April 27, 1864

April 27, 1864

 

---The remainder of Gen. Banks’ army returns to Alexandria, Louisiana.  It is becoming increasingly apparent that the falling of the river levels at Alexandria Falls will not permit Porter to get his gunboats over the falls.

---John Beauchamp Jones, of the Confederate Ward Department in Richmond, writes in his journal of conditions in Richmond, where food is scarce and getting more scarce, and of politics, military policy, and—as usual—his garden:

APRIL 27TH.—Another bright and beautiful day; and vegetation is springing with great rapidity. But nearly all my potatoes, corn, egg-plants, and tomatoes seem to have been killed by the frosts of March. I am replanting corn, lima beans, etc. The other vegetables are growing well. One of my fig-bushes was killed—that is, nearly all the branches. The roots live.

            It is rumored that the armies on the Rapidan were drawn up in line.

            The enemy have again evacuated Suffolk.

            Gen. Beauregard is at Weldon. Perhaps Burnside may hurl his blows against North Carolina.

            Food is still advancing in price; and unless relief comes from some quarter soon, this city will be in a deplorable condition. A good many fish, however, are coming in, and shad have fallen in price to $12 per pair.

            The government ordered the toll of meal here (which the miller, Crenshaw, sold to the people) to be taken for the army; but Col. Northrop, Commissary-General, opposes this; and it is to be hoped, as usual, he may have his way, in spite of even the President. These papers pass through the hands of the Secretary of War. . . .

            The Enquirer, to-day, has a communication assaulting Messrs. Toombs and Stephens, and impeaching their loyalty. The writer denounced the Vice-President severely for his opposition to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. During the day the article was sent to Mr. Secretary Seddon, with the compliments of Mr. Parker—the author, I suppose.