Monday, 24th.—15th Company F, sent on picket two hours before day. 8 A. M., still in line of battle on Chattanooga Creek; heavy cannonading about the point of the mountain. 12 M., very heavy cannonading on point; 1 P. M., heavy skirmishing on the mountain. 1:15 P. M., Federals charged mountain; came over the mountain, down under the point, across a field, in plain view of us; went up to works; our forces have fallen back a little. 2 P. M. Fog has risen so we can see the battle; 3 P. M., firing rather slow; 3:15 P. M., battle raging with renewed vigor. Yanks have our works, but seem as though they can’t go farther. 4 P. M., battle still raging; 4:30 P. M., reported Walthal’s Brigade pretty badly cut up, there being no other troops on the mountain; 5 P. M., battle continues unabated. Yanks falling back a little. Rebs re-inforced with Lee’s Brigade, Alabamians; 6 P. M., raining; 11 P. M., firing ceased. The general opinion is that Lookout Mountain is taken.

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

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 FortSumter 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 FortSumter, 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.

Monday, 23d–It was warm and pleasant again with rain in the afternoon. The “chuck luck” banks at the spring are in full operation this morning. At each bank there are from twelve to twenty of our boys down on their knees laying their money on certain figures, as the “banker” throws the dice. After each throw the operator picks up the largest number of dollars. Some of the men in less than five days lose every dollar received from the paymaster.

23rd. Went to mills and put them to running as fast as possible. Capt. Rankin in charge of two mills. June and Dan went to town. No pay. Read papers. Alarm towards night. Pickets fired upon. Some arms lost in the river. Pleasant day. Very strong position here at this gap.

Sunday, 23d.—Made first fire in chimney; oven on to bake bread. Just after dress parade, long roll beat; regiment formed and moved off rapidly; left our oven on the fire and all our knapsacks. (Never saw them again.) Heavy cannonading; Federals advancing on our right. Moved down and took position after dark in ditches across Chattanooga Valley.

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

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 BrashearCity 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 FortMontgomery, 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 FortMontgomery, 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.

November 22.–We had a delightful visit. Mr Thompson took us up into his den and showed us curios from all over the world and as many pictures as we would find in an art gallery.

Sunday, 22d–This morning when our detail was relieved from picket, we were marched to brigade headquarters and put to target shooting. This is to be done regularly from now on, in order to give the boys practice. To encourage good marksmanship a reward is given; those who hit the bull’s-eye are excused from picket duty, once for every time they hit the mark.

22nd. A bright pleasant morning and day. After breakfast went up to Col. Foster’s. Telegraphed to Garrard whether to go to Command or remain at T. while the train went to the Gap. Ordered to report. Drew rations and moved to Sycamore. Saw the papers at the Col.’s Hdqrs. Talk of the paymaster coming. Burnside thought safe at K. Four men started for K.

Sunday, November 22d.

A report has just reached us that my poor dear Gibbes has been taken prisoner along with the rest of Hayes’s brigade.

Saturday, 22d.—Detailed at daylight; sent to work another section. Finished in two hours. Clear, cold and windy. Built chimney to our house.

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

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.

Saturday, 21st–The weather is quite cool today. The Fifteenth Iowa got their pay today. Pay time for the soldiers is the time for the gamblers.^[1] It is then that they start up their “chuck luck” games. These banks or games are set up south of town, about the springs where the boys from our brigade go for their water.

[1] That is, gambling among the soldiers themselves.—Ed.

21st. Raining heavily. Issued flour and beef to 2nd O. V. C. Robertson came down. Moved north of town and pitched tents and sent for forage. Two boys, “Shorty” and another, sat by the light and played “Seven Up.” Became pleasant before night. Left flour for the brigade with Powers. All wonder at our movements.

Friday, 21st.—Rained hard all night and this morning. Had to work another section in mud and rain. Regiment returned to other details, to work on ditches, doing rapid work.

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

November 21.–Abbie Clark and her cousin Cora came to call and invited me and her soldier cousin to come to dinner to-night, at Mrs Thompson’s. He will be here this afternoon and I will give him the invitation. James is asked for the evening.

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.

Friday, 20th–It is rainy and blustery today, but otherwise all is quiet. We received two months’ pay, being paid in crisp new greenbacks. The paymaster always has a guard with him to guard the strong iron box containing the bills.

20th. Troops still passing. Various rumors as to the position of Burnside in Knoxville. Got breakfast. 2nd O. V. C. came along. Nearly 20 ate with us. Moved on at 9. Got over the mountain nicely. Two wagons broken. Long hill and rather steep but smooth road. Went down into the valley and fed. Made me sad to see 6 mountain stragglers passing, all half famished and worn out–poor fellows, no rations and no prospect for any. Left flour for Command and 6 beeves. Moved on to Tazewell in rain. Went to Mr. Epp’s, Union man, and heard some music. After supper remembered hearing Maj. Nettleton speak of him. Good time. Camped at T. Rained steadily all night. Many poor, hungry and footsore soldiers and citizens today and tonight.

Thursday, 20th.—On detail digging ditches; reported Federals on mountain, ten miles below; regiment gone down that way; five miles out last account; making us work very hard; worked two sections.

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

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.