May 2d. The army is ready to march with eight days’ cooked rations; camp followers have been sent to the rear, and everything is in readiness for an immediate start.
Friday, May 2, 2014
by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 2D.—A cool day, sunshine and showers.
To-day Congress assembled, and the President’s message was delivered, although he buried his youngest son yesterday, who lost his life by an accidental fall from the porch on Saturday.
We have abundance of good news to-day.
First, the Florida has captured one, and destroyed another of the enemy’s vessels of war in the West Indies.
Second, we have authentic intelligence of the evacuation of Washington, N. C. by the enemy, pursued by our forces toward Newbern.
Third, four steamers have arrived at Wilmington laden with quartermaster and ordnance stores. Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, says we now have arms and ammunition enough.
A letter from Gen. Lee indicates the propriety of Gen. Imboden retaining his recruits (which the Secretary wanted to take from him, because they were liable to conscription) in the Shenandoah Valley. This does not look like a purpose of an advance on Lee’s part. He will probably await the attack.
The President, in an indorsement, intimates to the Secretary of War that Gen. Pryor might be assigned to a brigade of the Reserve class.
About 5 o’clock this afternoon we had a tornado from the southwest which I fear has done mischief in the country. It blew off half a dozen planks from my garden fence, and I had difficulty in nailing them on again with such rusty nails as I could find. Nails are worth almost their weight in silver.
The gardeners sell tomato-plants for $10 per dozen, and cabbage-plants for 50 cts. Each. But I am independent, having my own little hot-beds.
May 2d. Severe rain storm this morning. Came off picket wet through. Tents no good, leaking very badly. Our regiment still on the advance, holding the picket line from the main pike to the Romney dirt road on the west.
