to make a proposal directly to the
Secretary, which was so expressed in the communication I prepared for
them--as they were unwilling to treat with Col. Northrop, the
Commissary-General, who has become extremely obnoxious. But it was
intercepted, and referred to the Commissary-General. Learning this, the
captains abandoned their purpose and left the city--the Secretary never
having seen their proposal. Our soldiers will not get the beef, and
probably the enemy will.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Assembling of Congress.--President's message.--The markets.--No hope for
the Confederate currency.--Averill's raid.--Letter from Gov. Vance.--
Christmas.--Persons having furnished substitutes still liable to
military duty.

DECEMBER 1ST.--This morning the ground is frozen hard. There was no
battle yesterday, only heavy skirmishing. Both armies were drawn up in
line of battle, and the front lines slept on their arms. Some froze to
death. This morning the enemy opened with artillery--but no battle
ensued that we are aware of.

At the last accounts from Bragg he was still retiring, near Dalton. His
army must be nearly broken up.

Bragg, it is rumored to-day, has been relieved.

DECEMBER 2D.--No battle yet, though still hourly expected on the old
field near the Rappahannock. And we have nothing definite from the West.

The appointment of Beauregard to succeed Bragg is not officially
announced; and the programme may be changed.

DECEMBER 3D.--Meade recrossed the Rapidan last night! This is a greater
relief to us than the enemy has any idea of. I hope the campaign is over
for the winter.

And we have authentic advices of a terrible check given the enemy at
Ringgold, Ga.; their killed and wounded being estimated at 2000, which
caused Grant to recoil, and retire to Chickamauga, where he is
intrenching.

After all, it is doubted whether Beauregard is to succeed Bragg.
Lieut.-Gen. Hardee is in command, temporarily, and it may be
permanently. Bragg was relieved at his own request. I know he requested
the same thing many months ago. A full general should command there.

DECEMBER 4TH.--The only thing new to-day is a dispatch from Gen.
Longstreet, before Knoxville, stating that he had been repulsed in an
assault upon the place, and calling for reinforcements, which, alas!
cannot be sent him.

Hon. Mr. Henry, from Tennessee, estimates our loss in prisoners in
Bragg's defeat at but little over 1000, and 30 guns. We ca