by John Beauchamp Jones
MAY 11TH.—Bright and pleasant—breezy. This has been a day of excitement.
At midnight the Departmental Battalion were marched from the south side of the river back to the city, and rested the remainder of the night at CampLee. But at 9 A.M. they were marched hurriedly to MeadowBridge. They came past our house. Custis and his brother Thomas ran in—remaining but a moment. Custis exclaimed : “Let me have some money, mother (I had to go to the office), or we will starve. The government don’t feed us, and we are almost famished. Cook something, and get Captain Warner to bring it in his buggy—do, if possible.” He got $20. They looked worn, and were black with dust, etc. My daughter said “they looked like negroes.”
The Secretary issued this morning a new edition of his handbills, calling the people “to arms.”
Mr. Mallory’s usual red face turned purple. He has not yet got out the iron-clad Richmond, etc., which might have sunk Gen. Butler’s transports.
Lieut.-Col. Lay was exhibiting a map of our defenses, and predicting something,—whether good or evil, I did not stay to learn. But I thought such maps ought not to be shown in the public ball of the department.
The armory was open to-day, and all who desired them were furnished with arms.
The Governor, I hear, issued a notification that the enemy would be here to day, etc. I did not see it.
All classes not in the army were gathered up and marched to the defenses.
2 P.M. Respectable men just from the vicinity report a great victory for Lee, yesterday, though we have nothing from him. The Secretary believes these concurring reports, which state that the battle, beginning near Spottsylvania Court House, ended at Fredericksburg, indicating a WATERLOO.
And a dispatch from Gen. Ransom from the south side of the river, states that Butler’s army is retreating to the transports. This is regarded as confirmation of Lee’s victory.
Several dispatches from Gen. Stuart state that the raiders have been severely beaten in several combats this morning, and are flying toward Dover Mills. They may come back, for they have not heard of Grant’s defeat.
Mr. Memminger is said to have been frightened terribly, and arrangements were made for flight.
