the Secretary must be cognizant of the
nature of the paper.

The enemy made a brief raid in Westmoreland and Richmond counties a few
days ago, and destroyed 60,000 pounds of meat in one of the
Commissary-General's depots! A gentleman writing from that section, says
it is a pity the President's heart is not in his head; for then he would
not ruin the country by retaining his friend, Col. Northrop, the
Commissary-General, in office.

It appears that Gen. Meade has changed the Federal policy in the
Northern Neck, by securing our people within his lines from molestation;
and even by allowing them to buy food, clothing, etc. from Northern
traders, on a pledge of strict neutrality. The object is to prevent the
people from conveying intelligence to Moseby, who has harassed his
flanks and exposed detachments very much. It is a more dangerous policy
for us than the old habit of scourging the non-combatants that fall in
their power.

JANUARY 19TH.--A furious storm of wind and rain occurred last night, and
it is rapidly turning cold to-day.

The prisoners here have had no meat during the last four days, and fears
are felt that they will break out of confinement.

Yesterday Senator Orr waited upon the President, to induce him to remove
Col. Northrop, the obnoxious Commissary-General. The President, it is
said, told him that Col. N. was one of the greatest geniuses in the
South, and that, if he had the physical capacity he would put him at the
head of an army.

A letter from Mrs. Polk, widow of President Polk, dated at Nashville,
expresses regret that a portion of her cotton in Mississippi was burnt
by the military authorities (according to law), and demanding
remuneration. She also asks permission to have the remainder sent to
Memphis, now held by the enemy. The Secretary will not refuse.

I bought a pretty good pair of second-hand shoes at auction to-day for
$17.50; but they were too large. I will have them sold again, without
fear of loss.

A majority of the Judiciary Committee, to whom the subject was referred,
have reported a bill in the Senate vacating the offices of all the
members of the cabinet at the expiration of every two years, or of every
Congress. This is a blow at Mr. Benjamin, Mr. Memminger, etc., and, as
the President conceives, at himself. It will not pass, probably; but it
looks like war between the Senate and the Executive. Some of the
Secretaries _may_ resign on the 18th of February, when this Congre