sterday, and the conflict continued until night put an end to the
carnage. He says we have many prisoners, captured four guns, etc.,
losing two generals killed, one, Gen. J. M. Jones. But our position was
maintained, and the enemy repulsed. Doubtless the battle was renewed
this morning.

Some _fifty-nine_ transports and several iron-clad gun-boats, monitors,
etc., came up the James River yesterday and last night. A heavy force
was landed at Bermuda Hundred, within a few miles of the railroad
between Richmond and Petersburg.

And the enemy likewise came up the Peninsula, and there was fighting
this morning on the Chickahominy.

Thus the plan of the enemy is distinctly pronounced, and the assaults
were designed to be made simultaneously. Yet there is no undue
excitement.

A dispatch from Gen. Pickett at Petersburg, this morning, to Gen. Bragg,
asked if he (Bragg) intended to defend the railroad between Richmond and
Petersburg. He said, "the enemy will attack the road to-day, marching
from Bermuda Hundred, I think."

At 3 P.M. we are waiting with anxiety for news from all quarters.

Both my sons marched out in the Department Battalion. Two Tennessee
regiments marched down to Drewry's Bluff yesterday, and Hunton's
brigade, that left there yesterday, were ordered back again last night.
It is said troops were passing south through the city all night. And I
know heavy forces are on the way from North Carolina. Gen. Pickett
likewise has the greater part of his division in supporting distance.
So, if the enemy have not cut the road by this time, it is probably
safe, and the expedition will be a failure. If Lee defeats Grant, the
city will certainly be saved. All the local troops are out.

Gen. Beauregard is expected to-day, but it is reported he is sick at
Weldon. On the 3d inst. the following dispatch was received from him:

"KINSTON, N. C.

"GEN. COOPER.

"Orders should be given for the immediate re-establishment of
fisheries at Plymouth and Washington, also to get large supplies of
pork in Hyde County and vicinity.

"G. T. BEAUREGARD, _General_."

On this the Commissary-General indorsed that the matter had been
attended to--had, indeed, been anticipated.

The best indication of the day (to me) was the smiling face of Mr.
Hunter as he came from the Secretary's office. He said to me, "The ball
is opening well."

The President and his aids rode over the river to-day: what direction