ne-fourth the prices demanded in market. Let
the government next sell to non-producers; and every man of fighting age
will repair to the field, and perhaps the invader may be driven back.

We have the speech of the French Emperor, which gives _us_ no
encouragement, but foreshadows war with Russia, and perhaps a general
war in Europe.

We have rain again. This may drive the armies in Virginia into winter
quarters, as the roads will be impracticable for artillery.

The next battle will be terrific; not many men on either side will be
easily taken prisoners, _as exchanges have ceased_.

Dr. Powell brought us a bushel of meal to-day, and some persimmons.

NOVEMBER 26TH.--The weather is clear and bright again; but, oh, how dark
and somber the faces of the croakers!

The following dispatches have been received:

[BATTLE AT LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN.]

(OFFICIAL DISPATCH.)

"MISSION RIDGE, Nov. 24th, 1863.

"TO GEN. S. COOPER.

"We have had a prolonged struggle for Lookout Mountain to-day, and
sustained considerable loss in one division. Elsewhere the enemy
has only manoeuvred for position.

"[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG, _General_."

_The Latest--Official._

"CHICKAMAUGA, Nov. 25th, 1863.

"GEN. S. COOPER, A. AND I. GENERAL.

"After several unsuccessful assaults on our lines to-day, the enemy
carried the left center about four o'clock. The whole left soon
gave way in considerable disorder. The right maintained its ground,
repelling every assault. I am withdrawing all to this point.

"[Signed] BRAXTON BRAGG.

"Official--JOHN WITHERS, A. A. G."

All agree in the conviction that the enemy has been defeated--perhaps
badly beaten.

Hon. H. S. Foote, just arrived from the vicinity of the field, says
Bragg has only some 20,000 or 30,000 men, while Grant has 90,000, and he
infers that incalculable disaster will ensue.

And Meade is steadily advancing. Gen. Pickett, at Petersburg, has been
ordered to send some of his troops north of Richmond, for the defense of
the railroad in Hanover County.

Miss Stevenson, sister of Major-Gen. Stevenson, has written the
President for employment in one of the departments. He referred it to
Mr. Memminger, who indorsed on it, coldly, as usual, there were no
vacancies, and a hundred applications. The President sent it to the
Secret