MAY 6TH, 7TH.—We have not yet reached the lowest round of the ladder. The Secretary is at Norfolk, and the place is to be evacuated. I would resign first.
A Rebel War Clerk’s Diary at the Confederate States Capital, By John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 5TH.—The prospect of battle produces a joyous smile on every soldier’s face to-day.
MAY 4TH.—The Yankees on the Peninsula mean to fight. Well, that is what our brave army pants for.
MAY 3D —I fear there is something in the rumor that Norfolk and Portsmouth and Yorktown and the Peninsula will be given up. The Secretaries of War and Navy are going down to Norfolk.
MAY 2D.—An iniquitous looking prisoner was brought in to-day from Orange C. H., by the name of Robert Stewart. The evidence against him is as follows: He is a Pennsylvanian, though a resident of Virginia for a number of years, and owns a farm in Orange County. Since the series of disasters, and the seeming downward progress of our affairs, Stewart has cooled his ardor for independence. He has slunk from enrollment in the militia, and under the Conscription Act. And since the occupation of Fredericksburg by the enemy he has made use of such equivocal language as to convince his neighbors that his sympathies are wholly with the Northern invader.
A day or two since, near nightfall, three troopers, weary and worn, halted at Stewart’s house and craved food and rest for them-selves and horses. Stewart, supposing them to be Confederate soldiers, declared he had nothing they wanted, and that he was destitute of every description of refreshments. They said they were sorry for it, as it was a long ride to Fredericksburg.
“Are you Union soldiers?” asked Stewart, quickly.
“Yes,” said they, “and we are on scouting duty.”
“Come in! Come in! I have everything you want!” cried Stewart, and when they entered he embraced them.
A sumptuous repast was soon on the table, but the soldiers re-fused to eat! Surprised at this, Stewart demanded the reason; the troopers rose, and said they were Confederate soldiers, and it was their duty to arrest a traitor. They brought him hither. Will he, too, escape merited punishment?
MAY 1ST.—The ladies shower loaves of bread and slices of ham on the passing troops.
APRIL 30TH.—Troops from the South are coming in and marching down the Peninsula.
APRIL 29TH.—Major Griswold is here, and so is a new batch of Marylanders.
APRIL 28TH.—We have rumors of an important cabinet meeting, wherein it was resolved to advise or command Gen. Johnston to evacuate Yorktown and retire toward Richmond! Also that Norfolk is to be given up! I don’t believe it; Lee’s name is not mentioned.
APRIL 27TH.—Gen. Lee is calm—but the work of preparation goes on night and day.
