by John Beauchamp Jones
SEPTEMBER 15TH.—Gov. Vance writes that he has reliable information that the 30,000 troops in New York, ostensibly to enforce the draft, are intended for a descent on North Carolina, and Gen. Whiting has said repeatedly that 3000 could take Wilmington. The Governor says if North Carolina be occupied by the enemy, Virginia and the whole Confederacy will be lost, for all communication now, by rail, is through that State.
Gen. Sam. Jones writes from Abingdon, Va., that from his information he does not doubt Cumberland Gap and its garrison capitulated on the 9th inst. He calls lustily for reinforcements, and fears the loss of everything, including the salt works, if he be not reinforced. Well, he will be reinforced!
Gov. (just elected) R. L. Caruthers (of Tennessee) begs that 20,000 men from Lee’s army be sent out on Rosecrans’s left flank to save Tennessee, which alone can save the Confederacy. Well, they have been sent!
There must be a “fight or a foot-race” soon in Northern Georgia, and also in Virginia, on the Rappahannock. May God defend the right! If we deserve independence, I think we shall achieve it. If God be not for us, we must submit to His will.
Major Huse is buying and shipping 2000 tons saltpetre, besides millions of dollars worth of arms and stores. If we can keep Wilmington, we can send out cotton and bring in supplies without limit.
Note:, In the book, this entry was dated the 13th. Since there was already a 13th, and since this entry was between the 14th and 16th, I’ve dated this post the 15th.
