at
Plymouth, N. C. Thus in Louisiana, Florida, West Tennessee, and North
Carolina the enemy have sustained severe defeats: their losses amounting
to some 20,000 men, 100 guns, half a dozen war steamers, etc. etc.

Gen. Burnside has left Annapolis and gone to Grant--whatever the plan
was originally; and the work of concentration goes on for a _decisive_
clash of arms in Virginia.

And troops are coming hither from all quarters, like streamlets flowing
into the ocean. Our men are confident, and eager for the fray.

The railroad companies say they can transport 10,000 bushels corn,
daily, into Virginia. That will subsist 200,000 men and 25,000 horses.
And in June the Piedmont connection will be completed.

The _great_ battle may not occur for weeks yet. It will probably end the
war.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Dispatch from Gen. J. E. Johnston.--Dispatch from Gen. Lee.--Mr.
Saulsbury's resolution in the U. S. Senate.--Progress of the enemy.--
Rumored preparations for the flight of the President.--Wrangling of
high officials.--Position of the armies.

MAY 1ST.--Cloudy and showery, but warm, and fine for vegetation. My
lettuce, cabbage, beans, etc. are growing finely. But the Yankee corn
and lima beans, imported by Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnance, have rotted
in the ground.

No war news.

Yesterday a paper was sent to the President by Gen. Pickett,
recommending Gen. Roger A. Pryor for a cavalry command in North
Carolina. But the President sent it to the Secretary of War with the
curt remark that the command had already been disposed of to Col.
Dearing, on Gen. Hoke's recommendation. Thus Gen. P. is again whistled
down the wind, in spite of the efforts of even Mr. Hunter, and many
other leading politicians. It is possible Gen. P. may have on some
occasion criticised Lee.

MAY 2D.--A cool day, sunshine and showers.

To-day Congress assembled, and the President's message was delivered,
although he buried his youngest son yesterday, who lost his life by an
accidental fall from the porch on Saturday.

We have abundance of good news to-day.

First, the Florida has captured one, and destroyed another of the
enemy's vessels of war in the West Indies.

Second, we have authentic intelligence of the evacuation of Washington,
N. C. by the enemy, pursued by our forces toward Newbern.

Third, four steamers have arrived at Wilmington laden with quartermaster
and ordnance stores. Col. Gorgas, Chief of Ordnan