A dollar in gold sold for $18 Confederate money, to-day. Our paper is
constantly depreciating; and I think it is past redemption, unless we
adopt Mr. Moseley's plan, and cause some six or eight hundred millions
to be canceled, and fix a maximum price for all commodities necessary
for the support of life. Congress will never agree upon any measure of
relief. But if the paper money be repudiated, nevertheless we shall
have our independence, unless the Southern people should become mad,
divided among themselves. Subjugation of a united people, such as ours,
occupying such a vast extent of territory, is impossible. The tenure of
its occupation by an invading army would always be uncertain, and a
million would be required to hold it.

A hard rain commenced falling this evening, and continued in the night.
This, I suppose, will put an end to operations in Virginia, and we shall
have another respite, and hold Richmond at least another winter. But
such weather must cause severe suffering among the prisoners on Belle
Isle, where there are not tents enough for so large a body of men. Their
government may, however, now consent to an exchange. Day before
yesterday some 40,000 rations were sent them by the United States
flag-boat--which will suffice for three days, by which time I hope many
will be taken away. Our Commissary-General Northrop has but little meat
and bread for them, or for our own soldiers in the field. It must be
confessed they have but small fare, and, indeed, all of us who have not
been "picking and stealing," fare badly. Yet we have quite as good
health, and much better appetites than when we had sumptuous living.

NOVEMBER 22D.--We have nothing additional to-day, except another attempt
to take Fort Sumter by assault, which was discovered before the crews of
the boats landed, and of course it was defeated. Since then some shells
have been thrown into the city of Charleston, doing little damage.

This morning was bright and warm, the clouds having passed away in the
night.

NOVEMBER 23D.--Nothing of moment from the armies, although great events
are anticipated soon.

On Saturday, Gen. Winder's or Major Griswold's head of the passport
office, Lieut. Kirk, was arrested on the charge of selling passports at
$100 per man to a Mr. Wolf and a Mr. Head, who transported passengers to
the Potomac. W. and H. were in prison, and made the charge or
confession. This passport business has been our bane ever since Gen.
Wi