Likewise, notwithstanding the raiding parties penetrate far in the rear of our armies, there has been no instance of an attempt on the part of the slaves to rise in insurrection.
July 4th.—Cloudy, but still hot and dry.
From the clouds of dust seen rising between Petersburg and the James River, it is conjectured that Grant’s army is in motion.
The Federal Congress has authorized the drafting of 200,000 more men, after 60 days’ fruitless attempt to raise volunteers. So it will be September before the draft, and January before the men will be soldiers.
July 5th.—Cool and dry, everything suffering for rain.
All quiet about Petersburg, but later in the day a rumor sprung up that fighting had recommenced there. I doubt it, because by Northern accounts I see Gen. Early is destroying railroads beyond the Potomac, and will undoubtedly threaten Washington itself. If Grant fails to send troops there, Early may even throw shell into the Federal city.
Peter V. Daniel sends the Secretary of War a letter from Mr. Westmoreland, Wilmington, complaining that he is not allowed by government agents to transport cotton to that port, where his steamers are, in redemption of Confederate States bonds, while private persons, for speculative purposes, are, through the favor (probably for a consideration) of government officials, enabled to ship thousands of bales, and he submits a copy of a correspondence with Col. Sims, Assistant Quartermaster-General, and Lieut. Col. Bayne, who is charged with the control of the exporting and importing business. Mr. Daniel thinks there is some “bribery and corruption” even in the South. But Mr. Seddon is incredulous sometimes.
The express company has an arrangement with Col. Sims, the Assistant Quartermaster-General, by which much freight is transported.
New potatoes are selling at $4 per quart in the market.
July 6th.—Hot and dry.