Meal is the only food now attainable, except by the rich. We look for a
healthy year, everything being so cleanly consumed that no garbage or
filth can accumulate. We are all good scavengers now, and there is no
need of buzzards in the streets. Even the pigeons can scarcely find a
grain to eat.

Gold brought $30 for $1, Saturday. Nevertheless, we have only good news
from the armies, and we have had a victory in Florida.

FEBRUARY 24TH.--Bright and pleasant. Intelligence from the West is of an
interesting character. The column of Federal cavalry from Memphis,
destined to co-operate with Gen. Sherman, has been intercepted and a
junction prevented. And both Sherman and the cavalry are now in full
retreat--running out of the country faster than they advanced into it.
The desert they made as they traversed the interior of Mississippi they
have now to repass, if they can, in the weary retreat, with no supplies
but those they brought with them. Many will never get back.

And a dispatch from Beauregard confirms Finnegan's victory in Florida.
He captured all the enemy's artillery, stores, etc., and for three miles
his dead and wounded were found strewn on the ground. Thus the military
operations of 1864 are, so far, decidedly favorable. And we shall
probably soon have news from Longstreet. If Meade advances, Lee will
meet him--and let him beware!

Gold is still mounting up--and so with everything exposed for sale.
When, when will prices come down?

But we shall probably end the war this year--and independence will
compensate for all. The whole male population, pretty much, will be in
the field this year, and our armies will be strong. So far we have the
prestige of success, and our men are resolved to keep it, if the
dissensions of the leaders do not interfere with the general purpose.

FEBRUARY 25TH.--The President has certainly conferred on Bragg the
position once (1862) occupied by Lee, as the following official
announcement, in all the papers to-day, demonstrates:

"WAR DEPARTMENT,

"ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

"RICHMOND, February 24th, 1864.

"GENERAL ORDERS NO. 23.

"Gen. Braxton Bragg is assigned to duty at the seat of government,
and, under direction of the President, is charged with the conduct
of military operations in the armies of the Confederacy.

"By order of the Secretary of War.

"S. COOPER,

"_Adjutant and Inspector General._"