slature to give
the origin of the passport office, came to me to-day to write it for
him. I did so. There was no law for it.

JANUARY 22D.--Troops, a few regiments, have been passing down from Lee's
army, and going toward North Carolina. A dispatch, in cipher, from
Petersburg, was received to-day at 3 P.M. It is probable the enemy
threaten the Weldon and Wilmington Railroad. We shall hear soon.

It is thought the negroes that attempted to burn the President's house
(they had heaped combustibles under it) were instigated by Yankees who
have been released upon taking the oath of allegiance. But I think it
quite as probable his enemies here (citizens) instigated it. They have
one of the servants of the War Department under arrest, as participating
in it.

The weather is delightful, and I seek distraction by spading in my
garden.

Judge Campbell is still "allowing" men to pass out of the Confederate
States; and they will invite the enemy in!

JANUARY 23D.--The Secretary of War has authorized Mr. Boute, President
of the Chatham Railroad, to exchange tobacco through the enemy's lines
for bacon. And in the West he has given authority to exchange cotton
with the enemy for meat. It is supposed certain men in high position in
Washington, as well as the military authorities, wink at this traffic,
and share its profits. I hope we may get bacon, without strychnine.

Congress has passed a bill prohibiting, under severe penalties, the
traffic in Federal money. But neither the currency bill, the tax bill,
nor the repeal of the exemption act has been effected yet, and the
existence of the present Congress shortly expires. A _permanent_
government is a cumbersome one.

The weather is fine, and I am spading up my little garden.

JANUARY 24TH.--For some cause, we had no mail to-day. Fine, bright, and
pleasant weather. Yesterday Mr. Lyons called up the bill for increased
compensation to civil officers, and made an eloquent speech in favor of
the measure. I believe it was referred to a special committee, and hope
it may pass soon.

It is said the tax bill under consideration in Congress will produce
$500,000,000 revenue! If this be so, and compulsory funding be adopted,
there will soon be no redundancy of paper money, and a magical change of
values will take place. We who live on salaries may have better times
than even the extortioners--who cannot inherit the kingdom of Heaven.
And relief cannot come too soon: for we who have fam