NOVEMBER 21ST.—It rained all night, which may extinguish Burnside’s ardent fire. He cannot drag his wagons and artillery through the melting snow, and when it dries we may look for another rain.
The new Secretary is not yet in his seat. It is generally supposed he will accept.
President Davis hesitates to retaliate life for life in regard to the Missouri military executions.
Common shirting cotton, and Yankee calico, that used to sell at 12 ½ cts. per yard, is now $1.75! What a temptation for the Northern manufacturers! What a rush of trade there would be if peace should occur suddenly! And what a party there would be in the South for peace (and unity with Northern Democrats) if the war were waged somewhat differently. The excesses of the Republicans compel our people to be almost a unit. This is all the better for us. Still, we are in quite a bad way now, God knows!
The passengers by the cars from Fredericksburg this morning report that Gen. Patrick (Federal) came over under a flag of truce, demanding the surrender of the town, which was refused by Gen. Lee, in compliance with the unanimous sentiments of the people. Gen. Patrick, it is stated, said if it were not surrendered by 9 A.M. to-day, it would be shelled.
Mr. Dargan, M. C., writes to the President from Mobile that the inhabitants of that city are in an awful condition. Meal is selling for $3.50 per bushel, and wood at $15 per cord, and that the people are afraid to bring supplies, apprehending that the government agents will seize them. The President (thanks to him!) has ordered that interference with domestic trade must not be permitted.
Mr. Seddon has taken his seat. He has, at least, a manly appearance—his predecessor was said to look like a m___y.
The President has ordered our generals in Missouri, if the Yankee accounts of the executions of our people be true, to execute the next ten Federal officers taken in that State.
The Enquirer, to-day, publishes Col. Baylor’s order to execute the Indians in Arizona, coupled with Mr. Randolph’s condemnation of the act. Who furnished this for publication?
It is rumored that Fredericksburg is in flames, shelled by the enemy. We will know how true this is before night.
