vicinity of the War Department. These are
attributed to incendiary Yankees, and the guard at the public offices
has been doubled.

Mrs. Seddon, wife of the Secretary of War, resolved not to lose more
wine by the visits of the Federal raiders, sent to auction last week
twelve demijohns, which brought her $6000--$500 a demijohn.

MARCH 21ST.--Although cloudy, there was ice this morning, and cold all
day.

Yesterday another thousand prisoners were brought up by the flag of
truce boat. A large company of both sexes welcomed them in the Capitol
Square, whither some baskets of food were sent by those who had some
patriotism with their abundance. The President made them a comforting
speech, alluding to their toils, bravery, and sufferings in captivity;
and promised them, after a brief respite, that they should be in the
field again.

The following conversation took place yesterday between the President
and some young ladies of his acquaintance, with whom he promenaded:

_Miss._--Do you think they will like to return to the field?

_President._--It may seem hard; but even those boys (pointing to some
youths around the monument twelve or fourteen years old) will have their
trial.

_Miss._--But how shall the army be fed?

_President._--I don't see why rats, if fat, are not as good as
squirrels. Our men _did_ eat mule meat at Vicksburg; but it would be an
expensive luxury now.

After this, the President fell into a grave mood, and some remark about
recognition caused him to say twice--"We have no friends abroad!"

MARCH 22D.--Cloudy morning, with ice; subsequently a snow-storm all day
long. No war news. But meat and grain are coming freely from the South.
This gives rise to a rumor that Lee will fall back, and that the capital
will be besieged; all without any foundation.

A Mrs. ---- from Maryland, whose only son is in a Federal prison, writes
the President (she is in this city) that she desires to go to Canada on
some secret enterprise. The President favors her purpose in an
indorsement. On this the Secretary indorses a purpose to facilitate her
design, and suggests that she be paid $1000 in gold from the secret
service fund. She is a Roman Catholic, and intimates that the bishops,
priests, and nuns will aid her.

MARCH 23D.--Snow fell all night, and was eight or ten inches deep this
morning; but it was a bright morning, and glorious sunshine all
day,--the anniversary of the birth of Shakspeare, 300 years ago,--a