Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 28.djvu/305

 Thomas H. R. Cobb. 299

not be surprised if Burnside would attempt a dashing movement on Richmond. If he does we may have a heavy battle. General Longstreet feels perfectly confident of the result and so does Gene- ral Lee. This morning I was petitioned to delay the drill for an hour to which I consented. When I was called to dinner, instead of the usual repast of bread and liver, imagine my surprise to see a splendid turkey with oyster sauce, a nice piece of shoat, stewed oysters, fried oysters, fine pickles, sauces and preserves with potatoes, served before me, and afterwards a magnificent pound cake all brought from Richmond. The mess had prepared this dinner in honor ol my promotion. It gave me more sincere pleasure than the promotion itself.

November 17. Browne told me that Joe Davis, the President's brother, had been made a Brigadier-General. The senate rejected him but Ben Hill got the vote reconsidered provided Joe Orr would be made postmaster at Athens. Don't mention this as it would get Browne into trouble.

Near Fredericksburg, November 22, 1862. My camp is on the hills immediately in the rear and west of old " Federal Hill." I can see the house plainly about one mile and a half distant, there being a level plain between it and my headquarters. In that house my mother was born and was married.

The abolitionists gave notice last night that they would shell the city at nine o'clock this morning. Consequently during the entire night the women and children were thronging the road to Richmond. It was a pitiable sight gentle ladies dressed in furs trudging through the mud, poor little children huddled in go-carts and ox-wagons, many with little bundles of valuables leaving their homes, expecting them soon to be in flames. The time was extended this morning to three P. M. and this scene of distress has continued all day.

We are camped just behind our line of battle. The balance of Longstreet's Corps has come up and we feel fully able to cope with the enemy. I believe my brigade can whip ten thousand of them attacking us in front. We have a magnificent position, perhaps the best on the line.

November 24. The Yankees seem to be moving away from Staf- ford Heights across the river. I think this campaign is closed. There will be a good deal of manceuvering, some skirmishing, but no other great battle before spring in this State.

November 27. My brigade was ordered into Fredericksburg last night to do picket duty. Nothing separates us from the Yankees