Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/300

 294 Southern Historical Society Papers,

[ (i ;y g, i have just rejoined my infantry. A good Providence has watched over my command of the artillery. John Lauson, Co- lumbus Wilkerson and John Edwards were wounded. Three of my cavalry were wounded and one taken prisoner. The only two charges made during these battles by cavalry were made by my men under Delony and one under Wright. I was shocked to hear of the death of Willie Billups in the hospital. The last I heard of him he was much better. Willie Whitehead, too, was among the killed in the battle.

July 16. Yesterday Colonel Benning got into a controversy with General Lee and Secretary Randolph about the conscript law, Ben- ning saying it was unconstitutional, and refused to obey orders based upon it. He was about to be placed under arrest, and his men about to mutiny. He came to get my advice and counsel. In the point at issue, Benning was right. I agreed to go and see Randolph, which I did, finding him, as usual, reasonable and courteous. After presenting my views, I succeeded in convincing him, and am happy to believe it will ward off a bitter war between Georgia and the Con- federacy, for Brown was backing Benning.

Toombs challenged D. H. Hill, who refuses to fight, and a bitter correspondence is going on. Hill did most wantonly charge Toombs with cowardice to his face. He now makes many excuses for not fighting him. Toombs is denouncing Hill as a poltroon. I don't know how it will end, but I think you will hear that Toombs is under arrest in less than a week.

July 23. I went this afternoon to pay my respects to the old lady near whose house I am camped, and whose husband has been very kind to me. She told me she despised soldiers and hated the sight of one that she hoped she never would see another, and was for stopping the war any way, so she got rid of soldiers. At the same time she was selling tomatoes to the men at $i per dozen.

(General Howell Cobb having gone home on furlough, Colonel Cobb was placed in command of his brigade.)

Near Richmond, July 28, 1862. General McLaws reviewed How- ell's brigade to-day. I confess I was a little annoyed this morning by the announcement of the promotion of Fitzhugh Lee to be briga- dier general of cavalry. I suppose in a few days we will see the balance of the Lees promoted also. This man has been colonel about three months. Now I am to be under him whenever I go out with my cavalry.