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.”
