e a rumor of the
burning of the fine government steamer R. E. Lee, chased by the
blockaders. That makes two this week.

Gen. Lee dispatched the President, yesterday, as follows:

"Orange C. H., Nov. 12th.--For the last five days we have only received
three pounds of corn per horse, from Richmond, per day. We depend on
Richmond for corn. At this rate, the horses will die, and cannot do hard
work. The enemy is very active, and we must be prepared for hard work
any day.--R. E. LEE."

On the back of which the President indorsed: "Have the forage sent up in
preference to anything else. The necessity is so absolute as to call for
every possible exertion.--JEFFERSON DAVIS."

Perhaps this may rouse the department. Horses starving in the midst of
corn-fields ready for gathering! Alas, what mismanagement!

I cut the following from the _Dispatch_:

"FLOUR.--We heard yesterday of sales of flour at $110 per barrel. We do
not, however, give this as the standard price; for, if the article was
in market, we believe that even a higher figure would be reached. A few
days since a load of flour was sent to an auction-house on Cary Street
to be sold at auction. The proprietors of the house very properly
declined to receive it, refusing to dispose of breadstuffs under the
hammer, where men of money, and destitute of souls, would have an
opportunity of buying it up and withdrawing it from market.

"CORN-MEAL.--This article is bringing from $18 to $20 per bushel, and
scarce at that.

"COUNTRY PRODUCE AND VEGETABLES.--We give the following as the wholesale
rates: Bacon, hoground, $2.75 to $3; lard, $2.25 to $2.30; butter, $3.75
to $4; eggs, $2 to $2.25; Irish potatoes, $7.50 to $8; sweet potatoes,
$10.50 to $12; tallow candles, $4 per pound; salt, 45 cents per pound.

"GROCERIES.--Coffee--wholesale, $9 per pound, retail, $10; sugar, $2.85
to $3.25; sorghum molasses, wholesale, $10, and $14 to $15 at retail;
rice, 30 to 35 cents.

"LIQUORS.--Whisky, $55 to $70 per gallon, according to quality, apple
brandy, $50; high proof rum, $50; French brandy, $80 to $100.

"In the city markets fresh meats are worth $1.25 to $1.50 for beef and
mutton, and $2 for pork; chickens, $6 to $8 per pair; ducks, $7 to $8
per pair; butter, $4.50 to $5 per pound; sweet potatoes, $2.50 per half
peck; Irish potatoes, $2 per half peck.

"LEATHER.--Sole leather, $6.50 to $7.50 per pound; upper leather, $7.50
to $8; harness leather, $5.50 to $6; hides are quot