April 24th.—Cloudy and windy, but warm.
We have none of the details yet of the storming of Plymouth, except the brief dispatches in the newspapers; nor any reliable accounts of subsequent movements. But a letter from Gen. Whiting indicates that all his troops had been taken northward, and we may expect something further of interest.
It is still believed that Lee’s and Grant’s armies are in motion on the Rappahannock; but whether going North or coming South, no one seems to know. Our people unanimously look for a victory.
I bought a black coat at auction yesterday (short swallow-tailed) for $12. It is fine cloth, not much worn—its owner going into the army, probably—but out of fashion. If it had been a frock-coat, it would have brought $100. It is no time for fashion now.
Gen. Johnston’s Chief Commissary offers to send some bacon to Lee’s army. A short time since, it was said, Johnston was prevented from advancing for want of rations.
April 25th.—A bright and beautiful day; southern breezes.
No reliable war news; but there are rumors that our victory at Shreveport was a great one. Nothing additional from North Carolina, though something further must soon occur there. It is said the enemy’s killed and wounded at Plymouth amounted to only 100: ours 300; but we got 2500 prisoners.
President Lincoln has made a speech at Baltimore, threatening retaliation for the slaughter at Fort Pillow—which was stormed.
Lieut.-Gen. Polk telegraphs that our forces have captured and burnt one of the enemy’s gun-boats at Yazoo City—first taking out her guns, eight rifled 24-pounders.
To-day Mr. Memminger, in behalf of the ladies in his department, presented a battle-flag to the Department Battalion for its gallant conduct in the repulse of Dahlgren’s raid. But the ladies leave early in the morning for South Carolina.