January 2d.—Cold, and indications of snow.
Offered the owner of our servant $400 per annum. He wants $150 and clothing for her. Clothing would cost perhaps $1000. It remains in abeyance.
Saw Gen. Wise dancing attendance in the Secretary’s room. He looks seasoned and well, and may be destined to play a leading part “in human affairs” yet, notwithstanding his hands have been so long bound by those who contrive “to get possession.” It is this very thing of keeping our great men in the “background” which is often the cause of calamities, and if persisted in, may bring irretrievable ruin upon the cause.
The government has forbidden the transportation of freight, etc. (private) from Georgia to Virginia, and perhaps from the intermediate States.
On Saturday the government entered the market to sell gold, and brought down the price some 33 per cent. A spasmodic effort, the currency is gone beyond redemption.
It is said Gen. Hood has collected a large amount of supplies of meat, etc. He is in North Alabama, and probably Gen. Thomas will march toward Virginia.
The Secretary had his head between his knees before the fire when I first went in this morning. Affairs are gloomy enough— and the question is how Richmond and Virginia shall be saved. Gen. Lee is despondent.
From the Northern papers we learn that Gen. Butler’s expedition against Wilmington, N. C, was a failure. Gen. Bragg is applauded here for this successful defense.
The salaries of the clergymen have been raised by their congregations to $10,000 and $12,000. I hear that Dr. Woodbridge received a Christmas gift from his people of upwards of $4000, besides seven barrels of flour, etc. He owns his own house, his own servants, stocks, etc. Most of these fortunate ministers are natives of the North, but true to the Southern cause, so far as we know. God knows I am glad to hear of any one, and especially a minister, being made comfortable.
