June 9th.—Sunshine and clouds—warm.
No fighting yesterday. It is reported that the enemy’s cavalry and a corps of infantry recrossed the Pamunky this morning, either after Breckinridge, or to guard communications with the Rappahannock.
There is a pause also in Georgia.
Yesterday the President vetoed a bill exempting the publishers of periodicals, etc. He said the time had arrived when “every man capable of bearing arms should be found in the ranks.” But this does not affect the young and stalwart Chefs du Bureaux, or acting assistant generals, quartermasters, commissaries, etc. etc., who have safe and soft places.
My little garden now serves me well, furnishing daily in cabbage, lettuce, beets, etc. what would cost $10.
June 10th.—Clear and cool.
All quiet round the city; but Petersburg was assaulted yesterday and successfully defended.
The battalion of clerks still remains at Bottom’s Bridge, on the Chickahominy. The pickets hold familiar conversation every day with the pickets of the enemy, the stream being narrow, and crossed by a log. For tobacco and the city papers our boys get sugar, coffee, etc. This intercourse is wrong. Some of the clerks were compelled to volunteer to retain their offices, and may desert, giving important information to the enemy.
I had snap beans to-day from my garden. I have seen none in market.
June 11th.—Sunshine and cloudy—warmer.