December 7, 1863---Two Congresses

DECEMBER 7, 1863: 

Both the Union and Confederate Congresses convene, only 100 miles apart in Washington and Richmond, respectively. Their Congressional Records, however, tell very different stories. The Confederate Congress bewails the fact that foreign affairs have not improved---which means they have worsened; the Federal Congress rejoices that they have, and that the risk of a foreign power recognizing the Rebels is virtually nonexistent. The Confederate Congress bemoans the failing economy of the South, and is stymied about how to address its fiscal crisis---its money is ever more worthless; the Federal Congress passes several appropriations bills, not only for the war but for domestic improvements. The Confederate Congress voices concerns about recent military reverses and difficulties in supplying the army; the Federal Congress has the most powerful, largest army in the world and it is better and better equipped. The Confederate Congress is frustrated at its’ nation’s almost total lack of international trade; the Federal Congress is told that Scott’s Anaconda is squeezing the life out of the rebellion “from Alexandria to the Rio Grande.”