May

31

Diary of the Union Secretary of the Navy, May 31, 1864

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by Gideon Welles

            May 31, Tuesday. No special matters in Cabinet. Mr. Seward sent me on Saturday a correspondence between himself and Lord Lyons and the Treasury Department relative to a large amount of cotton which was purchased a few months since in Georgia by one John Mulholland, an Englishman, who desires to bring it out, or, if he could not do that, to have it protected. The Secretary of State wrote the Secretary of the Treasury for views. The Treasury thought the proposition to bring it out inadmissible, but when our military lines were so extended as to include this cotton the agents of the Treasury would give it the same care as the property of loyal citizens; thinks it would be well to advise the Navy and War Departments to instruct their officers. Hence the communication to me.

            I decline giving any such instructions, and so have written Mr. Seward, considering it illegal as well as inexpedient, telling him it would be a precedent for transferring all the products of the South into foreign hands to pay for munitions of war which we should be bound to protect. None but Englishmen would have the presumption to make such a request. It is entitled to no respect or consideration. Not unlikely it is cotton of the Rebel government covered up.

May

31

Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—May 31, 1864

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by John Beauchamp Jones

            MAY 31ST.—Clear, with hot sun.

            Last evening there was some fighting on Lee’s right, and 125 prisoners were sent in.

            This morning cannon and musketry could be distinctly heard east of my dwelling; but at 3 P.M. I have not been able to learn the extent of it or the result.

            But the GREAT BATTLE is imminent. Troops have been coming over from the south side (Beauregard’s) for twenty hours, and marching down Main Street toward the Williamsburg road. It is doubtless a flank movement of Beauregard, and an attack on Grant may be expected any hour; and must occur, I think, tomorrow at furthest.

            I have not learned that Butler has retired from his position—and if not, our communications must be in peril. But no matter, so Grant be beaten.

            All the local troops are ordered to be in readiness to march at a moment’s warning, this evening or night.