiles, in the purchase of $650,000, Mr. Slidell says, was to realize $300,000 profit! And Mr. Hotze (who is he?) says the character and credit of the government are ruined abroad by its own agents! Mr. Secretary Seddon will soon see into this matter.

Capt. Warner says the Federal prisoners here have had no meat for three days, Commissary-General Northrop having none, probably, to issue. One hundred tons rations, however, came up for them yesterday on the flag boat.

Exchange on London sells at $1 for $18.50, and gold brings about the same. Our paper money, I fear, has sunk beyond redemption. We have lost five steamers lately; and it is likely the port of Wilmington (our last one) will be hermetically sealed. Then we shall soon be destitute of ammunition, unless we retake the mineral country from the enemy.

Mr. Memminger has sent a press to the trans-Mississippi country, to issue paper money there.

Mr. Slidell writes that all our shipments to and from Matamoras ought to be under the French flag. There may be something in this.

The President was expected back to-day; and perhaps came in the evening. He is about to write his message to Congress, which assembles early in December, and perhaps he desired to consult Gen. Lee.

Everywhere the people are clamorous against the sweeping impressments of crops, horses, etc. And at the same time we have accounts of corn, and hay, and potatoes rotting at various depots! Such is the management of the bureaus.

The clerks are in great excitement, having learned that a proposition will be brought forward to put all men under forty-five years of age in the army. It will be hard to carry it; for the heads of departments generally have nephews, cousins, and pets in office, young and rich, who care not so much for the salaries (though they get the best) as for exemption from service in the field. And the editors will oppose it, as they are mostly of conscript age. And the youthful members of Congress could not escape odium if they exempted themselves, unless disabled by wounds.

November 23, 1863, The New York Herald

There is no change in the Army of the Potomac. The different corps occupy the same positions which they did ten days ago. The enemy are working like beavers on their defences at the Rapidan. Meade’s troops are in good spirits, and eager for a fight. Mosby’s guerillas made a dash on a party of our cavalry near Bealton Station on Saturday, and carried off three commissary wagons. They were pursued as far as Thoroughfare Gap, and five of them captured.

Doubts having been expressed in regard to the truth of the statement that General Burnside was to be relieved of his command by General Foster, it may be stated that the order for the change was issued on the 16th instant and General Burnside is ordered to report to the Adjutant General in Washington.

There is nothing lately in Chattanooga.

We learn by the Star of the South, from New Orleans, that on the 13th instant the Thirteenth army corps, lately operating in the Teche country, embarked to Brashear City for some unknown point in Texas, by way of Berwick’s Bay.

A full history of the Rio Grande expedition by our special correspondent together with important accompanying maps, is given in our columns today. The Mexican combinations in Tamaulipas and the conflicts of Cortinas, Cobos and Ruiz, will be found very interesting.

A second edition of the Johnson’s Island conspiracy found an exciting circulation in the neighborhood of Burlington, Vermont, yesterday, arising from reports that a body of rebels in Montreal had planned to seize Fort Montgomery, destroy the drawbridge at Rouse’s Point, and plunder Plattsburg and Burlington. Information of such a plot reached Governor Smith and Collector Clapp on Friday. They immediately took steps to communicate with the officer in charge of Fort Montgomery, who soon had its guns manned and read to give the renegades a warm reception.

Governor Smith is […..] for them” - that is, when they come.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 22D—We have nothing additional to-day, except another attempt to take Fort Sumter by assault, which was discovered before the crews of the boats landed, and of course it was defeated. Since then some shells have been thrown into the city of Charleston, doing little damage.

This morning was bright and warm, the clouds having passed away in the night.

November 22, 1863, The New York Herald

Perhaps the most important war news we have today is from the Texas expedition of General Banks. The occupation of Brownsville appears to have been dictated by some very urgent reasons. An attempt to revolutionize the district of Tamaulipas, which includes Matamoros and the mouth of the Rio Grande, by the Mexican chief Miramon handing it over to the French, was frustrated by the timely appearance of General Banks. The presence of the Union troops drove General Cobas, the ally of Miramon, to the other side of the river, where he fell into the hands of Cortinas, who defeated him, and shot him as a traitor. Three revolutions occurred in one week on the Mexican frontier of the Rio Grande, in the regular Mexican fashion; but the position which General Banks now occupies secures to the United States the port of Matamoros without embroiling us in a foreign war, as might have been the case if the Tamaulipas country had been handed over to French rule.

No accounts direct from Knoxville, later than those published yesterday have been received. In Washington no apprehension is felt for the safety of Burnside’s command, or of his ability to hold the city until relieved by General Grant, who, since the junction of Shermanwith Thomas’ force, has ample means at his disposal for so doing.

The recent rain storm has extended to Virginia, and the Army of the Potomac is once more stuck in the mud. Our cavalry occupy Culpepper, but the infantry have not yet advanced to that point. Rumors prevailed in the camps yesterday that Lee had fallen back from the line of the Rapidan; there is no reason, however, for believing that he has abandoned a position so strong, both naturally and artificially. It is now ascertained that the parties depredating in the rear of our forces are composed of deserters from the Union army, who waylay and rob travellers indiscriminately, but pay particular attention to sutlers, purveyors and others who carry considerable sums of money.

Large quantities of provisions and medical stores have been forwarded to the union prisoners at Richmond, and no anxiety need be entertained as regards their condition so long as the rebel authorities permit the distribution of the supplies among them. There has been some delay in forwarding the stores, owing to the lack of transportation from City Point to the rebel capital; but this difficulty we are assured has been overcome.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 21ST. —We have further reports from the West, confirming the success of Longstreet. It is said he has taken 2200 prisoners, and is probably at Knoxville.

The President left the city this morning for Orange Court House, on a visit to Gen. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia.

We are a shabby-looking people now—gaunt, and many in rags. But there is food enough, and cloth enough, if we had a Roman Dictator to order an equitable distribution.

The Secretary of War is destined to have an uncomfortable time. After assuring the Legislature and the people that provisions in transitu would not be impressed, it is ascertained that the agents of the Commissary-General are impressing such supplies, and the Secretary is reluctant to interfere, the Commissary-General being understood to have the support of the President.

A committee of the Grand Jury yesterday submitted a paper to the President, on the subject of provisions—indicating the proximity of famine, and deprecating impressments. The President sent it to the Secretary, saying Mr. Seddon would no doubt take measures to keep the people of Richmond from starving; and directing the Secretary to “confer” with him. But to-day he is off to the army, and perhaps some may starve before any relief can be afforded.

A genteel suit of clothes cannot be had now for less than $700. A pair of boots, $200—if good. I saw to-day, suspended from a window, an opossum dressed for cooking, with a card in its mouth, marked “price, $10.” It weighed about four pounds. I luxuriated on parsnips to-day, from my own little garden.

A dollar in gold sold for $18 Confederate money, to-day. Our paper is constantly depreciating ; and I think it is past redemption, unless we adopt Mr. Moseley’s plan, and cause some six or eight hundred millions to be canceled, and fix a maximum price for all commodities necessary for the support of life. Congress will never agree upon any measure of relief. But if the paper money be repudiated, nevertheless we shall have our independence, unless the Southern people should become mad, divided among themselves. Subjugation of a united people, such as ours, occupying such a vast extent of territory, is impossible. The tenure of its occupation by an invading army would always be uncertain, and a million would be required to hold it.

A hard rain commenced falling this evening, and continued in the night. This, I suppose, will put an end to operations in Virginia, and we shall have another respite, and hold Richmond at least another winter. But such weather must cause severe suffering among the prisoners on Belle Isle, where there are not tents enough for so large a body of men. Their government may, however, now consent to an exchange. Day before yesterday some 40,000 rations were sent them by the United States flag-boat—which will suffice for three days, by which time I hope many will be taken away. Our Commissary-General Northrop has but little meat and bread for them, or for our own soldiers in the field. It must be confessed they have but small fare, and, indeed, all of us who have not been “picking and stealing,” fare badly. Yet we have quite as good health, and much better appetites than when we had sumptuous living.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 20TH.—We have reports of some successes to-day. Gen. Hampton, it appears, surprised and captured several companies of the enemy’s cavalry, a day or two since, near Culpepper Court House. And Gen. Wheeler has captured several hundred of the enemy in East Tennessee, driving the rest into the fortifications of Knoxville. Gen. Longstreet, at last accounts, was near Knoxville with the infantry. We shall not be long kept in suspense —as Longstreet will not delay his action; and Burnside may find himself in a “predicament.”

A private soldier writes the Secretary to-day that his mother is in danger of starving—as she failed to get flour in Richmond, at $100 per barrel. He says if the government has no remedy for this, he and his comrades will throw down ,their arms and fly to some other country with their families, where a subsistence may be obtained.

Every night robberies of poultry, salt meats, and even of cows and hogs are occurring. Many are desperate.

November 20, 1863, The New York Herald

The latest news from Charleston, to eight o’clock P.M. of the 16th instant, by the steamer Admiral Dupont, reports that the firing on Fort Sumter continues without intermission; that the flag of the rebel garrison has been shot down several times within a few days, but is always hoisted again. The immediate surrender of the fort is predicted, as, indeed, it has been for several months past. We anxiously await the intelligence of its fall.

By the steamship Creole, from New Orleans, on the 11th inst., we have intelligence of the operations of General Washburne’s forces in the Teche country. The reports from there state that Washburn’s whole loss in killed and wounded and taken prisoners was six hundred and seventy-seven. The Indiana Sixty-seventh was captured almost entire. The Sixtieth Indiana and Ninety-sixth Ohio lost largely. The rebel force outnumbered ours five to one. We only excelled them in artillery, by means of which, at short range, it is thought we killed a large number of the enemy.

It appears from our correspondent’s statements relative to the Texas expedition, that General Banks has for months past been urging upon the government the necessity of reinforcing his army in order to make that movement efficient and successful, and that his appeals have not been heeded. With a small, and possible inadequate force, therefore, he has undertaken the expedition. With what success, under the circumstances […..] and shall […..] not difficult to divine upon whom the blame lies.

The rebels are evidently disposed to give no rest to Gen. Burnside’s army in East Tennessee. Gen Longstreet crossed the Tennessee river on Saturday morning and was met by Gen. Burnside’s forces, who, being inferior in numbers, fell back to Lenoir. The enemy appear to have pressed their attack during Sunday and Monday. Burnside fell back to Campbell’s Station, where, being outflanked by the enemy, he withdrew under cover of his batteries, and by their well directed fire drove the enemy back. By slow retrogressive movements, constantly harassed by the enemy, Gen. Burnside fell back on Knoxville on Tuesday morning. His position, at last accounts, was invested by the rebels completely, but the determination of Gen. Burnside to defend it to the last man, is confidently expressed.

We give some interesting news from the rebel journals today. It appears that Generals Cheatham and Buckner have asked to be relieved of their commands under General Bragg. This fact, if it be true, would bear out the stories of demoralization in Bragg’s army. The Richmond Despatch of the 14th puts down the number of Union prisoners in and around Richmond at 12,775, of which 953 are commissioned officers. It says that in addition to those sent to Danville, a number will be sent to Lynchburg.

by John Beauchamp Jones

NOVEMBER 19TH. —Miss Harriet H. Fort, of Baltimore, has arrived via Accomac and Northampton Counties, with a complete drawing of all the defenses of Baltimore.

The Medical Purveyor’s Guards have petitioned the Secretary for higher pay. They get now $1500 per annum, and say the city watchmen get $2300.

Gens. Banks and Taylor in the West are corresponding and wrangling about the exchange of prisoners—and the cartel is to be abrogated, probably.

The Governor of Mississippi (Clark) telegraphs the President that the Legislature (in session) is indignant at the military authorities for impressing slaves. The President telegraphs back that the order was to prevent them falling into the lines of the enemy, and none others were to be disturbed.

November 19, 1863, The New York Herald

            The treatment of the Union prisoners at Richmond has been the theme of many comments in our columns of late, and the miserable condition to which they were reduced for want of food and other necessaries of life has been repeatedly described by our correspondents and others. An effort was made by our government to relieve them, but with unheard of barbarity the attempt has been refused by the rebel authorities in Richmond.

            The steamer Convoy, which left Fortress Monroe last Saturday with provisions and clothing for our soldiers held as prisoners in Richmond, returned yesterday, bringing back the provisions and clothing, Col. Irving, who had charge of the matter, having been refused the privilege of taking the rations to Richmond. Thus our unfortunate soldiers, numbering some twelve thousand, are left to perish of want in the prisons of the rebel capital. If ever there was a time when it became the solemn duty of the government to push its armies on to Richmond surely it is now. We must wait, however, to see whether the War Department appreciates the necessity or not. The prisoners are being removed to Danville, some twenty-five hundred of them having already started for that place. An arrival from Richmond of some released prisoners on parole puts us in possession of the condition of the HERALD correspondents, Messrs. Bulkley, Hendricks and Hart, prisoners in Castle Thunder. They are permitted to purchase outside food enough to keep life going, although the prison fare is reduced to a starvation standard.

            The news from the Army of the Potomac is devoid of interest. On Sunday last, after General Kilpatrick’s force had retired from their reconnoissance on the Rapidan, the enemy threw over two regiments on this side of the river, keeping them, however, under cover of their guns. No movements indicating an approaching conflict have been made. Everything is quiet, both in front and rear.

            A despatch from Chattanooga of the 17th says that on that morning the enemy brought a battery down to the river side and shelled the camp of the one hundred and twenty-fifth Illinois, guarding the first six miles above there, killing the Rev. Mr. Sanders, chaplain of the regiment. The rebels were forced to retire after half an hour’s practice by the second Minnesota battery. With this exception all was quiet there.

            Our naval correspondence off Mobile gives some very interesting accounts of the cruise of the gunboat Gertrude in that vicinity, the capture of the blockade runner Warrior, and the discomfiture of the rebel ram which attempted to damage the Union squadron. A map accompanies the statement, showing the entrance to Mobile Bay, the position of our blockading fleet and the rebel defences of the harbor. A despatch from Mobile on the 12th instant, to the rebel Adjutant General, forwarded by Major General Maury, says that on the day previous his troops dashed in above Bayou Sara, on the plundering party of Yankees, three hundred strong, and drove them to their iron-clads with great slaughter. We brought off, he says, their wagon trains and twenty-five prisoners.

            It was stated yesterday in Washington that the latest news from East Tennessee is that the rebel General Longstreet is moving in that direction, and that some skirmishing has already occurred between his advance and General Burnside’s outposts, but at what particular point was not known.

by Horatio Nelson Taft

Wednesday November 18th 1863

Since my last date I have been Home and Staid eight days, left here the 31st Oct & returned the 10th Inst, brought Julia back with me. She is staying at Mr Hartleys on NY Avenue. Neither Genl Meade or Admiral Dahlgreen have been removed as was reported at that date, they are both still in command. Our Army is now again South of the Rappahannock. There was a Sharp battle at and near “Kellys Ford” in crossing which was a great success for us, our Army took some 2500 prisoners &c. Not much more fighting has taken place at or near Chattanooga but a great Battle is expected soon. We have just heard that Genl Banks has landed and took Fort Brown & Brownsville on the Rio Grande in Texas. It is very pleasant for me to have Julia with me. I call for her and we take long walks visiting the Hospitals or calling on our friends. This evening we called on Mr & Mrs Reynolds and spent an hour. Yesterday we attended the Review of the Invalid Corps at the Presidents. They numbered about 3000. A number of the officers had but one arm and many were lame and the men as a general thing looked rather pale and not able to stand much fatigue.

by John Beauchamp Jones

            NOVEMBER 18TH.—We have no news whatever, except some damage reported at Charleston, done to two monitors yesterday. The bombardment has assumed no new phase.

            A letter from Gen. J. E. Johnston, Meridian, Miss., indicates that the Secretary has been writing him and saying that he was responsible for the outrages of the impressing agents in his department. Gen. J. disclaims the responsibility, inasmuch as the agents referred to act under orders from the Commissary-General or Secretary of War.

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