April 8, 1863, The Charleston Mercury
(CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MERCURY.)
RICHMOND, Saturday, April 4.
The cold March wind blowing this morning is fast drying the roads and paving the way to army operations, which the light April showers will hardly put a stop to. HOOKER’S army must be demoralized, if the half we hear from private sources be true. An attack on his part is not expected. Some sentences in a late order of Gen. Lee have been construed to mean offensive intentions on our side, but that cautious General will see to it that neither Yankees or Confederates get any clue to his designs.
Stonewall Jackson still grows in favor with the army. Lee inspires confidence, Jackson enthusiasm; and many who have been bitterly prejudiced against the latter, are now his most ardent admirers. A friend who called on Stonewall not long ago found him playing with two little girls, and learned that he sends some miles for them every evening to come and cheer him with their artless gaiety.
General Tochman’s case is still unsettled. In the course of its investigation before the Special Committee appointed for that purpose, some rather odd incidents have transpired, which induce the opinion that the powers that be are given to devious ways.
It is stated here that General G.W. Smith has received the appointment of State Geologist in Georgia. Another report is that he will take charge of important iron works.
Opinions differ as to the chances of the various candidates for Governor of this State. Some of the old Whigs think Flournoy will be elected, but the general conviction is in favor of ex-Governor Smith.
Army stories have been coming in to me slowly of late. Here is the last. After the battle of Fredericksburg, a little Yankee officer was talking with one of our Alabama Majors, who stood in that part of the field where we had suffered most severely – dead men and horses, broken cannon and blown up caissons, being all around him: ‘You hurt us powerful bad yesterday,’ said the Yankee. ‘Yes,’ replied the Major drily. ‘Guess we hurt you some too,’ rejoined the Yankee, looking at the wrecks of humanity strewn about. ‘Did’t kill a man or a horse,’ said the Major. The little Yankee looked up at the tall Confederate for a moment, then at the dead men, and horses on every side, and then wheeled suddenly around and walked rapidly away utterly astounded at the cool manner in which the Alabamian had out-Yankeed the Yankees in deliberate lying.
HERMES.