ce, says we now have
arms and ammunition enough.

A letter from Gen. Lee indicates the propriety of Gen. Imboden retaining
his recruits (which the Secretary wanted to take from him, because they
were liable to conscription) in the Shenandoah Valley. This does not
look like a purpose of an advance on Lee's part. He will probably await
the attack.

The President, in an indorsement, intimates to the Secretary of War that
Gen. Pryor might be assigned to a brigade of the Reserve class.

About 5 o'clock this afternoon we had a tornado from the southwest which
I fear has done mischief in the country. It blew off half a dozen planks
from my garden fence, and I had difficulty in nailing them on again with
such rusty nails as I could find. Nails are worth almost their weight in
silver.

The gardeners sell tomato-plants for $10 per dozen, and cabbage-plants
for 50 cts. each! But I am independent, having my own little hot-beds.

MAY 3D.--A cold, windy day, with sunshine and clouds.

It is rumored that Grant's army is in motion, and the great battle is
eagerly looked for. The collision of mighty armies, upon the issue of
which the fate of empire depends, is now imminent.

The following dispatch was received to-day from Gen. Johnston:

"DALTON, May 2d, 1864.

"Two scouts, who went by Outawah and Cleveland, report the enemy
sending all Southern people and heavy baggage to the rear, stopping
rations to the inhabitants, collecting a large supply of trains at
Graysville, and bringing their cavalry from Middle Tennessee. An
officer just from Columbia reports 13,000 had been collected there.
All scouts report Hooker's troops in position
here. J. E. JOHNSTON, _General_."

MAY 4TH.--Bright, beautiful, and warmer; but fire in the morning.

The following dispatch from Gen. Lee was received by Gen. Bragg to-day
and sent to the Secretary.

"ORANGE C. H., May 4th, 1864.

"Reports from our lookouts seem to indicate that the enemy is in
motion. The present direction of his column is to our right.

"Gen. Imboden reports the enemy advancing from Winchester, up the
Valley, with wagons, beef cattle, etc. R. E. LEE."

There is a rumor of fighting at Chancellorville, and this is the
anniversary, I believe, of the battle there. May we be as successful
this time! But the report is not authentic. Firing is heard now in the
di