Aug
20
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 20, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 20TH.—Rained hard all night, and a good deal to-day. Between 10 and 11 P.M. last evening, as we were retiring, a musket was fired somewhere in the rear of the building, and fragments of lime and brick were heard rattling against the window-shutters. This morning I perceived where the ball struck, a few inches below the window-sill of the chamber on the second floor, where Custis and Tom were lying. Some one, I suppose, had heedlessly fired his gun, after returning from the fortifications.
Well, the papers to-day fall below the official announcement of the work of yesterday afternoon. Gen. Lee’s dispatch says we captured 2700 prisoners near
It is rumored that Gen. Hampton captured 4000 men last night or this morning; but I doubt. Without that, the week’s work is good—Grant losing from 10,000 to 15,000 men. A few more weeks, at that rate, will consume his army, and then—peace?
Gen. Bragg complains, in a letter to the Secretary of War, that the orders of the department, and of the Adjutant-General, are not furnished him, which must diminish, if persisted in, his usefulness in the important position to which the President has called him. They are all inimical to Bragg—all but the President, who is bound in honor to sustain him.
The price of flour has fallen again; Lee’s victory frightening the dealers.
Robert Hill, commission merchant,
Guns are heard down the river again this evening, and all are wondering what Lee is doing now.
Aug
19
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 19, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 19TH.—Damp and cloudy.
There was no serious battle. The wind was in a quarter which brought the sounds to us, even from the skirmishers, ten miles distant. But our gun-boats shelled the enemy out of their position on Signal Hill, and there was heavy cannonading along the line on the south side of the river. And, as appears by the papers, there was severe fighting at different points of the line.
We have now some further details of the battle of Tuesday. Our loss was 1000; the enemy’s, it is said, 5000 to 8000.
It is now, 5 P.M., raining gently, thank Heaven!
To-day we had a distribution of meats, etc. brought from
It is believed another raid has crossed the
Aug
18
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 18, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 18TH.—Cloudy and pleasant.
Still we have no authentic account of the details of the fights on the north side of the
Nevertheless, I happen to know that the President rode out yesterday, and remained until late in the night: for Mr. Craddock, his special detective (and formerly his messenger), whom he sent for to accompany him, assures me while on the field there was a flag of truce to bury the dead, and that the slaughter had been large. Our cavalry had suffered; but he thinks the enemy’s infantry lost many more men than all our slain together. He says, moreover, that only one negro prisoner reached the city. The rest, thrust forward, being killed on the field in action, I suppose.
At 2 P.M. a rumor began to be expanded that a terrific and probably a decisive battle was going on at
About 5 P.M. brisk artillery firing was heard in a southeast direction, which increased in rapidity, and apparently became nearer the city, until musketry could be distinctly heard from all parts of the city. My daughter Anne and her younger brother, Thomas, had walked out to
Aug
17
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 17, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 17TH.—Cloudy, and slight showers. In the afternoon dark clouds going round.
We have nothing from below but vague rumors, except that we repulsed the enemy yesterday, slaughtering the negro troops thrust in front.
From
The President and Secretary of War were in council all the morning, it is said, on appointments and promotions in the army.
The President rode out toward the battle-field at 2½ P.M. There have been no guns heard to-day.
Aug
16
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 16, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 16TH.—Warm and cloudy.
There are movements of interest of the armies below, from the fact that we have as yet no authentic account of the fighting during the last few days. I fear we have not been so successful as usual.
The enemy is reported to be in force on this side (north) of the river, and marching toward this city. The local (clerks) troops have been called out to man the fortifications. But the blow (if one really be meditated) may fall on the other (south) side of the river.
Col. Moseby has taken 200 of the enemy near Berryville, burning 75 wagons, and capturing 600 horses and mules. His loss trifling.
Aug
15
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 15, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 15TH.—Cloudy, damp, and pleasant. A rain fell last night, wetting the earth to a considerable depth; and the wind being southeast, we look for copious showers—a fine season for turnips, etc.
Cannon was distinctly heard from my garden yesterday evening, and considerable fighting has been going on down the river for several days; the result (if the end is yet) has not been officially stated. It is rumored that Pemberton lost more batteries; but it is only rumor, so far. Nor have we anything definite from Early or Hood.
Bacon has fallen to $5 and $6 per pound, flour to $175 per barrel. I hope we shall get some provisions from the South this week.
Sowed turnip-seed in every available spot of my garden to-day. My tomatoes are beginning to mature—better late than never. The following official dispatch was received on Saturday:
“
“All the particulars of the
“He made no reply to repeated orders and signals from Gen. Page to hold his fort, and surrendered upon conditions not known here. D. H. MAURY, Major-General.”
Gen. Taylor will cross the
Aug
14
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 14, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 14TH.—Hot and dry.
Rumors of a fight down the river yesterday, driving the enemy from Deep Bottom, and grounding of the
Cavalry (Hampton’s) still pass northward. They ride as if they grew to the horses. As they trot past, they can be seen cutting and dividing large round watermelons, and none are permitted to fall. Occasionally a staring negro in the street is astonished by the crushing of a rind on his head.
I never saw melons and other fruit so abundant; but they are held so high I cannot indulge.
Mr. Seddon draws 75 pounds rice per month, his family being fifty; and gets 12 pads cotton yarn from the State distribution. I shall get 10½ pounds rice, at 50 cents—retail price, $2; and perhaps 1 pad—5 pounds—yarn for $45; my family being seven.
Aug
13
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 13, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 13TH —Hot and dry. Large green worms have attacked my tomatoes, and from the leaves are proceeding to the fruit. But not many of them will escape! I am warring on them.
No war news, except the continuation of the movement of troops northward.
From
Flour is falling: it is now $200 per barrel—$500 a few weeks ago; and bacon is falling in price also, from $11 to $6 per pound. A commission merchant said to me, yesterday, that there was at least eighteen months’ supply (for the people) of breadstuffs and meats in the city; and pointing to the upper windows at the corner of Thirteenth and Cary Streets, he revealed the ends of many barrels piled above the windows. He said that flour had been there two years, held for “still higher prices.” Such is the avarice of man. Such is war. And such the greed of extortioners, even in the midst of famine—and famine in the midst of plenty!
Aug
12
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 12, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 12TH.—Hot and dry. At 3 P.M. rained about three minutes. We are burning up.
There is no war news. A rumor in the street says
I saw a soldier to-day from Gen. Early’s army near Martinsburg, and the indications were that it was on the eve of crossing the
Detachments of troops are daily passing through the city, northward. All is quiet below on the
Aug
11
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 11, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 11TH.—Hot and dry.
Dispatches from secret agents at
A dispatch from Gen. Lee states that Gen. Bradley Johnson’s brigade of cavalry was surprised and routed on the 7th inst. by Averill. He has directed that Gen. J. be relieved.
A dispatch from Gen. Hood (
Aug
10
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 10, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 10TH.—Hot and dry until 4 P.M. Gust, and 15 minutes’ rain. Good for turnips.
Forts Gaines and Powell are lost—the latter blown up. Gen. Maury telegraphs for infantry, has some 4000 men for the defense of
Our raiders, under McCausland and Bradley Johnson, it is said were surprised and defeated last Sunday, with loss of 400 men, 500 horses, and 4 pieces of artillery. A rumor prevails that Early has gained another victory near
No news yet from our agent sent to
Aug
9
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 9, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 9TH.—Very hot; very dry; very dusty.
The President has directed the late Gen. (now Lieut. -
Letters from Mr. McRae, our agent abroad, show that our finances and credit are improving wonderfully, and that the government will soon have a great many fine steamers running the blockade. Mr. McR. has contracted for eight steel-clad steamers with a single firm, Frazer, Trenholm & Co.—the latter now our Secretary of the Treasury.
The President indorsed a cutting rebuke to both the Secretary of War and a Mr. (now Lieut.-Col.) Melton, A. A. General’s office, to-day. It was on an order for a quartermaster at
Aug
8
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 8, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 8TH.—Hot and dry.
There are rumors of battles near
In the assault on the fortifications near
Watermelons have sold at $20 each; corn, $10 per dozen ears; and everything else in the markets in proportion.
My yellow tomatoes are just maturing. The dry weather has ruined nearly everything else in the garden.
Aug
7
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 7, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 7TH.—Hot and dry; but heavy rains in other parts of the State.
The 1st Army Corps moved through the city last night, via the Central and Fredericksburg Railroads, and this morning Fitzhugh Lee’s cavalry corps is passing in the same direction—9 A.M.
All this indicates a transferrence of the scene of operations nearer the enemy’s country—the relief of
Honor to Lee!—the savior of his country! and the noble band of heroes whom he has led to victory!—but first to God.
Aug
6
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 6, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 6TH.—Hot and dry.
The booming of cannon heard yesterday evening was from one of our batteries below Drewry’s Bluff. The enemy answered from their batteries, the existence of which we had no knowledge of before. No one was hurt.
About the same time Gen. Beauregard sprung a mine under the enemy’s mine, and blew it up, no doubt destroying many lives. This was succeeded by heavy, but, perhaps, harmless shelling along the lines.
Another raiding party has been defeated and dispersed at
But we have been unfortunate in a naval engagement in the lower bay, at
Battles are momentarily expected at
Aug
5
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 5, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 5TH.—Hot and dry. I hope there will be a rain-cloud this evening.
No war news, except a letter from Gen. Lee, indicating that Gen. Morgan is probably on a raid in Northwest Virginia and in
Gen. Hood telegraphs that no important change has occurred in front of
My daughter Anne, after ten months’ residence in the country, returned to-day (with Miss Randolph, of Loudon Co.) in perfect health. She brought apples, eggs, a watermelon, cucumbers, etc.
Mr. Davies sold my reel (German silver) to-day for $75, or about $3.20 in gold—enough to buy a cord of wood. I parted with it reluctantly, as I hope to catch fish yet.
Aug
4
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 4, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 4TH.—Clear and hot.
All quiet at
The Northern papers acknowledge that Grant sustained a terrible disaster at
From the same source we learn that our troops have penetrated
A letter to the Secretary from J. Thompson, in
Public meetings and the public press continue to denounce in unmeasured terms the high schedule of prices recently sanctioned by the Commissary and Quartermaster’s bureaus. And, although the schedule has been modified, much odium will attach to all concerned in it. A large farmer, at the rates fixed for his products, would realize, perhaps, $200,000 per annum.
Aug
3
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 3, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 3D.—Cloudy, but no rain.
The press dispatches last night assert that still another raiding party, besides Stoneman’s, was dispersed or captured.
It is rumored to-day that Beauregard has sprung a mine under Grant’s fortifications. This may be so. Later. It was not so.
Aug
2
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 2, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 2D.—Bright and hot. At 4 P.M. a cloud rising. Fear my wife, and daughter Fannie, and Custis (who has a days’ furlough), who went this morning per Fredericksburg Railroad into
Assistant Secretary Campbell is again “allowing” doubtful characters to pass out of the Confederate States to the
The Signal Bureau gives information to-day of Grant’s purpose to spring the mine already sprung, also of a raid, that was abandoned, north and west of
Gen. Bragg telegraphs from
The news from
The commissioners (of prices) have reduced the schedule: it was denounced universally. It is said by the Examiner that the extravagant rates, $30 per bushel for wheat, and $50 for bacon, were suggested by a farmer in office.
Gen. Lee writes that he had directed Morgan to co-operate with Early, but he was sick.
The enemy’s account of our loss in the battle before
Seven P.M. No rain here, but my family were-drenched in a hard shower at Hanover Junction, and what was worse, they got no blackberries, the hot sun having dried the sap in the bushes.
Aug
1
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—August 1, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
AUGUST 1ST.—Hot and clear; but it rained yesterday three-quarters of an hour in the afternoon.
Our loss in the affair at
We have nothing yet from
Jul
31
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—July 31, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 31sT.—Clear, dry, and hot.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee (I have not seen it yet) says, in the repulse of the enemy’s assault on the breach made by their mine, we captured over 800 prisoners—a general and his staff among them—some 12 stands of colors, and killed some 500. Our loss very light.
The enemy has mostly countermarched from this side of the river, followed, of course, by our army at double-quick, and rumor says there are little or no forces of either party on the north side of the James this morning.
This was probably Grant’s grand stratagem for our destruction, and it has failed disastrously for him. What will he do next? No matter what, Lee is the master of the situation.
My daughter’s large pet cat died last night under the cherry-tree, and was buried this morning under a rose-bush. I sympathize with Fannie in the grief natural on such an occasion; but really, the death of the cat in such times as these is a great relief to me, as he was maintained at the cost of not less than $200 per annum. His death was probably occasioned by a surfeit of meat which his mistress obtained unexpectedly, seeing it fall in the street, and sending a servant for it.
This morning a large fat chicken was found in my yard, picked and prepared for cooking, brought hither by a cat which had stolen it from some kitchen. A portion of the breast only had been eaten, and our cook seized upon the remains for her own benefit. To such straits are we reduced by this cruel war!
Jul
30
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—July 30, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 30TH. —Clear and hot.
Dispatches from Bragg, at
There is a revival of murmurs against the President. He will persist in keeping Bragg in command, that is “of the armies in the field,” though he does not lead any of them, and Gen. Pemberton really has command of all the batteries defending
To-day the enemy sprung a mine at
The local troops are back again. The President directed the Secretary of War to inform Gen. Ewell that he misapprehended the character of these troops. They were only for special and temporary service, having also civil duties to perform, and desired them to be sent back in twenty-four, or at most, forty-eight hours. Gen. E. writes that he will employ them exclusively hereafter in the city fortifications, and only in times of extreme peril. And he says there was peril on Thursday, the enemy’s cavalry being between our infantry and the city, and it will not do to rely always on his want of enterprise.
Jul
29
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—July 29, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 29TH. —Clear and warm.
The local troops did not march until this morning, and no one supposes
The Chief of the Signal Corps reports, on information supposed by him to be reliable, that Gen. Early’s captures in Maryland were worth $12,000,000—consisting of some 10,000 horses, 10,000 cattle, 7000 hogs, 4000 sheep, 200,000 barrels of flour, and a large amount of bacon, etc. Also, that he got between 2000 and 3000 recruits. All this doubtful.
Mr. G. W. Lamar,
Jul
28
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—July 28, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 28TH.—Cloudy, but no rain.
Nothing new from
Jul
27
Diary of a Rebel War Clerk—July 27, 1864
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by John Beauchamp Jones
JULY 27TH.—Cloudy and warm; light shower at 3. P.M.
Gen. Lee’s dispatch, giving an account of a victory last Sunday, near
The following dispatch was received from Gen. Bragg:
“
“Leave to-morrow to confer with Major-Gen. Maury at
“B. BRAGG, General.
“CoL. J. B. SALE, Mil. Sec.”
Nevertheless, the clerks are ordered out this afternoon at five, to march to Chaffin’s Farm.
I met Mr. Benjamin as I was passing to the office of the Secretary of War with Gen. Bragg’s dispatch, and showed it him. After reading it carefully, he said, “That’s .very good.”
Gen. Lee may be on the eve of attacking Grant, or Grant him, or we may be reinforcing Early, as the solution of the marching of the clerks. No doubt one of Grant’s corps is on this side of the river, but I think that is to guard the river against our batteries.
During my conversation with Mr. Benjamin, I hoped that in two months the Federal armies would be called to



