February 24th, 1865.
More glorious news from the South. Wilmington is ours. Another salute was fired this afternoon, to which the Rebels feebly responded. It is impossible to describe the effect of these frequent successes upon our troops. The utmost enthusiasm prevails.
The opposite effect is plainly visible across the line. It makes itself apparent by frequent desertions. Another Captain, with his entire company—sixty men —came through the lines of the First Division last night, the second instance of the kind this week. Five men, with equipments on, came to Division Headquarters today. They were on picket and deserted their posts in broad daylight. An early movement of the Rebels is confidently expected. Our men are ready, with knapsacks packed, to move at tap of drum. It is only a precautionary measure, and means, “be ready to fight or to pursue.”
To attack would be madness on their part; to retreat, an act of folly; to remain as they are much longer, is impossible. So, at least it seems to me, “Old Bobby” may think differently. Deserters say he has given out word “he will astonish the world on the fourth of March.”
It seems the draft is about to be enforced in Michigan. I do not wonder the new law is a mystery to men whose only object is to evade it. The present call means men. Paper credits will not avail.
