ptured 800
prisoners.

We have intelligence to-day of the escape of Brig.-Gen. Jno. H. Morgan
from the penitentiary in Ohio, where the enemy had confined him.

DECEMBER 5TH.--It has begun to rain again; and yet the clerks are kept
at Chaffin's Bluff, although the roads are impracticable, and no
approach of the enemy reported.

There is not a word of news from the armies on the Rapidan or in
Georgia.

A collision between the Confederate and State authorities in Georgia is
imminent, on the question of "just compensation" for sugar seized by the
agents of the Commissary-General--whose estimates for the ensuing year
embrace an item of $50,000,000 to be paid for sugar. The Supreme Court
of Georgia has decided that if taken, it must be paid for at a fair
valuation, and not at a price to suit the Commissary-General. It is the
belief of many, that these seizures involve many frauds, to enrich the
Commissaries.

DECEMBER 6TH.--It is clear and cold again. Custis came home last
evening, after a week's sojourn at Chaffin's Bluff, where, however,
there were tents. Some 1500 local troops, or "National Guards," had been
sent there to relieve Pickett's division, recalled by Lee; but when
Meade recrossed the Rapidan, there was no longer any necessity for the
"Guards" to remain on duty. A brigade of regulars goes down to-day.
Custis says it was the third day before ammunition was issued! Yesterday
he heard shelling down the river, by the enemy's gun-boats.

I had a conversation with Col. Northrop, Commissary-General, to-day. He
anticipates a collision between the Confederate and State authorities on
the impressment question. He says the law was intended to secure
subsistence for both the people and the army; but there is not
sufficient grain in the States. Therefore the army must have what there
is, and the people must go without. I differed with him, and maintained
if a proper distribution were made there would be enough for all.

To-morrow Congress assembles. It is to be apprehended that a conflict
with the Executive will ensue--instead of unanimity against the common
enemy--and no one living can foretell the issue, because no one knows
the extent of capacity and courage on either side.

The President has made his cabinet a unit.

DECEMBER 7TH.--Cold and clear. Gen. Longstreet telegraphs to-day from
Rutledge, Tenn., some fifty miles northeast of Knoxville, and says he
will soon need railroad facilities. He is flying from sup