Saturday, 14th–The weather is quite warm, but windy and smoky. Wild grapes are still growing. There is no change; all is quiet and no news. We still maintain our regular picket of two thousand men.

NOVEMBER 14th.—Some skirmishing between Chattanooga and Knoxville. From prisoners we learn that the enemy at both those places are on half rations, and that Grant intends to attack Bragg soon at Lookout Mountain. Either Grant or Bragg must retire, as the present relative positions cannot long be held.

Mr. A. Moseley, formerly editor of the Whig, writes, in response to a letter from the Secretary of War, that he deems our affairs in a rather critical condition. He is perfectly willing to resume his labor, but can see no good to be effected by him. He thinks, however, that the best solution for the financial question would be to cancel the indebtedness of the government to all except foreigners, and call it ($800,000,000) a contribution to the wars—and the sacrifices would be pretty equally distributed. He suggests the formation of an army, quietly, this winter, to invade Pennsylvania next spring, leaving Lee still with his army on this side of the Potomac. Nevertheless, he advises that no time should be lost in securing foreign aid, while we are still able to offer some equivalents, and before the enemy gets us more in his power. Rather submit to terms with France and England, or with either, than submission to the United States. Such are the opinions of a sagacious and experienced editor.

Another letter from Brig.-Gen. Meredith, Fortress Monroe, was received to-day, with a report of an agent on the condition of the prisoners at Fort Delaware. By this report it appears our men get meat three times a day—coffee, tea, molasses, chicken soup, fried mush, etc. But it is not stated how much they get. The agent says they confess themselves satisfied. Clothing, it would appear, is also issued them, and they have comfortable sleeping beds, etc. He says several of our surgeons propose taking the oath of allegiance, first resigning, provided they are permitted to visit their families. Gen. M. asks for a similar report of the rations, etc. served the Federal prisoners here, with an avowed purpose of retaliation, provided the accounts of their condition be true. I know not what response will be made; but our surgeon-general recommends an inspection and report. They are getting sweet potatoes now, and generally they get bread and beef daily, when our Commissary-General Northrop has them. But sometimes they have little or no meat for a day or so at a time—and occasionally they have bread only once a day. It is difficult to feed them, and I hope they will be exchanged soon. But Northrop says our own soldiers must soon learn to do without meat; and but few of us have little prospect of getting enough to eat this winter. My family had a fine dinner to-day—the only one for months. As for clothes, we are as shabby as Italian lazzaronis—with no prospect whatever of replenished wardrobe, unless some European power will come and take us, as the French have done Mexico.

November 14, 1863, The New York Herald

            All continues quiet in front of the Potomac Army. The headquarters of the Commissary Department are now at Warrenton Junction, from which immediate supplies of rations are daily forwarded. The demoralization in the rebel army is reported to be on the increase. A deserter from the Ninth Alabama (Ewell’s corps) states that the whole regiment has laid down its arms and refused to fight any longer. Upon an attempt to put them under guard they dispersed through the country, with the intention of joining the Union army. The dependency of the rebel soldiers generally is said to be very great. A report was prevalent yesterday that a large force of the rebels shelled General Kilpatrick’s camp, near Stevensburg, on Thursday morning, proving that the enemy are still in strength at this side of the Rapidan.

            Very important despatches from the diplomatic agents of the rebels in Europe to the rebel government were recently found in the capture of the blockade runners Robert E. Lee, Cornubia and others, showing that the rebel agents entirely despair of any assistance either from England or France. They state that Louis Napoleon has no intention of affording the South any aid except what the government of England may be disposed to give, and that while he is amusing them with the hope of an alliance with Mexico, they have nothing of a substantial character to hope from him. These statements present the rebel cause in Europe in a very dismal condition.

            Several prisoners taken off the R.E. Lee and other blockade runners were brought to this city by the steamer Newbern yesterday. Among them were two British army officers and the Belgian Consul.

            General Butler has arrived at Fortress Monroe and assumed the command of his new department. General Foster, upon leaving, issued a farewell order to his troops.

            A large quantity of provisions, consisting of pork, beef, sugar, rice, potatoes, coffee and bread were shipped from Fortress Monroe on Thursday by the Commissary of Subsistence to the unfortunate starving Union prisoners at Richmond. Twenty-five thousand rations in all were forwarded, and it remains to be seen whether the prisoners will receive them.

            Official despatches from General Thomas, at Chattanooga, and General Burnside, in East Tennessee, were received at the War Department yesterday, dated on the previous evening, and state that all is quiet in front of their respective armies. The despatch from General Burnside is said to set all anxiety at rest as to the safety of his position.

            Deserters to our lines at Chattanooga report terrible disaffection in Bragg’s army, the troops laying down their arms and refusing to continue longer in the rebel service. Bragg’s army is said to be sixty thousand strong.

            There is no later development concerning the Johnson’s Island affair, except that a large force of infantry, cavalry and artillery has been sent there to defend the place. It is said that Hon. Preston King has been sent to Canada by our government to investigate the plot. Heavy batteries are erected to command the harbor of Sandusky, and the United States steamer Michigan is lying off Johnson’s Island, ready for action.

            Our correspondence from New Orleans by the steamer Yazoo yesterday reveals the progress of the Texas expedition to the 3d inst. General Banks is superintending the campaign in person. The full occupation of the frontier line of the Rio Grande is contemplated by the expedition. The French are said to be encamped within thirty miles of Matamoros. A despatch from the army in Western Louisiana states that General Washburne’s advance of the Thirteenth army corps was driven in by the rebels upon the main body on the 3d inst., but that the enemy were subsequently driven back with a loss of over two hundred killed and wounded, and two hundred taken prisoners.

            We have copious news from the rebel journals to the 11th inst. They are greatly exercised about the recent elections at the North. The late dismissal of the English Consuls by Jeff. Davis is also commented upon strongly, and the pursuance of a similar course to the French and other European representatives is urged, upon the ground that as European governments do not recognize the confederacy their representatives should not be recognized.

13th. Drew flour for the brigade. Set the butchers to killing hogs, 20. Some talk of moving. Wrote a short letter to the “blue eyed bonnie” I once called mine. No particular news. Wrote to Delos. Long time since I wrote to him. Weather pleasant. Got “Spike” shod. Oh my heart is sad and weary. Issued clothing.

Friday, 13th–My same old duty again—picket. There was no fatigue detail today, as the fortifications are almost completed. Two or three forts, however, are yet to be built just outside of the rifle pits.

13th.—My appointment to a clerkship in the Commissary Department has been received, with a salary of $125 per month. The rooms are not ready for us to begin our duties, and Colonel R. has just called to tell me one of the requirements. As our duties are those of accountants, we are to go through a formal examination in arithmetic. If we do not, as the University boys say, “pass,” we are considered incompetent, and of course are dropped from the list of appointees. This requirement may be right, but it certainly seems to me both provoking and absurd that I must be examined in arithmetic by a commissary major young enough to be my son. If I could afford it, I would give up the appointment, but, as it is, must submit with the best grace possible, particularly as other ladies of my age have to submit to it.

Thursday, November 13th.—Having recovered from my sickness, left home 8 A. M.; at Chickamauga Station, 11 A. M. Left my blanket and went one hundred yards and returned, but it was gone, and I never saw it again. Found regiment at foot of Lookout Mountain. After dark, marched up on the mountain at Summertown.

(Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

NOVEMBER 13th.—No news of battles yet. But we have a rumor of the burning of the fine government steamer R. E. Lee, chased by the blockaders. That makes two this week.

Gen. Lee dispatched the President, yesterday, as follows:

“Orange C. H., Nov. 12th.—For the last five days we have only received three pounds of corn per horse, from Richmond, per day. We depend on Richmond for corn. At this rate, the horses will die, and cannot do hard work. The enemy is very active, and we must be prepared for hard work any day.—R. E. LEE.”

On the back of which the President indorsed: “Have the forage sent up in preference to anything else. The necessity is so absolute as to call for every possible exertion.—JEFFERSON DAVIS.”

Perhaps this may rouse the department. Horses starving in the midst of corn-fields ready for gathering! Alas, what mismanagement!

I cut the following from the Dispatch :

“FLOUR.—We heard yesterday of sales of flour at $110 per barrel. We do not, however, give this as the standard price; for, if the article was in market, we believe that even a higher figure would be reached. A few days since a load of flour was sent to an auction-house on Cary Street to be sold at auction. The proprietors of the house very properly declined to receive it, refusing to dispose of breadstuffs under the hammer, where men of money, and destitute of souls, would have an opportunity of buying it up and withdrawing it from market.

“CORN-MEAL.—This article is bringing from $18 to $20 per bushel, and scarce at that.

“COUNTRY PRODUCE AND VEGETABLES.—We give the following as the wholesale rates: Bacon, hoground, $2.75 to $3; lard, $2.25 to $2.30; butter, $3.75 to $4; eggs, $2 to $2.25 ; Irish potatoes, $7.50 to $8; sweet potatoes, $10.50 to $12; tallow candles, $4 per pound ; salt, 45 cents per pound.

“GROCERIES.—Coffee—wholesale, $9 per pound, retail, $10; sugar, $2.85 to $3.25; sorghum molasses, wholesale, $10, and $14 to $15 at retail; rice, 30 to 35 cents.

“LIQUORS.—Whisky, $55 to $70 per gallon, according to quality, apple brandy, $50; high proof rum, $50; French brandy, $80 to $100.

“In the city markets fresh meats are worth $1.25 to $1.50 for beef and mutton, and $2 for pork; chickens, $6 to $8 per pair; ducks, $7 to $8 per pair; butter, $4.50 to $5 per pound; sweet potatoes, $2.50 per half peck; Irish potatoes, $2 per half peck.

“LEATHER.—Sole leather, $6.50 to $7.50 per pound; upper leather, $7.50 to $8; harness leather, $5.50 to $6; hides are quoted at $2.50 to $2.75 for dry, and $1.50 for salted green; tanners’ oil, $4 to $5 per gallon.

“TOBACCO.—Common article, not sound, $1 to $1.25; medium, pounds, dark, $1.30 to $2; good medium bright, $2 to $2.75; fine bright, $2 to $4; sweet 5’s and 10’s scarce and in demand, with an advance.”

My friend Capt. Jackson Warner sent me, to-day, two bushels of meal at government price, $5 per bushel. The price in market is $20. Also nine pounds of good beef, and a shank—for which he charged nothing, it being part of a present to him from a butcher.

November 13, 1863, The New York Herald

            The Richmond papers of Wednesday have telegrams from Charleston to the day previous. Slow firing had been going on all day at Sumter. The two Monitors was then in action firing about thirty shots. Altogether, during the day, sixty rifle shots and twenty-five shells were fired, only seven of which missed. The Richmond Examiner admits the defeat of the rebels on the Rappahannock, in which Hokes’ and Hays’ brigades were captured.

            There is no important change in the Army of the Potomac. Our troops occupy the old battle field of Cedar Mountain. Immense trains of supplies from Alexandria are going to the front. The railroad is being pushed rapidly ahead, and will be opened to the Rapidan by Monday night. Yesterday afternoon the rebel guerillas attacked the camps occupied by the workmen at Nokesville, two and a half miles east of Catlett’s Station, burnt some of the shanties and carried off the contents of the others. A force of our troops were guarding a culvert not more than a quarter of a mile distant at the time. The rebels are strongly posted on the Rapidan.

            Some further developments with regard to the plot hatched in Canada to free the rebel prisoners on Johnson’s Island, in Lake Erie, have been made, which show that it wears a serious aspect. It appears that the Governor General of Canada has given notice through Lord Lyons to the Secretary of State of rebel plots hatched in the British provinces to deliver the prisoners on Johnson’s Island, in Lake Erie, and burn Buffalo and Ogdensburg. Adequate measures to defeat the enterprises have been promptly adopted.

            Mr. Stanton apprised the Mayor of Buffalo by telegraph yesterday of the details of the plot, and put him on his guard to protect the city against the approach of any steamboats or vessels with an unusual number of persons on board.

            In the late disastrous affair at Rodgersville, Tenn., the troops of General Burnside were completely overwhelmed by superior numbers. Five hundred men, four guns and thirty-six wagons fell into the hands of the enemy.

            A despatch from Cairo says — on the faith of a report from Eastport, Miss. — that General Lee now commands at Chattanooga; that General Bragg has been sent to Mobile, and that General Longstreet is in command in Virginia.

            By the arrival of the Bohemian at Father Point yesterday, we have three days later news from Europe. Some excitement existed in England in consequence of a rumor that the rebel rams would be taken out of the Mersey by force. Orders were at once sent to Plymouth to send a war vessel round to Liverpool. The iron-plated frigate Prince Consort, and a gunboat, proceeded to the Mersey, the latter lying opposite Mr. Laird yard ready to start at a moment’s notice. Advices from the West Indies report the rebel privateer Georgia off Falmouth, Jamaica, on the 13th ult. She was said to have captured a steamer the same evening. The London Morning Star states that the Emperor Napoleon has informed Mr. Dayton that the authority for the construction of the rebel iron-clads in French ports had been withdrawn. This accords with the statement of Mr. Seward the other day which appeared in these columns.

12th. Late in the morning sent June and squad out for more cattle. Killed three beeves for 2nd Ohio. Went to town and saw Div. coming. Lot of clothing came. Got some horse shoes. George very bad face. Powder exploded and burned his face badly. Letter from Fannie. How anxious I have been and still am. Oh the future–dark.

Thursday, 12th–The two brigades of General Crocker’s Division were at his request ordered back to Natchez today, because of a threatened attack of the rebels at that place.

NOVEMBER 12th.—No accounts of any fighting, but plenty of battles looked for.

A. A. Little writes to the Secretary of War from Fredericksburg, that the attempt to remove the iron from the Aquia Railroad by the government having failed, now is the time for private enterprise to effect it. If the Secretary “will say the word,” it can be done. He says the iron is worth “millions, its weight in gold!” Will Mr. Seddon let it be saved? Yes, indeed.

Mr. Heyliger, agent at Nassau, writes on the 3d instant (just a week ago), that he is shipping bacon by every steamer (three or four per week), leather, percussion caps, and a large amount of quartermaster’s stores. But the supply of lead and saltpeter is exhausted, and he hopes the agents in Europe will soon send more. About one in every four steamers is captured by the enemy. We can afford that.

The President sent over to-day, for the perusal of the Secretary of War, a long letter from Gen. Howell Cobb, dated at Atlanta, on the 7th instant. He had just returned from a visit to Bragg’s army, and reports that there is a better feeling among the officers for Gen. Bragg, who is regaining their confidence. However, he says it is to be wished that more cordiality subsisted between Generals Bragg and ______, his _______ in command. He thinks Generals B_____ and C_____ might be relieved without detriment to the service, if they cannot be reconciled to Bragg. He hints at some important movement, and suggests co-operation from Virginia by a demonstration in East Tennessee.

It is generally believed that France has followed the example of England, by seizing our rams. Thus the whole world seems combined against us. And Mr. Seward has made a speech, breathing fire and destruction unless we submit to Lincoln as our President. He says he was fairly elected President for four years of the whole United States, and there can be no peace until he is President of all the States, to which he is justly entitled. A war for the President!

(excerpts)

MERIDIAN, NOV. 12th, 1863.

“My dear Wigfall,
“I received your letter of the 2nd yesterday and tried in vain to find the person who brought it. It was left with Col. B. S. Ewell A. A. G. by a contractor on his way to the Trans-Mississippi Country. . . . I congratulate you with all my heart upon Halsey’s¹ narrow escape. To have a horse killed under one puts a tall feather in his cap. (I hope, however, it was not the sorrel mare.) Even at present prices [horses were worth at this time about $3,000] I’d freely give a good horse to the same fate.—I have been having a very quiet time since July. Almost a peace establishment so we have gone to house keeping. I say we, for Mrs. Johnston joined me two weeks ago. I think Fanny would be delighted to see the style with which her namesake trots up to the door when she sees her mistress in it. Her mistress enjoys it greatly. I am at last making a report.

“Very truly yours,
“J. E. JOHNSTON.”

1. Francis Halsey Wigfall, Louis Wigfall’s son

November 12, 1863, The New York Herald

            There is no change in the position of the Army of the Potomac. A reconnoissance of General Buford through Culpepper and towards the Rapidan resulted in the discovery that no large force of the enemy are now north of that river, although guerillas constantly harass our troops. It has been ascertained that on Saturday the largest portions of Hill’s and Ewell’s forces were posted en echelon on the Rappahannock, the right resting on Kelly’s Ford and the left on the Aesthanis river, from which they were forced to retreat precipitately. General Meade’s official report of the affairs at Kelly’s Ford and Rappahannock Station is published today. The eight battle flags captured by Colonel Upton at the latter point, while in command of the Fifth and Sixth Maine, the Fifth Wisconsin and his own regiment, the One Hundred and Twenty-first New York, were presented by that gallant officer to General Meade on Tuesday evening. The General made a happy speech on receiving the flags, and handsomely congratulated the soldiers on their bravery. He has issued a congratulatory order upon the recent successes in driving the enemy from the Rappahannock to his intrenchments behind the Rapidan. Generals French, Sedgwick, Russell and Colonel de Trobriand are of course specially mentioned.

            It appears that the recent attack on General Burnside’s outposts, in which six hundred of his men and four cannon were captured by the rebels, occurred at Rodgersville, Hawkins county, Tenn., fifteen miles from Knoxville, and situated at the termination of the branch of the East Tennessee and Virginia Railroad. This fact is communicated in a despatch from General Burnside himself, in which he says that his main army is in an impregnable position and in good spirits, awaiting the orders of General Grant.

            A curious story was afloat yesterday that two […..] looking” vessels were seen on Lake Erie on Tuesday, hovering about Sandusky Bay, and were supposed to be privateers from the Canada side of the lake, intent on aiding and abetting the great Ohio conspiracy, by releasing the rebel prisoners on Johnston’s Island, and committing sundry depredations upon the waters. The rumor, however, is not traceable to any reliable source.

            Despatches from Memphis of the 8th report that the rebel General Richardson is committing serious depredations in the Southwest. He cut up the Memphis Railroad, a mile east of Salisbury, and the previous day cut the telegraph wires and burned three bridges. We learn from Cairo that the town of I-u-k-a was burned by the rebels after General Sherman’s troops had left that place.

Winchester, Tenn., November 11, 1863.

We arrived here at 9 this a.m., our brigade making the distance from Salem, 11 miles, in three hours. That, we call fast walking. I wrote you last from Florence., Ala., on the 1st inst. From there we marched to Rodgersville and thence up the right bank of Elk river to Fayetteville, where we crossed there onto this place. Rumor says that we draw 20 days’ rations here. It is three-fourths official, too. It is certain that we leave here in the morning, but nobody knows where for. We could certainly march to Chattanooga in six days, but could go much quicker by the railroad from Decherd station, which is only two miles from here. The wagon road from here to Chattanooga is awful. But one brigade has ever marched it. The mountains commence right here and continue to, the Lord knows where. Our brigade is to be mounted immediately. In the last 60 miles marching we have mounted 800 or nearly half. The citizens along the road very kindly furnished all of stock and equipments. My company was mounted four days ago. Company C is to be mounted next. As fast as the men are mounted they are put out as foragers for more horses, etc. The first day my company was mounted we got 30 horses, and would have done better, but confound me if I could take horses from crying women, although I am satisfied that half of their howling is sham, got up for the occasion. My first day’s foraging almost used me up. We had fed our horses and I went to unhitch a mule from the fence to give him in charge of one of the men, and the brute scared and jerked the rail from the fence and started like lightning. The end of the rail struck me on the calves of my legs and elevated my boots five feet. The attraction of gravitation brought me down to the globe and I landed with a great deal of vim on a rock about the size of our parlor floor, and as smooth as a peach stone. The only severe injury either the rock or myself sustained was a very badly sprained wrist. I got that. My left hip and left shoulder were hurt some, but the wrist has pained me so confoundedly that I don’t count them. It has pained me so for the last two days and is so tender that I could stand neither the jolting of a horse or wagon. I tried to ride my horse this morning; we were in column and had to strike a trot and that beat me. Think I will be all right for the saddle in a few days, though will have a tender wrist for a good while. Well, our division came through in the advance and our brigade has had the lead most of the time. We have had plenty of forage, but light issues of regular rations probably average. Half Morgan L. Smith’s and John E. Smith’s divisions are close up to us, will be here to-morrow. Osterhaus and Dodge are behind them. We have five divisions all told, probably 25,000 or 30,000 men. We met here the first troops belonging to the Army of the Cumberland.

11th. Sent out June for cattle. Brought in several nice ones. About noon drew rations and issued them to the 2nd and 7th Ohio. Did the work myself with the help of Mose. The detail for the boys was received. They reported. Mail came. Nothing for me. Oh!

Wednesday, 11th–It is very pleasant after four or five days of quite warm weather. I was on picket again, the first time for a week. Two brigades of General Crocker’s Division arrived from Natchez to reinforce the troops here at Vicksburg. Two negroes entering an old vacant Confederate magazine today were blown to pieces. They were smoking and it is supposed that the loose powder on the floor in some way became ignited. The explosion was heard for miles around. So much again for the filthy habit of smoking.

11th.—Just received a visit from my nephew, W. N., who is on his way to Fauquier to be married. I had not seen him since he lost his leg. He is still on crutches, and it made my heart bleed to see him walk with such difficulty. I believe that neither war, pestilence, nor famine could put an end to the marrying and giving in marriage which is constantly going on. Strange that these sons of Mars can so assiduously devote themselves to Cupid and Hymen; but every respite, every furlough, must be thus employed. I am glad they can accomplish it; and if the “brave deserve the fair,” I am sure that the deeds of daring of our Southern soldiers should have their reward. My niece, L. B., of Lexington, would have been married to-morrow night, but her betrothed, Captain S., has been ordered off to meet the enemy. The marriage is, of course, postponed. Poor fellow! I trust that he may come safely home.

I have just written to Colonel Northrup, Commissary-General, to ask an appointment as clerk in his department. So many of the young men have been ordered to the field, that this office has been open to ladies. My cousin, Colonel F. G. Ruffin, of the same office, has interested himself for me. They require us to say that we are really in want of the office—rather a work of supererogation, I should say, as no lady would bind herself to keep accounts for six hours per day without a dire necessity.

CAMP NEAR MORTON’S FORD, VA.,
November 11th, 1863.

My Dear Mother:
We are once more in our same camp on the Rapidan, which we left just a month ago. We had just begun to be comfortable in our winter quarters on the Rappahannock when the Yankees run us out. Last Saturday, about ten o’clock, the Yankees attacked our picket line on the river, composed of the Second and Thirtieth N. C. Regiments of our Brigade, driving them back, taking a great many of them prisoners. Col. Cox, of the Second, was badly wounded and afterwards died. The attack was a perfect surprise. We had just drawn a large supply of winter clothing of every kind, and the men were just trying them on when we were ordered to fall in, which we did in double quick time, making for the river line of battle with our sharpshooters in front. ‘Twas not long before we came on their skirmishers and a brisk fire commenced, which lasted until dark. Our two lines of battle laid within speaking distance until 12 o’clock that night, when we were very quietly withdrawn, half hour afterwards our sharpshooters followed and we took up our line of march till sun rise, when we were drawn up in line of battle, we stayed until two or three o’clock. The Yankees not coming on us, we started on the march again and never stopped till we crossed the Rapidan. We ate our breakfast Saturday morning in our winter quarters and did not draw a single mouthful to eat, or have any rest except when we were in line of battle (and then we were hard at work throwing up breastworks), until Monday night, ten o’clock. We waded the Rapidan about 9 o’clock the same night. I think it was the hardest time we have ever had, nothing to eat, accompanied with the hardest marching we ever did. All of our things were left in our winter quarters, expecting to go back there, but we did not, so we lost a good many things which we left behind. I happened to take my shawl and oil cloth along with me, which I saved. I lost my two blankets, a pair of cotton drawers, pair of socks, which I had just drawn (I did not draw anything else of the new clothing, which I am glad of, for I should have lost them). I also lost my knapsack, tin plate, tin cup, etc. I saved my overcoat, with all the things you sent by Condon. That scrape has taught me a lesson. I’ll bet I never leave anything else of mine behind. I don’t care where we are ordered to.

Try and get Tom Stith to put the following things in with his own baggage: That worsted shirt, flannel shirt, flannel drawers, two pair socks, please send me a comb, coarse one, also a towel. Tom Stith will be judge of what he can bring besides those things. Tell him we are at the same camp that Henry Warren came to us at. If I have time I will write to him tomorrow. We have just as much to do now as we can attend to. We are on picket every third night (Nov. 12). We moved camp this morning about half mile nearer our picket line. Cannonading is occasionally heard on the other side of the river. I don’t know what we will be doing, or where we will be tomorrow this time. I am perfectly willing for the Yankees to cross here, for I think we will whip them worse than we ever did at Fredricksburg. I shall be on picket tonight. I’ve got to go to work and get something to eat to carry with me. Give my love to all. As ever,

Your sincere and devoted son,
WALTER.

Letters from two brothers who served in the 4th North Carolina Infantry during the Civil War are available in a number of sources online.  Unfortunately, the brothers are misidentified in some places as Walter Lee and George Lee when their names were actually Walter Battle and George Battle. See The Battle Brothers for more information on the misidentification.

NOVEMBER 11th.—NO news. I saw, to-day, Gen. Lee’s letter of the 7th instant, simply announcing the capture of Hoke’s and Haye’s brigades. They were on the north side of the river, guarding the pont de tete. There is no excuse, no palliation. He said it was likely Meade’s entire army would cross. This had been sent by the Secretary to the President, who indorsed upon it as follows: “If it be possible to reinforce, it should be done promptly. Can any militia or local defense men be made available?—J. D.”

Gen. Whiting writes that he has refused to permit Mr. Crenshaw’s correspondence with Collie & Co. to pass uninspected, from a knowledge of the nature of previous correspondence seen by him.

The Northern papers state that Mr. Seward has authorized them to publish the fact that the French Government has seized the Confederate rams building in the ports of France.

I have written Custis Lee, the President’s aid, that but one alternative now remains: for the President, or some one else, to assume all power, temporarily, and crush the speculators. This I think is the only chance of independence. I may be mistaken—but we shall see.

Capt. Warner, who feeds the 13,000 prisoners here, when he has the means of doing so, says Col. Northrop, the Commissary, does not respond to his requisitions for meat. He fears the prisoners will take or destroy the city, and talks of sending his family out of it.

I condemned the reign of martial law in this city, in 1862, as it was not then necessary, and because its execution was intrusted to improper and obnoxious men. But now I am inclined to think it necessary not only here, but everywhere in the Confederacy. Many farmers refuse to get out their grain, or to sell their meat, because they say they have enough Confederate money! money for the redemption of which their last negro and last acre are responsible. So, if they be permitted to maintain this position, neither the army nor the non-producing class of the population can be subsisted; and, of course, all classes must be involved in a common ruin. A Dictator might prevent the people from destroying themselves, and it seems that nothing short of extreme measures can prevent it. But, again, suppose the Federal Government were to propose a sweeping amnesty, and exemption from confiscation to all who should subscribe to a reconstruction of the Union—and this, too, at a time of suffering and despondency—and so large a body were to embrace the terms as to render a prolongation of the war impracticable? What would the money the farmers now possess be worth? And what would become of the slaves, especially in Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri?

November 11, 1863, The New York Herald

            The latest news from General Meade’s army reports no fighting on yesterday. Between six and seven hundred of the enemy were captured near Culpepper. Our pickets near Warrenton Junction were in sight of Mosby’s pickets all day yesterday, but no collision took place.

            General Buford’s cavalry had a skirmish with the enemy near Culpepper on Monday, and after a brief fight and charge through the town drove them before him. They finally retired beyond the Rapidan. Our lines now extend from Culpepper to the Rapidan.

            Official despatches recounting the late victory of Generals Averill and Duffie at Lewisburg, Western Virginia, have been received from Brigadier General Kelley.

            Despatches from Leavenworth, Kansas, yesterday, say that the rebels under Cooper and Shelby, having escaped from our troops, crossed the Arkansas river with a force of nine thousand men, and were then marching on General Blunt, who had only a force of one thousand eight hundred cavalry, who were acting as an escort to a heavy supply train bound for Fort Smith. General Blunt had reduced the number of his train, and was putting his force in a position to resist the enemy.

            The expression of opinion elicited at the Union meeting held in Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 30th ult., was unmistakably in favor of the cordial support of the United States government, the supremacy of which the resolutions adopted there pledged the people of Arkansas to uphold.

            Our correspondents at Chattanooga furnish some very interesting details today of the late battles in that vicinity, together with an official list of the casualties. The defences of Chattanooga are now perfect, and its vast importance as a military position is more manifest than ever.

            A despatch from Chattanooga yesterday says that refugees from the rebel army report General Bragg to be evacuating his position in front of Chattanooga and falling back to Rome or Atlanta. General Longstreet was said to be organizing a force for a raid on our line of communication at Bridgeport.

10th. Had little or nothing to do. Went up to see Commissary on business. Absent. Went out to Mr. Lynch’s to see a horse. Learned he had sold it and returned to camp. Left detail for Thede, June, Lewis Emmons and Dan Coats. Night before received letter from Lucy Randall–married.

Tuesday, 10th–I was on a detail of two hundred men with one hundred teams to haul the commissary supplies and ammunition from the transports to the storehouses and magazines constructed near the new forts. It is heavy work, and as to handling the ammunition, quite dangerous. General Grant has given orders that Vicksburg must be well fortified and supplied with munitions and provisions, and that it must be held against all possible attack, for it cost too much to obtain it, besides its being a point of the greatest strategic importance.

NOVEMBER 10th.—It is supposed our loss in the surprise on Saturday did not exceed 1500, killed, wounded, and taken. It is thought that a battle will occur immediately, if it be not already in progress.

There is no news of moment from any quarter, except the loss of our steamer Cornubia, taken by the blockaders at Wilmington. She was laden with government stores. For months nearly all ships with arms or ammunition have been taken, while those having merchandise on board get in safely. These bribe their way through!

Col. Gorgas gave notice to-day that our supply of saltpeter will be exhausted in January, unless we can import a large quantity.

Another blue day!