Major Noland, Commissary-General, has refused to impress the coffee in the hands of speculators; saying there is no law authorizing it. The speculators rule the hour—for all, nearly, are speculators! God save us! we seem incapable of saving ourselves.
No news to-day from Georgia and South Carolina—which means there is no good news. If it be true that Gen. Thomas has reinforced Grant with 30,000 men, we shall soon hear news without seeking it! The enemy will not rest content with their recent series of successes; for system of easy communication will enable them to learn all they want to know about our weak points, and our childish dependence on the speculators for subsistence.
After leaving thirty days’ supplies in Charleston for 20,000 men—all the rest have been ordered to Richmond.
February 4th.—Clear, but rained last night. From the South we learn that Sherman is marching on Branchville, and that Beauregard is at Augusta.
The great struggle will be in Virginia, south of Richmond, and both sides will gather up their forces for that event. We can probably get men enough, if we can feed them.
The City Council is having green “old field pine” wood brought in on the Fredericksburg railroad, to sell to citizens at $80 per cord—a speculation.
The Quartermaster’s Department is also bringing in large quantities of wood, costing the government about $40 per cord. Prior to the 1st inst., the Quartermaster’s Department commuted officer’s (themselves) allowance of wood at $130 per cord!
The President still suffers, but is said to be “better.”
Yesterday much of the day was consumed by Congress in displaying a new flag for the Confederacy—before the old one is worn out! Idiots!
I have just seen on file a characteristic letter from Major-Gen. Butler, of which this is a literal copy: