Friday, [June] 3. — From Callaghan to near Hot Springs in Bath County, nineteen miles. Yesterday crossed Allegheny Mountain; good road. Waters this side flow to the James River. A good day’s march; forded Jackson River at Mr. Porter’s. A young lady says Richmond papers of 27th contain news favorable to them.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
June 3, Friday. For several days the delegates to the National Convention have been coming in. Had a call from several. Met a number at the President’s. All favor the President. There is a spirit of discontent among the Members of Congress, stirred up, I think, by the Treasury Department. Chase has his flings and insinuations against the President’s policy, or want of policy. Nothing suits him.
There seems some difference among the delegates about the Vice-Presidency, but they will be likely to renominate Hamlin, though he has not much personal strength and has not the mind and temperament to build up a party for the country. There is an impression here that he has great strength in New England, but that is not my opinion. He has party cunning and management but not breadth and strength and is but little cared for there; is not offensive or obnoxious, but there is no zeal for him. As the President is a Western man and will be renominated, the Convention will very likely feel inclined to go East and to renominate the Vice-President also. Should New York be united on Dix or Dickinson, the nomination would be conceded to the Empire State, but there can be no union in that State upon either of those men or any other.
by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 3D.—Raining gently, and cool.
As early as 4 A.M. there was an incessant roar of artillery, the vibrations of which could be felt in the houses. It could be heard distinctly in all parts of the city. And ever and anon could be distinguished great crashes of musketry, as if whole divisions of infantry were firing at the word of command. It continued until 11 o’clock A.M., when it ceased. A dispatch from Lee stated that his line (behind breastworks, center and left) had been repeatedly assaulted, and every time the enemy was repulsed. The attack, it was supposed, was made to check a flanking movement made yesterday afternoon, by Gen. Ewell, on the enemy’s left, to cut his communications with the White House, his base of supplies. No doubt the slaughter has been great!
The dispatch from Beauregard indicates that he may be still on the other side of the river. It may be a ruse de guerre, or it may be that the general’s enemies here (in the government) are risking everything to keep him from participation in the great battles.
Mr. Hunter, being short and fat, rolls about like a pumpkin. He is everywhere, seeking tidings from the field. It is said the enemy, at last, has visited his great estates in Essex County; but he’ll escape loss “by hook or by crook.” He has made enormously by his crops and his mills: nevertheless, he would sacrifice all for the Presidency—and independence.
The President, yesterday, forbade details from the Department Battalion to remain in the city.
The Southern Express Company has bribed the quartermasters, and is at its work again, using fine horses and stout details that should be in the army. Its wagon was at the department to-day with a box of bacon for Judge Campbell.
About 800 prisoners were marched into the city this afternoon, and it is believed many more are on the way.
Cannonading was heard again in a northeast direction this evening from 6 till 8½ o’clock, when it ceased—perhaps the prelude to another scene of carnage to-morrow!
Henry Adams to Charles Francis Adams, Jr.
London, June 3, 1864
Our position here has not been nearly so much affected by all that has taken place [in America], as it was last year or the year before. One cause of this is the fact that our whole question is now old and familiar to every one, so as to have become actually a bore and a nuisance. The enthusiasm for the slaveholders has passed away like that for the Poles and other such people, enthusiasm being a sentiment which is a precious poor lot to last. Whether it will return or not I can’t say. Perhaps it would if the rebs were to capture Washington, Philadelphia and New York. Meanwhile the rebel cause is rather low in estimation just now.
Another reason for our comparative ease this year is the continued troubles in Europe. England has consented to betray Denmark, and Denmark. having found it out, has declared its intention not to be betrayed. It will go under, if necessary; but no influence shall induce it to seal its own condemnation and declare itself to have been in the wrong. This was the result reached yesterday by the Conference, and although I do not doubt that Denmark is right in her protest, I doubt just as little that England will throw the Danes over, remorselessly, and add insult, as the Times does this morning, to the most flagrant treason.
Still England has a conscience or a part of one, which is uneasy. It is not strong enough to beat loud and firm, but it dodges about and excuses itself and frets. So that it gives us a happy respite from attention. . . .
