The letter of Mr. Sloan, of North Carolina, only produced a reply from the Secretary that there was not the slightest suspicion against Gen. W., and that the people of North Carolina would not be satisfied with anybody.
Eight thousand men of Johnston’s army are without bayonets, and yet Col. Gorgas has abundance.
Governor Milton, of Florida, calls lustily for 5000 men—else he fears all is lost in his State.
To-day bacon is selling for $6 per pound, and all other things in proportion. A negro (for his master) asked me, to-day, $40 for an old, tough turkey gobbler. I passed on very briskly.
We shall soon have martial law, it is thought, which, judiciously administered, might remedy some of the grievous evils we labor under. I shall have no meat for dinner to-morrow.
February 12th.—It is warm to-day, and cloudy; but there was ice early in the morning. We have recaptured twenty-odd of the escaped prisoners.
A bill has passed Congress placing an embargo on many imported articles; and these articles are rising rapidly in price. Sugar sold to-day at auction in large quantity for $8.00 per pound; rice, 85 cents, etc.
There is a rumor that Gen. Finnegan has captured the enemy in Florida.
Gen. Lee says his army is rapidly re-enlisting for the war.
February 13th.—Bright, beautiful weather, with frosty nights.