by John Beauchamp Jones
JUNE 14TH.—Clear and cool.
Gen. Grant has changed his base—disappearing from the front of Lee in the night. He is supposed to be endeavoring to get his army below the city, and in communication withButler on the south side.
A dispatch from Gen. Lee says Gen. Hampton has defeated Sheridan.
Forrest has gained a victory in the West.
Lincoln has been nominated—Andrew Johnson, of Tennessee, for Vice-President.
Gen. Whiting writes that supplies from abroad are coming in abundantly at Wilmington, N. C.
If we can only preserve our communications with the South, I regard the campaign, if not the war, pretty nearly at an end and Richmond safe! Grant has failed, after doing his utmost to take Richmond. He has shattered a great army to no purpose; while Lee’s army is as strong as ever. This is true generalship in Lee. But Grant can get more men.
June 14, 1864.
Four officers and 28 men deserted from the Rebels last night. The Rebel captain told one of my corporals that in their brigade there is an organization the members of which avow it their purpose to desert the first opportunity. These men are satisfied the game is up with them, and give it as their reason for deserting. They say the whole brigade will come as opportunity offers. Lively artillery firing in front of us this morning. We hear that Grant has pushed Lee to his fortifications at Richmond. Suppose the report will be, Grant will cut his communications south and west and Lee will evacuate. I see the papers have us across the Chattahoochie, away south of the railroad. Of course that is a poor article of gas from our sensational correspondent in the far rear.
It looks to me as if the Rebels have a very strong position in front of us now, but I may be mistaken. We have been quietly laying in camp all day. I must credit Georgia with one pleasant June day, that is not too warm. There has been the usual amount of firing to-day, though few hurt.
