currency acts. This is the year of crises, and I think we'll win.

We are now sending 400 Federal prisoners to Georgia daily; and I hope we
shall have more food in the city when they are all gone.

FEBRUARY 18TH.--This was the coldest morning of the winter. There was
ice in the wash-basins in our bed chambers, the first we have seen
there. I fear my cabbage, beets, etc. now coming up, in my half barrel
hot-bed, although in the house, are killed.

The topic of discussion everywhere, now, is the effect likely to be
produced by the Currency bill. Mr. Lyons denounces it, and says the
people will be starved. I have heard (not seen) that some holders of
Treasury notes have burnt them to spite the government! I hope for the
best, even if the worst is to come. Some future Shakspeare will depict
the times we live in in striking colors. The wars of "The Roses" bore no
comparison to these campaigns between the rival sections. Everywhere our
troops are re-enlisting for the war; one regiment re-enlisted, the other
day, for forty years!

The President has discontinued his Tuesday evening receptions. The
Legislature has a bill before it to suppress theatrical amusements
during the war. What would Shakspeare think of that?

Sugar has risen to $10 and $12 per pound.

FEBRUARY 19TH.--Cold and clear. Congress adjourned yesterday, having
passed the bill suspending the writ of _habeas corpus_ for six months
at least. Now the President is clothed with DICTATORIAL POWERS, to all
intents and purposes, so far as the war is concerned.

The first effect of the Currency bill is to inflate prices yet more. But
as the volume of Treasury notes flows into the Treasury, we shall see
prices fall. And soon there will be a great rush to fund the notes, for
fear the holders may be _too late_, and have to submit to a discount of
33-1/2 per cent.

Dispatches from Gen. Polk state that Sherman has paused at Meridian.

FEBRUARY 20TH.--Bright, calm, but still cold--slightly moderating. Roads
firm and dusty. Trains of army wagons still go by our house laden with
ice.

Brig.-Gen. Wm. Preston has been sent to Mexico, with authority to
recognize and treat with the new Emperor Maximilian.

I see, by a letter from Mr. Benjamin, that he is intrusted by the
President with the custody of the "secret service" money.

Late papers from the United States show that they have a money panic,
and that gold is rising in price. In Lowell not a spindle is turning,
an