Saturday, 28th–No new developments today. We had orders to clean up for inspection. I went to the commissary headquarters and drew a hat and a blouse, costing $4.78.

28th. Tended Rowena, my saddle mare, and got rations from the Post Commissary. About noon Bob came. Glad to be relieved. Letters from Lucy R., Ella Clark and Sarah Felton. All very good and quite acceptable. In the evening went to class. After it, beat Capt. N. three games of chess. Boiled eggs. Sleeked up the commissary for Sunday and chopped wood. Unusual.

March 28th.—A letter from ––. She tells me that W. B. N. and E. C. both passed through the fierce fight at Kelly’s Ford uninjured. How can we be grateful enough for all our mercies? Letters also from B., by underground railroad. That sweet child and her whole family surrounded and roughly treated by the Yankees; and so it will be as long as Millroy is allowed to be the scourge of the Valley.

MARCH 28th.—We have nothing additional or confirmatory from the West. A letter from Gen. Beauregard states that he has but 17,000 men in South Carolina, and 10,000 in Georgia, 27,000 in all. He asks more, as he will be assailed, probably, by 100,000 Federals. The President refers this important letter to the Secretary of War, simply with the indorsement, “this is an exact statement of affairs in South Carolina and Georgia.”

Col. Lay predicts that we shall be beaten in thirty days, or else we shall then be in the way of beating the enemy. A safe prediction—but what is his belief? This deponent saith not. There will be fearful odds against us, and yet our men in the field fear nothing.

We are sending Napoleons up to Lee. But the weather, which has been fine for the last two days, is wet again. If Hooker makes a premature advance, he will be sure to “march back again.”

An amusing letter was received from an officer Tennessee to-day. He was taken prisoner by seven Federals when straying some distance from camp, and subsequently hearing the men express some anxiety to be at home again with their families, gave them some brandy which he happened to possess. He then suggested a plan by which they might return to their homes, viz., to become his prisoners, and being paroled by him. After consultation, they agreed to it, and released him. He then paroled them, giving them the usual certificates to exhibit to their officer, and so, taking another drink, they pursued their different ways. If this disposition prevails extensively among the Western Federals, we may look for speedy results in that quarter. Rosecrans may lose his laurels in a most unexpected manner.

March SATURDAY 28, 1863

Shallie and I went on board the Mary Forsyth to bid Mrs B. farewell. I carried all of the letters brought from Dixie, on board and gave them to Mrs MacLean, who is a St. Louis’n and will see them all properly mailed and delivered.

March 28, 1863, Nashville Dispatch

Col. Stanley Matthews, who has been designated by Gen. Rosecrans to carry out the provisions of the order relative to the removal South of the Federal lines of disloyal persons and those whose natural supporters are in the Rebel service, is in the city, and we heard last night that a number of citizens have been notified in accordance with that order, to hold themselves in readiness to go South.

March 28, 1863, San Antonio Herald

Brownsville, March 11th, 1863

Eds. Herald:–In this far off place, we, of San Antonio, always welcome the Herald with delight, not solely for the news it contains, but principally to glean from the local items, something that is transpiring in our beloved city.The advertisements even are conned over with interest, and when at length we have read and re-read, the paper is reluctantly thrown aside with a sigh.

Three days ago a Yankee gunboat made her appearance at the mouth of the river and landed some officers and men on the Mexican side.The officers were rigged out in the Cavalry uniform of the Federal army.Immediately rumors of all sorts were spread through Brownsville and Matamoras, one was that the vessel in question was the “avant courier” of seven others, with 2400 men on board, the object of the expedition being a descent on Brownsville.The truth of the matter is, that the vessel brought no less a personage than Judge Davis of Corpus Christi, now a Colonel in the abolition service.He was accompanied by Major Somebody (who used to be a preacher in Austin,) Lieut. Daniel Bonnet (another renegade from Austin,) and three other subaltern officers, two of whom are also refugees from this State.On yesterday they were all in Matamoras cutting a great swell.I have just learned that one of the subaltern officers mentioned above is Branbach, once the Sheriff of Gillespie county, who escaped from the guard house in San Antonio, last summer.Their intentions in coming to Matamoras are not positively known; but they are offering inducements for our men to desert.They have partially succeeded, as some ten or twelve of the 3d Reg’t. have deserted in the last two days.A Lieut. in the same Reg’t. has also deserted; his name is Holtz, and used to live in New Braunfels.Judge Davis has come to a bad place for his health, for if he should fall into the hands of any of our soldiers, they would hang him on the first tree.Several amusing things occurred in Matamoras between the renegades and some of the Texans over the river.The parson Major above alluded to, was galloping up the main street when he was accosted by an old negro acquaintance; he immediately stopped, shook hands with his colored brother, leaned over h is saddle and putting h is hand familiarly on the negro’s shoulder, commenced a conversation with him.Mr. L_____g, a merchant of San Antonio, who was standing near cried out “Look at the Abolition nigger loving son of a ______.”The gallant Major merely looked up when he heard these words applied to him, and then resumed his talk with the negro.A crowd commencing to gather around, he concluded that it was best to ride off.

Pearce, the Yankee Consul at Matamoras, keeps a regular recruiting office.All of our deserters are fed and clothed by him, when they are sent to New Orleans by first opportunity.Many a poor deserter has found out his mistake, after a few days residence in Mexico, and would have given any thing to return, but feared to risk his neck by coming back.Many disaffected San Antonians are also there, among whom are […..] Lyons and John S. Marsh, the latter is said to be very bitter against the South.He ought to be after having made a little fortune off the charitable feelings of the people of San Antonio.

About two weeks ago the U. S.Brig “Young Harry” went ashore and was wrecked on our coast, at the “Boca Chica,” about 5 miles from the mouth of the Rio Grande.Her cargo consisted of flour, corn, clothing, domestics, shoes, and all sorts of dry goods.About one half the flour and dry goods was saved, but the corn was a total loss.The crew was taken, brought to Fort Brown, and afterwards paroled.The property saved from the wreck was appropriated by the military authorities, but was subsequently claimed by the C. S. Receiver, who is now selling it at public auction.There has been no blockader at the mouth for some time.About sixty merchant vessels are lying outside the bar.

Truly Yours, Rebel.

March 28, 1863, The New York Herald

Our Helena Correspondence.

HELENA, Ark., March 25, 1863.

The despatch steamer Wenona has just arrived from General Ross’ headquarters on the Tallahatchie river, near Fort Greenwood (or Fort Pemberton, as the rebels at first designated the place), having left there on the morning of Thursday, the 19th inst. She brings important despatches, and also some interesting news gathered on the trip. The substance of her news, relating to the operations and prospects of the expedition, is doubtless given in the letters of your special expeditionary correspondent, which were brought up the Wenona. Everything was quiet at Fort Greenwood when the Wenona left, and the prospects were that nothing further would be done at present in that direction. Our army occupies good camping ground at Shell Mound Place, on the plantation of Dr. Curtis, two and a half miles above the rebel fortifications, and would probably remain there until reinforcements and supplies should reach them to enable them to resume the offensive. There is no danger of their being attacked, as the same obstacles that exist to prevent their operating against the enemy will prevent the enemy from operating against them.

Lieutenant Colonel Wilson, the engineer of the expedition, has devised a scheme which may result in the capture of the rebel position without another struggle. The scheme was submitted to General Ross, and approved by him, and forwarded to General Prentiss, commanding at this post, who has at once set it in progress. The scheme is simply to drown the rebels out by letting a vast body of water into the Yazoo Pass, and thus swell the Coldwater and Tallahatchie rivers so as to overflow all the lands in the bottoms. The fall of water through the pass is now about eight feet, that is, the Mississippi river is eight feet higher at the head of the Pass than the Coldwater river at the foot of the Pass. The water now flows through the Pass with such violence that it is almost impossible for an ordinary steamboat to stem the current. [continue reading…]

March 28, 1863, Memphis Daily Appeal (Jackson, Mississippi)

A gentleman who for many years was engaged in manufacturing cotton yarn and cloth in this State, has furnished us with the following estimate of the cost:

 When cotton was selling at eight cents per pound, the cost of manufacturing a five pound bunch of cotton thread, including the raw material, was about seventy cents, and including labor, wearing of machinery, etc. Then, the usual selling price was ninety cents a bunch paying a profit of about thirty per cent. nett to the manufacturer. Suppose the raw cotton is at this time worth sixteen cents a pound, (most of the manufacturers had already laid in more than six months supply at half that price) and the cost of manufacturing to be double former expenses, (which is not true); but at double rates for material, labor, etc. the nett cost of producing five pounds of yarn will not exceed $1.40 at the outside. Add seventy five per cent to this which is allowed by the conscription law ($1.05, a very large profit on one bunch of yarn) and the selling price will be $2.45 per bunch.

 The same rule will apply to cotton cloths, and restrain the manufacturer’s price to a trifle less than twenty-five cents per yard.–Iredell Express.

March 28, 1863, Nashville Dispatch

There is terrible destitution among the sufferers from the bombardment of Fredericksburg. A correspondent of the Richmond Examiner writes that the despoiled population numbers about six thousand. Of these, about one-fourth are destitute. This proportion has been fed by charity for about twelve weeks. The contributions, in the aggregate, were $200,000, and this sum is rapidly being exhausted. Families recently in the enjoyment of wealth are now beggars, living in negro cabins, and wandering about the country in search of food.

March 28, 1863, The New York Herald

The latest news from Vicksburg and Yazoo expeditions reaches us from Cairo last night. It appears that on last Saturday night another barge, containing one thousand bushels of coal, floated past the batteries at Vicksburg safely, for the use of Admiral Farragut’s fleet.

We have it on the authority of the Memphis Bulletin of Wednesday, that three of Admiral Porter’s gunboats have reached the Yazoo river by the Sunflower route and reached Greenwood.

The same journal says that our forces above Greenwood had abandoned the undertaking to force a passage, and were returning, when they met General Quimby’s division en route to reinforce them. A conference was had, the result of which is unknown, but it is thought that in consequence of the success of the new route the whole force would return.

The rebel accounts of affairs in the Southwest conflict somewhat with ours. Richmond papers of the 26th say that the Hartford and Monongahela were allowed to approach within four hundred yards of the rebel batteries at Grand Gulf, when they opened fire upon them, the vessels replying with broadsides several times. A dozen shots struck the vessels. Parties were seen carrying the wounded below. The Natchez Courier says the Hartford, with Admiral Farragut on board, anchored in front of that city on Tuesday afternoon, the 16th, and sent a small boat with a flag of truce ashore, with a note addressed to the Mayor, stating that if the United States gunboats were fired upon by the people of Natchez or by guerillas he would bombard the city. The Hartford remained all night and left with the Monongahela in the morning.

The Richmond Sentinel of the 24th, in giving their account of the situation in the Southwest, says: – “The last papers from the United states are jubilant over false reports of the success of the Yazoo expedition. Our own reports are several days later than theirs, and represent the expedition as thoroughly whipped, and in full retreat by the way they came. Thus far the enemy has utterly failed in every one of his late moves. Farragut was whipped at Port Hudson; Banks broke [continue reading…]

March 28, 1863, San Antonio Herald

The affair at the mouth of the Rio Grande was highly brilliant, glorious, and gratifying, and adds another bright chaplet to the brows of our Texas boys–we mean the capturing of those notorious traitors and renegades Judge E. J. Davis, (now a Federal Colonel) and the equally traitorous Montgomery, late of Lockhart, who immediately “went up a tree.” What a great pity Davis had not been sent up at the same time. The particulars will be found in another column.

We learn that Davis has since been surrendered on demand of the Mexican authorities.

March 28, 1863, San Antonio Herald

(Extract from a private letter.)

Brownsville, March 17th, 1863.

 Exciting occurrences have transpired here in the last day or two. Judge Davis now Col. Davis, and the notorious Montgomery (Major) of Lockhart, were over in Matamoras, last week; they enticed away many of our Regiment, who for $50 went over and swore into the Northern army. Last Friday the above named renegade officers left Matamoras with about 120 renegades and deserters, to embark on a Yankee steamer at the mouth, which was there to take them to New Orleans. A party of Confederates went down at the same time on this side of the river, to watch their operations. On Friday and Saturday the sea was so rough that they could not go out to their steamer. On Sunday morning at day-break the Confederate boys crossed over to the Mexican side and took Davis and Montgomery prisoners, and killed and captured about a dozen of the deserters. Two men on our side were wounded. Col. Davis was sent prisoner to this place, and Montgomery went up a tree on the end of a rope. He was a wealthy man, and has a family in Lockhart. The Mexicans were very angry at our having violated the sacred neutrality of their soil. Yesterday their blood went up to 100 degrees on the subject, but in a day or two it will be down below zero. Last night at about 11 o’clock the whole Regiment was called to arms, it being reported that the Mexicans were about to cross over. The men were under arms nearly all night. They have cooled down considerably on the other side to-day, and I believe everything will go on as smoothly as ever. Davis has been sent into the interior. He looked “awfully” down hearted when I saw him.

March 28, 1863, The New York Herald

To form a correct idea of the affairs of Texas, particularly of that portion of the State bordering on the Mexican frontier, and from which it is divided by the Rio Grande, it is necessary to take into account the geographical nature of either portion of the two countries bordering on that river and the feelings of the people with regard to the rebellion of the Southern States. The two nearest adjoining States of Mexico to Texas on the lower Rio Grande are Tamaulipas and New Leon and Coahuila – the latter being a State formed a few years since by the consolidation of the two States whose joint names it bears. These two States are by far the most powerful in population and wealth of any in that portion of Mexico. Confronting them for many miles there are, on the Texas side of the river, but three military posts. These are Fort Brown, Ringgold Barracks and Fort Duncan. These are old United States forts, and the only posts ever permanently occupied by our troops at any time. After the withdrawal of our forces, through the treason and treachery of Gen. Twiggs, the State rebels took possession of these forts. Fort Brown, the nearest to the mouth of the Rio Grande, was subsequently (in July, 1862) abandoned by the rebels for political reasons, which will be hereafter explained. At the time of their withdrawal they dismantled the fort, seized upon the Mexican steamboats then on the river, in defiance of the protest of Colonel Quiroga, Mexican commandant at Matamoros, and by this means conveyed the heavy guns from Fort Brown to Ringgold Barracks, higher up the river. Since that time the fort has never been occupied by military force, although it commands the two important towns of Brownsville and Matamoros, on either side of the river, being but a half mile distant from the former, and even less than that from the latter, and its defences are fast becoming worthless. The rebels have now concentrated a small force at Ringgold Barracks, not far from Rio Grand City. In the month of June last some few guns that had not been removed from Fort Brown were lying in an unserviceable condition. The bombproofs were in bad order, and there was not a solitary sentinel to be seen in the fort. It was formerly considered an important post, and its means of defence were considerable. It was surrounded by a wide ditch, a broad glacis, with breastworks and had bombproofs inside. About a year ago one of our informants started a covey of quails on the parade ground, near the bombproofs. The other military posts, though dignified by the high sounding titles of forts, possess little claim to be considered as such. They are neither defended by raised earthworks, ditch nor fosse. The ground so designated is merely surrounded by a picket fence, enclosing the shanties of the officers and soldiers. Last summer the [continue reading…]

March 28, 1863, The New York Herald

It is currently reported that President Lincoln will visit New York shortly. We hope that this report is well founded. The President has had very hard work at Washington with the hordes of office seekers, and contractors, and Congressmen, and other such troublesome fellows, and really needs relaxation. Let him come on, then, and bring Mrs. Lincoln and Secretary Seward along with him. Secretaries Chase and Welles have just been here, and were received and treated accordingly to their deserts. Consequently they need not come again at present. Secretary Stanton had better be left behind; for if he is caught outside of Washington he will probably be arrested, indicted and sent to prison. There are warrants issued against him already, we understand. The other Secretaries are of no importance, and might as well remain where they are and attend to their departments. The President, Mrs. Lincoln and Mr. Seward will meet with a splendid reception in New York, and will undoubtedly enjoy themselves wonderfully.

It is no joke to be President during such a crisis as this, and Mr. Lincoln must feel that he requires amusement. “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” says the ancient proverb. Mrs. Lincoln has labored quite as well in her graceful, benevolent womanly way as Mr. Lincoln has in his, and a change of scene and society will reinvigorate her. Secretary Seward is the hardest worker in the Cabinet, and the most successful, and the President should give him a holiday. We know how wearisome it is to be perpetually writing, and Secretary Seward’s diplomatic correspondence alone is enough to overfatigue any ordinary man. Fortunately New York is now just in the proper trim to entertain her distinguished guests, and to surpass the displays in London in honor of the marriage of the Prince of Wales. The bright sun of spring beautifies everything with its radiance. The pure air, fresh from the sea, will be most refreshing to lungs clogged with the miasmas of the Washington swamps. The Central Park is beginning to develop its charms, and its drives are most delightful. Wind and weather permitting, a fete champetre could perhaps be arranged for the President’s party by the residents of Washington Heights. There has never been a gayer winter in New York, and our fashionable openings are just taking place, and Mrs. Lincoln can delight herself with bonnets and robes of Parisian elegance and taste, while the [continue reading…]

March 28, 1863, Nashville Dispatch

The market is rather poorly supplied with vegetables, while prices of almost every article are very high. Sweet potatoes are selling at the rate of five dollars, Irish at three to four dollars, and turnip greens at two dollars per bushel. Fish and poultry of all descriptions are very scarce. Chickens sold in market yesterday at seventy-five cents a piece.

March 27th. We are still lying at our anchorage above Warrenton; everything quiet.

Friday, 27th–We started down the river at daylight this morning and landed about three miles below Lake Providence. We pitched our tents on the lawn of a fine plantation, some distance from the house. We found plenty of boards with which to build our bunks. We are situated about ten feet lower than the water in the river, but the levee is strong here, being well sodded over. Our camp is in the open, unprotected by shade trees. On coming down the river we saw our camp ground on the Sparrow plantation all flooded over, and the country as far as we could see was under water. The town of Lake Providence looked desolate with the houses standing in the water.

27th. Got into Columbus at 1. After a cup of coffee and lunch, walked out to camp. Delivered letters and packages. Wrote hastily to Fannie. Commenced instruction on Outpost and Picket. Got a lesson and recited in the evening. Read some in “Guide to the Savior.” My heart received new life in my visit home with F. and Mother. So anxious for us to do well. May we not disappoint them.

Pitching Camp.

March 27. We have cleared off the debris from a portion of the burnt district and pitched our camp there. The colonel might take a little more pride in showing us up to the naval officers at dress parade than he did when we were here last fall, but he is in command of the post; Lieut. Col. Moulton is in command of the regiment and he will do the honors. The 46th Massachusetts has arrived and will pitch their camp on the right of us, in the burnt district.

Work on the Fort.

Work commenced today on the defences. Capt. Foster of Company D is to he superintendent and general boss. I was detailed to take command of a working party from my company. Now this was all new business to me. 1 knew nothing about building forts, so I stood with my men and looked on. This was not very hard work, but after a spell the captain said, “Bring your men this way.” The order was promptly responded to, and the boys set to work. I thought they worked well enough, although I noticed that the bank in front of them did not rise very fast, but I supposed that was owing to the hardness of the soil. After a while they complained of feeling tired; I told them to rest, and they squatted. After that they seemed to be tired pretty much of the time. The captain would come along and ask me why my men were not working. I would answer him that they were tired, and after resting would handle their spades right smart. At night we had a bank thrown up about a rod long and nearly a foot high, but the boys worked well and I know they will sleep well after it.

Companies A, K and H arrived yesterday, and also the companies of the expedition who left with the general, except company I, which remains at Edenton for a few days.

27th.—To-day was set apart by the President as a day of fasting and prayer. Some of us went to Richmond, and joined in the services at St. Paul’s. The churches were all crowded with worshippers, who, I trust, felt their dependence on God in this great struggle. The President was in church, and, I believe, most of the dignitaries. One of the ladies of the hospital, seeing this morning two rough looking convalescent soldiers sitting by the stove, exhorted them to observe the day by prayer and fasting. They seemed to have no objection to the praying, but could not see the “good of fasting,” and doubted very much whether “Marse Jeff fasted all day himself—do you reckon he does” The lady laughingly told him that she would inquire and let them know, but she reckoned that such was his habit. In the course of the morning she met with Mrs. Davis, and told her the anecdote. “Tell them from me,” said Mrs. D., “that Mr. Davis never eats on fast-day, and that as soon as he returns from church he shuts himself up in his study, and is never interrupted during the day, except on public business.” Of course this was soon given as an example, not only to the two convalescents, but to the whole hospital.

MARCH 27th.—This is the day appointed by the President for fasting and prayers. Fasting in the midst of famine! May God save this people! The day will be observed throughout the Confederacy.

The news from the West, destruction of more of the enemy’s gun-boats, seems authentic. So far we have sustained no disasters this spring, the usual season of success of the enemy by water.

Mr. G. W. Randolph was the counsel of the speculators whose flour was impressed, and yet this man, when Secretary of War, ordered similar impressments repeatedly. “Oh, man! dressed in a little brief authority,” etc.

Mr. Foote has brought forward a bill to prevent trading with the enemy. Col. Lay even gets his pipes from the enemy’s country. Let Mr. Foote smoke that!

A gentleman Said, to-day, if the Yankees only knew it, they might derive all the benefits they seek by the impracticable scheme of subjugation, without the expenditure of human life, by simply redoubling the blockade of our ports, withdrawing their armies to the borders, and facilitating trade between the sections. We would not attack them in their own country, and in a month millions of their products would be pouring into the South, and cotton, tobacco, etc. would go to the North in vast quantities. I wonder the smart Yankee never thinks of this! Let both sides give passports freely, and an unlimited intercourse would be immediately established.

March 27, 1863, The Charleston Mercury

It is understood that Mr. DEBOW, the Confederate States Agent, has negotiated the purchase of between one hundred and fifty and one hundred and seventy-five thousand bales of cotton in Louisiana and Mississippi, at an average of about 12 cents. This is one-half of the late purchases of the Government in this cotton district. Four-fifths of this cotton, it may be fairly assumed, will be saved and materially strengthen our bonds in Europe. A large foreign credit is already predicated upon it, and the tangible results will soon be felt by the army and the navy. Agents are authorized to pay the market value of the cotton, which is ascertained by reference to what private parties are willing to pay.

March 27, 1863, American Citizen (Canton, Mississippi)

Impelled thereto by business engagements, we last week made a short visit to Vicksburg, taking in our route Calhoun, Madison, Tagaloo, Shotwell’s tank, Jackson, Clinton, Bolton’s, Edward’s, Bovina, “and all intermediate landings.” From the route we took, as indicated by the above names, it will be reasonably inferred that we traveled “by rail.” Such was certainly our intention, but in it we failed. “The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft aglee.”

 In our peregrinations we saw but little that was interesting or noteworthy, consequently we took no “notes,” though we did take “note of time,” as TIME–however much “tempus” may “fugit,” was not a fast fugitive to us, but rather hung heavily upon our hands while away from “the young folks at home.” In former times–before grim war’s dreadful alarums resounded throughout the land–it was a pleasure and a benefit to any man to take a short respite and recreation from business in a trip to the “Hill City,” or the “Crescent City;” but now, in these times of “war and pestilence and famine,” the very worst punishment that could be inflicted upon a man would be to compel him to leave home and travel on railroads and take lodgings and meal-s at the hotels.

 The first feature that presents itself to the mind of the wayfaring man is, the great number of soldiers that are continually “going to and fro, up and down in the earth,” crowding all the cars on all the railroads;–the next is, the vast number of soldiers–officers, especially,–that are found at all the railroad depots of any note, and in all the towns along the lines of railroads. At Jackson we tarried a day. The city was alive with soldiers, and it seemed to us that every third man we met was an officer, had on shoulder straps, or a “spangle” of some sort to indicate that the wearer was something more than a “common soldier.” The inquiry naturally arises, What are all these officers and soldiers doing out of camps? Why are they not with their regiments, on duty, in active service? There were, it seemed to us, a sufficient number of officers and men walking about the streets of Jackson to form a full regiment. How it is that so many men, able-bodied and healthy, are enabled to shirk their duty and keep out of the service, passeth our comprehension. While thousands are thus loitering about the cities, towns and railroad stations, all over the Confederacy, of no benefit whatever to the great cause in which we are engaged, the plea is made here in Mississippi by our sapient Governor, that the danger at present is so imminent that not a man can be spared from the field, and that the very salvation of the country depends upon retaining the militia in active service!–many of whom are old men not fit for military duty, but who ought to be at home, superintending their crops and raising bread and meat to supply the demands of the army and the people. The Confederate authorities should at once call all stragglers to the field, and Governor Pettus should disband the militia without further delay. He has committed an error in keeping them in the field up to the present time; the longer he persists in that error–to gain a reputation as “a man of firmness and decision of character”–the greater will be the detriment to the agricultural interests of the State, and to his own fair fame. Disband the “melish,” Governor, disband the “melish,” and let them raise corn, and you’ll raise yourself in the estimation of everybody.

 We found Jackson decidedly “a hard road to travel,” and had we traveled in a ‘chaise,’ we would have found it much more so. The several roads from the depot to the business part of the city are the worst we have ever seen–an almost unfathomable mass of mud. We saw a large horse in a small wagon containing a small trunk, threading his way through this loblolly. He “made the trip,” but it was by straining every nerve and sinew to its greatest tension. We saw a four-mule team, with only one box in the wagon, come to a dead stall, while only two of the wheels were in the mud, the other two being on hard ground. The mules had to be taken out and the wagon abandoned for the time. But the mud is not all that makes Jackson a “hard road to travel.” The spirit of speculation and extortion and extortion runs rampant in Jackson, as, indeed, does it in almost every other place in the Confederacy. We priced some things, which will give an idea of the whole catalogue of commodities. Seed Irish potatoes are $30 per bushel; molasses, $2.50 per gallon; sugar 50c., butter $1.50 per lb; eggs, $1.50 per doz.; soft hats $30; boots, $60; &c. “That is sufficient!” as Tom Haines said when he saw the elephant.

 In reference to the important matter of something to eat, the following, told by the Hinds Co. Gazette, accords admirably with our experience:

 ” A hungry friend of ours went into a hotel, not twenty miles from Raymond, one day last week. In due time the bell announced that dinner was ready. Our friend made rapid strides for the dining room. On entering it an official reminded him that $1 was to be paid. He paid it and took a seat at the table. The table was large and well filled with hungry men, but contained but two dishes–poor beef and the commonest sort of corn bread. Our friend doubted the ability of two such dishes, without support, to appease his appetite. He modestly inquired of a waiter if there was no butter. The reply was affirmative, but with the remark, “that’s extra.” “Very well,” said our friend, “bring me some any how.” A piece as large as a turkey’s egg was brought, with the intelligence, “four bits, if you please, sir.” The four bits were paid. “Have you no milk?” inquired our friend. “Yes,” replied the waiter, “but that’s extra.” “Give me a glass any how,” said our friend. In due time a glass of milk appeared, with “four bits, if you please, sir.” The four bits were paid. And thus our friend and the waiter when through with four eggs for four bits and a cup of rye and sweetened water for four bits, and two hard biscuits for four bits, &c., &c. When our friend got through he found that he had swallowed a very common dinner, and very little of it, and that it cost him just four dollars and a half! Is the country exhausted, or does that man at Jackson who wants “all the corn, all the meal, all the pork, and all the rice,” get it all, and then let it out by the four bit’s worth as above illustrated? “

 In the still more important matter of lodging, this is our experience: we lodged at the “––––– House,” slept–or, rather, assumed a recumbent posture during a part of the night–with another gentleman, on a single mattrass, (not much margin on either side,) with about a handful of feathers to bolster up our head; not a single chair in the room nor to be had, and “everything else in proportion.” For these elegant and commodious accommodations we tendered to the clerk one dollar, on receiving which he remarked that a half dollar more was due. We were glad that it was not a dollar more, and handed it over with “promptness and dispatch.”

 On Wednesday, we reluctantly continued our trip towards Vicksburg on the cars. It was very desirable to have our life insured before entering upon this perilous journey, but so dangerous is it considered to travel on this road, that no company would insure a man’s life for a sevenpence who intended to pass over it. We were glad, however, to perceive evidences of improvement along the road. The new President, Victor F. Wilson, is said to be an energetic, working man, and has gone to work vigorously in repairing the track……We got on very well until we arrived within about six miles of Vicksburg when the iron horse was suddenly reined up, and it was soon announced to the anxious passengers that a culvert had caved in, and it was impossible for the cars to proceed.–The alternative was thus left to the passengers either to wait until word could be sent to the city and a flat car sent out, or to walk the distance of six miles. A majority, we believe, chose the latter horn of the dilemma, sharp as it was, and proceeded as rapidly as possible to lessen the distance between them and the city. We had not proceeded far before we came to a very long bridge spanning a very deep ravine; at each end of this bridge was stationed a soldier whose instructions were to let no footman pass. This is one instance of the foolish, absurd and preposterous orders sometimes issued by military men. Here we were with our Provost passes, permitting us to go to Vicksburg, but because we were not in the cars, we were not allowed to cross on the bridges, but were compelled to walk down and up three long hills, such hills as Warren county and the city of Vicksburg alone can boast of. As it was the last feather that broke the camel’s back, so it was the walking up the last of these hills that “got us down.” When we arrived at Vicksburg we were pretty much in the condition of the Yankee’s “keow”–we had “well nigh gin eout.”

 What we saw and heard in the “Hill City” we must reserve for another chapter, as, since we commenced this article, much copy has come in of a more important and interesting character. We will say, however, our observations induce us to believe that Vicksburg can be held in defiance of any number of men that can be brought against her.