A row between Gen. Kemper and Gen. Preston: latter refers papers directly to Col. Shields, Gen. K.’s subordinate. Gen. K. asks to be relieved: Secretary Seddon agrees to it, taking sides with the Bureau of Conscription. But the President does not (yet) agree to it, asks investigation of Gen. K.’s complaints, etc.; and so it rests at the present. The Assistant Secretary of War, his son-in-law Lieut.-Col. Lay, etc. etc. are all on the side of the Bureau of Conscription; but I suspect the President is on the other side. My opinion is that unless the Bureau of Conscription be abolished or renovated, our cause will fare badly. The President states his suspicions of “malpractice” in his indorsement.
Much cheering has been heard this morning in the enemy’s lines—over election news, probably: whether McClellan’s or Lincoln’s success, no one here knows; but no doubt the latter.
November 10th.—Warm; rain and wind (south) all night.
Quiet below. One of the enemy’s pickets said to one of ours, last night, that Warren’s corps had voted unanimously for McClellan, and that New York City has given a majority of 40,000 for him. This is hardly reliable.
Mr. Foote offered a resolution, yesterday, condemning the President’s suggestion that editors be put in the ranks as well as other classes. Now I think the President’s suggestion will be adopted, as Mr. Foote is unfortunate in his resolutions. Mr. Barksdale (President’s friend) had it easily referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Hon. J. A. Gilmer, North Carolina, is applying for many passports through the lines for people in his district. He applies to Judge Campbell.
Coal is selling at $90 per load, twenty-five bushels.
The vote referring Foote’s resolution (on the exemption of editors) was passed unanimously, which is regarded as favoring the President’s recommendation. Mr. Foote had denounced the President as a despot.
Bought two excellent knit undershirts, to-day, of a woman who gets her supplies from passing soldiers. Being washed, etc., they bore no evidences of having been worn, except two small round holes in the body. Such are the straits to which we are reduced. I paid $15 each; the price for new ones, of inferior quality, is $50 a piece.
November 11th.—Clear and pleasant. All quiet. No doubt, from the indications, Lincoln has been re-elected.