ine reception,
as a multitude of admirers were at the depot.

About the same hour the President rode past my house alone, to indulge
his thoughts in solitude in the suburbs of the city.

JANUARY 8TH.--Dispatches from both Beauregard and Whiting indicate a
belief of an intention on the part of the enemy to attempt the capture
of Charleston and Wilmington this winter. The President directs the
Secretary to keep another brigade near Petersburg, that it may be
available in an emergency.

It snowed again last night, but cleared off to-day, and is bitter cold.

A memorial was received to-day from the officers of Gen. Longstreet's
army, asking that all men capable of performing military service,
including those who have hired substitutes, be placed in the army.

To-day I bought a barrel of good potatoes (Irish) for $25, and one of
superior quality and size for $30. This is providing for an anticipated
season of famine.

Gen. Morgan received the congratulations of a vast multitude to-day. One
woman kissed his hand. Gov. Smith advertises a reception to-night.

Yesterday a committee was appointed to investigate the report that a
certain member of Congress obtained passports for several absconding
Jews, for a bribe.

JANUARY 9TH.--Cold and clear. Gen. Longstreet has preferred charges
against Major-Gen. McLaws and another general of his command, and also
asks to be relieved, unless he has an independent command, as Gen.
Johnston's headquarters are too far off, etc. The Secretary is willing
to relieve him, but the President intimates that a successor ought to be
designated first.

Beef was held at $2.50 per pound in market to-day--and I got none; but I
bought 25 pounds of rice at 40 cts., which, with the meal and potatoes,
will keep us alive a month at least. The rich rogues and rascals,
however, in the city, are living sumptuously, and spending Confederate
States notes as if they supposed they would soon be valueless.

JANUARY 10TH.--Letters from Governor Vance received to-day show that he
has been making extensive arrangements to clothe and subsist North
Carolina troops. His agents have purchased abroad some 40,000 blankets,
as many shoes, bacon, etc., most of which is now at Bermuda and Nassau.
He has also purchased an interest in several steamers; but, it appears,
a recent regulation of the Confederate States Government forbids the
import and export of goods except, almost exclusively, for the
government itself. The