ga, it would end the war in three months.

OCTOBER 30TH.--We have nothing new to-day, except the continued
bombardment of Charleston. That city has been besieged over one hundred
days.

OCTOBER 31ST.--Letters came to-day from the President (or rather
_copies_ in his own handwriting), relieving Lieut.-Gen. Hardee, in
Mississippi, and assigning him to a command under Gen. Bragg. He also
writes a friendly letter (from Meridian, Miss.) to Gen. Bragg, informing
him that Gen. Hardee had been ordered to report to him without delay,
and that two brigades might go with him, if needed. This indicates that
the President means to sustain Bragg, notwithstanding the clamor against
him; and that Bragg must have an immense army. Lieut.-Gen. Polk (whom
the President will always sustain) is assigned to the Mississippi
Department.

The latest accounts from Chattanooga show that the enemy are stirring a
little, and trying to flank Bragg's left wing.

The bombardment at Charleston is still without decisive result.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Letters from various sections.--The President and Gen. Bragg.--State of
the markets.--Causes of the President's tour.--Gen. Duff Green--
Return of the President.--Loss of Hoke's and Haye's brigades.--Letter
from Gen. Howell Cobb.--Dispatch from Gen. Lee.--State of the
markets.--Letter from A. Moseley.--Mrs. Todd in Richmond.--
Vice-President Stephens on furloughs.--About Gen. Bragg and the
battle of Lookout Mountain.

NOVEMBER 1ST.--No news from any of the armies this morning. But Gen.
Whiting writes that he is deficient in ordnance to protect our steamers
and to defend the port. If Wilmington should fall by the neglect of the
government, it will be another stunning blow.

However, our armies are augmenting, from conscription, and if we had
honest officers to conduct this important business, some four or five
hundred thousand men could be kept in the field, and subjugation would
be an impossibility. But exemptions and details afford a tempting
opportunity to make money, as substitutes are selling for $6000 each;
and the rage for speculation is universal.

The President is looked for to-morrow, and it is to be hoped that he has
learned something of importance during his tour. He will at once set
about his message, which will no doubt be an interesting one this year.

How we sigh for peace, on this beautiful Sabbath day! But the suffering
we have endured for nearly t