Apr

30

Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—April 30, 1864

Filed Under Civil War, Rebel War Clerk's Diary | Leave a Comment

by John Beauchamp Jones

            APRIL 30TH.—Federal papers now admit that Gen. Banks has been disastrously beaten in Louisiana. They also admit their calamity at Plymouth, N. C. Thus in Louisiana, Florida, West Tennessee, and North Carolina the enemy have sustained severe defeats: their losses amounting to some 20,000 men, 100 guns, half a dozen war steamers, etc. etc.

            Gen. Burnside has left Annapolis and gone to Grant—whatever the plan was originally; and the work of concentration goes on for a decisive clash of arms in Virginia.

            And troops are coming hither from all quarters, like streamlets flowing into the ocean. Our men are confident, and eager for the fray.

            The railroad companies say they can transport 10,000 bushels corn, daily, into Virginia. That will subsist 200,000 men and 25,000 horses. And in June the Piedmont connection will be completed.

            The great battle may not occur for weeks yet. It will probably end the war.

Apr

30

Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, April 30, 1864

Filed Under Civil War, Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy | Leave a Comment

by Gideon Welles

            April 30, Saturday. The Wilkes court martial found him guilty on all charges and sentenced him to three years’ suspension and a reprimand. It is a light punishment for the conviction.

            Army movements indicate an early and great battle, but when and where to be fought is unknown in Washington.

            Congress to-day has ordered a committee on the Treasury. It is made up as only Colfax could do it. Some able friends of Chase are on it, and Brooks . . . is associated with them.

            Thirty years ago I was accustomed to meet Brooks, then a resident of Portland, Maine. He was at that time a zealous Whig partisan, with no settled principles. Judging from the New York Express, his paper, I think he has changed very little, though now elected by, and acting with, those who call themselves Democrats and have a Democratic organization.