nsation enormous. A colonel, here, gets more compensation monthly
than Gen. Lee, or even a member of the cabinet!

Mr. Ould, agent of exchange, has sent down some 500 prisoners, in
exchange for a like number sent up by the enemy. But he has been
instructed by the President not to hold correspondence with Gen. Butler,
called "the Beast," who is in command at Fortress Monroe.

My daughters have plaited and sold several hats, etc., and to-day they
had a large cake (costing $10) from their savings. And a neighbor sent
in some egg-nog to my daughter Anne, just arrived from the country.

Gen. Winder reported to the Secretary, to-day, that there were no guards
at the bridges, the militia refusing to act longer under his orders.

DECEMBER 30TH.--A memorial from the army has been presented in both
houses of Congress.

The speech of Mr. Foote, relative to a Dictator, has produced some
sensation in the city, and may produce more.

A great many Jews and speculators are still endeavoring to get out of
the country with their gains.

To-day Mr. Davies paid me $350 more, the whole amount of copyright on
the 5000 copies of the first volume of new "Wild Western Scenes,"
published by Malsby. He proposes to publish the second volume as soon as
he can procure the necessary paper.

DECEMBER 31ST.--Yesterday the Senate passed the following bill, it
having previously passed the House:

"_A Bill to be entitled An Act to put an end to the exemption from
military service of those who have heretofore furnished substitutes._

"Whereas, in the present circumstances of the country, it requires the
aid of all who are able to bear arms, the Congress of the Confederate
States of America do enact, That no person shall be exempted from
military service by reason of his having furnished a substitute; but
this act shall not be so construed as to affect persons who, though not
liable to render military service, have, nevertheless, put in
substitutes."

It was preceded by discussion, yet only two votes were cast in the
negative. Mr. Wigfall, it is said, was strangely indisposed; however
that might be, his speech is represented as being one of the best ever
delivered by him.

To-morrow the President throws open his house for a public reception:
his enemies allege that this is with a view to recovering popularity!

It rained during the whole of this day. Nevertheless, the Jews have been
fleeing to the woods with their gold, resolved to take up th