CHAPTER XXXIII.
Assembling of Congress.—President’s message.—The markets.—No hope for the Confederate currency.—Averill’s raid.—Letter from Gov. Vance.—Christmas.—Persons having furnished substitutes still liable to military duty.
December 1st.—This morning the ground is frozen hard. There was no battle yesterday, only heavy skirmishing. Both armies were drawn up in line of battle, and the front lines slept on their arms. Some froze to death. This morning the enemy opened with artillery—but no battle ensued that we are aware of.
At the last accounts from Bragg he was still retiring, near Dalton. His army must be nearly broken up.
Bragg, it is rumored to-day, has been relieved.
December 2d.—No battle yet, though still hourly expected on the old field near the Rappahannock. And we have nothing definite from the West.
The appointment of Beauregard to succeed Bragg is not officially announced; and the programme may be changed.
December 3d.—Meade recrossed the Rapidan last night! This is a greater relief to us than the enemy has any idea of. I hope the campaign is over for the winter.